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The historic town of Patan founded in 1796
AD is situated on the river Saraswati, about 51 kms from Mehsana and 130
kms from Ahmedabad
. Originally known as Anhil-Vad-Pattan, it flourished during the Solanki
Dynasty and has some interesting monuments.
The streets of its older quarters present an interesting look with a mélange
of carved balconies, lintels of Muslim havelis, marble domes and the
canopies of the over 100 Jain temples.
Patan is celebrated world over for its exquisite Patola silk saree woven
here. Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and caned wooden
houses. Ranaki Vav (step-well) and Sahastralinga Talav or Lake are also
interesting places to visit in Patan.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Rani Ni Vav Or Rani
Uday Mati Vav: It is one of the largest step wells in
Gujarat. It was built during the last decade of
the 11th century by Rani Udaymati in memory of her husband, Bhimdeva I of
the Chalukya Dynasty. The Vav is decorated with around 800 stone
sculptures and reliefs. There are impressive images of Gods of the Hindu
pantheon in their various incarnations with their consorts. No other
step-well in India is as profusely adorned as this.
Sahastralinga
Talav: It occupies the northwestern part of the city. It's on
the left bank of the river Saraswati. The Talav is reputed to have been
built by Siddharaja Jaisinh, the Chalukyan ruler. Pentagonal in shape, it
is spread over an area of 17 hectares. The most interesting of the relics
are the channels, the well, steps and side elevation of the pond.
Shamlaji: One of the principal Vaishnav shrines of Gujarat,
Shamlaji, or 'the dark one', is one aspect of Krishna, an incarnation of
Vishnu. It is situated 126 kms from
Ahmedabad .
Patola Silk Saree: The
Patan Patola is one of the finest hand-woven textiles produced today. It
combines the art of tying and dyeing of the warp and weft threads and
their weaving together, when each warp thread is carefully placed against
the corresponding colours. Besides Patan, the double Ikat is woven only in
Bali in Indonesia.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is
Ahmedabad .
Rail: Linked with Ahmedabad.
Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects
various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 130
kms from Ahmedabad
.