Top Places to visit in Banaskantha, Palanpur, Gujarat

The Sloth – Bear Sanctuary located in the Jessore hills of Aravalli range covers an area of 180 sq. kms of dry deciduous forest. Apart from sloth bear, other fauna reported in the sanctuary are leopard, blue bull, wild boar, porcupine and a variety of birds. Other endangered species harboured by the sanctuary are jungle cat, civet, caracal, wolf and hyena. The sanctuary has also identified 406 species of plants.

Located in the folds of Arravali hills. Jessore hill is the second highest peak in Gujarat. The other important faunal species are leopards, Rhesus macaque, Indian civet cat, porcupine, fox, striped, hyena, wild boar etc. The multistoried forest provides a suitable habitat for variety of birds ranging from land birds to water birds. As per the IUCN classification many rare and endangered species of birds are also found in this sanctuary. The reptiles include snakes, tortoises and lizards of various types. The rarest Indian Python is observed beyond Muni ji ki kutia.

Gabbar (or Gabbargadh), a small hillock about four km to the west of Ambaji village, is believed to have been the original seat of the goddess, the site of Krishna’s tonsorial ceremony (ritual head-shaving), and the abode of the divine Mahishasur-Mardini.

The hill is very steep and difficult to climb. There are 300 stone steps at the foot of the hill after which the pilgrims have to climb through a narrow dangerous track. On the flat top of the hill there is a small niche facing the temple of Ambaji, in which a well-protected lamp is kept constantly burning, and can be seen from the main Ambaji temple at night. There are footprints of the Goddess under a pipal tree, which are worshiped.

This Seema Darshan has begun on the basis of Wagah Border pattern with a view to observe bravery of BSF Jawans. Only a Wagah border is a border outpost across India-Pakistan borders where both the countries perform drill retreat and people can enjoy observing it. The attractions at the border viewing point will be a retreat ceremony by the BSF, fusion band performance, camel show and bird watching. Visitors will also be able to watch an exhibition of weapons, a photo gallery and a film on BSF at the newly developed border viewing point by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL).

The Lohani Nawab who reigned over the region of Palanpur or Banaskantha was believed to have utilized the Balaram Palace as his favourite resting place. Historical records claim that the Balaram Place was constructed between the years 1922 and 1936, by the 29th king of Palanpur. The interiors of this grand palace have been inspired by the neo-classical and baroque style of architecture. The total area occupied by this palace measures about 542 square kilometres. Lush green forests and gardens surround this magnificent palace. However, currently, this palace, which was once enjoyed by Nawabs and kings as a hunting retreat has now been transformed into a resort. It is situated at the topmost point of the area in northern Gujarat.

Nestled atop a hillock i.e. Kailash tekri around a kilometer and half from the Ambaji Temple on the Khedbrahma Highway is Mangalya Van, a unique garden that is of late drawing hordes of tourists. One has to climb steps to reach Kailash tekri and Mangalya Van, which is also surrounded by water bodies. The van was developed by the forest department and its USP is a unique Rashi Van (astrological garden) within and a garden of plants, which astrologers say have the same effect as stones on one’s life.

All those who come to Mangalya Van invariably enquire about the effects of plants on sun signs and want to take back home a sapling that favors their zodiac sign. They grow it in their backyard or in the vicinity of their house. Around 700 to 800 people visit Mangalya Van every day and on holidays, the number crosses 1,000. Its popularity is picking up fast. Each of the 12 zodiac signs have been given three plants and are planted in 18×18 meter in this garden.

The Dantiwada Dam has been constructed across the Banas River. The motive behind the construction of this dam was to control flood and provide water for the purpose of irrigation projects in Gujarat. The dam has a height of 61 metres and a length of 4832 metres. Several visitors from all over the country are drawn to this dam due to its scenic beauty. Visitors make sure that they visit the Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary located near the dam. It is the dividing line between Dharoi Dam and Dantiwada Dam. The approximate distance from Palanpur to Dantiwada Dam is 23 km equivalent to 14 miles. During the summer months the temperature is around 23 to 44 degrees Celsius. During the winters you can expect something around 10 – 36 degrees Celsius. Tourists can choose to visit the dam during the months of October through March to experience the best of the weather. The peak season time is in the months of October to December.

Palanpur and Deesa, the two major cities of the district are well connected to other cities and towns of Gujarat.

Road

National Highway 15 connects the district with Pathankot, Amritsar, Bhatinda, Ganganagar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer and Kandla. National Highway 27 connecting Beawar in Rajasthan with Radhanpur in Gujarat passes through Palanpur and Deesa.

Gujarat State Highway 41 connects the district to important cities of Ahmedabad, Patan and State Highway 9 connects Palanpur with Ambaji, the most famous tourist destination in the state. Other state highways passing through the district are 41, 54, 56, 63, 72, 127, 128, 129, 130 and 132 linking it most parts of the state.

Rail

Palanpur Junction railway station is the largest railway station of the district. It is connected to Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Jaipur-Delhi corridor thus linking it with four major cities of India. It is also connected to other towns of the district such as Chhapi, Deesa, Deodar, Dhanera and Bhabhar.

Air

Deesa Airport, Deesa, Banas Kantha.

The district has an airstrip at Palanpur.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest International airport.