A Complete Travel Guide to Palitana: What to See and Do

Situated in Gujarat, Palitana is a town with deep spiritual, historical, and architectural significance. Most tourists visit the town for the holy mount Shatrunjaya Hill, which is a perfect blend of religion, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a questing spirit, or a hiker, you will find something to keep your interest in Palitana.

Here you have the complete travel guide to Palitana so that you can find everything you should know, do, and see before tackling your trip.

How to Get to Palitana

Palitana is conveniently situated with access from major cities in Gujarat by road and rail.

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhavnagar, around 55 km away from Palitana. The connection from Bhavnagar is made by taxi or bus.
By Train: Palitana has a railway station that connects Palitana to several major cities including Ahmedabad, Surat, and Mumbai.
By Road: Palitana is well-connected to a major highway, and you can set out from Ahmedabad, approximately 200 km drive, in about 4 hours. The bus and taxi are also easily available.

Key Attractions in Palitana

1. Shatrunjaya Hill: The Crown Jewel of Palitana

A trip to Palitana would not be complete without visiting the grand Shatrunjaya Hill, which is an important and sacred pilgrimage destination for Jains. It has more than 900 exquisitely carved temples set on a hill that rises about 600 meters above the valley below. There are mostly around 3,800 steps to ascend, but the spiritual journey and views that you will have of the entire area make it immensely worthwhile.

What to See:
Temple Complex: Be sure to examine the main temple for Lord Adinath, as well as the smaller temples dotted throughout the hill.
Sunrise/Sunset Views: The views of the temples with the golden light of sunrise and sunset are exceptional.
Spiritual Atmosphere: The peace and tranquility of chanting monks and bells ringing here will only add to your spiritual experience.

2. Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

At the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill is the ancient Bhavnath Mahadev Temple to Lord Shiva, an architectural marvel and wonderful temple. It offers a welcoming ambiance and beautiful carvings.

Note: There is a Mahashivratri festival that draws crowds and is an engaging experience if you stumble upon it during your day of touring or pilgrimage.

3. Jain Temples of Palitana (City Temples)

In addition to the temples on the hill, the town of Palitana has a number of Jain temples worthy of a visit. These temples are not as well-known as those on the top of the hill, but if you visit them, you'll be pleasantly surprised. These temples also have beautiful marble work and sophisticated carvings.

4. Adinath Temple

The Adinath Temple is the largest and most iconic temple on Shatrunjaya Hill, honoring Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara. It stands out for its grandeur; the marble statues and intricately carved pillars are breathtaking.

Things to Do in Palitana

1. Hike Up Shatrunjaya Hill

The trail is a good workout but also a great spiritual exercise. The trail is lined with beautiful temples and the views from the top are phenomenal.

Tip: Hike up early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. Bring plenty of water and, if you plan to visit any temples, at the very least wear comfortable shoes and male or female modest clothes.
2. Visit the Local Markets

Palitana has a few local markets that are bright and colorful. You can purchase traditional handicrafts, spices, textiles, and local foods.

Must-taste: Try local snacks like dhokla, khandvi, and thepla at any restaurant.
3. Nature Walks and Photography

Palitana offers many opportunities to take photographs of its beautiful landscapes. Whether you're capturing an ancient temple or snapping a picture of beautifully scenic mountains, there is beauty around every corner.

Palitana's Ideal Travel Period

Winter (October to February): This is the best time to travel to Palitana, as the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are cooler, which would be ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Do Not Travel to Palitana: The summer months (March to June) might be extremely hot and make it difficult to climb up Shatrunjaya Hill.

Palitana isn’t just a location; it's an experience—a journey through time, faith, and culture. Whether you want to explore the ancient temples, climb the sacred Shatrunjaya Hill, or enjoy the spiritual vibes, Palitana offers experience-worthy memories for you.

So pack your bags, take your camera, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Palitana!

Plan your next spiritual tour with Soil2Soul Expeditions.