Popular Archaeological Sites in Gujarat
Kem chho? We have completely engulfed ourselves in the beauty of Gujarat. When one says Incredible India, Gujarat is one of the reasons why- in aspects of architectural marvelousness and history it is gifted with. More of its brilliance is yet to be known. A visit to the top ten archaeological sites in Gujarat would influence you to share the same opinion as we do. So here are the top 10 archaeological sites in Gujarat which are a must visit
1- Sun Temple, Modhera
There is something in the divine rays of the Sun, which chases away the darkness of not only the sky but the darkness that hides in there. How can not someone stop himself from worshipping the Sun God? The Sun Temple exists in Modhera for this very reason, dedicated to the God of Sun. The temple dates back to 1026 AD. Situated on the banks of River Pushpavati, the temple is known for its marvellous architecture inscribed with patterns of flowers and birds adorning this masterpiece of art.
2- Rani ki Vav
How astonishing is that, that without any technology the people in the older days managed to build such architectural masterpieces. One such is Rani ki Vav Stepwell. You might wonder whats great there in a step well- after all, it is used just to store water. There indeed is something great when it comes to Rani ki Vav step well. It is a huge step well with some splendid architectural patterns carved on it. The step well dates back to 1000 AD and was built by Queen Udaymati in memory of her beloved husband.
3- Mahabat Maqbara, Junagarh
There are some things, only found in India that is capable of leaving everyone exalted. One such thing is Mahabat which abodes in Junagad, Mahabat Maqbara. It happened to inhabit the Nawabs of Junagarh once upon a time. The brilliant and marvellous arches, tombs and minars can make anyone applaud. The architecture is a blend of Indo-Gothic style and has numerous beautiful carvings. It is a mausoleum- housing quite a few tombs. The Mahabat Maqbara holds tombs of Mahabat Khanji and Bahauddin Maqbara. Doesn’t it seem fascinating already?
4- Hutheesing Temple
Temples are not only a place to worship but the example of the brilliant architecture of the old eras. One such proof of the statement is Hutheesing temple. Built by Sheth Hathisinh Kesarisinh and Shethani Harkunvar, the temple houses 11 deities. The architecture is marvellous with various shrines of deities built on the building, constructed in the 19th century.
5- Bhujia Fort
It’s nearly impossible for most of us to climb the mountains and hills. Wonder how hard it must have been for people in the older days to build a fort on a hill. Incredible India indeed. Bhujia Fort is one such architectural marvel India is proud to have. The Fort dates back to 18th century which was made to guard the town of Bujh and till now stands tall, being on a hill. Bhujia Fort was constructed on the Bhujia by Rao Godaji. The Fort stands tall on a hill even after surviving 6 battles. Marvellous indeed!
6- Dholavira
Time to turn the pages of your history book. If you paid attention in your history classes you must have heard about Indus Valley civilization. Dholavira in Gujarat speaks of it at the top of its voice. Dholavira is a remarkable excavation of Indus Valley civilisation. Just a reminder, it dates back to around 3rd millennium BC. Now that’s Woah!
7- Jhulta Minara, Ahmedabad
If you know Hindi, the very name of Jhula Minar would give you a glimpse of what it is about. A little glimpse we beforehand must mention. The shaking minarets leave people in wonder all because there remains a mystery as to why a shaking in one minar corresponds to the shaking in another, despite not being adjacent and there occur no vibrations in the passage in between. It still remains another mystery as to what causes the minar to vibrate. It used to be a mosque bur most of the portion of the monument has been ruined owing to the war in 1753 fought between Marathas and Khans.
8- Dwarkadhish Temple
Time to fly back 2500 years ago. Dwarkadhish, yet another magnificent piece of architecture that happens to be 2500 years old. There is a belief that it was constructed by Lord Krishna’s great grandson. The temple is carved with some magnificent patterns of erotisism. What is the magnet to the eye is the idol of Lord Krishna that sits in the temple. It is too captivating for you to look somewhere else. Dwarkadhish temple is located at the junction of Arabian sea and Gomti River.
9- Lothal
Who says something ruined is nothing but a mess and does not deserve your presence? Lothal, a place with nothing but ruins, but is a must visit. It is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It dates back to 2nd millennium BC as a part of Harappan Civilisation. There is something fascinating too in ruins afterall you must have heard old is gold.
10- Laxmi Vilas Palace
Since the very beginning, be it in our very own fantasies, we dreamt of living in a Palace. Unfortunately, that never came true! But seeing a palace never fails to captivate us. The grand building, the marvellous architecture, the history attached is what makes us never to say a no to Laxmi Vilas Palace. This is yet another wonder which dates back to 1890. The 700 acre Palace houses a museum too. An absolute must visit!
Gujarat has been known for Dhoklas, Fafda Jalebi, Dandiya and its rich culture is yet another reason for you to absolutely visit Gujarat! Hope you liked these top 10 archaeological sites in Gujarat that would surely make you book your tickets as soon as possible!
