VADNAGAR – PATAN – MODHERA TOUR EX – AHMEDABAD

Day-1:- Ahmedabad – Vadnagar – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad

Early morning, at 07:00 Hrs drive to reach Vadnagar. Upon arrival at 10:00 Hrs. proceed for a sightseeing tour of Vadnagar (town added to the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2022).

Vadnagar is a village that dates back to the 7th century and is home to a Buddhist monastery that was built somewhere between the 2nd and 7th century AD. The popular monastery is known for its Sputa’s and also has an open central courtyard. Nine cells constructed around the monastery were raised in such a manner that they created a pattern resembling the swastika, a holy Hindu symbol. Vadnagar is also known for its beautiful Toran or arches. Built of red and yellow sandstone and standing at a height of 40 ft, Kirti Toran is the most popular.

Kirti Toran:
The town is famous for its Toran, a pair of 12th century columns supporting an arch, about 40 feet tall built in red and yellow sandstone, just north of the walled town. They stand majestically on the bank of Sharmistha Talav, on a road going down from Arjun Bari. They are among the few surviving examples of the entrance gates, once a regular feature of the architecture of Gujarat in Solanki period. The carving style is similar to the Rudra Mahalaya at Sidhpur.

Hatkeshwar Temple:
This profusely carved 17th century temple just outside town enshrines Hatkeshwar Mahadev, the family deity of Nagar Brahmins, who were once a prominent community in Vadnagar. The temple’s inner sanctum houses a Shiva linga said to have self-emerged (swayambhu).

Tanariri Memorial:
It is memorial of great singer sisters Tana and Riri. These two were popular for their singing talent during the rule of Akbar. It is believedthat after singing Deepak raag in the court of Akbar, Tansen was fuming internally. He came to these two sisters who sang the Megh Malhar Raag which was the only remedy for such burning injuries. The memorial has been incepted in the memory of these talented singers as Tanariri Memorial. Today, fairs and festivals are organized at this memorial for remembering such recognized singers.

Sharmishtha Lake:
The Sharmishtha Talav is an interesting example of the water retaining systems of the Solanki period, as it is still in use. It is an ancient lake created by the waters of the river Kapila flowing from the hills of Aravalli. More than 4500 years ago, early settlements appeared on its north eastern shore. Later a stepped embankment was created all around it to retain the water. After your visit proceed your drive at 13:00 Hrs to reach Patan. Upon arrival at 14:15 Hrs, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patan.

Rani Ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell):
Rani ki vav is 36 km from Modhera. It is a stepwell situated in the Patan District of Gujarat state, India. During the period of the Chalukya Dynasty or Solanki’s of Patan, the stepwell called the Rani ki Vav or Ran-ki Vav (Queen’s step well) was constructed. It is a richly sculptured monument, built by Udaymati in memory of her husband; Bhima I (1022-1063). It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is proof of the elegance of its design and an excellent example of this period. A part of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick. The stepwell was declared as “UNESCO World Heritage Site” on 22 June 2014.
After your visit proceed your drive at 15:30 Hrs to reach Modhera. Upon arrival at 16:20 Hrs, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Modhera.

Modhera Sun Temple:
Modhera Sun Temple is 98 km far from Ahmedabad. The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya, located at Modhera town of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and it is a protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. An annual three-day dance festival known as ‘Uttarardha Mahotsav’ is organized at the temple during the third week of January, following the festival of Uttarayan.

Patola Sarees:
The Patola saree is one of the finest hand-woven varieties of Patan. It is famous for extremely delicate patterns woven with great precision and clarity. A patola saree takes 4 to 6 months to make, depending on how complicated the design is. These sarees are colored with Vegetable dyes and many times with gold threads during the weaving process. Patola is an ancient art and needs to be preserved as well as nurtured. Local folks in Gujarat always praise the “Patan Na patola” in their folk song (Garba). After your visit proceed your drive at 18:00 Hrs to reach back to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival in Ahmedabad at 20:15 Hrs, your tour terminates with happy memories.