Ambaji Temple - Holy place of Gujarat

Today we are going to discuss about one of the best holy spots of India known as Ambaji town located in Banaskantha region, Gujarat. This place is famous for historical as well as holy values. This cultural spot is described in many mythological books of India. In this short note we will discuss about the Ambaji Town, its Geographical structure, Demographics, Climate, Temple, Gabber Hill, Shakti Peeth and nearby places of Ambaji. Travelers must refer this description before attaining to Ambaji as some valuable information is provided in this article about this spot.

Ambaji Town: It is a town in Danta taluk of Banaskantha region, Gujarat. Town is having historical and fabled connections for Hindus. Possessing mines producing finest marble and granite are other advantages of this place.

Geography: The altitude of Ambaji is 480 meters from sea level. Its around 1570 feet from the ground level surrounded with Araveli ranges. Basically the town is located on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Demographics: According to census survey done in 2001 the average population of town was 13,702 in which male’s ratio was 53 % and females ratio was 47 %. Literacy rate of town was 66 % and female educated ratio was higher compared to male population.

Climate: As the town is located on the border of two hot states of India so this place becomes so hot in summer. However, in winter it becomes chilled which means people are going to enjoy the weather as well as place properly in their holidays. Average temperature recorded in summer for Ambaji is between 26-46 °C.  Temperature in winter is range is between 10-36 °C. In Monsoon, rainfall average is 15-30 inches, though sometime heavy rainfall occurs.

Ambaji Temple: The famous temple of Mata Ambaji is located at Arasur town, Banaskantha region. Its elevation is 61 m that is equal to 200 feet. Millions of followers are visiting Ambaji temple each year. The temple is listed in big Shakti Peethas of India. This shkati peetha is located at only distance of 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mount-Abu. Once visitors reach Ambaji they can attain to several others nearby tourist places.

Gabbar Hill: A beautiful spot just 5 km far from Ambaji Temple is available for travelers. This famous hill of Gabbar is positioned on the border Rajasthan and Gujarat. Vedic Saraswati River is flowing from this region and Arasur forest on hill is famous spot for voyagers. People can enjoy the ancient hill ranges of Aravalli at this place as well. This hill area is basically the spot where a dead body Devi Sati fell from the sky.

Places to visit closer Ambaji Town:

Kamakshi Mandir: Just 1 km far from Ambaji town is Kamaskhi temple located on Khedbrahma Highway. It is the place where religious facts are taught to the students of Shakti Sampraday.

Kailash Hill Sunset: People who love watching sunset can visit the Kailash Hill Sunset point that is also a picnic location. 1 ½ Km far from Ambaji temple comes on Khedbrahma Highway.

Koteshwar: also known as Koteshwar Mahadev temple is next closest destination of Ambaji. Only 8 km far from Ambaji town is the Origin place of River Saraswati. Shri Koteshwar Mahadev temple is major attraction at this place. Holy Kund is famous for dip, but the kund is closer to river so be careful when you take dip in it.

Other two big places near the town are Kumbhariya and Mansarovar. Both are holy places and having huge values in Indian religions. You must plan to attain both places so that you will not miss the Ambaji town and its closer famous spots.

How to reach Ambaji Town:
By Flight: Closest airport for Ambaji is Dabok Airport of Udaipur located at 95 km distance. The other big airport for Ambaji is Ahmadabad located at 146 km. Ahmadabad is the international airport so reaching the spot from abroad is not a problem now.

By Train: Train is the best mode of transport in India and for famous Indian tourist place Ambaji people can have the train from Abu Road, Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Udaipur and some more cities of India. Abu Road is just 18 km far from Ambaji and other closest railway station is Maval located at same 18 km distance.

By Road: Mount Abu is the best mode to reach Ambaji through road. State buses are available for Ambaji from Mount Abu, Abu road and some more cities of Rajasthan.

Lahaul-Spiti

Indian tourist places are always attracting visitors. Today we are going to discuss about the finest travel destination of India known as Lahaul-Spiti. The two regions of HP (Himachal Pradesh) are turning as most exciting locations because of high hills covered with snow maximum time. However, both districts are having diverse features but they are full of wonder places. Before merge of these two districts they were holding two different capitals. Lahaul capital was Kardang and Spiti capital was Dhankar.

The best part of Lahaul-Spiti is they are hilly area having amazing natural spots. Talking about the Kunzum la also known as Kunzum Pass is headquarters of Lahaul located at altitude of 4,551 meters. Kunzum pass is the entry point of Spiti from Lahaul. Don’t forget to attain Kunzum because you are going to spend your holidays in heaven. This place is only 21 km away to Chandra Tal which is another tourist place of India. Manali is also closer big tourist place of Lahaul, though travelers have to get the route of Rohtang Pass. District Spiti border to Tabo with just 24 km distance in south. NH 22 is best route to reach Spiti and Lahaul.

Both regions are having different valleys, though Spiti is dangerous area because of deep valleys and short routes. Spiti River is also flowing from this region and meeting to big Religious River Sutlej in southeast. Experts refer the Spiti as typical hill desert place.

Both places are different destinations so people who love adventure can enjoy the spots a lot. The condition of Lahaul is harsh that allow only scattered bunch of grasses to grow. Voyagers can easily view the Glacier lines at 5,000 meters distance from Lahaul.

Wild animals are special attraction in the Spiti but the place is really dangerous. Animals like Dzos and Yaks roam in plan areas. Earlier the nearest forest area was full of Kiangs, Argali, Musk Deer, snow leopards and Tibetan antelope. However, the hunting in such reason reduced the quantity of such animals. Still some animals like Ibex, foxes, brown bears and leopards are seen in Lahaul valley.

Lahaul and Spiti are two regions and there are some amazing places to visit.

Attraction in Lahaul-Spiti:

ROHTANG PASS: Wonder place of HP is Rohtang pass located at altitude of 13050 feet. This pass separates the Kullu city from Lahaul valley. If we go through Tibetan language the word Rohtang means a place of dead bodies. This sounds that Rohtang pass is difficult location, but in recent period the roads of such pass are repaired with proper gap. Here the snow storms can occur anytime after 11 A.M. People must take their warm clothes if they are reaching to this pass.

KHOKSAR: another location known as Khoksar is a village and gateway to Lahaul from Spiti. Altitude of Khoksar is 3140 meters and river Chandra is flowing from this area. Guest house and lodgings are available in Khoksar. Summer is the top season of this place when rich alpine flowers grow. The whole town becomes best in appearance and hills also get covered with lashing greenery.

SISSU: A village of Lahaul region is available for you. Located closer to river Chandra at altitude of 3130 meters. It’s a flat ground area and swimming in Chandra River is available at this location. Wild roses spread everywhere is able to make the place eye catching.

GONDHLA: A town located at gap of 18 km from Keylong is available for you. Altitude of Gondhla is 3160 meters. Area is covered with thick flora of willows and poplars. Its mountain area and river is flowing between the hills. An impressive place to visit in Gondhla is fort. People should view the sword of wisdom located inside the fort.

TANDI: A town located above the meeting points of the two rivers Bhaga and Chandra. Both rivers meet at Pattan valley that is only 7 km far from Keylong (another best spot of HP). Founder of this town was King Rana Chand Ram of Chandi Empire. According to Indian myth Mahabharata Draupadi left her body at Tandi. Some people believe Rishi Vashishtha meditated near water springs in Manali and moved to Tandi in later period.

Keylong: A headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti is next prime destination. The altitude of Keylong is 3156 meters. Keylong town is positioned on the major trade route of Rohtang and Baralacha. Government offices of Lahaul and Spiti are placed at Keylong. Lady of Keylong is major attraction of town. Brown mountains and snow peaks are easily visible from any side of the town.

JISPA: A beautiful mark for voyagers is Jispa just 22 Kms distant from Keylong whereas Ghemur is only 4 kms away. Bhaga River is flowing from Jispa.

Some more attractions for voyagers in Lahaul-Saiti regions are DARCHA, SURAJ TAAL, and CHANDRA TAAL.  

Attaining to Lahaul-Spiti

By Air: Closest domestic airport is Bhuntar located at 40 kms distance from Manali. From Bhuntar travelers have to go for 115 kms distance the reach Rohtang pass or Keylong.

By Rail: Joginder Nagar is closest railway station for Lahaul-Spiti. The two big stations closer to spot are Shimla and Chandigarh.

By Bus: Roadways are the best mode of transport in India. Lahaul-Spiti is properly connected through road to various cities of Himachal Pradesh. Frequent bus services are available from Manali for Rohtang Pass and other closer areas of Lahaul. However, voyagers should check the weather conditions before booking the seats in bus, train or plane.