Historical Places in Gujarat

Gujarat, a land of rich culture and tradition, unfolds its enchantment in abundance. Tourists flock to explore this state as it has many things to offer. Gujarat has some amazing historical places which date back to the Indus Valley Civilization times to the existence of Vedas. The state exposes its rich traditions with various cultures reviving history with touch of modernity. Some historical places in Gujarat are:

Lothal:

It is a place of tremendous archaeological significance and a very ancient city which lies about 87 km from Ahmedabad. During the Harappan era, there was a full-fledged settlement in Lothal which dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. One will get an opportunity to witness the world's oldest urban cultures or Harappan culture in its fullest form. Lothal lies under the revenue jurisdiction of Sarajwala Village in Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad District in Gujarat state.

In the long past the people of Harappa were attracted towards Lothal because the place had a sheltered harbor and it was a rich cotton-and rice-growing land. The ancient city of Lothal was excavated between 1955 and 1962. Apart from the excavation site of Lothal, the place consists of a museum which displays all the archaeological findings. The museums in Lothal are open between 10 am to 5 pm, from Saturday to Thursdays.

Hriday Kunj:

It is one of the important historical sites in Gujarat. Located in Ahmedabad, Hriday Kunj was the residence of the great leader of Indian national movement Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. It is said that this great leader initiated his practical experiments of the important non-violent Satyagraha and freedom struggle for the country from Hriday Kunj of Gujarat.

From this residence, He began his well-known salt Satyagraha in 1930. He stayed in Hriday Kunj from 1918 to 1930. Hriday Kunj still makes handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Adjacent to the residence, there is a central library, a vast prayer ground, a museum and a 'Sight-and-sound' show organized for visitors and tourists.

Vadnagar:

The place is well-known for its Torans and Hatkeshwar Temple. Torans are a pair of 12th century columns which support an arch about 40 ft tall built in red and yellow sandstone. They stand grandly on the bank of Sharmistha Talav and are among the few surviving examples of entrance gates, which were once a regular feature in the architecture of Gujarat during the Solanki period. The architecture is embellished with battle and hunting scenes carvings. The Hatkeshwar temple is a 17th Century carved temple and houses a Shiva Linga which is said to be have self-emerged.

The temple is surrounded by a high wall topped by three circular domes combine with flat stretches in Indo-Saracenic tradition. From the roof a huge Shikhar soars high into the sky. The temple exterior is gracefully ornamented with figures of musicians, the nine planets, regent deities, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, etc. The temple premises also have an ancient Kashivishveshvara Shiva temple, a Swaminarayan temple and two Jain temples.

Kirti Mandir:

The temple is considered as a national monument and happens to be the birthplace of the great Mahatma Gandhi. The place also has some religious importance, as it also considered as the birthplace of Sudama, the legendary character who was supposed to be the best friend of Lord Krishna.

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Last Updated on : June 11, 2013