A hilltop or a mountain range that is submissive to the great spiritual and divine power of Maa Kalika. Nestled in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, Pavagadh Hill is more than a geographical marvel. When you visit this mountain and the temple at its summit, you will be experiencing sacredness, historical significance and also will have an emotional experience.
The height of the Pavagadh Hill is 800 mtrs above sea level. Pavagadh Hills is not only a most revered pilgrimage spot but also is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also an ancient city at the base of the Pavagadh Hill which significantly blends with the culture of Champaner.
So whether the tourist is a history lover, a spiritually inclined personality or just a hiker or a trekker, or someone who wants to go on a monsoon vacation just like the school days, then Pavagadh Hills, Gujarat is the best destination for you.
So get ready for a journey down the cloud-kissed trails, temple with mantra chanting echoes and the ancient ruins of the place. It is a journey that begins the moment you step your foot near the Pavagadh Hills.
🛕 The Myth, The Faith & The Goddess
When you reach the summit of the Pavagadh Hill, you will find the Maa Kalika Mata temple. Pavagadh Temple is considered as one of the Shakti peethas as Goddess Sati’s right toe fell on this piece of land and thus making it one of the most sacred sites for the Hindu pilgrims.
The Spiritual pull of the Pavagadh Hills in Gujarat is very much visible as it attracts devotees from all corners of India. Since it is a 800 meters hill, you can go for a small hike or a trek up and down the hill through the jungle pathway. If you have older parents traveling with you to the Pavagadh Hill along with to the Maa Kalika Temple, then you should go for the ropeway which will help you to get to the top of the mountain range. The devotees prefer going for a hike instead of a ropeway during Navratri as the scenes and views while climbing up makes it an amazing sight to behold and watch. The continuous rhythmic rings of the sacred bells along with the faint and soft chants of “Jai Maa Kalika” paired with cool breezes makes your trek or hike up the mountain worthwhile.
🌄 Where Nature Embraces Spirituality
The climb up to the Pavagadh Hill is going to be an enriching experience as the destination itself is very beautiful and is surrounded by thick lush forests, waterfalls and views of the plains below. The Pavagadh Hills provide a very stunning backdrop for all of its visitors.
If you visit the hill and the temple during monsoons, then you will be treated to the lush green forests that turn the entire surroundings into a green paradise, the monsoon then let the condensed clouds to touch the tips of the mountains and they also float beneath the temple stairs making it a heaven right down on earth.
The ultimate killer combination of natural splendor and spirituality makes Pavagadh Hills Gujarat one of the most unique and most visited hill stations along with a temple in the western India.
đźš Cable Car or Climb? The Choice is Yours
To reach the top of the Pavagadh Hills, you can either go hiking, trekking or take the ropeway up the Pavagadh Hills.
- Take the Ropeway: You can take the ropeway from the middle of the mountain that is the last point till where the cars can travel to. Once taking the ropeway, enjoy the views of the surroundings.
- Trek the Steps: For the young blood or the youngsters who think they can enjoy a small climb up the Pavagadh Hill through 2500-3000 steps, then you can climb up the stairs and enjoy a trek up the hills.
While you are climbing the Pavagadh hills through steps or taking the ropeway up the hill, the most awaiting reward is going to be the same. You will be experiencing the same peace, divinity and a view that is enough to take your breath away. While you are climbing up the Pavagadh hill, you will see there are different stalls that are selling souvenirs, prasads, snacks, etc.
🕰️ Timings, Entry Fee & Best Time to Visit
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 6:45pm
- Ropeway Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for the temple entry and darshan. However, if you are opting for a ropeway, then you will have to buy tickets and pay INR 150/- for adults (to and fro) and INR 80/- for children (to and fro).
- Best Time to Visit: Generally, the best time to visit the Pavagadh Hill is that of visiting during the Navratri or during October to March as the temperature is cool and pleasant.
Pro tip: Early morning visits are advisable and preferred as the crowd at the temple is less and you can experience the tranquility and peace of the place.
🏛️ The Rich History of Champaner-Pavagadh
At the base of Pavagadh Hill is the prachin city of Champaner which has a history that is dated back from the 8th century. The entire locality surrounding the Pavagadh Hill is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site under the name of Champaner- Pavagadh Archeological Park. Below is a list of places that you can explore here:
Here, you can explore:
- Jami Masjid – It is a muslim shrine that is visited and most famous for its Hindu- islam architecture.
- Kevda and Nagina Masjid– These masjids are not used as a site to offer prayers but are still open for the public to watch and know about the architecture.
- Fort walls, stepwells, and palace ruins
- Helical Stepwell – This is a stepwell that is designed in a spiral way.
This is an archeological wonder that is often overlooked by the travelers as they are in a hurry for Maa Kalika darshan, but for someone who is keen into knowing the cultural significance of Gujarat, then they should definitely visit the Pavagadh Hills Gujarat. As it is an epitome of untold tales.
đź“Ť How to Reach Pavagadh Hill
🛣️By Road: Pavagadh hill is easily accessible through major cities of Gujarat like:
- Vadodara to Pavagadh Hill: 50 km
- Ahmedabad to Pavagadh Hill: 150 km
🚉By Train: A well connected railway station is close to Pavagadh Hill is the Vadodara Railway Station.
🛬By Air: Connecting all the major cities in India and the closest airport is the Vadodara Airport.
You can take a local bus, taxi or booked cabs from Vadodara to reach the Pavagadh Hills which is one hour drive from Vadodara.
🍲 Local Flavor – Food Around Pavagadh Hill
The local food stalls near Pavagadh Hill offer a taste of Gujarat’s earthy, vegetarian cuisine. Don’t miss out on:
The food stalls near Pavagadh Hills offer you the hot and yummy taste of Gujarat. All the stalls at the Pavagadh Hills offer you vegetarian cuisines. However, you should not miss these yummy stall foods:
- You can see the hot Fafda-Jalebi being fried in front of you.
- The hot yet delicious Gujarati Snacks of Khaman Dhokla and Thepla.
- After enjoying the above snacks, you can sip on hot Chai (tea) made at the stalls.
You can also see and find that the local sweet shops are offering prasads that are given as offerings to Maa Kalika. These offerings are the coconut ladoos and the pedhas.
🛌 Where to Stay Near Pavagadh Hill
There are many accommodation options near the Pavagadh Hills Gujarat. The choice of these accommodations depend on your choice of city you wish to travel to. Below are some hotel options near Vadodara.
- The Veronica Hotel– It is a 3 star hotel with good ratings and reviews at affordable prices.
- The Baroda Residency– It is a 3 star hotel with complimentary breakfast options and provides you with modern facilities and amenities at budgeted price.
- Hotel Grand Paradise– It is a 3 star hotel with all the facilities and services that are needed for a comfortable stay.
- Regenta Inn Vadodara– It is a 4 star hotel with excellent reviews and ratings. It has a spa which you can use after having a whole day of travelling and also has other facilities all at affordable prices.
🌟 Why Pavagadh Hills Gujarat Deserves Your Visit
From sacred chantings to the blissful ringing of the bells to the cloud covered temple and valley to the now not most visited ruins, Pavagadh Hills Gujarat is not just any destination; it is a live, breathing chapter of India’s hidden jewels.
- The beautiful temple and the Pavagadh Hill is mesmerising without being overwhelming.
- Though it is a prachin site that has many structures and ruins, it is not at all dusty and is well-maintained.
- The Pavagadh Hills and the temple surroundings are absolutely adventurous, scenic and deeply moving.
Pavagadh Hills welcomes everyone with open arms and ancient secrets. So whether you are a history lover, a mountain trekker or hiker or a person who loves to breathe in clean air, Pavagadh Hill welcomes you and your family.
A Royal Affair with Udaipur – Heritage, Hills & Hidden Treasure
Exploring Pavagadh Hills is going to be a magical experience, so after having this magical experience, would you love to explore more of such places. If the answer is YES, then let us introduce you to a city in Rajasthan, that exudes the exact same vibes. This city is Udaipur.
Udaipur is a city that is filled with nature, heritage, hills and also the hidden treasures that have not been explored much by the locals too. So you can be the one amongst those who have travelled to these offbeat places and have enjoyed their time thoroughly. To explore all of Udaipur, you will need a maximum of 7 days so that you can take your time and explore each and every corner of Udaipur.
To have a good time at Udaipur, you will be needing a good place to stay. Here is where Goya Hills comes into picture. Goya Hills is the best villa in Udaipur that is equipped with a swimming pool and a private in-room jacuzzi. The villa is built amidst the Aravalli Hills and when the monsoon arrives, this villa is a place worth staying at. There are all the basic amenities that are needed for a comfortable and luxury stay at Goya Hills. To book your stay with us, call Goya Hills at + 91 9024082177.
