patan

Location: 130 Kms from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Founded In: 1796 AD.
Originally called As: Anhil Vad Pattan.
Specialty: Patola Sarees.

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 is 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. Rani Udaymati built it during the last decade of the 11th century in memory of her husband, Bhimdeva I of the Chalukya Dynasty. The Vav is decorated with around 800 stone sculptures and relief. 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 centers of Gujarat. It is situated 130 kms from Ahmedabad.