Here are 5 magnificent monuments of Champaner, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park that you must visit. Gujarat is a land of remarkable natural beauty fused with a rich heritage and culture. There is something amazing waiting to greet you in every nook and corner of the state.

Magnificent Monuments Of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

Gujarat is a state that is bedecked with numerous heritage sites spread across its length and breadth. It is in many ways a traveller’s delight, offering unforgettable experiences in heritage, culture, art, nature, wildlife, and cuisine. From the vast salt flats of Kutch to the city of Ahmedabad, and from Dwarka to Saputara, there are innumerable gems to appeal to the traveller.

The Panchmahal District in Central Gujarat is also scattered with archaeological and architectural gems waiting to be discovered. The Champaner-Pavagadh UNESCO World Heritage Site has more than 100 monuments, and probably hundreds are yet to be excavated. Here are 5 of the magnificent monuments of Champaner which you should not miss on your visit to the Panchmahal District.

Saat Kaman – Magnificent Monuments of Champaner

Saat Kaman is a beautiful monument that one encounters on the way to the Makali temple on the peak of Pavagadh Hill. This monument is identified with Champaner and is a structural and aesthetic marvel. It is made of seven arches that are arranged in a radial design. The seven arches are part of what was once an observation post for the army, as the place gave a vantage view of the valley below, and invading armies could be easily spotted.

Jama Masjid – Magnificent Monuments of Champaner

The Jama Masjid is definitely one of the finest examples of Muslim architecture fused with elements of Jain architecture. The grand structure dates back to the early 16th century and was commissioned by Sultan Mahmud Begada. It is considered to be one of the best monuments built by Mahmud Begada, who made Champaner, the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate.

Exquisite arches, pillared prayer halls, beautifully carved ceilings, and fine carvings are the hallmark of the sprawling Jama Masjid, which is also known as Jami Masjid.

Shaher Ki Masjid – Magnificent Monuments of Champaner

The Shaher Ki Masjid is another of the mosques built by Sultan Mahmud Begada in what can be considered his mosque-building spree. The 16th-century mosque is believed to be the first one that he built when he established Champaner as his capital.

The Saher Ki Masjid, or City Mosque, was built for the exclusive use of the royal family. It is a rectangular structure facing wide gardens and has five Mehrabs, and is topped with domes. Two minarets rise to the sky from near the main entrance. The mosque has ornamental balconies and is embellished with beautiful carvings.

Kevda Masjid – Magnificent Monuments of Champaner

The Kevda Mosque strikes you with the harmony it has with its surroundings. It seems to perfectly fit in with the background. There is a cenotaph in front of the Mosque and both structures blend perfectly together, though, on closer observation, you will find out that there is considerable open space between the two.

The Mosque has intricate carvings, mostly those with floral motifs, and exquisitely designed windows and balconies. The domes achieve a perfect symmetry of shape and seamlessly fuse with the minarets that rise beside them.

Helical Well – Magnificent Monuments of Champaner

If mosques were built to provide a beautiful environment for prayer, wells were a necessity. It is believed that Champaner had a system of wells that provided water to the city by conserving rainwater. It was known as the city of a thousand wells. Many step wells were designed, and one of the noteworthy step wells is the Helical Step Well.

The Helical well, though noteworthy for its utilitarian purpose, and bereft of ornamentation, has a unique symmetry and fluidity of design which is appealing. A spiral staircase that is built into the inner wall of the well winds its way to the bottom to reach the water. The Helical Well is also dated to the 16th century and has been built during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada.

These five magnificent monuments of Champaner are just a taste of the grandeur that is spread across the ruins of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. We hope your interest is piqued by these splendid monuments and you are prompted to plan a trip to the Panchmahal district in Gujarat soon. Do let us know your thoughts through our comments section, and do not forget to subscribe to our blog and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Our visit to Panchmahal District in Gujarat was part of a familiarization trip organized by India Tourism Mumbai – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Panchmahal District Administration. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own.

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