Palitana Temples

Bhavnagar is still considered to be the cultural capital of the entire Saurashtra region. As the former seat of the royal family the city contains several palaces and temples which showcase the architectural heritage of the state. The city is best used as a base to explore the stunning Palitana Temple complex just over an hour’s drive from the city. The Palitana Temple complex sits atop Shatrunjaya Hill, the first of its 863 temples were built in the 11th century but construction activity has spanned a total of 900 years. As successive worshippers of the non-violent and trading Jain community designed their own temples, they cleared the crest of the hill and levelled it into terraces. The temples are exquisitely carved in marble and when seen from a distance, they appear to be ivory miniatures.