Heritage Walk Details - gujarattourisms.in

Heritage Walk

Ahmedabad Heritage Walk

On the ancient site of Ashaval and Karnavati, Ahmedabad was found on 1411. The City of Ahmedabad has some of the finest India, Islamic monuments and exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. Its carved wooden houses are another unique architectural tradition.

A special feature of Ahmedabad is the plan of the old city comprising numerous pols, self-contained neighborhoods, sheltering large numbers of peoples. Some of these virtually small villages, traversed by narrow streets, usually terminating in square with community wells and chabutaras for feeding birds, gates, Cul-de-sacs and secret passages. To experience the glory of Ahmedabad, it is necessary to walk through an old quarter and truly observe the nature of its architecture, its art, religious places, its culture and traditions.

The Ahmedabad Heritage Walk is a guided tour that takes you through the historic city of Ahmedabad, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, architectural wonders, and vibrant traditions. The walk is organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and is supported by local tourist companies and guides.

Route: The Heritage Walk begins at the Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur and takes you through the old city, covering various pols, chowks, and monuments, including the Calico Dome, Manek Chowk, Harkunvar Shethani ni Haveli, and Jama Masjid.

Duration: The walk typically lasts around 2-3 hours, depending on the pace and the number of stops.

Timing: The walk is usually conducted in the morning or evening, with morning walks starting at 7:30 AM and evening walks starting at 6:30 PM.

Frequency: The Heritage Walk is conducted daily, except for Sundays and public holidays.

Vadodara Heritage Walk

The city of Vadodara (formerly Baroda in English and in some Indian languages other than Gujarati) stands in Central Gujarat, a region with a long history of human activity and settlement, testified by archaeological evidences dating from a couple of centuries before the Current Era. It evolved at the intersection of important overland trade routes leading to the Arabian Sea on the west and the interior areas of north, central and southern India.

The best way to immerse in a destination is to get familiar with history and feel the vibrancy in the presence! I will take you through the rich history of Vadodara in a 2 hour 30 minute walk through the old city where you will also get familiar with culture, religions, monuments, cuisines, etc. This time is designed to completely immerse you in the heritage and the presence.

Navi (New) Kothi, C.1870-80

The Navi Kothi was one of the first office buildings designed and constructed by the Baroda State and it continues to serve a similar purpose today for the local administration.

Old Secretariat/Collector Office

The City Survey Department building seems to have been inspired by the traditional ‘wada’ construction style and use of materials and has spaces organised around two large courtyards.

Maratha map of towns

A set of eight rough plans appears to relate to the Maratha wars against the British in the early years of the 19th century. They are all similar in style, which might suggest that they were drawn later to illustrate the campaign, or that the same cartographer was present at each place, and preparing plans either before or after the engagement.

Suryanarayana Temple

This shrine, the first Sun temple in Baroda, was built by Raoji Appaji Phanase, Diwan of Vadodara (1793-1803) in the second term of the reign of Govindrao Gaekwad and the early years of his successor Anandrao’s reign.

Tambekar Wada

Bhau Tambekar was Diwan of Vadodara (1849-56) during the reign of Ganpatrao Gaekwad. This mid-19th century four-storeyed mansion was his residence.

Junagadh Heritage Walk

This walk touches upon the pre-Babi architecture of Uparkot Gate, Lashkari Vav and Vav at Ram Temple and focuses on the heritage of the Babi period (mid-18th to mid-20thc.) ending at Mandvi Chowk (see box), it covers mainly the Old City area west of Uparkot, marked on the map below.

Some spots from earlier periods and from the Babi era lie outside the route towards north and west but yield more comprehensive insights into the city’s heritage. These are described at the end of the booklet.

All information given relies on facts verify able from archaeological and historical records unless otherwise stated. Uparkot itself is not part of the planned walk, but it is worth quickly exploring its elaborate entranceway and some of the important sites just inside the gate and a short stroll uphill. Similarly, other important heritage sites scattered throughout the inside and outside of the walled city.

Entrance Passage to Uparkot

This passage –a series of arches that are not in chronological order –has many layers of history. The main entrance gate, first in sequence as we enter from the Old City, is a large north-facing pointed arch from the Sultanate period, flanked by two towers. Built centuries after the corbelled arches further inside, it added security against the more formidable military capabilities of invaders in that latter period.

Lashkari Vav

Next to small roadside cannon on the left, going from the main gate to the corbelled archway is the tiny entrance to the old Lashkari Vav which can be accessed from the outer side of the fort, now in considerable disrepair.

Ram Mandir

Chronologically, the earliest settlements in Junagadh were at Uparkot. The westward growth of the city came later. According to popular belief, this temple complex standing a little off Dhal Road to the south and the stepwell over which it stands is one of the few Rama temples in Junagadh.

Pirzada House

The pre-Babi kings who ruled Junagadh from Delhi and later from Ahmedabad, brought from West Asia as advisors, administrators, and spiritual guides to their subjects, leaders of the Syed community, which claimed descent from the Prophet.

Limda Chowk

This chowk is named after a very old limdo (neem tree – Azadirachtaindica) surrounded by Raj Mahal, Bahauddeen Haveli and Ik-Minara Mosque. It is a large shady landmark and a famous central spot in the city. In the past, it also provided space for gatherings associated with the Bahauddin Haveli.

Heritage Walk

Ahmedabad Heritage Walk

Vadodara Heritage Walk

Junagadh Heritage Walk

Garvi Gujarat

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