A day trip to Modhera Sun Temple and Patan Stepwell
1 day
Full Day
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About this activity
You will drive to Modhera and Patan and visit some spectacular sights (approx 250 km return trip).
You will begin with Modhera, a site famous for its Sun Temple. Constructed in 1026 c.e. by Bhimadeva of the Solanki Rajput clan, it is an exemplary model of art and architecture from the 11th century — a style that will later influence the development of temple architecture in the neighbouring region as well.
The Temple also has a rectangular step tank with about 108 shrines. In another part of the temple, you can see a panel of traditional erotic sculptures in a style that rivals that of Khajuraho and Konark. Unlike the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, which rests on 12 wheels of a chariot, Modhera has been built on the petals of a lotus.
Next, you will visit Patan. The city was an ancient Hindu capital before being ransacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former self, it still has over 100 Jain temples. Patan is an example of the Solanki-period architecture, which can be seen at the Ran-Ki-Vav step-well, the oldest and perhaps the grandest among more than 120 step-wells in Gujarat. No other step-well in India is so profusely adorned as the Ran-Ki-Vav.
Patan is also known for its Patola silk weavers. These weavers belong to the Salvi community who practice an intricate weaving technique called double ikkat. You will visit a weaver and see this technique as well.
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You will begin with Modhera, a site famous for its Sun Temple. Constructed in 1026 c.e. by Bhimadeva of the Solanki Rajput clan, it is an exemplary model of art and architecture from the 11th century — a style that will later influence the development of temple architecture in the neighbouring region as well.
The Temple also has a rectangular step tank with about 108 shrines. In another part of the temple, you can see a panel of traditional erotic sculptures in a style that rivals that of Khajuraho and Konark. Unlike the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, which rests on 12 wheels of a chariot, Modhera has been built on the petals of a lotus.
Next, you will visit Patan. The city was an ancient Hindu capital before being ransacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former self, it still has over 100 Jain temples. Patan is an example of the Solanki-period architecture, which can be seen at the Ran-Ki-Vav step-well, the oldest and perhaps the grandest among more than 120 step-wells in Gujarat. No other step-well in India is so profusely adorned as the Ran-Ki-Vav.
Patan is also known for its Patola silk weavers. These weavers belong to the Salvi community who practice an intricate weaving technique called double ikkat. You will visit a weaver and see this technique as well.
Included
- Driver/guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned private vehicle
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
- Camera Fees
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
70%