The old capital of Gujarat, Patan is a small town located at a distance of 85 km from the state capital. Famous for its Patola Silk Sarees, Patan is slowly becoming famous among tourists as one of Gujarat’s top tourist destinations. It wasn’t explored much before and very little was written about its tourism. But after the state government’s initiative of promoting tourism in Gujarat, Patan has emerged as a place which tourist would look forward to visiting. Here we present a list of some top places to visit in the city.

Rani ki Vav is a historic architecture well which was constructed during the Solanki Dynasty by Rani Udayamati in memory of her husband, Raja Bhimdev around 1050 AD. It is also UNESCO's World Heritage Site. In 2016, it won the title of 'Cleanest Iconic Place' in India. It is also the only stepwell that has intricate patterns and religious ornamentations. With straight and lateral staircases along with wide passages encircled by elaborately carved walls, the Vav looks stunning. There’s also a small gate below the final step of the stepwell. Through the gate, you arrive at a 30-km tunnel that leads to the town of Sidhpur near Patan. It used to be the escape gateway for the king after a defeat. Today, it is covered blocked through stones and mud for security reasons.

Timing: 8 am  - 6 pm

Fee: INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for Foreigners

At just 1 km from Rani ki Vav and 3 km from Patan Railway Station, the City Museum in Patan is one of the renowned museums in Gujarat. It was established in 2010 with the intention of making people aware of Patan’s cultural heritage. This museum has its own charm which attracts sightseers from all over the country. It has a wide range of marble and sandstone sculptures at the display. These are considered as ancient and belong to the medieval period of Gujarat. It also showcases idols of Hindu deities and the former kings of Gujarat. 

Timing: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 50 for Foreigners

At a distance of 35 km from Patan city center, lies the famous Modhera Sun Temple. It’s an ancient Hindu temple located in Modhera village. The sun temple is a dedication to the Sun God and lists among the top-visited places in Patan. Built during the Solanki dynasty by Raja Bhimdev I in 1026 AD it reflects the architectural excellence of the Solanki rulers and tells a lot about their devotional zeal. Similar to the Sun Temple at Konark, it was designed to ensure that the first rays of the sun fall on Lord Surya’s image at the time of equinoxes. Presently, no worship is offered here.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected site under the Archaeological Department of India. A museum within its vicinity houses involved stone carvings along with many rare artifacts displayed outside the museum. Around January, you can also experience the Modhera Dance Festival that happens every year near the site.

Timing: 7 am - 6 pm

Fee: INR 40 and 200 for Indians and Foreigners respectively, and 300 for guide

At just about 1 km from Rani ki Vav and 3 km from Patan Railway Station, one can step in Patan Patola Heritage Center. It’s a small, private, and one of its kind museum managed by the award-winning Salvi family. Opened in 2014 in an area that spreads over 3000 sq. ft with three floors, it documents the history of the Patan Patola combining weaving, dyeing, and tying techniques. Here, you can witness Patola silk weaving in action and get an understanding of the process. You can also see some photographs of celebrities wearing the Patola Saree, old vegetable dyes, history of the Salvi family (the master-class saree weavers), and the national awards at display won by the family.

Timing: 10 am - 6 pm

Fee: INR 10

At 2 km away from Patan Railway Station, a famous Jain temple named Shri Panchasara Parshwanath is one of Patan’s top tourist attractions. Dedicated to Shri Parshwanathji, this temple was constructed under the kingship of Vanraj Chavda around 746 CE. There are about 51 smaller temples within the vicinity of the principal temple. It is embellished with refined stone carvings and white marble floors. The temple is 180 feet high 90 feet wide. Pillars, walls, mandaps, domes are enhanced with wonderful carvings and artistic images. The primary idol is older than 746 CE and the umbrella of 7 hoods over its head looks stunning. Within the close proximity of the temple, lies the Hemchandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir. It holds valuable Jain manuscripts some of which are written with gold ink. However, to access these manuscripts, prior permission of the custodian is required.

Timing: 9:30 am - 6:30 pm

Fee: Free

Bindu Sarovar and Khan Sarovar are the two famous lakes in Patan. Bindu Sarovar is about 25 km from Patan’s city center in the Siddhpur area. It is one of the holy places in Gujarat and according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Mahavishnu's tears fell in this lake. Also known as Matru Gaya Kshetra, it is also one of the five sacred theerthams in Hinduism. Legends say that Sage Kardhama performed severe penance for 10000 years only for the darshan of Lord Vishnu and Lord Parshuram also performed 'Matru Shradh' here. So this is a holy place. Another one is the man-made lake known by the name Khan Sarovar at just 4 km from Patan Railway Station. It was constructed in 1589 AD by Mirza Aziz Kokah using stones from ruined structures. There’s also a park within the premises where you can spend some peaceful time.

Timing: 8 am - 6 pm

Fee: No charge

Sahastralinga Talav or lake is one of the heritage sites in Patan. It is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in the city situated near the city center. It’s an old water tank which is now completely owned, run, and maintained by the Archaeological Department of India. Legends say that the talav was cursed by a woman named Jasma Oden. She denied marrying Siddhraj Jaisinh and took Sati to protect her honor. Today, the water tank is dry. The pentagonal shaped talav is marked by a series of mounds revealing its shape. It’s 1 km broad and spans over an area of about 17 hectares. The channels, well, steps, and side elevation with a bridge are the main highlights of the talav. You can also spot thousands of shrines’ remains dedicated to Lord Shiva on the edge of the water tank.

Timing: 6 am - 6 pm

Fee: No charge