Gujarat’s Patan is a historically significant city famous for its royal Patola sari weaves, and impeccable architecture. Home to some of the best examples of medieval Indian architecture, Patan will astound you with its rich history; archaeological importance; and effervescent culture and heritage. By Angira Kar
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Patan has an elaborate history, notably for being the capital of Gujarat for 650 years during the medieval era. In 802 AD, the then king, Vanaraja Chavda, established Anhilpur Patan—named after his friend, Anhil Bharvad—as the capital of his state. Since then, Patan has been graced by many powerful rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty, and wise Jain advisors such as scholar, Acharya Hemchandracharya. Later in 1024 AD, the city was attacked by Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni, who proclaimed it as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate.
What to see?
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With immense history backing the ancient town, it’s natural for Patan to house many attractions dating back hundreds of years. The most famous of these is the magnificent historical step-well, Rani Ki Vav. With intricate carvings on the pillars of this inverted temple-like structure, it is regarded as one of the finest examples of step-well architecture. More than 500 major sculptures and adornments depicting the life of Gods; mortals; celestial beings; and religious, mythological and secular imagery give you a taste of the craftsmen’s genius. In 2014, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, post restoration by The Archaeological Survey of India.
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Situated at the north-eastern part of Patan, Sahastralinga Talav or Sahastralinga Tank is another medieval construction worth visiting. This artificial water tank, although dry now, was formerly the biggest reservoir during the Chalukya dynasty. Around 1,000 shrines dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva surround the pentagonal tank, while ruins of some others continue to lay strewn. The advanced engineering prevalent here is sure to excite architecture enthusiasts.
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Towards the southern half of Patan lies the Khan Sarovar. Built in the 17th century by Mirzā Azīz Koka—the then governor of Gujarat—the water reservoir houses baroque-style pillars. From here, head to the Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir, which was built in the honour of Acharya Hemchandracharya, a Jain poet, grammarian, and scholar. When here, explore the biggest literary hub of Sanskrit and Prakrit language manuscripts that unravel Patan’s significance as a core of ancient indigenous learning. That aside, there are more than 100 Jain temples scattered here, the most famous of which is the Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar replete with marble floors and stone carvings.
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A visit to Patan is incomplete without a mention of the intricate Patola saris. They were historically worn only by royalties owing to its price. Take a trip to the Patan Patola Heritage, a museum run by the Salvi Family who specialise in weaving these double-ikat textiles. Dating back to the 11th century when craftsmen first learned the art in Southeast Asia, this weave has now been passed on from one generation to another. When at the museum, one can experience a live demonstration of the loom, and compare their handicraft with single-ikat weaves displayed from around the world.
How to reach?
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By rail: Get down at Ahmedabad Junction, which is well-connected to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. From here, take an onward connecting train to reach Patan.
By road: State-owned buses are available from almost all parts of Gujarat. You can also avail private AC and deluxe buses that travel to Patan from cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and even Mumbai.
By air: Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport is the closest airport to Patan, from where you can hire a cab that takes approximately two hours to reach the destination.
Where to stay?
Places like the Sarovar Residency Serviced Apartment Hotel, and The Godavari Village Resort are excellent staying options while you are visiting the city. You can also consider hotels and resorts in and around the city like The Grand Raveta; Shankus Waterpark and Resort; and Apple Residency among many others. All these accommodations come with experienced staff, great room service, good meal provisions, and furnished rooms.
When to go?
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Autumn and winter—spanning from October to April—is the best time to visit the glamorous old city as the temperature dips to create a pleasant experience. The temperature of winter afternoons is particularly pleasurable, making it a great time to visit the town’s markets and beautiful archaeological sites. Summer, although the season of paddy cultivation, is extremely hot because of the scorching heat and humidity. Thus, these months are best avoided.
Related: Junagadh In Gujarat Looks Straight Out Of Annals Of A Glorious Past. Here’s Why
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
