Champaner was established by King Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda dynasty and named after his minister Champaraj. Some people say that the name has come from the champak flower because the igneous rocks in this area has the light yellow colour quite similar to the flower. The fort of Pavagadh was constructed just above Champaner by the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs and later captured by Mahmud Begda. He established his capital here and named it Mahmudabad and spent 23 years to reconstruct and decorate the city. Later, during the Mughal reign, the capital was shifted to Ahmedabad and Champaner lost its glory and importance.
For many years it remained a part of a forest and later, due to surveys conducted by the British, its identity was once again revealed. People came to see the architectural beauty of the city and precision with which it was built.
Tourist Places In And Around Champaner
The places to visit in Champaner are the mosques of Champaner, Sikander Shah’s Tomb, Halol, Sakar Khan Dargah, Makai Kothar/Navlakha Kothar, Citadel, Helical Stepwell, Brick Tomb, Pavagadh Fort, Gates of the Fort Walls, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Kevdi Eco Campsite, Dhanpari Eco Campsite, etc. Parts of the Pavagadh Fort walls are still existent. 45 km from Vadodara, Champaner is easily reachable by bus and other vehicles. Champaner has been declared as a UNESCO site in 2004.
Best Time To Visit Champaner
Winters are the best time to have a great time at Champaner.
How To Reach Champaner
Travellers planning a trip to Champaner can reach the destination via air, rail and road.