Mehsana District

Mehsana district is situated in the state of Gujarat. As per 2001 census, the population of Mehsana district is 18, 37,696 with 419 persons per sq. km. The District Headquarter is at Mehsana. The area of the place is 4,393 sq. km. This district is divided into nine talukas. Mehsana, Kadi, Visnagar, Vijapur and Becharaji are the developed talukas of the district. `Sun Temple` at Modhera is an important tourist destination of Mehsana district.

Mehsana district is bounded with Banaskantha district in the north, Patan and Surendranagar districts in the west, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts in the south and Sabarkantha district in the east. Geographical location of the district is 23.15 degree to 23.53 degree North (Latitude) and 72.07 degree to 72.26 degree East (Longitude). Maximum temperature of the place is 45 degree centigrade and the minimum temperature id 15 degree centigrade. Sabarmati River, Rupen, Saraswati River, Khari, and Pushpawati rivers flow through this district.

There are 1160 primary schools, 40 secondary and 17 higher secondary schools in Mehsana District. Ganpat University is a deemed university with key disciplines such as engineering, pharmacy, management, and computers. There are four Engineering colleges in the district offering courses in various streams such as IT, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics and Communications, Computers and Aeronautical Engineering. There are two government aided Homeopathic Colleges and one Government Nursing College.

Economy of Mehsana District in Gujarat has witnessed substantial development over the past few years, primarily due to its strategic location. Engineering Industry (mainly metallurgical industries) and Food and Agro processing are the major industries attracting investments in the district. The district has presence of Chemical industry players like Nirma Ltd. which has set up its manufacturing unit in the district producing a range of products like synthetic detergents, soap bars, Sulphuric acid, shampoo and toothpaste. Several petroleum companies are located in and around Mehsana. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has a huge establishment in Mehsana - ONGC asset. Oil division of Essar Group also has presence in the district. Mehsana district also hosts a Co-operative milk dairy - Dudhsagar, which is the second largest milk dairy in Asia.

Chief crops produced in Mehsana district are Wheat, Castor Seeds, Cotton, Brinjal, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Citrus, Sapota, Okra, Mango, Fennel seed, Psyllium and Cumin. Mehsana is the largest producer of lemon in Gujarat contributing 24 percent to total production of the State. The district is the third largest producer of Tomatoes with 9 percent share in total vegetable production of the State. Other major vegetables include Cluster bean, Potatoes, Okra and Brinjal. Mehsana is the largest producer of Fennel seed with 36 percent contribution in total Spice production of the State.

Major minerals of the district include China clay, Granite, Limestone, Building stone and Fire clay. Vijapur taluka of the district produces 29 percent of total production of China Clay in the State (both mining and processing of China Clay is carried out in the district). Lignite and Coal reserves exist in Visnagar taluka of Mehsana district. The Mineral based industries in Mehsana are engaged in: Glazing and Vitrifying tiles, Granite cutting and Polishing, Micronising, Lavigation (China clay, Fire clay), and Silica sand crushing. There are more than seventy medium and large scale industries in Mehsana district primarily operating in Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Dairy products, Chemicals, Oil and Textiles sectors. The industries are concentrated in Kadi, Mehsana, Visnagar, Vijapur and Becharaji talukas.

There are around 7,183 small scale industries operating in Mehsana district which operates in Textiles, Rubber, Chemicals, and Plastic articles, Metals, Repairing Services, Food and Agro processing and Engineering sector. The majority of the small scale industries are concentrated in Mehsana, Kadi, and Visnagar talukas of the district. The region has advantages of rich agriculture base and accessibility of large chunks of land. Development of industrial area in this surrounding area would help transforming the region into a developed region by growth in infrastructure and industrial activities. Remarkable developments in Pharmaceutical and Plastic sectors and surfacing of new sectors like Cement and Gypsum, Transportation and Telecommunication shall supplement the growth and improvement of industries in Mehsana district.

Tourism in Mehsana District, Gujarat is a magnificent combination of various interesting holiday getaways which consist of ancient temples, unique historical structures and much more. The Sun Temple at Modhera, Bahucharaji Temple, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary are amongst the several tourist locales which are present here.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Mehsana District : The Sun Temple at Modhera and Bahucharaji Temple are two of the most important pilgrimage spots based here. Constructed in 1026 AD, the Sun Temple is dedicated to Sun God and possesses a walnut-shaped ceiling. There are 52 magnificent pillars and four doorways in this ancient temple.

The presiding deity of Bahucharaji Temple is Goddess Bahucharaji and it was created during 1839 A.D. Hatkeshwar Temple is a 17th century temple which is dedicated to Hatkeshwar Mahadev, the deity worshipped by Nagar Brahmins. Mehsana District also houses various Shiva and Vishnu Temples. There exists a temple dedicated to Lord Ajitnath present on Taranga Hills.

Nature Tourism in Mehsana District : Sharmistha Talav is an ancient lake belonging to Solanki era and it currently still utilized by local residents. It was formed by waters from Kapila River which originate in Aravalli Hills and is amongst the favourite nature tourism spots here. Taranga Hills based in Kheralu taluka which measure about 1300 feet in height is also frequently visited by travellers.

Leisure Tourism in Mehsana District : A series of ancient stepwells are located at the site of Rani Udaymati Vav and is embellished with old relics and 800 stone sculptures. The oldest and largest water park in the country, Shanku Water Park entertains visitors through its multiple water sports, horse riding and other recreational facilities. Yellow and red sandstone have been employed to erect the two gates at Vadnagar which are 40 feet in height and 900 years old. Tourists can also visit Bhavai Government Museum which contains exhibits which honour the memory of the `Nayak communities` who are reputed Bhavai dance performers. A Buddhist monastery of the 2nd to 7th century is also present near Vadnagar.

Other Tourist Attractions in Mehsana District
Mehsana District also possesses many other beautiful tourist spots like the Samadhis of Tana and Riri, Pancham Mehta Vav stepwell, numerable Nagar Brahmin `havelis` and several others.