Tourism in Patan District, Gujarat is a beautiful blend of art and architecture with history and religion. Encompassing the monumental temples of three religions, mostly the Jain temples, travel and sightseeing here gives tourists a multifaceted and enthralling experience. But it is most famous for `Rani ki vav`, a sumptuously constructed stepwell of the 11th century, that has been recognised by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Leisure Tourism in Patan District
The main attractions include the many ancient "Vavs" (stepwells) and "Talavs" (lakes in the form of artificial tanks), apart from forts and other places of worship.

Rani ki Vav: The "Rani ki vav" or the Queen`s Stepwell, is an ornate and elaborate subterranean architectural structure that marks the zenith of the evolution of stepwells in India. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it welcomes its visitors through a stepped corridor, heading to seven storeyed pillared pavilions through the cool air, which have been profusely adorned with exquisite and intricate sculptures and carvings. Numbering more than eight hundred, these artistically rich sculpted creations reflect religious, mythological and secular imageries. Of the deities, most of these are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his Avatars Krishna, Rama and others. Paintings are existent on 400 niches on the walls of "Rani ki vav", thus making this stepwell religiously, spiritually and artistically very significant.

Sahastralinga Talav: Just north of "Rani ki Vav" is an eleventh century reservoir "Sahastralinga Talav", meaning "lake of a thousand lingas". This artificial tank surpasses all others built in different parts of the state, technologically, artistically and spiritually. The architecture of this tank too has been done in integration with the sanctity of water. From about thousand of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva constructed on its edge, the ruins of only some remain, looking at which, one can only imagine the splendour and grandeur of the reservoir.

Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir: The renowned Jain scholar and poet Hemachandracharya built this Gyan Mandir, literally "temple of knowledge", an ancient library that includes a number of ancient palm-leaf Jain manuscripts in Sanskrit and Prakrit (some written in gold ink) and the literature that he wrote.

Muslim Architecture: The early Muslim constructions, built even earlier than those in Ahmedabad, such as the Sheikh Farid"s mosque and mausoleum with its beautifully carved ceiling, are a delight to the tourist"s eye.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Patan District
The numerous lot of the Jain temples are the popular stops for pilgrims, the largest one is believed to have ancient writings belonging to Jainism.

Jain Temples: Amongst nearly 150 Jain temples in Patan, the Panchasara Parshvanath and the Shamla Parshvanath are most popular. The former is the largest regional Jain temple, adorned with white marble floors and elaborate stone carvings, a distinct architectural feature of Jains.

Other tourist attractions include the Khan Sarovar lake, Anand Sarovar lake, Kalika Mata temple and Sindhwai Mata temple. Apart from these historically and archaeologically relevant spots, the craft of Mashru Weavers and Patola Weavers in Patan is also to watch out for.

Accommodations at Patan District
There are many private budget hotels in Patan district and surrounding areas like Mahesana and Sidhpur, for the purpose of the visitors" stay.

Visiting Information to Patan District
Patan district is an easily accessible place by road, rail and airways. Convenient modes of transport are also available for the tourists to visit several historical attractions there.

By road: Intercity buses from Ahmedabad to Patan take about 4 hours, and about an hour from Mehsana. Shared jeeps are slightly quicker, but less comfortable.

By rail: The passenger trains to Patan starts from Ahmedabad and Mehsana.

By air: The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad.

Best Season to visit Patan District
The peak time to visit Patan is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the rich cultural heritage of this ancient fortified town.