Palanpur

Palanpur is in North Gujarat, India.

Established in 13th century, the city was ruled by Rajput dynasties. At the start of the seventeenth century, the Palanpur State was taken over by Nawabs of Jhalori dynasty. The dynasty came into historical prominence during the period of instability that followed the death of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the early 18th century. It was overrun soon afterwards by the Marathas; the Lohanis followed the trend of seeking recourse in the British East India Company against them and finally entered the subsidiary alliance system in 1817, along with all other neighbouring states, becoming a British protectorate. After independence of India in 1947, Palanpur State was dissolved in 1949 and merged with Union of India as a part of Bombay State. Subsequently, Palanpur became the capital of Banaskantha district of Gujarat.

Autorickshaws are main local mode of transport. Shuttle rickshaws are available for transport in the city.

• 🌍 Mithi Vav. 18th-century stepwell which is four-storey deep. Now neglected but still an attraction, it was probably built from material from previous monuments. It has fine carvings of Ganesha, Bhairava, Apsaras etc. Free. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple. 8AM-1PM, 4PM-7PM. According to local legend, the Chaulukya king Siddhraj Jaisimha was born in Palanpur so his mother Mayanalla Devi had ordered to build a stepwell. During the construction a Shivalinga was found so a temple was built instead of the stepwell. It is believed that it was a habitat of the serpents. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Joravar Palace. 11AM-5PM. Old palace of Nawab. There are beautiful paintings in the courtroom and the stair has fine sandalwood decoration. Photography with permission. Free. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 George V Club. A private sports club now. Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan built it to commemorate coronation of British King George V in 1913. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Pallavia Parshwanath Jain Temple (Motu Derasar). Beautifully carved marble Jain temple. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Jahanara Baug (Shashivan). Beautiful large garden built by Nawab Taley Muhammed Khan dedicated to his Australian wife Begum Jahanara aka Joan Falkiner. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Old City. Explore the traditional haveli mansions with carved wooden facades and brackets in gated communities called pols in Moti Bazar, Nani Bazar, Jhaveriwad, Teen Batti, Paththar Sadak and Khoda Limda areas. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Diamond Market (Heera Bazar), City Light Road. There are around 50 diamond wholesalers along this road. Any shop will show you how they cut and polish diamonds in their workshop. Palanpuri Jains are well known for their hold on diamond business around the world. You may find them in Belgium too! (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Palanpur Museum. 10AM-6PM. Explore the artifacts and history of Palanpur. 2 hr. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Shahi Roza. Several stone-carved royal cenotaphs. Poorly maintained. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Kirtistambh. The four-storied memorial pillar was built in 1936 for Nawab Sher Muhammed Khan by Nawab Taley Mohammed Khan. The marble plaques on the surface are inscribed with the history of Nawabs and information about Palanpur. It is located on the traffic island. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Mira Gate. In 1750, Nawab Bahadur Khan built a brick and mortar city-walls of Palanpur. It was 3 miles round, 17 to 20 feet high and 6 feet broad with seven bastioned gateways, and, at the corners, round towers armed with guns. The gateways of the city-walls were Delhi Darwaja, Gathaman Darwaja, Malan Darwaja, Mira Darwaja, Virbai Darwaja, Salempura Darwaja, Sadarpur Darwaja or Shimla Darwaja. Only Mira Darwaja survives today. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Gayatri Mandir. A large new Hindu temple. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Mansarovar Lake. Early Jhalori ruler Malik Mujahid Khan built this lake dedicated to his queen Manbai Jadeja in 1628. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary.  
• 🌍 Balaram Palace.  
• 🌍 Dantiwada Dam.  

• Check Photo collection of A. L. Syed (1904-1991), ☏ +91 2742 254480. He was an official photographer of Nawabs of Palanpur. Contact his son Azmat Syed. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Sur Mandir Carnival Cinemas. Watch Gujarati or Bollywood films. Snacks and beverages are available too. (updated Oct 2022)

• 🌍 Street Food at Guru Nanak Chowk. After 6PM. The street food vendors serve variety of food in the evening to late night here. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Janta Kachori House, Nr. Moti Bazar, ☏ +91 9898758284. 10AM-7PM. Oldest and best known shop for eating Kachori. (updated Oct 2022)
• Jayanti Fafda House (Nr. Delhi Gate). For lip-smacking fafda-jalebi. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Hotel Guptaji, Nr. Railway Station, ☏ +91 9825591916, info@hotelguptaji.com. Affordable and tasty Punjabi meals. (updated Oct 2022)

There are many budget hotels and guest houses are there near railway station and GSRTC bus station.

• 🌍 Hotel Welcome Guest House, Bus Station Road, Nr. Railway Station, ☏ +91 2742 255868. Free Wi-Fi. Single ₹200-800, Double ₹300-900. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Circuit House. For government employees. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Hotel Way Wait, Near Highway Circle, Ahmedabad-Palanpur Highway. Check-in: 2 PM, check-out: 11 AM. (updated Oct 2022)

• 🌍 Civil Hospital. (updated Oct 2022)

• Patan
• Mehsana
• Modhera
• Siddhpur
• Vadnagar