pawagarh

PAWAGARH

On the 822 meter high hill of Pawagadh, associated with lord Hanuman, can be seen the old fort with it’s superb rocky defenses, the Makai kota where the rulers kept their grain, the ruins of Patai Rawal palace, Naulakha kotha mansion, the 11^th century Laukalish temple, wells and numerous religious monuments.Pawagadh is uniformly important for Hindus and Jains. Knowing that conquering the fort by direct assault was impossible, Sultan Muhammad Beghada built a city, Muhammadabad now called Champaner, near the fortified hill of Pawagadh, and waited his chance for a suitable seige.

Champaner

The main monument in the citadel of Muhammad Shah’s citadel in Champaner, beside the high walls a nd custom house, is the 1513 AD Jumma masjid, with an exquisite carved entrance, a vast and imposing courtyard surrounded by cloistered galleries, and intricate attention to details reflecting the quality of the artisans who worked at Champaner. The front elevation shows 5 pointed arches and slim minarets flanking the central arch, perfectly proportioned. The Shahr masjid with 4 rows of ornate pillars, domes and delicate carved mihrabs, Nagina masjid with a fine arcade and Kevda masjid should not be missed.

Pawagadh is a popular picnic spot for people of Ahmedabad and Baroda because of it’s scenic location. The cable car ride on the ropeway to the temples of Pawagadh hill is a scenic experience in itself. The mountains of Pawagadh offer excellent rock climbing and trekking opportunities.

GETTING THERE	160 kms from Ahmedabad
PLACES TO STAY
- LUXURY/HERITAGE
- DELUXE
- MODERATE	Hotel Champaner(Gujarat tourism)
- BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE	Dharamshalas at Machi, Pawagadh
PLACES TO EAT	Hotel Champaner, numerous bhojnalayas at Machi, Pawagadh