Palitana
This little town, located as it is at the foot of Shetrunjaya hill, the most sacred spot on earth for the Jain community, is an important pilgrimage center for Jains.
The Shetrunjaya hill has 863 temples, some small and simple, others large and intricately sculptured. The earliest ones were built during the 11 th century, but many were destroyed in the 14 th and 16 th centuries by Allauddin Khilji and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The entire crest of the hill is covered with shrines.
Getting There
By Rail
Palitana lies on Western Railway's metre gauge line, 277 kms from Ahmedabad.
By Road
Luxury buses ply regular services between the pilgrim town and Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Mumbai and Surat.
Getting Around
Local transport within Palitana is the monopoly of horse drawn tongas. Hired cycles are also available.
Where to Stay
Hotel Sumeru, run by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.
There are about hundred dharamsalas in Palitana. Accommodation is generally free. Some places take in non-Jains and some charge a nominal amount for the simple vegetarian meals they offer.
