Weekend getaways, journeys of discovery,
chill-out breaks. Take your pick!
Dose of culture
Explore stunning architecture in Champaner, Gujarat
While a lot of India’s Islamic architecture is from the Mughal era, there are
some remnants from before that time too. Champaner in Gujarat was declared
the capital of Pavagadh kingdom by Mahmud Begeda, grandson of Ahmed
Shah of Ahmedabad, back in 1484, after he defeated the last Rajput king
of Champaner. Over the next 20 years, a massive flurry of activity saw some
stunning architecture come up, until Humayun annexed Champaner. It was
declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2004. The most significant
monument, the Jami Masjid – said to have influenced mosque architecture
across the world – is featured in the Encyclopedia of World Architecture. The
best view over the city can be had from atop the minar of Kevda Masjid. Saher-
ki-Masjid is a great example of the blending of Islamic and Indian architectural
styles. There are hundreds of monuments like these scattered across the entire
city and the Pavagadh mountain. If history is your thing, Champaner will keep
youengagedfora weekendor more.A close look at the architecture
in Champaner reveals the
most intricate of details Out of
AHMEDABAD(186km)STAY:ChampanerHeritageResort(www.champanerheritageresort.com;
from`6,500);JambughodaPalace(www.jambughoda.com;from`2,20 0).
PHOTOGRAPHS: HIMNASHU PANDYA (CHAMPANER), KRISHNA ANGIRA (AGRA & BISHNUPUR)