Beyond its unique food culture, Palitana is a hub of architecture and spirituality!
Palitana, a major pilgrimage centre for Jains is buzzing on the internet! Nestled in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, the city is making noise for enforcing a ban on non-vegetarian food and becoming a vegetarian city. Located 50 kilometres away from the Bhavnagar city, Palitana has now been crowned as ‘World’s first vegetarian city’. Renowned for its spiritual significance, particularly for the Jain community, Palitana has become a paradise for all vegetarian travellers! Garnering International attention after attaining its unique status, the city finds itself on top of ‘must-visit’ radar of vegetarian visitors. As you pack, to jet-set to this unique destination, we bring to you a treasure trove of cultural experiences and architectural marvels that the city takes pride in beyond its one-of-a-kind food culture! Here’s what you should do on your visit to Palitana—The world’s first vegetarian city!
Climb the Shatrunjaya Hills
The crown jewel of Palitana, Shatrunjaya Hills, is home to over 900 Jain temples, each intricately carved from marble and sandstone. The climb to the hilltop temples, with its 3,800 steps. As you climb up the hill, enjoy the panoramic view of Palitana town from the top. Up the hill, do explore the architectural marvels and delve into the rich Jain heritage. To fully appreciate the site’s history and significance, do hire a local guide.
Explore Jain Temples for architectural treat
Each Jain temple on Shatrunjaya Hills boasts intricate architecture and exquisite marble carvings. These temples have drawn visitors from all over the world for centuries despite being destroyed, invaded and rebuilt many times. The Palitana temples boast the Maru-Gurjara architecture found in Gujarat and Rajasthan.The Adinath Temple is the most sacred pilgrimage site in Palitana and the Chaumukha Temple is known for its four-faced structure. The structure features ornate designs, intricate marble work, and beautiful carvings. Kumar Pal temple is another magnificent structure with minutely detailed carvings and serene ambience.
Witness the Palitana Festival
If you plan your trip in the month of November or December, you should definitely attend the Palitana Jain Mahotsav. This festival is a grand celebration filled with cultural programs, traditional ceremonies, dances and traditional art that attracts thousands of devotees. There, immerse yourself in the festive fervour and witness the traditional rituals.
Indulge in a vegetarian feast
While you won’t find meat on the menu here, Palitana offers a delightful range of vegetarian Gujarati cuisine. The Palitana food palette is dominated by seasonal vegetables, pulses, grains, and an array of spices, reflecting the agricultural riches of the region. From savoury dhokla, kadhi and fluffy theplas to melt-in-your-mouth desserts like basundi and shrikhand, your taste buds will be in for a treat.
Take a Palitana city tour
Beyond the religious sites, Palitana has a charm of its own. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone seeking a spiritual retreat, Palitana has something to offer everyone. Palitana’s rich Jain heritage is not just confined to temples. Take a walk through the narrow lanes, visit the local markets, or explore the ancient havelis.Visit the museums and heritage centres to gain a deeper understanding of Jainism’s philosophy, traditions, and art forms.
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