Discover Kheda: Temples, Traditions and Hot Water Pools
Accommodation in Kheda
Kheda brings together religious traditions, striking temples and distinctive places by the water. The Galteshwar Mahadev Temple lies at the confluence of the Mahisagar and Galti rivers; in Dakor, temple stories and a traditional Friday procession shape the town. The district also has the hot water pools of Lusundra and the historic rooms of Gopaldas Haveli in Vaso. When planning a trip to Kheda, you can first decide whether temples, architecture or places by the water will be your main focus.
Temples and religious traditions
The Galteshwar Mahadev Temple in Thasra is regarded as a historic tourist and religious site in Kheda district. Its location at the confluence of the Mahisagar and Galti rivers also makes it a distinctive place by the water. More than 25 lakh devotees and tourists visit Galteshwar Mahadev each year. This underscores its importance for religious travel and gives the site a different character from temple complexes whose history is most evident in their period of construction or architecture.
The present-day Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple stands in Dakor. Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar had it built in 1772 for 100,000 rupees. A distinctive tradition is also associated with the temple: according to the story, the Lord visits his wife every Friday. A procession then travels from the main temple through the streets of Dakor to bring the couple together. For families, this story can provide an engaging conversation starter—unlike the more architectural details that are the focus when visiting the temple in Vadtal.
The Swaminarayan Temple in Vadtal has a lotus-shaped base and nine domes. Construction began in 1878, in the month of Chaitra, and was completed in the month of Kartik in 1881. Nadiad is also associated with religious history: Santram Maharaj arrived there in 1872, lived in the town for 15 years and attained samadhi on a full-moon day in 1887. Those interested in religious sites will find a range of points of interest in Kheda—from a procession rooted in tradition and a precisely dated construction history to the life story of a religious teacher.
Mansion, frescoes and a traditional account of its construction
Gopaldas Haveli in Vaso is a 250-year-old mansion. Woodwork can be found throughout its rooms. The haveli is also noted for its frescoes, which were made with natural colours and were highly valued in the past. These details give the site a distinct focus alongside the temples. While Vadtal stands out for its nine domes and lotus-shaped base, Vaso is known for its woodwork and the history of its frescoes.
Kund Vav is in Kapadwanj taluka, Kheda district. A traditional account is associated with its origins: Somadat Pandit, who lived in Siddharaja’s time, is said to have been cured of an illness by a water tank. The story goes that Dharmisth then decided to build Kund Vav. For a trip with children, this story can offer a different perspective from dates and architectural details: it tells of a water tank, a cure and the decision to build a structure. Kund Vav is accessible via National Expressway 1 between Ahmedabad and Vadodara, and by ST buses from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand.
Places by the water and planning your trip
The Hot Water Pools, a distinctive type of hot water pool, are in Lusundra, Kathlal taluka, Kheda district. There is a lake by the Somnath Mahadev Temple near the pools, and a pool containing hot and cold water lies in front of the temple. This combination of a temple, lake and pools sets Lusundra apart from places whose distinguishing features are mainly religious traditions or historic architectural styles. Naukavihar in Dakor is also listed as a tourist site.
The Ahmedabad-Dandi route, also known as the Dandi heritage route, passes through Kheda district. You can therefore plan your trip around a route through the district, religious sites such as Galteshwar and Dakor, the architecture of Vadtal and Vaso, or the places by the water in Lusundra. Travel information also relates to specific destinations: Kund Vav is accessible via the road mentioned above and by ST buses; Nadiad is the nearest railway station to Santram Temple.
More destination pages: Nadiad, Kheda and Bhatera.
For the main travel overview: Gujarat.
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