Thol Wildlife Sanctuary -Mehsana

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The main attraction of the Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is its great collection of avifauna. Several bird species including both resident and migratory types can be found in this sanctuary. The tallest flying bird of the world Sarus crane inhabits this area and is found in good number. Besides the Sarus Crane, many waterfowls also get attracted to this site due to the agricultural fields surrounding the lake, which provide sufficient food to them. The migratory birds from different parts of the world visit the place, during the months of October to March. They stay here for a long period and make it their temporary sojourn in the winters. Some of the most notable migratory bird species of the sanctuary include the great White Pelicans, Flamingoes, Mallards, Greylag Cheese, Black Ibis, Odd Spotted Fly Catchers, Eurasian Curlews, etc. These bird species have contributed a lot in increasing the popularity of the sanctuary. The nature lovers like to cherish the sight of such a large array of birds and their cacophony, for a long period. The sanctuary is often described as an ornithologist`s paradise.

This domicile devoted to the Water Birds is also renowned for the scenic grandeur that showers from every corner of it.If you desire to observe Water Birds in their natural habitat peacefully and without any sudden and unsettling interruption, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary at Mehsana is the venue for you.

The solitary turn off associated with the Thol Wildlife Sanctuary at Mehsana is the commotion that is solely induced by the traffic of small boats and canoes disrupting the pristine and placid ambiance of this Water Bird Sanctuary.The Thol Wildlife Sanctuary situated at Mehsana is in fact a man-constructed artificial tank utilized mainly for irrigation purposes that possesses 1450 hectares of command plot and 153 square kilometers of catchment plot.

Thol Lake encompassing an area of 7 sq km has marshy fringes. Scrub forests also surround the sides of the high banks. This makes it the ideal spot for a large number of migratory birds particularly those who belong to the category of waders and waterfowls. The Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is their temporary sojourn for the winters and so it is best to visit this Lake Sanctuary in the months between October and March. When planning a trip keep in mind that

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Lake:
Thol Lake encompassing an area of 7 sq km has marshy fringes. Scrub forests also surround the sides of the high banks. This makes it the ideal spot for a large number of migratory birds particularly those who belong to the category of waders and waterfowls. The Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is their temporary sojourn for the winters and so it is best to visit this Lake Sanctuary in the months between October and March. When planning a trip keep in mind that

Birds:
Thol is well known for wintering Great White Pelicans, Flamingos, a variety of waterfowl including Mallards and good numbers of Greylag Geese, Sarus Cranes, the odd Spotted Flycatcher and waders which include Eurasian Curlews. Highly recommended if you are traveling through the area.

Rani Udaymati Vav:
Rani Udaymati Vav is an architectural wonder of Gujarat. It is one of the largest step wells of the state. The vav was constructed by Queen Udaymati in 11th century, in the loving memory of her Husband, King Bhimdeva I of the Chalukya Dynasty. The well is beautifully adorned with 800 stone sculptures and reliefs. One can see the impressive images of Hindu Gods, their incarnations and their consorts. The artistic and architectural majesty of the well is rarely to be seen elsewhere.

Langhanaj locality:
The Langhanaj locality of Mehsana is an interesting place. It is an excavation site, where 14 fossilized skeletons and monoliths were unearthed. The locality bears evidence to the life of early man of Langhanaj. It bears close affinity with the East Africans.

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Taranga Hills:
The hill region is thronged three peaks around and Taranga is near to the Jain Temple of Idol which is said to be the Jain Siddha Kshetra. These hills have 5 Digambar and 5 Shwetambar temples and it is said that several saints have obtained final emancipation after powerful austerities from here. The beautiful temple of Lord Ajitnath is located here, this was constructed during the 12th century by the Shwetambar Solanki king, Kumarapal of Patan.

Vadnagar:
The town is very ancient and has great important historical values. The six 12th century gates with great work of historic ambience welcome you to this town, which really takes us back to the past. This town is enriched with numerous temples, narrow lanes, small houses, plinths and pillars talks about the values of ancient architecture. The town is still at its old charm un faded. Among the six 12th century Gates, Amarthol is the oldest one that still exists in this town. The major attractions are the Kirti Mandir, which is significant for its 12th century Torana Gates is here and the famous Lord Shiva temple known as the 17th century Hatkeshwar temple is a prime pilgrimage center.. Other places of tourist interest are Kasivishvesvara Shiva temple, Swaminarayan Temple, Sitla Mata Temple and two other Jain Temple.

Akshardham Temple:
Akshardham is situated in the capital city of Gandhinagar, which lies near Ahmedabad. The magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was constructed on the directions of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Sanstha. The complex of this temple is the largest in Gujarat. Akshardham temple was inaugurated in the year 1992 and has become a major tourist attraction in India, during the last decade. It has a sprawling 23 acre area and is chiseled out in pink sandstone.

Modhera Sun Temple:
Situated at a distance of 102 kms from Ahmedabad on the bank of the river Pushpavati, the Modhera sun temple was constructed in the year 1026 AD. It was established by the King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty in the dedication of Lord Surya. It is one of the finest architectures of the eleventh century. One of the best features of the temple consists of the carved torana arches.

Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lying at a distance of 93 kms from the Ahmedabad city in the state of Gujarat, Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries in the entire country. Covering an area of 4950 sq ft, it is famous for its attractive chestnut brown Asiatic (Wild ass), a species of wild horses. It is also the natural habitat of wolf, blue bull, gazelle, jungle cat, Indian foxes, jackal and hare.

Shanku Water Park:
Lying at a distance of 60 km from Ahmedabad at Mehsana Highway, Shanku Water Park is the first water park of the country. When this amusement park was opened for public use, it was like a pleasant surprise for the kids. The park offers excellent rides for children as well as kids, which ranges from lazy river to the thrilling tunnels .

Bhadra Fort:
Dedicated to Goddess Bhadra kali the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad is one of the most ancient monuments in the city of Ahmedabad. It was Sultan Ahmad Shah who constructed the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad. One of the historical monuments the Teen Darwaza was a royal entrance while the Bhadra Fort was named so because it was built in the name of Goddess Bhadra Kali in Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India. It is believed that the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza was built in the 15th century. Built by Shah Alam it still recalls the grandeur of yesteryears. From large halls to the royal interiors everything reflects a vintage charm and medieval aura.

Mata Bhavani’s Well:
Situated in the heart of the bustling city of Ahmedabad in India, the Mata Bhavani’s Well is one of the earliest step wells in the region. The Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad derives its name from the Bhavani Mata’s shrine which attracts tourists from all over. According to the popular belief and also according to historians Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad belongs to the 11th century while the temple of Mata Bhavani was constructed in the later years.Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad is one of the important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. The Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad is one of the longest wells that ends projecting towards and east and west. On the eastern side there is an entrance. The staircase to the Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad descends to the east end and there is a circular shaft. In the earlier times, water in the shaft was brought up by the cows and used for irrigation.

Shaking Minarets:
The Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad or the Jhulta Minar is one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad. Located in Siddi Bashir’s Mosque near the Sarangpur gate this is one of the beautiful tourist places in the city. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.History says that a slave of Sultan Siddi Bashir constructed the Siddi Bashir’s Mosque and the minarets in the year 1461. Though there a number of myths surrounding the Jhulta Minar or the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad yet according to popular belief it was done to avoid the earthquakes. It is said that a European Sanskrit scholar, Monier M Williams noticed that the minarets are shaking. So this led to the name of Shaking Minarets or Jhulta Minar.

Calico Museum of Textiles:
ntricate design, exquisite artwork and beautifully hand woven fabrics are the major attraction of the Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad. From the finest of prints to the best of designs, Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad is has an excellent collection of fabrics dating from 17th century. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.Established in the year 1949, the Calico Museum of Textiles is one of the unique museums in Ahmedabad. One of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad in India, it is considered to be the ideal destination which houses a rare collection of fabrics from different regions of India. The brainchild of the Sarabhai it houses fabrics and textiles of 17th century. Originally it was housed inside the Calico Mills and then with the rising number of collectibles it was shifted to Sarabhai House and named as Calico Museum of Textiles.

Kite Museum:
One of the most unique Museums in Ahmedabad is the Kite Museum. The Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is located in Sanskar Kendra. This museum in Ahmedabad houses an extraordinary collection of rare kites built over 50 years by a man called Bhanubhai Shah. From kites that have been crafted from 400 pieces of paper to the different kites of unique colors, the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Kite Museum, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.The Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is the brainchild of Bhanubhai Shah. For 50 years Bhanubhai Shah has carefully treasured these uniquely crafted kites. From colorful to large sizes, these kites not only were meant to adorn the blue sky but stands out as an example of rare collectibles. In the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad one can get a glimpse of huge kites which are 22 by 16 feet to some of the smallest kites as well.

NC Mehta Gallery:
Amongst the Museums in Ahmedabad the NC Mehta Gallery, Ahmedabad is one of the most important tourist places. Tourists from all over visit the NC Mehta Gallery, Ahmedabad to get a glimpse of its exclusive range of miniature paintings that attract tourists from all over. Indianholiday.com offers online information on NC Mehta Gallery, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.The NC Mehta Gallery, Ahmedabad was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. This is one of the museums in Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India, which houses an exclusive range of miniature paintings which attract tourists from all over. The NC Mehta Gallery, Ahmedabad located near the Gujarat University is famous for its collection of miniature. Collected from various parts of India, these miniature paintings attract tourists from all over.

Ahmed Shah’s Mosque:
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, the most industrialized state in India. The Ahmedabad city is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Ahmedabad was founded in 1411 to serve as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, Sultan Ahmed Shah who also gave his name to the city. Ahmed Shah’s Mosque, Ahmedabad is one of the most famous holy places in Ahmedabad. Ahmed Shah was a sultan of Gujarat's ruling Muzaffarid dynasty. He ruled from 1411 until his death in 1442 and founded the city of Ahmedabad and established it as his capital.Ahmed Shah’s Mosque Ahmedabad In India was established almost simultaneously with the city. The mosque was built in 1414, three years after the establishment of the city. The mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple which was devastated and parts of which was incorporated into the structure of the mosque itself.

Raj Babri Mosque:
The Raj Babri Mosque Ahmedabad is one of the most important monuments in Ahmedabad. The Raj Babri Mosque and the Sidi Bashir Mosque stands out among all other mosques in Amedabad, with their shaking minarets.The shaking minarets are the most important feature of these mosques. Outside Ahmedabad, the only place where the shaking minarets are to be found is at Isfahan in Iran where they are called Monar Jonban (shaking minarets) with almost the same properties.

The Raj Babri Mosque Ahmedabad in India was built around the 15th century. The mosque had two shaking minarets in the beginning, but later, the British, who wanted to study the architecture and construction tactic of the minarets and pulled one of them down. But sadly the minaret could not be pulled together again.Most of the mosques in Ahmedabad were built during the 14th and 15th century; mostly during the rule of King Ahmed Shah, who founded and gave his name to the city of Ahmedabad.

Rani Sipri’s:
Rani Sipris’s Mosque Ahmedabad, along with Rani Rupmati’s Mosque is in a league of its own. Rani Sipri’s Mosque Ahmedabad in India with its exquisite architecture and interesting history, is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad besides being one of the prominent and well revered pilgrimages among the local Muslims. Thus, the mosque is one of the important holy places in Ahmedabad.Rani Sipri was one of the Hindu queens of the king of Ahmedabad. The Rani Sipri’s Mosque was commissioned by Rani Sipri of Ahmedabad and speaks volumes of the inter-religious marriage trend that became quite popular among the Indian royalty, to facilitate political alliance. The mosque is believed to have been built in 1514 AD by Rani Sipri, wife of Mehmud Begada who executed their son for a misdemeanor. The Mughal sultanate had under its rule a number of smaller local sultanates ruled by Muslim rulers.

Sidi Sayiad’s:
The Sidi Saiyyed mosque Ahmedabad, built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. Known for its intricate jails, the Sidi Sayiad’s Mosque Ahmedabad In India, makes a travel to Ahmedabad a worthwhile endeavor. The Sidi Saiyad Mosque is also one of the holy places in Ahmedabad.The Sidi Sayiad’s Mosque was built in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque was built in the last year of the Sultanate of Gujarat and is now one of the most famous monuments in Ahmedabad.The mosque is entirely arched and has ten screen windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches.

The twin windows of pierced stone are carved in style of a tree with palm leaves and curved tendrils. These screens are framed in ten semi-circular windows. This mosque is a superb and peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree. The beautiful carved stone windows depict the intricate intertwining of the branches of a tree. This intricately carved stone window is called the Sidi Saiyyed Jali. Wooden models of these windows, which are a fine example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, are kept in the New York and Kensington museums.

Dada Hari Vav:
Built in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad is one of the finest step wells in Ahmedabad which is also one of the important tourist places in the city. Built as a resting place for the travelers, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad attracts tourists from all over. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.Constructed during the rule of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad is one of the intricately designed spacious step wells in Ahmedabad. Just behind the tomb of Dada Hari it is one of the most exquisitely crafted step wells in the city of Ahmedabad in India. The Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad was built in that period for Bai Harir Sultani who was the superintendent of the royal harem. The main reason for constructing the Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad was to provide a cool resting place for the travelers.

Sabarmati Ashram:
Nestled on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Considered to be one of the nerve centers of Indian political struggle during the pre independence period, the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad is one of the most important destinations in India. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.The Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad was the center of many events that played a major role in Indian independence. Mahatma Gandhi made Sabarmati Ashram his home on 12th March 1930 and from here he sowed the seeds of non violent revolution in the heart of millions of Indians. Mahatma Gandhi preferred this serene location on the banks of the Sabarmati River for a number of reasons. This is one of the important monuments in Ahmedabad.

Firstly he felt it was his homeland and secondly Gujarat was the home of wealthy merchants who would be able to contribute in the freedom struggle. On the other side of the Sabarmati River were the iron gates of the Prison while on the other shores Gandhiji sowed the seeds of freedom through non violence.

Tomb of Ahmed Shah:
The founder of Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India is Ahmed Shah. In Ahmedabad near the Jama Masjid lies the Tomb of Ahmed Shah. The architectural extravagance and exquisite artwork makes the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad simply a class apart. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.

Just on the eastern Gate of Jama Masjid stands the beautifully crafted Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. From latticed windows to the intricately designed Islamic inscription, the Tomb of Ahmed Shah attracts tourists from all over. The cenotaphs of his son and grandson can also be seen in Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. This is one of the beautiful monuments in Ahmedabad.Ahmed Shah built Ahmedabad in 1411 and from then the name of Ahmed Shah is closely related to this beautiful city in Western India. Ahmed Shah was the ruler of Muzzafarid Dynasty and ruled in Gujarat from 1411 to 1442 and he founded the city of Ahmedabad and established it as his capital. During his rule Ahmedabad became one of the most prosperous cities in Western India.

City Museum:
The City Museum, Ahmedabad is in the Sanskar Kendra building which is one of the finest museums in Ahmedabad. Located in the heart of the city, the building was built by the well known French architect Le Corbusier. The City Museum attracts tourists from all over. Indianholiday.com offers online information on City Museum, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.One of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad is the City Museum, Ahmedabad. One of the important places in the city it showcases the important aspects, achievements and pride of a city called Ahmedabad. On 5th April, 2000, the City Museum, Ahmedabad was established. Also known as Atit Ki Jhanki it means a window to Ahmedabad’s past. Inaugurated by Mr. Kailashnathan, the City Museum, Ahmedabad is governed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Commission.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum:
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful museums in Ahmedabad. From printed books to manuscripts based on different religions, the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad is simply a treasure trove for bibliophiles. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.Established by Muni Shri Punyavijayji and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad houses a rare collection of books and manuscripts. The library was established in the year 1984 and has an excellent collection of miniature paintings, cloth paintings, stone sculptures, terracottas, bronzes, textiles, wood work, metal sculptures, coins and various paintings of Tagore and artwork of Nepal and Tibet.

Shreyas Folk Museum:
Amongst the museums in Ahmedabad the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the informative and educational museums located close to the suburbs of Ambavadi near Sabarmati. This museum displays the colorful and traditional folk arts of Gujarat. From textile and clothing to the decorative collectibles, the Shreyas Folk Museum brings out the traditional rustic flavor and cultural heritage of Gujarat. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.Situated in the Shreyas Tekra hill near Ambavadi, the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad is named after the Shreyas Tekra hill. An exclusive collection of folk arts and other collectibles makes the museum one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Tourists interested in folk art must plan a trip to the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad.

Hathee Singh Temple:
The Hathee Singh temple Ahmedabad is a very famous Jain temple; one of the most popular Jain temples in Ahmedabad. The temple has been named after its founder Seth Hathee Singh, a prosperous Jain merchant, and is now one of the well known holy places in Ahmedabad.The Hathee Singh Temple is an architectural marvel in white marble. Hathee Singh Jain temple is a double storied construction that has a dome on the front side. The other two sides of the temple consist of lavishly carved out galleries. The Hathee Singh Temple Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful Jain temples in Ahmedabad Gujarat and follows the typical Jain temple architecture commonly to be seen in the temples of Dilwara and Ranakpur in the neighboring state of Rajasthan.

Rani Rupmati’s Mosque:
Rani Rupmati was one of the Hindu queens of the emperor, who like many Mughal and Muslim rulers, married into the Rajput and local Hindu royal families. This was a practice common then among Muslims and Rajput rulers, to facilitate political aliances. However, many o these Hindu queens often retained much of their ancestral norms and rites, and some of the more fortunate ones, like Jodhabai, the queen of Emperor Akbar, even got to practice their own religion without having to go through a conversion.The mosques and monuments commissioned by these queens however, displayed a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Rani Rupmati’s Mosque is also an instance of the same cultural tradition.Ahmedabad boasts of an array of outstanding monuments that in some ways outshine even those of the Mughals. Remarkable for their ornate three-dimensional decoration these monuments show distinct influences of Hindu and Jain architecture. These monuments seamlessly incorporate motifs considered traditionally auspicious by the Hindus. Motifs like the Jain 'lamp of knowledge' and the 'kalpalata' (wish-fulfillment creeper) and the 'kalpavriksha' symbolizing fecundity and prosperity are commonly to be seen.

Sidi Bashir Mosque:
The Sidi Bashir Mosque Ahmedabad is one of the most interesting and unconventional mosques of Ahmedabad- an architectural wonder. The Sidi Bashir Mosque Ahmedabad in India is famous for its shaking minarets and is thus one of the most well known holy places in Ahmedabad.According to popular belief, the Sidi Bashir mosque was constructed by Sidi Bashir, a slave to the Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of the Ahmedabad City. Another view conflicting to this story says that the mosque was built by Malik Sarang, a noble in the court of Muhammed Begada, another Sultan of Gujarat. The construction of the Sidi Bashir Mosque was completed in 1452.

Swami Narayan Temple:
Situated at Kalupur in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is one of the most important temples in Gujarat and world over. Considered to be one of the famous holy places in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is a major attraction for pilgrims, devotees and tourists from all over. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.Situated at Kalupur in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is one of the most important temples in Gujarat and world over. Considered to be one of the famous holy places in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is a major attraction for pilgrims, devotees and tourists from all over. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.

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Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Le Méridien Hotel:Nehru Bridge,Ahmedabad,Gujarat,India,Ph:079 2550 5505

Comfort Inn Sunset :Airport Circle,Hansol,Ahmedabad,Gujarat,India,ph:079 2286 2591

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