Champaner is located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, 47 kms from the city of Vadodara.

Champaner has several historical monuments ranging from the 8th to the 16th century medieval period and was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.Champaner is at the foot of the Pavagarh fort & it has a number of archaeological  & historical monuments like mosques, forts, temples, military & agricultural structures, water installations etc. The Archaeological Survey of India protects about 38 out of the 100 monuments in Champaner. The influence of Hindu as well as Muslim architecture is seen in the monuments of Champaner. It was the capital of Gujarat for a brief period of time (during the 16th century) and had become a major commercial center for trading of fine silk, dyed fabric & sword manufacturing.

Best For:

Champaner is an ideal destination for tourists looking for an experience of the bygone era. The various archeological monuments, the blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture, the flora & fauna, the arches, pillars & other ruins provide a taste of the significant period of regional sultanates. Champaner is ideal for heritage walks There are numerous palaces, temples, forts & mosques worth a visit. This is the only unchanged & complete Islamic Pre Mughal city.

The best time to visit Champaner is in winter. Summer (April to June ) is very harsh when temperature soars up to 45°C. Monsoon hits the city by June and lasts up to August. Winter is mild with temperature fluctuating from 12-27°C. It is best to visit Champaner between October & February when the season is pleasant. Night temperatures may drop considerably so it best to be equipped with suitable winter clothes.

No permit is required to travel to Champaner. Foreigners would however require a visit visa for India. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Gujarat. Non-Indians can get a permit form the Government to buy & consume alcohol legally.

The history of the Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park goes back to pre-historic times, when it was first inhabited by the Stone Age man. Then, after a long gap, early settlements were recorded in the 6th and 7th century AD when the site became part of the Maitrak dynasty ruling from Valabhi in Gujarat. With the waning of Maitraks in the 9th century, the region came under the influence of Gurajar Pratihar and Parmara rulers. The site then passed into the hands of Khichi Chauhans of Rajasthan, the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan in 13th century. The site’s Muslim period began with Sultan Mehmood Begada, who shifted his capital from Ahmedabad to Champaner fort to ward off the Sultans of Mandu. That was in the year 1484. The region passed into the hands of Mughals in the year 1535 when the fledgling town was plundered by Humayun. By the end of 16th century, the town fell from grace, losing its importance as a place of commerce and governance. The architecture is a mix of Muslim and Hindu styles with some pre-Sultanate monuments having Jain motifs. The Muslim monuments, mostly built by Mehmood Begada, like the Jami Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Kevda, Lila Gumbaj are typical of the Sultanate architecture with medieval Hindu influence, attributed mainly to Hindu artisans.

·        Jama Masjid- This mosque is a prefect blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. It is one of the finest mosques in Gujarat. It has beautiful, intricate carving & Jaali work. The structure was built by Sultan Begada in the late 15th century. The mosque is located on a high plinth, has two minars on either side of the central entrance. There are 7 mehrabs (prayer niches) & a separate area reserved for ladies. The mosque is one of the best sites of Champaner. Many mosques built in India after the Jama Masjid were based on the same architectural lines.

·        Nagina Masjid- Also known as Jewel Mosque. The mosque is built with pure white stone. The minarets of the mosque and the niches are filled with artistic designs & floral motifs. The mosque also has a cenotaph on the northeastern side. The façade & columns of the cenotaph are also adorned with geometrical patters & floral motifs that add aesthetic appeal.

·        Kevda Masjid and Cenotaph, Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid, Kamani Masjid, Bawaman Mosque & Sahar Ki Masjid are the other mosques that can be visited in Champaner. All these mosques have a typical style of architecture reflecting the Sultanate period.

·        Champaner has three fortifications. The base is (Champaner), the top (Pavagarh) & the area between the base & the top (Marchi). At the base, the Citadel Royal enclosure-of Muhammad Begada is an interesting place for tourists. It is a perfect rectangle enclosed by a wall of massive blocks called Mahmud Beghada's Wall. It has small beautifully carved balconies.

·        Makai Kothar & Navlakha Kothar are the structures that were built for storing grains and the Helical Stepped Well built in the 16th century was made with bricks & stone. The steps spiraled & descended downwards. Such helical wells are a distinct architectural style found in Gujarat.

·        Kalika Mata Temple (10th-11th century) is located on the Pavagadh hill and is a sacred place of worship for devotees of Goddess Kali. About a million Hindus visit this temple every year. There is also a Shiva temple built in the 10th century. All the Hindu temples have a similar style of architecture with a garbhagriha, mandapa and entrance porch. There are few Digambara & Swetambara Jain temples also in Champaner.

·        The Champaner fort, Pavagadh fort, Patai Rawal Palace and the Jhaveri Mahal Palace, are ruins of forts & palaces worth a visit.

Nearby Places:

Vadodara, Nimetabag, the Azwa lake, Jambughoda Sanctuary and Dhaboi, Balasinor, Chhota Udepur

Where To Eat:

Hotel Champaner and a few other local restaurants offer Gujarati as well as North Indian cuisine. One can also find numerous bhojanalayas where one can try the Gujarati Thali & Jain Thalis. Food options here would be mostly vegetarian.

Where To Stay:

Champaner has limited options for accomodation. It is difficult to find high-end hotels in Champaner. Hotel Champaner (Gujarat Tourism) is a decent budget hotel. There are few local Dharamshalas & guesthouses available too. A better option would be to stay at Vadodara which has many good hotels.

Champaner-Pavagadh is an excellent destination for visitors who wish to explore various historical & archeological sites from different periods in history. A tour including the nearby places like Vadodara, Nimetabag, the Azwa lake, Jambughoda Sanctuary and Dhaboi, Balasinor, Chhota Udepur make a perfect holiday for tourists who want to explore the western part of the country.