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Wadhvan is one of the examples of living fortified towns of
Gujarat. The town is located on the banks of
river Bhogavo and the high fort wall and several gates of the town are
intact even today. Wadhvan rulers belonged to the Jhala Rajput clan and
the region was known as Jhalawad having other principalities of
Dhrangadhra, Limbdi and Wankaner under Jhala rule.
The history of the town dates back to ancient times when it was known as
Vardhamanpuri. It is an important centre of Jainism and the footprints of
Mahavir Swami lend a special sanctity to wadhvan, among the other pilgrim
centres of Jains.
There are two ancient step wells in Wadhvan- Madhu Vav and Ganga Vav.
Both are fine examples of subterranean architecture, typical of Gujarat.
The rulers of Wadhvan have built several buildings in and around Wadhvan
and the most interesting of them are Raj Mahal and Hawa Mahal.
Wadhvan is famous for its craft traditions of tie and die, brass
utensils, metal wares and educational wooden toys. It is equally well
known for its culinary delights of 'Ganthia' and 'Peda'. A visit to the
bazaar can be a wonderful experience.
The low height wooden buildings of an old bazaar, with shops at lower
level and residences at upper level with projecting carved balconies and
the hustle-bustle of rural folks in colourful attire, transports one back
to the last century, into medieval oriental bazaar.
Wadhvan, a town with old world charm and its own serene pace, will make
it a memorable experience for any traveller.
Ranakdevi Temple: A small, beautiful temple of
Ranakdevi is located on the southern edge of Wadhvan, at the cremation
ground along with cenotaphs of Wadhvan rulers and hero stones of warriors.
This town is a witness to the famous story of Sati Ranakdevi and the
great Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh. Ranakdevi committed a ritual of
'sati' at this place to protect her honour, when Siddhraj Jaisinh murdered
her husband, Ra 'Khengar and two sons. It is believed that her curse to
Bhogavo, a mute witness to this injustice, made it waterless, forever.
Raj Mahal: The late H. H. Balsinhji built the Raj Mahal in the
19th century. The sprawling campus of 14 acres has cricket pitches, tennis
courts, gardens, fountains and lily ponds. The palace is designed around a
central pillared courtyard with marble fountains, statues and carved
marble furniture.
The 'Darbar Hall' has many life-size paintings of past rulers and the
royal throne. The drawing room is decorated with crystal chandeliers and
the Shish Mahal has Belgian mirrors. Every nook and corner of the palace
is covered by intricate decoration.
Raj Mahal is being converted into a heritage hotel, with about 10 rooms
and will be operational soon.
Hawa
Mahal: The Hawa Mahal literally means 'wind palace'. It was an
ambitious project, abandoned halfway by the Wadhvan rulers. The incomplete
structure stands outside the fort and is a building worth studying for its
architecture, showing different stages of construction. Even today, around
the Hawa Mahal, one can see Sompura artisans carving stones for various
Hindu and Jain temple projects in India and abroad.
Vintage Car Collection: The rulers of Wadhvan were great
automobile enthusiasts and their passion for cars is reflected in their
collection of vintage, classic and sports cars and a well-stocked library
of automobile books.
Swami Narayan Temple: Wadhvan has a Swami Narayan Temple with a
majestic gate and nicely painted interiors using bright colours, truly in
the style of architecture of the Swami Narayan Sect.
Wagheshwari Devi Temple: The ancient temple of Goddess Wagheswari
is famous for its Navratri celebration, in which only men perform Garbis.
Muli: (27 kms) It is famous for Swami Narayan
Temple, the royal palace and temple of Mandavraiji.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: 40 kms away is located the bird
sanctuary which is a haven for birds.
Dhrangadhra: (40 kms) It is known for its royal palaces, bazaars,
and stone carving.
How To Get There
Air: Nearest airport is Ahmedabad (111kms).
Rail: Wadhvan city is located on Surendranagar-Bhavnagar railway
line.
Road: Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surendranagar are connected by road.
Local Transport: non-metered auto rickshaws.
Accommodation is avaialable in hotels at Surendranagar
Ahmedabad: 111kms.
Rajkot: 116 kms.
Surendranagar: 5 kms.