Places to visit in palitana: a spiritual journey through jain temples and hilltop views

Top places to visit in palitana

Palitana city offers a variety of places to visit for you to enjoy, here is a list of few of them,

1. Shatrunjay hill and jain temples

Shatrunjay hill and jain temples consist of eight hundred temples which are made up of marbles. This marvellous architecture is a sacred pilgrimage site for the jain community. Located on the top of the hill you can enjoy the spiritual peace while having fun and adventure on the side. As you need to climb to reach the jain abode, the peace you get is very different.

2. Adinath temple ( first Tithankar)

Adinath temple is the most important temple of all the temples. This temple held the significance for the first Tirthankar of very spiritual importance. The temple consists of several unique cravings from the ancient times.

3. Shri Vishal jain museum

This museum represent the jain culture. The religious things in the museum represent the rich history and heritage of the oldest communities in the world. This museums can be best visited if you are into educational and historical enthusiasts.

4. Taleti area(base of the hill)

Taleti hill is the gateway to the temple for which you need to climb. This area has food stalls, local market, spiritual aura and many other things to enjoy.

5. Palitana town market

This market is a great destination for you to enjoy snacks and local food. You can also buy souvenirs for your friends and family if you want to keep the memories. This is a great place for short interaction with the culture of palitana and its people.

Best time to visit and temple timings

It is recommended to visit the temples in the winter season which is from October to March. with more cooler weather you can get more enjoyable experience. Early mornings are the best time to start your climbing journey for the temples as it would be less crowded during this time and you can enjoy the peaceful environment. The temples open around 6am and close at around 6pm. So reaching the temples between this time period is an ideal choice. To climb the 3000 steps, required for you to reach the temples it would take you around 1.5 to 2 hours of time. Hence starting early climbing is the key to experience the spiritual and peaceful abode.

Travel tips for the first time visitors

If you are a first time visitor and don’t know what would be ideal for you, here are some tips for you to have peaceful travelling experience,

1. It is always important to carry a water bottle and to wear comfortable clothing as it would be difficult to climb the hill in uncomfortable clothing.
2. It is important for you to respect the code of dressing as the jain community does not allow western or modern dressing in the temple area. Also it is also important to maintain silence inside the temple as it would disturb the priests and can also disrupt the spiritual aura of the temple.
3. If you are unable to walk or climb you can always use the palkhi (doli) service which is offered by the locals.
4. Also no leather is allowed in the temple therefore it is important you to remove any leather item you are carrying. Jain community is very strict about animal abuse hence the leather items are not allowed.

Also it is not allowed to take photos inside the temple hence avoid using you phone or camera to click any photos or videos inside the temple area.

How to reach palitana

The nearest city to palitana is Bhavnagar. Palitana is km away from Bhavnagar. You can use any public transport like bus, cab or train from Bhavnagar or Ahmedabad to reach palitana. Palitana also has its own small railway station hence you can also use train to reach the city.

More about the city

Palitana city is a spiritual experience. The city is a blend of faith, architecture and the spirituality. If you are a spiritual enthusiast or just someone who is looking for peace and purpose, this place is an ideal candidate. The breath-taking view from the Shatrunjay hills and the architectural beauty of the temples can leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Climbing 3000 steps and experiencing the natures beauty at the top of the hill both physically and internally is just another experience. The view of the hill, surrounded by many temples is unique on its own. Here you will experience the time slowing down and the silence speaking to you telling you to calm down and just nice experience the beauty of the nature. The city also offers you the rich heritage and culture of the Gujarat by the local food stalls and markets. As India embraces its own unique culture and tourism, palitana gives you the warm welcome by offering its unique cultural and traditional heritage.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning a one day trip or want a weekend gateway, this city is the right place for you. If you want to experience the spiritual climb or a weekend exploring palitana is the exact match. This place can help you reflect, recharge and can show you the faith of the many carved in the ancient stone.

So if you want a meaningful gateway in Gujarat, palitana is the right place. From stunning hilltop view to unique temples, it has everything on needs for the perfect trip.

About the Author

Article Write By Nidhi.