Described as Anhilapura in Kumarapala Rasa, this ancient capital of Gujarat stands in mute testimony of the glorious Solanki era that prevailed for 600 years between 8th to the 14th century. Colonel Todd has vividly captured this glory while summing up the expense of Patan by borrowing the term Narsamudra (ocean of men) and highlighting the richness and proliferation of this city. Ravaged by time and plundered for religion and relics, the city now has very little of its earlier glory. Yet what remains is sufficient to provide a glimpse into the past and hence a must on the traveler's itinerary.

Of all the monuments, the Queen's Stepwell - Rankivav - is the stunning masterpiece that speaks volumes about the sculptural skills of the artisans of Solanki era. Constructed by Udayamati, the queen of Bhimdeva I (1022-63 AD) and mother of Karnadeva. Built in Khajuraho style the vav is 90 ft. wide but there are no erotic images. Instead the walls are lined by images of Sheshshai Vishnu, Shiv and other gods and goddesses. As the vav was buried for the intervening period, the multitudes of sandstone images adorning the walls have survived the ravages of time. This monument is a `must visit' for heritage and history lover.

Second on the enchanting circuit is Sahastralinga Talav, or tank of the thousand Shiv shrines. Its construction was carried out by the great Jayasimha Siddharaja (1093-1143 AD). Spread over an area of 5 kms. the tank does not hold water due to a curse of Jasma Odan, it is believed. The major basin of the lake is now under cultivation.

The temples of the Jains in Patan are said to number over a hundred, among which the one dedicated to Panchasara Parsvanatha is the largest. It has a best known white marble image of Vanaraja and in the vicinity of the temple is Hemchandracharya Jain Gnan Mandir which contains valuable Jain manuscripts, some of which are written in the ink made of gold. Prior permission of custodian is required for consulting these manuscripts stored in safes.

Patan is also famous for its `patolas' (variegated saris) and Mashroo weaving. The art of `patola' making has been specialised by the Salvis, a class of weavers. The designs of patola saris are essentially traditional. The complicated weaving process can be carried out only on throw shuttle loom. The threads are dyed in several colours and arranged according to designs. The peculiarity about patola is that the designs on both the sides are similar. The patolas are woven in Bari-kunjay, Ratan chawk, leaf, elephant and sqare patterns. As the process is complicated and time consuming the product is very costly, the fact that fuels its national and international demand.

How to get there
Air Nearest airport is Ahmedabad

Rail Linked with Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Delhi.

Road State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 144 Kms. from Ahmedabad.