The state of Gujarat is a mesmerizing treasure trove of Heritage, It has 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites currently, including the Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park. There are 3 sites on the tentative list. Apart from the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park Panchmahal, the other UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Rani Ki Vav in Patan, Dholavira, and the heritage city of Ahmedabad. The tentative list features Vadnagar, Modhera Sun Temple, and the Wild Ass Sanctuary of the Little Rann of Kutch.

The Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat, is relatively lesser known than the other heritage sites. Read on for all you need to know about Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Panchmahal District, Gujarat, India. We hope that this blog post serves as a Guide to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

The site is the only complete and unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city – UNESCO

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park – List Of Monuments According To ASI

A large portion of the Champaner-Archaeological Park lies unexcavated. However, according to some sources, there are more than 100 monuments currently within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) lists these monuments. The site is scattered with the remains of monuments dating from around the 8th century to the 16th century. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.

Here is a list of the monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Panchmahal, Gujarat.

• Jami or Jama Masjid in Champaner
• Kevda Masjid and the Cenotaph in Champaner
• Nagina Masjid and the Cenotaph in Champaner
• Shaher Ki Masjid in Champaner
• Ek-Minar Masjid in Champaner
• Kabutarkhana Pavilion in Champaner
• Fortress and Wall in Champaner
• Helical Stepped Well in Champaner
• Sakar Khan’s Dargah in Champaner
• Three cells inside the citadel wall between
  Mandvi or Custom House in Champaner
• Tomb with a big dome in the centre and small corner domes on the way to Khajuri Masjid near Wada Talao
• Lila Gumbaz in Champaner
• Kamani Mosque in Champaner
• Bawaman Mosque in Champaner
• Atak Gate on Pavagadh Hill
• Budhiya Gate on Pavagadh Hill
• Gulan-Bulan Gate on Pavagadh Hill
• Moti Gate or Sadanchah Gate on Pavagadh Hill
• Buland Darwaza
• Sat Manzil on Pavagadh Hill
• Navlakha Kothar on Pavagadh Hill
• Makai Kothar on Pavagadh Hill
• Jain Temples on Pavagadh Hill
• Lakulish Temple on Pavagadh Hill

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Here are some interesting facts about Champaner Archaeological Park – prior to it being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The first excavations at the site started only in the year 1969. Excavations were first carried out in Champaner and Pavagadh by a team from the Archaeology and History department of the Maharajah Sayajirao University of Baroda between 1969 and 1977.

The initial survey which focused more on the foothills of Pavagadh discovered the remains of an urban settlement, circular in shape. The settlement extended was spread over an area of about 6 square kilometres. According to the initial analysis the city had been well-planned and consisted of sectors with well-connected roads. The roads all led towards the Royal enclosures.

The excavations also revealed the existence of shop-like structures constituting markets, fairly well-preserved mosques, and cenotaphs. The most amazing of the finds were of course the existence of a complex system of water harvesting. A series of lakes, ponds, tanks, step wells, ring wells, and cisterns, complemented each other to provide water to the medieval city.

The archaeological evidence pointed to the fact that the city was well-provided with basic civic amenities. Also, the fact that the city was divided into sectors, pointed to the fact that society was then probably divided based on social, economic, and political, status.

The initial excavations did the spadework to establish Champaner and Pavagadh as glowing examples of Indian heritage. It also brought into focus the need for conserving this precious heritage. The efforts of all stakeholders culminated with Champaner-Pavagadh becoming the first site in Gujarat to get the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag in the year 2004, during the 28th session that was held in Suzhou, China.

History of Champaner-Pavagadh – Champaner Archaeological Park

Historically speaking, the region around Champaner and Pavagadh dates back to pre-historic times. Stone tools and other evidence found in the vicinity, link the region to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The earliest known dynasty to have ruled over the region is that of the Maitrakas, who ruled between 470-776 CE. The discovery of copper coins and other evidence provide historical authenticity to this fact.

Copper plates of the Maitraka King Dhruvasena III, dated to around 653 CE have been discovered in Kapadvanj. According to these copper plates, the Maitrakas ruled over Shivbhagapura, which is believed to be the present-day Shivrajpur, located about 12 kilometres from Champaner.

The strategic importance of the location of the Champaner and Pavagadh region attracted many a dynasty to its fold. The region was a bridge between Gujarat and Malwa, which meant any army desirous of attacking Malwa, had to have control of this region. Thus it is no wonder, that various dynasties vied for power in the region, and these included the likes of the Rashtrakutas, the Gurjara Pratiharas, the Parmaras of Dhar, and the Chalukyas of Anhilwas Patan.

It is believed that the region of Pavagadh and Champaner came under the sway of the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs from Mewar, around 1300 CE. An inscription found in a stepwell called Nahani Umarvan near Champaner gives a genealogy of the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs and mentions 13 rulers of the dynasty. The inscription also points out that the 5th ruler of the dynasty, named Palhansila, established their hegemony over the region. The inscription also traces the lineage of the Khich Chauhan dynasty to the legendary Prithviraj Chauhan of Rajasthan.

The Khichi Chauhan rulers ruled over Champaner and Pavagadh till about the middle of the 15th century when they met their nemesis in the form of the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Shah I, also known as Mahmud Begada.

The Gujarat Sultanate had been eyeing the fort of Pavagadh and Champaner since the beginning of the 15th century. There were unsuccessful attempts made to capture the kingdom by Sultan Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, in 1418 and 1431. It was then the turn of his son, Muhammad Shah II to attack Champaner and Pavagadh in the year 1450. However, the Gujarat Sultanate again faced defeat, as the then-ruling king Gangadas fought valiantly and also sought the assistance of Sultan Mahmud Khalji, who was then the ruler of Malwa.

Mahmud Shah I was the Sultan in the year 1483, and he planned to fulfil the dreams of his father and grandfather. In the month of April 1483, his army laid siege to Champaner and Pavagadh. The siege lasted 20 months and ended in the fall of the last king of the Khichi Chauhan dynasty, Patai Jai Sinh.

Mahmud Shah I shifted his capital from Ahmedabad to Champaner and called it Muhammadabad. The move was a tactical one to further his designs against Malwa, which was his next frontier of conquest. Mahmud Shah I, by now had earned the name, “Mahmud Begada,” which meant, “Mahmud of Two Forts.”  The two forts being referred to were those of Champaner and Junagadh which he had conquered.

Champaner flourished and prospered under the rule of Mahmud Begada. He ordered the building of religious structures, military fortifications, and a host of public utility projects for the welfare of the people were taken up. These included roads, bridges, water harvesting systems, and gardens.

However, all good things do come to an end, and the gradual decay of the Kingdom of Champaner and Pavagadh began, with the emergence of the Mughals on the Indian history scene. In the year 1534, Humayun attacked and plundered Champaner, a blow from which it never recovered.

The capital of the Gujarat Sultanate was shifted back to Ahmedabad. This seemed to be the signal for a series of conquerors to lay their sights on Champaner. Mahmud III, Shah Mirza, followed by Krishnaji Kadam successively captured the region, and finally, the Scindias of Gwalior took over, before handing the kingdom to the British in the year 1853.

Mahmud Begada made Champaner the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and called it Muhammadabad, he also called it Shahar Mukarram – The Illustrious City

Champaner UNESCO World Heritage Site – Best Places to visit in Champaner | Important Monuments

Here are the main monuments that you must visit at the Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

Jami Masjid

One of the most beautiful architectural legacies of Mahmud Begada is the Jami Masjid or Jama Masjid. An exquisite example of Indi-Islamic architecture the monument is well preserved, and its grandeur comes across strikingly.

An inscription that was found in the mosque indicated that the structure was built between 1508-1509 CE. The mosque is ornamented with a central dome supported by 172 pillars.

There are seven Mihrabs inside the central hall and the arched entrance is flanked by two elegant pillars on either side. Exquisite jali or stone-screen work and intricate carvings greet you at every corner of the Jami Masjid.

Shahar Ki Masjid

The Shahar Ki Masjid or City Mosque is another beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture that flourished before the Mughal Period. This was a mosque which was built for the use of the members of the royal family and other noblemen.

The mosque is an elegant and simple structure as compared to the more elaborate and ornate Jami Masjid. However, its beauty lies in its simplicity. It consists of 5 Mihrabs topped by 5 domes. It has five arched doors that are flanked by beautiful windows. Two minarets pierce the sky from near the main entrance to the mosque.

Kevada Masjid

The Kevada Mosque is a fine example of the exquisite architecture of the period. The mosque whose central dome has unfortunately collapsed still retains its original charm.

It is an intricate mosaic of pillars, niches, ornamental windows, and minarets. In front of the Kevada Mosque stands a large cenotaph which is in itself a beautiful structure with domes and cupolas.

Nagina Masjid

The Nagina Masjid has a central arched entrance topped by a central dome. It is flanked by a dome on either side. The structure is supported by 80 pillars and is made up of 10 cupolas. The Nagina Mosque is characterized by fine carvings bearing floral motifs.

Lila Gumbaj

The Gumbaj Ki Masjid is a smaller mosque. What remains of the structure today gives an idea of its form in its heyday. It consists of a central dome flanked by a dome on each side. The Lila Gumbaj too is characterized by intricate carvings of floral and other geometric motifs.

Ek Minar Ki Masjid

This is a mosque that has a solitary minaret, hence the name, Ek Minar Ki Masjid. This mosque is believed to have been built by Bahadur Shah, between 1526 to 1532. It was during the reign of Bahadur Shah, that Champaner first fell to the onslaught of the Mughal, Humayun. He did regain control over Champaner, however the deterioration of the once, grand empire was on an unstoppable trajectory.

Amir Manzil

The Amir Manzil Complex consists of the ruins of what was once the living quarters of the royal family of Champaner. It was made up of residential rooms, gardens, water channels, tanks and cisterns, stables, and more.

Based on archaeological evidence gathered by the team from the Archaeology Department of M.S. University, Baroda, it has been surmised, that the royal residents must have lived here for more than a century, at the least. Many precious and significant items like silver, terracotta, iron and copper items have been recovered from the site. These include coins, rings, and also Chinese porcelain items.

Helical Stepwell

Champaner was equipped with an advanced water-harvesting system. Its network of wells had earned it the sobriquet, “City of Thousand Wells.” The region consisted of several natural lakes and ponds. Primarily among them were the Media Talao, the Tailia Talao, and the Dudhia Talao. Stepwells came up as a measure of harnessing natural water resources for daily utility.

The Helical Stepwell which was built in the 16th century stands as an example of the many step-wells that made up an intricate system of water harvesting in Champaner. The Helical stepwell is fairly utilitarian and devoid of any sort of ornamentation. However, the spiral staircase that descends from ground level to the water presents a dramatic sight.

Saat Kaman

Saat Kaman is part of what was once a military structure. It is located at a vantage point that commands a view of the valley below and must have been impregnable in the past. The structure has a unique architectural design which consists of radially arranged arches which are seven in number. The number of arches is what lends the name, Saat Kaman to the structure. It literally translates as Seven Arches.

Mint

A Mint or Tankshala was established in the year 1484 by Mahmud Begada on Pavagadh Hill. This was one of the four mints that served the Gujarat Sultanate at that time. The other three mints were located at Ahmedabad, Ahmednagar, and Junagadh. It is believed that silver and copper coins were minted at the Pavagadh mint between the years 1485 to 1537.

Lakulisa Temple

The Lakulisa temple is believed to be the oldest of the structures existing within the Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park. It is believed to belong between the 10th and 11th centuries. The ruins of the Lakulisa temple are found on the Mauliya plateau of Pavagadh Hill.

The Lakulisha temple was a temple to Lakulisha who had some credit with the establishment of the Pashupata sect of Shaivism, though some quarters argue that Lakukisha was only the first formal teacher of the Pashupata sect. The temple though in ruins gives an idea of the structure and the iconography depicted on it. Some of the figures carved in the temple are those of Dakshinamurthi, Lakulisha, Surasundaris, Gajendra Moksha, Indra, and Ambika.

Mahakali Temple

The Mahakali temple of Pavagadh is one of the most historical and important landmarks within the Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The temple deity was the family deity of the Khichi Chauhan dynasty that ruled over Pavagadh for many centuries. The Mahakali temple even finds a mention in the 15th-century Sanskrit drama called Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam.

According to legend, the toe of Sati is believed to have fallen here and hence it is regarded as a Shakti Peeth. However, there is also a belief, that the hill of Pavagadh is itself the toe of Sati.

Jain Temples

Pavagadh has not only been a sacred place for Hindus, but it has also been an important religious centre for Jains. There are many Jain temples dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries in Pavagadh. The temples belong to the Digambar Jain sect and include temples to Adinath, Parshwanath, and Chandraprabha.

Best Time To Visit Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park

You can visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park throughout the year. However, the best time would be in the winter months between September to February. Summers are quite strong and sightseeing may not be very comfortable.

Images of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Here is a collage of Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park photos.

We hope these images from the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park convey in some small measure the enduring beauty of its monuments.

How To Reach Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park Location is about 49 kilometres from the city of Vadodara in Gujarat. The Archaeological Park is located in the city of Champaner, in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, India. Click here for directions to reach Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park from Ahmedabad or Vadodara.

• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is about 146 kilometres from Ahmedabad
• Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park is about 49 kilometres from Vadodara
• Surat is about 197 kilometres from Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is about 458 kilometres from Mumbai

Reaching By Air
The nearest airport to Champaner is the Vadodara Airport at a distance of about 43 kilometres. There are flights to and from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. However for more flight options, one can fly to Ahmedabad and then travel by road to Champaner and the Panchmahal District.

Reaching By Train
The Panchmahal District is well connected by rail. The major railway station is Godhra, with trains to and from places like Delhi, Amritsar, and Mumbai. For more options, one can travel to Vadodara or Ahmedabad by train and travel to Champaner or any other place in the Panchmahal District by road.

Reaching By Road
Gujarat has a well-connected road network that joins its various districts. One can travel across the state by buses run by G.S.R.T.C (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation). You can take public transport from Ahmedabad or Vadodara, hire a cab, or drive down to Champaner, or any other place in the Panchmahal District.
If you are planning a visit to Champaner or Pavagadh or any other place in Panchmahal, you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Ahmedabad or Vadodara. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car options.

Where to stay in Champaner | Best places to stay in Champaner

There are a number of heritage resorts and other hotels in and around Champaner. You also have the option of staying in Vadodara and making a day trip to Champaner.
There are many resorts and hotels to choose from for your stay in Champaner or Jambughoda. These include the Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa and the Jambughoda Palace which is a heritage hotel.

To book any of these hotels or any other hotel in the Panchmahal District or anywhere else you can book the best hotels in Panchmahal District, India right here –  TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Click to book the Jambughoda Palace hotel or the best hotels in Panchmahal Dist.

Tips To Visit Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Here are some of the things to know before visiting Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park. These points are sure to stand you in good stead when you plan your visit to Champaner.

• Be aware that there are more than 100 monuments within the archaeological park
• You would need to be prepared for a bit of walking while visiting Champaner and Pavagadh
• Keep aside at least one day only for Pavagadh
• Once you have finished seeing the sights of Pavagadh, you can focus on the monuments in Champaner
• We recommend a minimum of 3 days for covering the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
• Make sure you are equipped with sun protection gear and proper footwear
• Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park timings are generally from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park Ticket Price is nominal and currently INR 35 for Indian citizens, SAARC Nationals, and BIMSTEC Nationals, for other nationals it is INR 550
• You can book your tickets online for the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park at the ASI website of the Ministry of Culture at this link
• Carry your refillable water bottle
• Click photographs and create memories around the monuments
• Start early and preferably hire a cab to commute
• There is an entry ticket for the monuments
• Hire a guide to know in detail about each of the monuments
• Click here to check out good restaurants in the area
• The weather between September to February is cool and the best time to travel
• One would require a minimum of 2 days to 4 days to cover all the places of interest
• Booking a cab either from Vadodara or Ahmedabad would be ideal for visiting the places within this region

Champaner UNESCO World Heritage Site – FAQ

How to get around Champaner Archaeological Park?

The best option is to have your own vehicle to get around as it will offer more convenience and flexibility. The other option is to hire a local autorickshaw or jeep to ferry you across the archaeological park.

In which year was, Champaner declared a world heritage site?

The Champaner Pavagadh site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, at the 28th session of UNESCO in China.

Why is Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park famous?

According to UNESCO itself, the site is the only unchanged pre-Mughal city. The site has over 100 monuments ranging from the 10th century till about the 16th century.

Why did UNESCO select Champaner as a World Heritage Site?

UNESCO selected Champaner-Pavagadh as a world heritage site based on its various criteria. The main reason was that it felt that the site was the only unchanged pre-Mughal city.

Who built Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park?

Champaner as a city was believed to have been first established by Vanraj Chavda, and later it was made the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate by Mahmud Begada. Champaner-Pavagadh was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park was established in 2004.

Is Champaner open now?

The opening timings of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park are generally from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

We hope you were as fascinated, reading about the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park and the history of the region, as we were in writing about it. Do let us know if you have any queries. We hope that the information we have shared here helps you plan your own trip, and this post serves as a Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park Travel Guide, on your trip.

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Our visit to Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Panchmahal District in Gujarat was part of a familiarization trip organized by India Tourism Mumbai – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Panchmahal District Administration. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #ExplorePanchmahal #IncredibleIndia #DekhoApnaDesh #Gujarat #travel #panchmahaltour #exploringpanchmahal #ChampanerPavagadhArchaeologicalPark

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