Tourist Places :

Ambaji :

   

Ambaji, a famous pilgrimage place of Gujarat in India is situated on the border of States of Gujarat and Rajasthan near Abu Road, in the Danta Taluka of Banaskantha District, near the origin of the famous Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, on the hills of Arasur Parvat in Ambica forest , towards south-west side to old hills of Arvalli, at the altitude of about 480 meters, at about 1600 feet high from sea level, having at 8.33 sq km (5 sq. miles area ) area as a whole , is in fact one of the Fifty One (51) ancient Shakti Piths, the main Centre of Cosmic Power in India

Balaram Palace :

The Lohani Nawab who reigned over the region of Palanpur or Banaskantha was believed to have utilized the Balaram Palace as his favourite resting place. Historical records claim that the Balaram Place was constructed between the years 1922 and 1936, by the 29th king of Palanpur. The interiors of this grand palace have been inspired by the neo-classical and baroque style of architecture. The total area occupied by this palace measures about 542 square kilometres. Lush green forests and gardens surround this magnificent palace. However, currently, this palace, which was once enjoyed by Nawabs and kings as a hunting retreat has now been transformed into a resort. It is situated at the topmost point of the area in northern Gujarat.

Balaram Mahadev Temple :

   

The sacred temple of Balram Mahadev is situated about 12 kms from in Banaskantha district. The palaces of the Nawab and Hindu Temples are also worth seeing. The palace is in a neo-Classical Baroque style, with arcades and classical columns. It has now been taken over by a private entrepreneur, and opened as a resort. The huge gardens, their contours clearly defined, have been landscaped to blend exotic plants, bridges and ramps for easy access into the original Nawabi design. The entrance pathway is lit by lampposts resembling parabadis, the traditional bird feeding posts of Gujarat. The place has been painted in a gracious creamy tone, and glass has been added to protect the interiors from dust. Interiors have been newly appointed, as the original furniture was stolen, with modern handcrafted pieces, and western style bathrooms, televisions, telephones and refrigerators have been added to the rooms for the modern traveller.

Gabbar Hill, Ambaji :

  

Gabbar (or Gabbargadh), a small hillock about four km to the west of Ambaji village, is believed to have been the original seat of the goddess, the site of Krishna’s tonsorial ceremony (ritual head-shaving), and the abode of the divine Mahishasur-Mardini.

The hill is very steep and difficult to climb. There are 300 stone steps at the foot of the hill after which the pilgrims have to climb through a narrow dangerous track. On the flat top of the hill there is a small niche facing the temple of Ambaji, in which a well-protected lamp is kept constantly burning, and can be seen from the main Ambaji temple at night. There are footprints of the Goddess under a pipal tree, which are worshipped