Pavagadh Archaeological Park or Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat state, India. This archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat is a vast area of around 3300 acres with a buffer zone of around 7000 acres! It consists of the historic citadel, palace & other buildings and military structures, water installation, etc., which together formed the capital of Mahmud Begda. The work of rebuilding (this city was the capital of Solanki Kings and Khichi Chauhans) the capital city on the foothills was started in 1484 A.D. by the young Sultan Mahmud Begda and took 23 years to complete. Mahmud Begda then shifted the capital of his kingdom from Ahmedabad to Pavagadh. (Mahmud Begda was the grandson of Great Ahmed Shah, who founded Ahmedabad City.)

Pavagadh Temples in the Archaeological Park

There are Hindu temples and Jain temples. Mosques and many other historic heritage buildings are also there on this heritage site. The ‘gudhamandapa’ and ‘antarala’ of a 10th/11th-century temple are the oldest remains found in the Archaeological Park. There are many other Hindu and Jain temples of the 13th to 15th century, built in the Nagara style of architecture, in the Archaeological Park.

Some of the historical monuments consist of a series of fortifications, which extend from the plains to the Pavagadh hilltop. These forts have beautiful bastions with balconies in between. The Jama Masjid inside the archaeological park is a perfect blend of Hindu-Moslem architecture. There are four other Mosques inside the archaeological park, which are still in good condition.

The Pavagadh hill, at a mean height of around 800 meters above sea level, is considered one of the oldest rock formations in India, with Reddish-yellow colored stones.

How do I go to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park?

Champaner is at a distance of 45 kilometers from Vadodara alias Baroda.

What are the Timings of the Archaeological Park?

The Archaeological Park is open from sunrise to sunset.