Just 125 kilometres from Ahmedabad situated the historic city of Patan which used to be the capital of Gujarat state during the medieval time. This small town was established by Vanraj Chavda in 745 AD and was called Anhilpur Patan. He was an important ruler of Chavda dynasty. The city is popular for its historic ruins, forts, Hindu, Jain and Muslim religious places. A good mixture of temples and mosques, dargahs, Rojas can be seen here.Among the historic sites here the Rani Ki Vav is the most significant monument. Rani Ki Vav means Queen’s step well. As the name suggests it was created by a widowed Queen named Udayamati in the memory of his husband Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in the year 1050 AD. The specialty of this monument is that it is caved richly. Every tiny detail of sculptures can be seen and identified easily. You can call it the most extravagant structures of its kind. The structure is quite large but it is not completely intact as most of its walls are now in ruins. But the carved panels at the circular part of well can be seen.The pillars remaining are still proving the extraordinary skills artists had at that time. You may be surprised to know that there is a tunnel measuring 30 kilometres connects this well to Sidhpur. The small gate of the tunnel is below the last step of the well but now it is closed. It was built to escape in the tough times from Patan for the king. The rich carvings on the walls and pillars show the sculptures of god Vishnu and his various incarnations known as Rama, Krishna, etc. This is excellent example of fine architecture of ancient times. There were many Ayurvedic plants surrounding the Well area fifty years back in order to keep the well water free from impurities and viruses but today all of these plants have vanished due to negligence.The other such step well is Trikam Barot Ni Vav which is also beautifully designed keeping in mind the principles of architecture. There are some lakes which are significant from historical as well as archaeological point of view. These are Sahstraling Sarovar, Anand Sarovar which is also called Gungadi Talav and Khan Sarovar. The old Kalka Temple, Jasma Odan Ni Deri, old Mahalaxmi Temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman, Sindhavai Mata Temple, Hingaraj Temple, Panchasar Derasar, Brahma Kund, Harihareshwar temple, Sheikh Farid’s Roja, etc. are the places of worship in Patan.Most of them are historically significant. Visiting the Jain temple made of white stone gives you strong spiritual feelings. Patan can be considered Jain centre as it has almost hundred Jain temples and the Mahavir Swami Derasar is one of the most important among all with a beautifully carved dome. The Hemchandracharya Jain Gyan library containing ancient Jain and Hindu scriptures can be visited.Patan is also famous for its Patola saris which are the finest hand woven saris among other varieties. The work takes four to six months to complete only one sari depending on the pattern or complexity of design. The fine work needs to be done with accuracy and clarity and thus requires lots of patience. Vegetable colours are used to colour the saris here.AccommodationThere are no luxurious hotels available but local guest house and Dharmshalas are good and economical to stay.FoodLocal small restaurants serve you Gujarati food. Jain food is available everywhere.Distance between Ahmedabad and Patan125 kilometresTransportLocal auto rickshaws are available for local transport but without meter.Nearby places to exploreSalvivad (patolas are made here), Sidhpur (Bohravad, Rudra Mahalaya) 28 km, Vadnagar (Hatkeshwar Mahadev, Kirti Torana) 70 km RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн