Pavagarh

What makes Gujarat shine on the tourism map of India are the tourist places that blend religion, culture, history and nature altogether and Pavagarh (more commonly called Pavagadh) is one of them. Some call it a hill station, while others count the place among the sacred pilgrimage sites of west India. Pavagadh Hill (a three-tier plateau) in Panchmahal District is best known for the Mahakali Temple perched on Mauliya Peak and visited by tens of thousands of devotees every year. Dedicated to Goddess Kali (a form of Goddess Shakti), the temple is believed to fulfil wishes of the visitors. Many other must visit places at Pavagarh include beautiful lakes, streams, historic structures and old forts, Jain temples and mesmerizing scenery all over.

Cool breeze, dense forests and the elevation of about 800 m. makes Pavagadh a nature’s gift. Pavagadh Hill (popularly called the hill of hundred pools) is actually a volcano that erupted millions of years ago. The name translates to ‘fire-hill’, though the Hindu legend states that the place gets its name from pav (feet) of Goddess Shakti which fell at this place when Goddess’s body was shattered into pieces. This is exactly where the Mahakali Temple is located and is revered as a shakti-peeth. Pavagadh is also a part of UNESCO listed protected area and World Heritage Site called Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The reddish-yellow rock formations of the hill are considered among the oldest found in India. The place is also famous for one of India’s highest ropeway cable cars. Weather at Pavagadh remains pleasant for most of the year, though summer can be hot during day hours.

October to March

Stated below are some of the must visit places at Pavagarh:

Pavagadh has restaurants that serve vegetarian Gujarati dishes like bataka poha and fafda. Few restaurants also serve North and South Indian and Chinese dishes to cater to the wide range of pilgrims and other tourists.

The hill station has small shops and stalls on the way to Mahakali Temple. These shops sell handicrafts and souvenirs of religious themes. One may also buy audio cassettes and CDs having prayers and hymns of Goddess Mahakali and other deities. Incense sticks of different varieties are also sold here.

Pavagarh is not directly accessible by road. One has to climb up (about 5 km.) or use the ropeway cable car (a ride of about 6 min.) to reach the temple. There are about 200 steps that lead to the temple after getting down from the cable car. Machi in the mid-way between Champaner and Pavagadh is the last point accessible by vehicles. Buses, taxis and private vehicles can be used to reach this point. Vadodara has the nearest railhead (about 38 km. away) and airport (about 34 km. away). Sightseeing in Pavagarh is enjoyable on trekking routes as well as in the cable car.

Champaner (about 19 km.): Located at the base of Pavagadh, this is an historical city well-regarded for its wealth of monuments like citadels, forts, stepped wells, tombs, palaces and pavilions. Gardens of Ajwa (about 13 km.) and Nimeta (about 20 km.): Among the most popular picnic destinations in Gujarat, these gardens (especially the Vrindavan Gardens and Lake of Ajwa) are worth not missing. Vadodara (about 38 km.): Spectacular palaces (The Laxmi Vilas Palace is a mesmerizing structure), museums, gardens and monuments make Vadodara popular among tourists. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary (about 53 km.): In addition to lush green forests and diverse wild animals (including leopard, blue bull, sloth bear and four-horned antelope), the place is also a popular site for hiking and camping. Kayavarohan (about 61 km.): The place is famous for its Shiva Temple which is believed to have existed in the Four Ages of Hindu Mythology. It is also an important heritage site with a museum dedicated to region’s archaeological discoveries.