Palitana is a small town in Gujarat, India, that is home to the world’s largest temple complex. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for Jains, who believe that every Jain should visit Palitana at least once in their lifetime. The town is surrounded by the Shatrunjaya hill, which has more than 3000 temples dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras or enlightened beings. The temples are stunning examples of architecture, art, and devotion, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, Palitana is the place for you. Whether you are interested in Jainism, architecture, culture, or nature, Palitana has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, from how to reach there, when to visit, what to see and do, and where to stay and eat. Read on and get ready to plan your trip to Palitana!
How to Reach Palitana
Palitana is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, about 215 km from Ahmedabad, the state capital. There are several ways to reach Palitana, depending on your budget and preference.
By flight: The nearest airport to Palitana is Bhavnagar Airport, which is about 51 km away. You can take a flight from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or Hyderabad to Bhavnagar, and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Palitana. The flight duration is about an hour and a half, and the taxi fare is about Rs. 1000-1500.
By train: The nearest railway station to Palitana is Songadh Railway Station, which is about 8 km away. You can take a train from Ahmedabad or other cities in Gujarat to Songadh, and then hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to Palitana. The train journey takes about four hours, and the taxi fare is about Rs. 200-300.
By bus: There are regular buses from Bhavnagar and other cities in Gujarat to Palitana. The bus journey takes about two hours from Bhavnagar and costs about Rs. 50-100. You can also book online tickets from websites like Redbus or MakeMyTrip.
By road: If you have your own vehicle or want to rent one, you can also drive to Palitana from Ahmedabad or other cities in Gujarat. The road condition is good, and the route is scenic. The drive takes about four hours from Ahmedabad and costs about Rs. 1500-2000 for fuel.
When to Visit Palitana
The best time to visit Palitana is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and there are several festivals celebrated in Palitana. The average temperature during this time ranges from 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and climbing the hill.
However, avoid visiting Palitana during the summer months (April-June), as the temperature can soar up to 45°C and the hill climb can be very exhausting. Also avoid visiting during the monsoon months (July-September), as the rain can make the steps slippery and dangerous.
Some of the festivals that take place in Palitana are:
Kartik Purnima: This is the most auspicious day for Jains, as it marks the day when Adinatha (the first Tirthankara) attained enlightenment on the Shatrunjaya hill. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Palitana on this day (usually in November) to climb the hill and worship at the temples.
Mahavir Jayanti: This is the birth anniversary of Mahavira (the 24th and last Tirthankara), who was born in 599 BC. Jains celebrate this day (usually in April) by offering prayers, fasting, donating, and taking out processions with idols of Mahavira.
Paryushan Parva: This is the most important festival for Jains, as it is a time of repentance, forgiveness, and self-purification. Jains observe this festival (usually in August or September) by fasting, meditating, reading scriptures, and seeking forgiveness from others.
What to See and Do in Palitana
Palitana has a lot to offer to the visitors, from the town, the hilltop temples, and the nearby places. Here are some of the things you can see and do in Palitana:
1. The Town
Palitana town is a small and simple place, where you can get a glimpse of the local life and culture. You can explore the town by walking or taking an auto-rickshaw. Some of the places you can visit in the town are Babu Mandir, a museum dedicated to Shri Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji, local markets and enjoy some street food.
2. The Hilltop Temples
The main attraction of Palitana is the hilltop temples on the Shatrunjaya hill. The hill is considered to be the holiest pilgrimage site for Jains, as it is believed that 23 out of 24 Tirthankaras attained enlightenment here. The hill has more than 3000 temples, built over a period of 900 years by various kings and devotees. The temples are stunning examples of architecture, art, and devotion, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the most prominent temples on the hill are Adishwar Temple, Kumarpal Temple and Angar Pir Shrine.
Nearby Places
If you have some extra time or want to explore some nearby places from Palitana, you can visit some of these places:
Diu: Diu is a coastal union territory, about 200 km from Palitana. It was a Portuguese colony until 1961, and still retains its colonial charm and architecture. You can visit places such as Nagao Beach (a popular beach with water sports), St Paul’s Church (a 17th-century church with Gothic style), Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach (a serene beach with white sand).
Naida Caves (a network of caves with natural openings and carvings).
Talaja Hill Caves: Talaja Hill Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, about 50 km from Palitana. They date back to the 4th-5th century AD, and have sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The caves are located on a hill, which also has a Hindu temple dedicated to Tulsishyam Mandir.
Tulsishyam Mandir: Tulsishyam Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, about 60 km from Palitana. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared here as Tulsishyam, a form of Krishna, and killed a demon named Dhenukasur. The temple also has hot springs, which are said to have medicinal properties.
Palitana is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and scenic beauty of India. It is a place where you can witness the world’s largest temple complex, learn about the history and culture of Jainism, and enjoy the natural wonders of Gujarat. Palitana is a place where you can find peace, harmony, and inspiration.
If you are planning to visit Palitana, we hope this article has helped you with all the information you need.
