Discover Patan

Patan combines significant monuments with a vibrant textile tradition. Rani-ki-Vav stands on the banks of the Saraswati River; the history of medieval water engineering, Jain temples, and Patola craftsmanship give the place very different facets. When choosing your destination, you can therefore consider whether you would most like to explore historic sites, religious culture, crafts, or science.

Water engineering and historic monuments

Rani-ki-Vav was originally built in the 11th century CE as a memorial to a king and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. These two aspects give the site a clear historical context: it is associated with the commemoration of a king and is also part of the World Heritage. Anyone interested in Patan’s history will find Rani-ki-Vav a notable starting point for exploring this subject.

Another perspective on the historic use of water is offered by Sahasralinga Talav, a medieval artificial water tank in Patan. Water from the Saraswati River was channelled into the circular basin through the deep RudraKupa and stone inlet channels. The described route taken by the water also makes the Talav interesting as an example of the technical design of a water basin. Sahasralinga Talav is a monument of national importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Rudramal, also known as Rudramahalaya, may have been one of the earliest and largest Chaulukya temples. Its remains include several subsidiary shrines, a torana, two porches, and four pillars of the kapili of the main temple. The Panchasara Jain Temple is located in the centre of Patan. For visitors interested in Jain architecture, the Panchasara Parshwanath Temple also offers many individual design elements: domes, pillars, ceilings, walls, mandaps, and other parts are covered with sculptures.

Patola weaving and science

Patola is a particularly distinctive part of the local craft tradition. Patola weaving is considered a closely guarded family tradition in Patan; the Salvi family has preserved the art of Patola double-ikat weaving for 35 generations. Visitors can watch a loom demonstration at the Patan Patola Heritage Museum. Single-ikat textiles from Uzbekistan, northern Thailand, and as far away as Holland are also displayed there. Thus, a live weaving demonstration and textiles from different places of origin are two distinct ways of engaging with the subject.

The Regional Science Centre in Patan offers a different focus. Its programme includes exhibitions, seminars, popular science lectures, and science camps. If you are also interested in science on a trip that includes history and crafts, you can take these subjects into account when choosing activities; Patan offers various points of interest in this regard.

Religious sites, Siddhpur, and nature

The Shankheshwar Jain Temple is dedicated to Parshwanath and is an important pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism. In Siddhpur, the annual Matru Shraddh ceremonies are held at Kapilamuni Ashram; Gyan Vapika, Alpa Sarovar, and Bindu Sarovar are located there. Bindu Sarovar is considered one of India’s five holiest and oldest lakes. These religious and spiritual associations offer a different emphasis from Patan’s architectural and craft history.

Siddhpur is also known for the old havelis and mansions of Bohra Vad: some are over 100 years old and feature a distinctly European style. The annual Sidhpur Camel Festival takes place from the 11th to the 15th of the month of Kartik; it is held on the occasion of Karthika Poornima. As a nature-related attraction, there is also the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, located near the village of Koddha in Patan district. These different places and subjects allow you to weigh cultural, religious, and nature-related interests separately when planning your trip.

Getting there and choosing a search location

Patan has a railway station for visitors arriving by train. State Transport Corporation buses connect Patan with all major cities and towns in Gujarat, as well as with other states of India. If Patan’s monuments and Patola craftsmanship are the focus of your trip, you can target your holiday-apartment search to Patan. For a stay centred on other places or subjects, it is worth clarifying your priorities before choosing the search location.

More location pages: Patan, Shankheshwar. More destinations at the same level: Gandhinagar, Kachchh, Dang, Amreli, Surendranagar, Surat.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gujarat.