Ancient and Historical Town of Champaner in the State of Gujarat, India

There are many famous and ancient historical places in India that are classified as the World Heritage sites. Such places are protected by the Central Government of India. Champaner is one such historical place that comes under such World Heritage places. Many tourists visit this historical city of Champaner situated in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat State. Champaner is a small town but was in full glory before around 400 years. The old structures and the history of the town show that this town was a very big important city once in the past.

Champaner can easily be reached by road through hired car or taxi from city of Vadodara as it is only around 30 miles away from it. It can be one day outing from Vadodara. If you start by around 9 am in the morning from Vadodara after the breakfast, you can easily reach back to Vadodara by early afternoon hours from Champaner. There is a very large and ancient fort at Champaner that is around 5000 feet long by 30 feet tall built all around the town of Champaner. This fort was considered impenetrable in the earlier times and most of the Kings found it impossible to win this Champaner fort. Champaner was ruled by famous King Mehmood Begda and his family for a long time till the Sixteenth century. Mogul Emperor Humayoon won this fort by defeating Begda rulers. It remained under the Mogul rule since than. The fort has 6 gates all around it. In earlier times, these gates were closed during the night time and were opened again in the morning. That is why it was very difficult for the various rulers to win this fort. The fort is made from very solid rocks having thickness of the wall as 3 feet. This was the reason as to why this fort was so strong and survives today even after 400 years. The tourists can move around this fort and see its various points. One famous stepped well is situated inside the fort that is very deep, and still is full of sweet water coming from below the ground. The exact source as to the origin of water is not known to anybody even in this scientific age. The meeting hall and the palace of King Mehmood Begda are worth seeing items. The meeting hall is as big as 3000feet long and 1000 feet wide. It is having 376 pillars for the support. In Spite of these many pillars, the design of the hall is such that each and everybody sitting in the hall can view the face of the king sitting in the center on the Royal seat.

There are other places to be seen in the town. The first is famous Jama Masjid made by Mehmood Begda for the prayers of Muslims. This is a very large and ancient building again designed for the capacity of 10000 people. The structure also is an architectural marvel and many leading engineers and architects visit this place to study its construction pattern. The other place is Nagina Masjid, located inside the town. This Masjid is comparatively smaller than the earlier one. There is also an ancient lake in the town. Though all these places are worn-out considerably at present due to the improper care by the concerned authorities, it still can show us the glimpses of the past glory.

The famous temple of Mahakali Mataji on the Mountain of Pavagadh is only around 15 miles away from Champaner. It would be the best to visit this temple while you are on visit to this historic town of Champaner. This temple is at the height, located on the top of the Pavagadh Mountain. Champaner is a small town and it is not having good restaurants for food etc. That is why it is strongly suggested to carry the food items and the bottled mineral drinking water supply with you. There is only one hotel, operated by the State Government that can provide some basic facilities of lodging and boarding. However, it may not be necessary to stay here for night as all the sites seeing places can be visited within few hours only.

If you are interested in the ancient, historical places of India, Champaner is the place to visit.