Looking for tourist attractions in Palitana? You are in the right place! Palitana is among the top destinations of Gujarat, known for its temples, museums, hills, and beaches. Palitana was founded in 1194 and was a princely state in Saurashtra. Murad Baksh, the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, bestowed the village to the leading Jain merchant, famously called Shantidas Jhaveri. Therefore, this place has immense historical significance and, thus, invites many history buffs to explore its centuries-old forts and temples for a memorable experience. Moreover, Palitana is among the important places for Jain pilgrims and grabs the attention of many travelers from across the world.
Below mentioned are some of the top tourist attractions in Palitana
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Jain Temple
Among the best places for tourist attractions at Palitana is Jain Temple. It is believed that a Jain must visit this temple once in his lifetime because that would guarantee his salvation. There are, in total, 900 temples that have been carved in marble. During the night, the priests at these temples are not allowed to sleep because the temple is considered the abode of the Almighty, and sleeping at night might make him angry. So, followers and priests remain awake during the night at Palitana Temple.
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Hastagiri Jain Tirth
Dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabhdev or Shri Adishwar Bhagwan, Hastagiri Jain Tirth is a prime attraction 25 km from Palitana. As per Hindu mythology, this temple was built by Bharat Chakravartin, the eldest son of Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Till date, the footprints of Bhagwan Rishabhdev are preserved by the devotees and management that you can see in a small temple atop hills. This temple’s chief sanctum has four idols of Rishabhdev facing in four directions. The dome has beautiful, detailed carvings that resemble that of Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu. Moreover, one can see Shatrunjaya mountain on one side and Kadamgir mountain on the other.
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Shatrunjaya Hills
On your tour, visit Shatrunjaya Hills, around 9 km from Palitana city center. They are considered sacred by Swetambara Jains. According to Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, the first Tirthankara Rishabhdev gave his first sermon here. Around 863 Jain temples on the hills, scattered in nine clusters, are considered the world’s largest temple complex. Surprisingly, these Jain temples were constructed in two phases over 900 years. In the first phase (11th – 12th centuries AD), they were made as a part of the temple revival in India. The temples you see today belong to the 16th century CE. Many wealthy business people who were Jain followers funded the restoration cause, and soon, they became a part of the Anandji Kalyanji Trust in 1730.
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Talaja Town
Visit the historical town of Talaja, located about 35 km from Palitana. This town is the birthplace of Narsimha Mehta, a famous poet. Talaja Town has some significant sites for Jains, Buddhists, and Hindus, attracting many pilgrims throughout the year. Among others, the main attraction of Talaja town is the ancient Buddhist Rock Cut Caves located on Talaja Hill. Ebhala Mandapa is a large hall with four octagonal pillars at this site, along with several Hindu temples. If you are an architecture admirer, Talaja town is a must-visit place in Palitana.
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Gopnath Beach
One of the best tourist places in Palitana is Gopnath Beach. An hour’s drive from the city center will take you to this serene beach, considered one of Gujarat’s top beaches. Earlier, it used to be the residence of Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji, who built it in European colonial style in the 1940s with a massive complex. Now it is a heritage hotel. The beach is also beautiful with limestone cliffs and breathtaking sunset views. You can walk on the shore but remember to avoid swimming as the tides are high here. Pay a visit to 700 years old Mahadev Temple on the beach.
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Shri Vishal Jain Museum
The museum is named after a Jain Acharya Vishalsen Suriji. It displays a collection of Jain heritage and culture, but the impressive part is the stories and legends of this religion that are depicted pictorially. The museum is located at the foot of the Shantrujaya Hills and is among the most famous museums in Palitana. In fact, Shri Vishal Jain Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to Jainism history. From artifacts and coins to ancient manuscripts, there’s a lot to see here. Some major exhibits in the museum are of Jain artwork that is around 500 years old.
For more information about the tourist attractions in Palitana, reach out to Indian Holiday. If you are planning a trip to Palitana, we offer affordable tour packages to Gujarat that cover Palitana and its famous attractions.
