Weekend Getaways from Chhota Udaipur
Chhota Udaipur which is situated in Vadodara district of Gujarat
provides various tourists attraction not only within the city but also
has several places to visit from the city. Residents as well as tourists
can visit the various attractions around the city during free time and
have a great time. Some of the popular weekend getaways from Chhita Udaipur are:
Ratanmahal Sanctuary from Chhota Udaipur
As many as 543 species of plant such as teak, bamboo, dudhlo, amla, timur, ber, jamun, kakadio, mahuda and many more can be seen in the forest. The total area of the forest is 55.65 sq km and might take your whole day if you want to enjoy the beauties all around. However, it is dangerous to venture alone and one must be in groups to avoid any incident of getting lost in the dense forest. One can even hire a vehicle accompanied by a guard who would guide you to different places inside the forest that are a must visit to get glimpse of the rare animals. The natural beauty all around along with rugged topography is what makes a visit to this place an adventurous experience.
Some Important Information:
Distance from Chhota Udaipur: 80 Km
Nearest Airport: Vadodara Airport (170 Km), Ahmedabad Airport (250 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Dahod (70Km), Godhra (85 Km)
If reaching by Bus: Sagtala (15 kms.), Bariya (30km)
Best Time to Visit: Months from October to May
Accommodation: Forest Rest House or Other local guest house in Dahod
Contact Details: Deputy Conservator of Forest,
Bariya Division, Bariya,
District Dahod. Gujarat.
Ph: (O) 02678 220425.
Jambu Ghoda Sanctuary from Chhota Udaipur
Another wild life sanctuary that can easily be visited from Chhota Udaipur is Jambu Ghoda Sanctuary. Forest of mahua, teak trees, bamboo and various other vegetation is going to give your great experiences. This combined with variety of wildlife, such as, leopard which can be seen in large numbers along with hyena, nilgai, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, barking deer and Chausingha amongst others can be seen when you go out on an expedition to this sanctuary which is located in Champaner. Hiking, camping and bird watching are other activities that can be resorted to by the tourists when on a visit to this Sanctuary.
Important Facts:
Distance from Chhota Udaipur: 48 Km
Nearest bus and Railway Station: Shivrajpur (1 Km)
Nearest Airport: Vadodara
Accommodation: Forest rest House and other guest house in Champaner
Sardar Sarovar Dam from Chhota Udaipur
Sardar Sarovar Dam situated near Tajpipla has earned the name of being the largest dam of India. When on a visit here, it would be wise to book a guided tour so that you can visit all the places of importance within a limited period of time. The guided tour available will make you visit 6 points which are located around the dam site. Those are, a foundation stone which was laid in 1961 by Jawaharlal Nehru, a garden, a lake where boating takes place, a site around the dam where you would be able to catch the magnificent side view of the water falling from the dam, lock gate of the canal, natural education camp and trekking for students.
The government has also built Surpaneshwar Shiva temple near the dam as the original temple was submerged while building the dam. Kevadia colony at the foot of the dam can be visited to have a chat with the employees of the dam who live there. There are also accommodation arrangements for tourists who want to stay close to the dam. The dam serves various purpose such as providing water for irrigation, supplying drinking water, flood protection in the whole of Gujarat and hydro power.
Important Facts:
Distance from Chhota Udaipur: 110 Km
Important Phone Number: 02640232533 or 02640232599
Nearest Airport: Vadodara
Nearest Railway Station: Bharuch
If Reaching by bus: Rajpipla, Bharuch, Dabhoi and Chanod
Sankheda from Chhota Udaipur
Gujarat amongst other states of our country is famous for its rich culture and heritage. Many palaces can still be seen in different parts of Gujarat which makes us aware of the royal bygone eras. The royals of Gujarat lived in magnificent palaces. Most the furniture’s in such palaces were made of teak wood with lacquer works done on them. Sankheda in Vadodara was the city where such intricate designs were done on furniture’s. The Traditional Sankheda furniture is famous not only for its longitivity but also for its captivating art.
Previously found only in palaces, these furniture can be seen in most of the households not in Gujarat and other parts of the country but also in many other countries such as US, UK, Australia, Russia and many more. More over Sankheda furniture is used in various festival and religious function because it is considered auspicious. Erstwhile royals of Gujarat have also gifted it to many state heads and royalty of other countries. If interested to have a look at how the famous furniture is created using teak wood, one must visit this city for more knowledge which s going to leave you enriched.
Important Facts:
Distance from Chhota Udaipur: 60 Km
Nearest railway Station: Palanpur Jn. (15.2 Km)
Nearest Airport: Vadodara
Pavagadh from Chhota Udaipur
Pavagadh is also one such place which can easily be visited on weekends or on holidays from Chhota Udaipur. Pavagadh is a hill station and draws large number of tourist from all over for various reasons. The Kalikamata temple which is situated on a cliff amidst dense forests is a famous pilgrimage site and many people is seen to visit the temple every day. Amongst the 51 Sakti Peeths, this temple is said to be one. Since it is located at a height of 1523 feet, hence, to make the journey of the travelers easy, a rope is in operation since the year 1986.
The rope way takes exactly 6 mins to reach the temple from Manchi from where you have to board the ropeway. You can also take the 250 steps to reach the temple. Upon moving further from the temple, you would be able to visit Sadanshah Pir Dargah which is a famous pilgrimage site of the Muslims. One can also visit the remains of Raval Palace. The garden “Virasat Van" which can be seen at the footstep of Pavagadh is a place worth visiting for it s beauty. Also located at the footstep of Pavagadh are "Vada Talav", "Dudhia Talav" and "Teliya Talav" which can also be visited when on a tour to this city from Chhota Udaipur.
Important Facts:
Distance from Chhota Udaipur- 80 KM
Nearest railway station: Champaner (1 Km)
Nearest Airport: Vadodara (38 Km)
Champaner from Chhota Udaipur
When in Chhota Udaipur one can go for a day trip to Champaner. Here you get to view three fortifications i.e. Pavagadh which is at the top, Champaner which is at the base and Machi which connects the top with the base.
The city is also famous for various mosques that can be visited when here. The most famous and frequently one being Jami Masjit. This mosque which took 125 years to build has 172 pillars, two minarets which are as tall as 30 meter in height and 7 mihrabs. One can get to see the imposing courtyard and beautifully carved entrance. It is an example of Sultanate architecture. Apart from Jami Masjit one can also visit Shehar ki Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Kewada Masjid.
There are various forts and palaces that can be seen here. The Champaner fort, ruins of Sultan's Palace, ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace, Makai Kothar which is a fort can be visited. If you are interested in the history of such places, then taking a guide would help you to understand the historical significances of such places. Kalika Temple and Lakulish temples are places of religious importance which can also be visited to offer prayers and also to view the beautiful sculptures that can be seen in such temples.
Important Facts
Distance from Chhota Udaipur: 80 Km
Nearest Railway Station : Vadodara
Nearest Airport: Vadodara
Regular bus services or train services can be used to travel to all the above places which are near to Chhota Udaipur. One can also book cabs through travel agents to go on a tour to such places.