Situated in the Kheda district of the West Indian state of Gujarat, Balasinor is a small town. Also known as Vadasinor, it was established during the 18th century. To be precise, this former princely state of Nawab Babi or Yusufzai Pathan Dynasty, was created on 28th September, 1758 from the Babis of Junagadh.
The town is an amazing tourist destination in Gujarat, that has still kept intact its old-world charm. It boasts of being home to a number temples, monuments and other attractions, which prove to be a treat to the eyes of the tourists. Balasinor is quite close to a number of other famous places like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
This small town becomes lively during enthusiastic celebration of several Hindu festivals. These festivals are held high for promoting the feelings of unity and brotherhood. Navaratri is one of the most popular festival that is celebrated with full zeal and passion. The locals take part in Dandiya, the famous dance of the state. Diwali, Holi and Dussehra are some of the other popular festivals.
Best Places to Visit in Balasinor
- Balasinor Fossil Park
- The Garden Palace
- Wanakbori Dam
- Timba Tuva
- Galteshwar
- Champaner
Balasinor Fossil Park
Referred to as the India’s Jurassic Park, Balasinor Fossil Park is located in Raiyoli village. Developed by the Government Tourism, Raiyoli Dinosaur Fossil Excavation Site contains fossilized eggs, bones and other remains of the Dinosaurs. In this fossil park, the remains of around 13 species of dinosaurs have also been found. Visiting this Dinosaur site, may take around half a day. By visiting the world’s 2nd largest site, you can see the fossils and eggs in their natural form.
Ambaji temple
Ambaji temple is an old temple in Balasinor, which is worth a visit. This temple is quite close to the Balasinor Fossil Park.
The Garden Palace
The extremely beautiful Garden Palace, built in 1883 by Nawab Saheb Manover Khanji Babi, is known for its well-manicured gardens and is also a well-known tourist attraction.. You can explore it by car or by foot. Now transformed into a heritage hotel, the palace boasts of a royal ambiance and striking interiors as well as exteriors. It has a total of 8 spacious and well-maintained rooms. Just a few walks away is the Choti Baadi, a building consisting of royal mausoleums. Out of these, the oldest one is around 400-yr old. The palace is just 20 minutes away from the Dinosaur site.
Wanakbori Dam
Located close to the Garden Palace is the Wanakbori Dam, which is created on the Mahi river. This place is quite popular amongst picnickers, locals or tourists. The dam site offers a panoramic view of the reservoir, mainly during the monsoon season.
Timba Tuva
The natural hot water sulphur springs of Timba Tuva is not a popular place of interest for the tourists but is also believed to have medicinal properties. It is said that that waters of this natural spring can miraculously cure rheumatism and arthritis. This site is also associated with an ancient folklore that says during their exile, the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata, had spent some years here. This is the very site where Bhima had married Hadimba. There are footprints of Bhima can be seen and there is a wedding Mandap, made out of stone.
Galteshwar
Galteshwar is the site that houses an old temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place is also popular as a picnic spot.
Champaner
Made popular by the Oscar nominated Bollywood movie Lagaan, Champaner is around 50 km away from Balasinor. This small village is home to some 1000-yr old well-preserved Hindu and Jain temples. There are a number of mosques, forts and palaces as well. In 2004, Champaner was declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site.