Introduction
Banaskantha district of the state of Gujarat is presumably named after the West Banas River and shares its border with the neighbouring State of Rajasthan. It is the third largest district of the state. There are eleven talukas in the district with Palanpur (District Headquarter), Deesa, Danta and Amirgarh being the significant and developed talukas of the district. The total area of the district is 10,400.16 Sq. Km and the district headquarter is at Palanpur. As per 2001 Census, the population of the district is 2.50 Million with 233 persons per sq. km.
Geography of Banaskantha district
Geographical Location of Banaskantha district is 71.03 degree to 73.02 degree east longitude and 23.33 degree to 24.25 degree north latitude. The maximum temperature of this place is 45 degree centigrade and the minimum temperature is 5 degree centigrade. The major rivers in this district are Banas, Saraswati River and Sepu.
Education of Banaskantha District
Banaskantha district has around 1,983 primary schools, 153 secondary schools, and 56 higher secondary schools. The district has a good network of technical training institutes like ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes), Polytechnic and cottage industry training institutes. The ITIs have an intake capacity of 2,028 students every year and offer courses in engineering, textile and automobile areas.
Economy of Banaskantha District
Economy of Banaskantha District of Gujarat is chiefly dependent on agro and food processing, tourism, textile and mineral based industries. The district ranks first in the production of vegetables contributing nearly 17.67 percent to the total vegetable production of the State. It is the largest producer of Potatoes and one of the leading producers of Isabgul (Psyllium husk) in the country. Traditionally, the district is known for its food processing industry, especially for vegetable oils and Vanaspati.
Banaskantha district is the third largest producer of oil seeds in the State after Junagadh and Jamnagar. Bajra, Maize, Tobacco, Castor oil, Jowar, Psyllium and Potatoes are the other major crops of the district. Deesa Taluka in the Banaskantha district ranks first in India for the production of Potatoes. The district ranks next to Junagadh and Rajkot in the production of Spices. The other spices produced in the district are Isabgul, Fennel, Fenugreek and Cumin and important vegetables produced in the district are Cow Pea, Beans, Tomato, Brinjal and Cabbage.
Banaskantha district has rich mineral reserves including limestone, marble, granite, building stone and china clay. Banaskantha district accounts for almost the entire marble reserves of the State of Gujarat. Danta Taluka of Banaskantha district is known for its high quality marble production. Major Medium and Large Scale Industries (MSI & LSI) industries in Banaskantha district are engaged in the production of granite tiles and marble blocks.
The district has seven SSI clusters focused on textile (spinning and weaving of cotton textiles and khadi), diamond processing, and ceramics industry (processed Stone, marble). Out of these industrial clusters, three of the SSI clusters are located in the Palanpur taluka, two are located in Vadgam and one each is located in Danta and Deesa talukas.
The textile clusters located in Palanpur and Vadgam talukas together consists of 397 units (109 in spinning and weaving of cotton textiles and 286 units in khadi manufacturing). The diamond processing cluster in Palanpur and Deesa consists of 104 units. The district has witnessed highest investment in agro and food processing over a period of two decades. Engineering has emerged as the third highest investment aggregator in the district over two decades. Mineral Based (ceramic and cement) along with sugar industry have also emerged as preferred sectors for investment in Banaskantha district. Tourist inflow also contributes to a large extent to the economy of the district.
Proposed Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) passing through the Diamond Hub - Palanpur is expected to emerge as the major economic driver of the district. The vast reserves of marble in the district are a great potential for ceramic industry. Various support infrastructure projects planned across the proposed DMIC are expected to further boost the economic growth of the region due to the improved intra and inter State connectivity of the district.
Tourism in Banaskantha District
Tourism in Banaskantha District, Gujarat is a combination of tourist destinations which involves innumerable pilgrimage spots, historical monuments and those exuding natural charm. Millions of tourists visit this region, mainly to witness the Ambaji Temple, Balaram Mahadev Temple, Jain temples, and Kedarnath Mahadev Temple. Apart form temples, Banaskantha has other interesting places like Kumbharia which is a religious place for Jains, Balarm-Ambaji Sanctuary, Balram Palace Resort at Balrampur, Gabbar Hills, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary and many more places. Jessore also offer excellent trekking options due to its hilly terrain and is famous for sloth bear sanctuary.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Banaskantha District
This district is noted for its abundance of pilgrimage centres, which draws a large number of devotees throughout the year. Banaskantha is a famous temple town which comprises various temples.
Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha District
Ambaji Temple is located in the Arasur Hills, close to Saraswati River at the south-western part of the Aravalli Mountain Range. This famous temple is dedicated to Arasuri Amba, a Hindu Goddess belonging to the pre-Vedic period. White marble and gold cones have been employed while manufacturing this beautiful temple which is said to have been erected by the Nagar Brahmins. It possesses only one side door and is devoid of any idol of the Goddess. Around 1.18 million (9.6 percent) of the total tourist inflow in Gujarat, visited Ambaji, the most popular pilgrimage destination in the State during the year 2006-2007. Apart from Ambaji, Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ganapati Temple and Varahi Mata Temple are some of the other temples which are situated in the premises of the Ambaji Temple.
Balaram Mahadev Temple in Banaskantha District
Located about 12 kms away from Banaskantha District, the holy temple of Balaram Mahadev is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred temple is based beside the banks of Balaram River. Some Hindu temples and palaces belonging to ancient Nawabs are also present near this temple.
Kedarnath Mahadev Temple in Banaskantha District
Kedarnath Mahadev Temple is situated near the Aravalli Mountain range, at a distance of nearly 35 km from Palanpur and 8 km from Iqbalgadh. It is existent at an altitude of 1500 metres above mean sea level, particularly on Jasore Peak. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva and this temple is believed to belong the era of Mahabharata.
Jain Temples in Banaskantha District
Banaskantha District is renowned for the presence of a series of Jain temples, and this part of India was a significant place which was associated to Jainism, being the birthplace of Jagadguru Shri Hirsurishwarji, the famous Jain saint. His residence is based near Mota Dehrasar. Pallaviya Parshwanath Temple or Mota Dehrasar was constructed by the founder of Palanpur, named King Prahaladan. Another important Jain saint called Acharya Shri Somsundarsurishwarji was also born at this place.
Leisure Tourism in Banaskantha District
One will come across various historical spots in Banaskantha District, which are known for their unique appeal and architectural grandeur. Balaram Palace, Keerti Stambh or Victory Tower, Gabbar Hills, Mangalya Van, Mithi Vav and several others are beautiful centres of leisure tourism in Banaskantha.
Balaram Palace in Banaskantha District
The Lohani Nawab who reigned over the region of Palanpur or Banaskantha was believed to have utilized the Balaram Palace as his favourite resting place. Historical records claim that the Balaram Place was constructed between the years 1922 and 1936, by the 29th king of Palanpur. The interiors of this grand palace have been inspired by the neo-classical and baroque style of architecture. The total area occupied by this palace measures about 542 square kilometres. Lush green forests and gardens surround this magnificent palace. However, currently, this palace, which was once enjoyed by Nawabs and kings as a hunting retreat has now been transformed into a resort. It is situated at the topmost point of the area in northern Gujarat.
Gabbar in Banaskantha District
Also referred to as Gabbargarh, Gabbar is a tiny hillock which is located at a distance of nearly 4 km from the western portion of the village of Ambaji. The region of Gabbar is said to have been the original abode of Goddess Ambaji as well as 'Mahishasur Mardini' and Krishna's tonsorial ceremony. There are about 300 steps which are present at the foothills following which devotees must traverse a fatal, narrow track. The footprints of Goddess Ambaji are existent under a pipal tree in Gabbar.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Banaskantha District
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Banaskatha District, at a distance of about 45 km from Palanpur. It has been proclaimed as a wildlife sanctuary in May 1998 and occupies a total area measuring 180.66 square kilometre. Various endangered species of flora and fauna are available in this wildlife sanctuary. Jessore Hills is known to be the second highest peak of the state of Gujarat. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is quite reputable for the endangered species of sloth bear. Wild boars, leopards, hyena, porcupine, Indian civet, fox, Rhesus macaque and other beasts are some of the wildlife present here.
Keerti Stambh in Banaskantha District
The Keerti Stambh or Victory Tower measures about 22 metres in height and is believed to have been built by a rich Jain merchant during the 12th century A.D. `Adinathji` is the presiding deity of the Keerti Stambh. Adinathji was the very first Jain Tirthankara. This tower is adorned with Jain Pantheons.
Other Tourist Locales of Banaskantha District
Some of the other exciting tourist destinations which are located within this district include Mithi Vav or an ancient step well, Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Sri Tirth Temple, Mangalya Van, etc.
Visiting Information of Banaskantha District
By Road:Palanpur and Deesa, the two major cities of Banaskantha district are connected to National Capital Delhi and Jaipur, capital of neighbouring State of Rajasthan through National Highway 14 and 8. The State Highway 7 connects the district to important cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Patan and Deesa. Palanpur is connected to Ambaji via State Highway No 9.
By Port:The nearest port to Banaskantha district is Dholera port. The district is also connected to the Kandla port via National Highway 15.
By Rail: Banaskantha district is connected to Mumbai- Ahmedabad- Delhi through a broad gauge with a major railway station at the district headquarters, Palanpur. Other major cities such as Deesa, Deoder, Dhanera and Bhabhar are also connected with the district headquarter via rail link
By Air: The district has an airstrip at Palanpur. The nearest commercial airport for the district is at Ahmedabad.
