Patan: Rani ki Vav, Jain Temples and Patola

Patan brings together historic architecture, Jain architecture, Patola weaving and science. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Patan, you can consider which of these themes you would like to shape your trip. Rani ki Vav and Sahasralinga Talav tell the story of the place in different ways; temples and Patola draw attention to architecture and craftsmanship. The Regional Science Centre offers a different focus.

Architecture and water engineering in Patan

Rani ki Vav was built in the 11th century as a memorial to King Bhimdev I. The structure is designed in the Maru-Gurjara style and takes the form of an inverted temple. In 2014, Rani ki Vav was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, you can consider the history of architecture, a distinctive architectural form and World Heritage status as different aspects of your travel interests. In Patan, Rani ki Vav also stands on the banks of the Saraswati River.

Sahasralinga Talav, a medieval artificial water tank, offers a different perspective on Patan’s past. It was commissioned during the Chaulukya or Solanki rule, was originally known as Durlabh Saravor and was built by King Durlabh Raja. Water from the Saraswati River was channelled into the circular basin through the deep RudraKupa and stone inlet channels. Nearly 1,000 small temples were built between the inlet and RudraKupa. The water tank is a monument of national importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The historical connection between water management and architecture gives your visit a different focus from the memorial and temple architecture of Rani ki Vav.

Jain temples and Patola weaving

The Panchasara Jain Temple is located in the centre of Patan. Domes, columns, ceilings, walls and mandaps at the Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar are covered with sculptures. If you are interested in Jain architecture, this temple offers a close look at the design of sacred spaces.

Patola weaving also shapes Patan’s cultural history. According to legend, in the 12th century King Kumarpal invited Patola-weaving families to settle in Patan; the Salvi family was among them. The Salvis have preserved the art of Patola weaving for 35 generations. The family associated with the Patan Patola Heritage Museum has specialised in double ikat weaving since the 11th century. The museum also displays single ikat textiles from Uzbekistan, northern Thailand and Holland. Visitors can watch a demonstration at the loom. If you would like to include this in your plans, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Science as another focus for an excursion

The Regional Science Centre in Patan presents the development of science and technology and their applications for improving quality of life. Its programmes include exhibitions, seminars, accessible talks, science camps and other activities. This means that, alongside historic buildings and traditional crafts, science education is another theme on Patan’s visitor map.

Patan has a railway station for travel to the city. State Transport Corporation buses connect Patan with all major cities and towns in Gujarat, as well as with other states in India.

Choosing a holiday rental to suit your plans

There are several points of interest to consider when choosing accommodation in Patan: Rani ki Vav and Sahasralinga Talav for historic architecture and waterworks, the Panchasara Jain Temple for Jain architecture, the Patola museum for weaving, or the Science Centre for science and technology. First, consider which of these themes matter most to you. This will help you focus your search for a holiday rental in Patan on the experiences that genuinely interest you, rather than on a general idea of what makes a suitable base.

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