Going down the memory lane in Gujarat’s Patan

If you visit the present-day city of Patan, you will see many historical and architectural treasures from its illustrious past. That’s because, back in the day, in the 10th - 13th century CE, Patan was an important city and served as the capital of the Solanki dynasty.
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It was also during this period that the city of Patan flourished as a center of art, architecture, and learning. In the process, many magnificent temples, palaces, and monuments were built. Some of them are still in perfect condition even to this date.


Patan is a great place to explore, especially for those who are interested in history, culture, and architecture. Today, Patan is mostly known for Rani ki Vav, an ancient stepwell and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stepwell was declared a UNESCO site on June 22, 2014.



Other than Rani ki Vav, there are other stepwells spread across the city. The famous ones are the Sahastralinga Talav, a large stepwell that has over a thousand lingas carved on its walls; Bai Harir Vav; Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar, a Jain temple that also houses a stepwell known as the Manek Burj.


Once you are done exploring these amazing stepwells, do visit the city’s vibrant streets and their narrow lanes, colorful bazaars, and local delicacies. Exploring these markets and interacting with the locals can be a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture and get a taste of the city's unique charm.