Banaskantha
The Banaskantha district of north-eastern Gujarat state is named after the west Banas river. Being a part of western India, the district is covered by Rajasthan state to the north and Sabarkantha district to the east. While Kutch lies on the west, Mehsana lies to its south. After flowing between Mount Abu and Aravalli ranges, west Banas river enters the state at Banaskantha.
Palanpur is the district headquarters. Palanpur is renowned for its diamond industry, while the surrounding district is famous for its marble quarries and copper deposits. Also it is the seat of the biggest co-operative sector industry and largest dairy called Banas dairy.
Gabbar Hills:
This is an important pilgrim trail in Banaskantha. It is located on the border of Gujarat – Rajasthan states. It attracts lakhs of devotees from both the states. This is the place of origin of the famous north Indian Folk dance called “Garba”. The dance got its name from “Garbha Deep” (meaning Lamp in Earthen Pot). The hill in turn derived its name from this dance, as the dance is often performed in Gabbar hills.
Ambaji Temple:
This sacred place is located on the foothills of Aravalli and nearby Saraswathi river. This temple is an important Sakthi Peeth of India. Even though it houses the idol of Goddess Ambaji, the people believe that the original abode of the goddess is atop the Gabbar hill near Banaskantha.
As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva danced carrying the burning body of Goddess Sathi from the sacrificial fire of Maharaja Daksha’s Yagna, the heart of the goddess fell on this place while the rest fell on different parts of the earth.
Sri Deesa Teerth:
This is a revered place for Jains in Banaskantha. Also one of the important pilgrim centers in Gujarat state.
Jama Masjid:
This mosque is located in Banaskantha’s headquarters, Palanpur. Sultan Ahmed Shah built it in AD 1423. The mosque stands majestically on a high platform, with 260 pillars supporting its 15 domes.
Palanpur :
This headquarters of Banaskantha is home to India’s most renowned diamond industry. It also offers tourists lots of sightseeing like palaces, havelis, Kirti Stambha and the King George clubhouse.
Balaram Palace:
This is just 14 km from Palanpur, the headquarters of Banaskantha. This palace was once a hunting lodge and weekend getaway for Nawab Lohani, the ruler of Palanpur. It was built in neo-classical style of architecture during 1920-1930.
It has a most exotic garden sprawling across 13 acres of private woodlands, with Mexican lawn, fountains, rose beds etc. The interior of the palace has well preserved marble galleries and wooden staircases. From the balconies, tourists can have a panoramic view of the Aravalli ranges.
Dhantiwada:
This is a place located on the banks of west Banas river. This is an ideal place for picnicking and bird watching. A prestigious Agricultural University is located in Sardarkrushinagar of Dhantiwada.
The nearest railhead is located in Palanpur and the district has well laid roads which connect with other major parts of India. The nearest airport is located in Ahmedabad (170 km).
Palanpur is the district headquarters. Palanpur is renowned for its diamond industry, while the surrounding district is famous for its marble quarries and copper deposits. Also it is the seat of the biggest co-operative sector industry and largest dairy called Banas dairy.
Gabbar Hills:
This is an important pilgrim trail in Banaskantha. It is located on the border of Gujarat – Rajasthan states. It attracts lakhs of devotees from both the states. This is the place of origin of the famous north Indian Folk dance called “Garba”. The dance got its name from “Garbha Deep” (meaning Lamp in Earthen Pot). The hill in turn derived its name from this dance, as the dance is often performed in Gabbar hills.
Ambaji Temple:
This sacred place is located on the foothills of Aravalli and nearby Saraswathi river. This temple is an important Sakthi Peeth of India. Even though it houses the idol of Goddess Ambaji, the people believe that the original abode of the goddess is atop the Gabbar hill near Banaskantha.
As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva danced carrying the burning body of Goddess Sathi from the sacrificial fire of Maharaja Daksha’s Yagna, the heart of the goddess fell on this place while the rest fell on different parts of the earth.
Sri Deesa Teerth:
This is a revered place for Jains in Banaskantha. Also one of the important pilgrim centers in Gujarat state.
Jama Masjid:
This mosque is located in Banaskantha’s headquarters, Palanpur. Sultan Ahmed Shah built it in AD 1423. The mosque stands majestically on a high platform, with 260 pillars supporting its 15 domes.
Palanpur :
This headquarters of Banaskantha is home to India’s most renowned diamond industry. It also offers tourists lots of sightseeing like palaces, havelis, Kirti Stambha and the King George clubhouse.
Balaram Palace:
This is just 14 km from Palanpur, the headquarters of Banaskantha. This palace was once a hunting lodge and weekend getaway for Nawab Lohani, the ruler of Palanpur. It was built in neo-classical style of architecture during 1920-1930.
It has a most exotic garden sprawling across 13 acres of private woodlands, with Mexican lawn, fountains, rose beds etc. The interior of the palace has well preserved marble galleries and wooden staircases. From the balconies, tourists can have a panoramic view of the Aravalli ranges.
Dhantiwada:
This is a place located on the banks of west Banas river. This is an ideal place for picnicking and bird watching. A prestigious Agricultural University is located in Sardarkrushinagar of Dhantiwada.
The nearest railhead is located in Palanpur and the district has well laid roads which connect with other major parts of India. The nearest airport is located in Ahmedabad (170 km).
