Kheda: Riverside Setting and Historical Traces

Kheda lies on rising ground near the confluence of the Vatrak and Shedhi rivers. The town’s history includes several names and stories passed down through the generations. On the outskirts stands the Khedia Hanuman Temple, atop the moderately high Hanuman Tekro. Kheda thus brings together a distinctive riverside landscape and historical associations.

Kheda’s Names and Traditions

In Sanskrit literature, Kheda was called Khetak and was an important city in the large administrative region of Khetak Ahar. This region was also called Vishyaya or Mandal and was similar in size to today’s district. Kheda was considered an ancient city; according to tradition, it already existed at the time of the Mahabharata and was then called Chakravati Nagari. The different names reflect various historical and traditional conceptions of the place.

The history of the Khedia Hanuman Temple is also associated with a date passed down through tradition: it is said to have existed since Samvat 713 (657 CE). Its location atop the moderately high Hanuman Tekro on the outskirts gives the temple’s history a tangible connection to the landscape. Those interested in Kheda’s historical stories can consider the town’s history alongside the tradition surrounding the temple.

Temples and Architecture in Kheda District

Kheda District has other religious sites, each with its own historical associations. In Thasra stands the Galteshwar Mahadev Temple, a historic destination for visitors and worshippers. It is located at the confluence of the Mahisagar and Galti rivers. More than 25 lakh devotees and tourists visit Galteshwar Mahadev each year. The site thus combines religious significance with a striking location by two rivers.

In Dakor, the present-day Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple was built in 1772 by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar for 100,000 rupees. Vadtal offers a different perspective on temple architecture: the Swaminarayan Temple has a lotus-shaped plinth and nine domes. Construction began in 1878, in the month of Chaitra, and was completed in the month of Kartik in 1881. Those interested in architectural history can thus explore two different periods and styles within the district.

Nadiad and Vaso add to this picture. Santram Maharaj came to Nadiad in 1872, lived there for 15 years and attained Samadhi on the full moon day in 1887. Nadiad railway station is the nearest station to the Santram Temple. In Vaso stands the Gopaldas Haveli, a 250-year-old mansion whose rooms feature woodwork throughout. These places combine religious history with an architectural detail that can be seen directly in the building.

Landscape and Travel Impressions

Kund Vav is located in Kapadwanj taluka of Kheda District. According to tradition, Dharmisth decided to build it after Somadat Pandit, who lived in the time of Siddharaja, was said to have been cured of an illness by a water reservoir. The story is part of the traditional account of the site’s origins. Kund Vav can be reached via National Expressway 1 between Ahmedabad and Vadodara, as well as by ST buses from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand. The Ahmedabad–Dandi route, also known as the Dandi heritage route, also passes through Kheda District.

Naukavihar is listed as a tourist attraction in Dakor. In Lusundra, in Kathlal taluka, the Hot Water Pools are a distinctive type of warm-water pool. A lake lies beside the Somnath Mahadev Temple near these pools; in front of the temple is a pool with hot and cold water. These local features give the district additional landscape and religious points of interest, distinct from Kheda’s own riverside setting.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether you want to focus primarily on Kheda itself or on places throughout the district. The town’s history, the Khedia Hanuman Temple and its location near the confluence of the Vatrak and Shedhi rivers form one focus; temples, architectural history and other landscape destinations are among the regional highlights. If your travel group has different interests, these themes can help you decide what to explore together.

Discover more destinations: Bhatera, Nadiad.

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