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The Pilgrim Town of Ambaji, Gujarat

By Manoj

One of the ancient pilgrim towns in Gujarat is the town of Ambaji, which is also one among the 'Shakti Peeths'. It is frequented a lot by devotees who come to offer their respect to Goddess Sati. This otherwise silent town is made of many legendary lores that attract tourists here.

The place has many temples, and each has its own story to tell. Travellers coming here can explore this town and enjoy the many tales that make this town worth visiting. Some of the tourist places to visit in Ambaji include Balaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Gabbar Hill, Koteshwar Temple, Poshina and more.

Balaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Balaram Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the places to visit in Ambaji is the Balaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established by the government in 1989 to protect and develop wildlife in the region. Tourists coming here can catch a glimpse of animals like sloth bear, porcupine, striped hyena, blue bull, fox, Indian civet, Indian pangolin and more here. It is visited a lot by wildlife enthusiasts who come here to learn more about the lifestyle of these animals.

Photo Courtesy: Tambako The Jaguar

Gabbar Hill

Gabbar Hill

A tourist place in Ambaji is the Gabbar Hill, which has the Ambaji Mata Temple at its top. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is believed that a piece of her heart fell at this place. It is mostly frequented by devotees who come here to pray to the goddess. Tourists coming here can enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset from atop this hill. Also, you should bear in mind that to reach the top of the hill you would have to climb 999 stairs.

Photo Courtesy: Emmanuel DYAN

Mangalya Van

Mangalya Van

Another place to visit in Ambaji is the Mangalya Van, which is located on top of the hill Kailash Tekari. This place is famous for its astrological garden as there are three plants each for every zodiac sign. Tourists come here to see this beautiful garden and also those who believe in astrology carry a sapling of the plant corresponding to their zodiac sign back home.

Photo Courtesy: Naotake Murayama

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple

Another tourist place in Ambaji is the Koteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is situated near the Saraswati river and according to local legends it was here where the sage Valmiki had set up an ashram. Even today there is an ashram to his name near the temple. Devotees after praying to the lord, visit the ashram to pay their respects to the sage.

Photo Courtesy: Native Planet

Poshina

Poshina

Poshina is the tribal village of Ambaji. There is a palace here called Darbargarh, which once housed the royal family of the region. Today, this palace is a heritage home that is known to serve the authentic cuisine of the region to its visitors. Tourists coming here can set out to meet the tribals, who are friendly, and learn about their culture and traditions. If you are lucky then, you might get invited for a meal as well.

Photo Courtesy: Native Planet

How to Reach Ambaji

How to Reach Ambaji

By Air: The nearest airport to Ambaji is Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad, at a distance of 180 km. The airport is connected to all major cities in India and some international cities too.

By Train: Abu Road Station is the nearest railway station to Ambaji at a distance of 20 km from the city. The trains are available from here to all the major cities nearby.

By Road: Ambaji is connected to cities like Ahmedabad, Abu Road Station, Mt. Abu, Delhi, Palanpur and Himmat Nagar by state-owned buses.

Photo Courtesy: Emmanuel DYAN

Read more about: ambaji gujarat travel nature
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