Top 3 Best Places to Visit in Aravalli for Nature, Temples & Peace

1. Shamlaji Temple

Shamlaji Temple stands as a sacred Hindu temple which faces the Meshwo River in northeast Aravalli district. This holy site remains a devotion center after multiple centuries while preserving its historical value as well as its architectural greatness.

The true beginnings of the temple stay lost to history although scholars think the town developed during approximately 1500 years past. Archaeological evidence in the form of multiple fossils together with ancient relics supports an established community from past ages. The detailed temple design from antiquity proves the exceptional artistic skills of craftsmen from that past period.

During ancient times Shamlaji attracted the same level of success and aesthetic beauty that Chandrapuri achieved. During historical periods the Meshwo River became more vital after builders established a dam near Shamlaji.

Shamlaji Temple stays prominent through its dynamic festivals namely Dipotsavi that occurs on Kartik Poonam day. Thousands of devotees along with visitors come to the temple during every full moon day making it an important pilgrimage location. Many devotees came to enjoy the Kartik Poonam grand fair because the spiritual energy combined with religious joy and celebration united several thousands of visitors.

Worshipers and history enthusiasts are drawn to Shamlaji Temple because of its combination of ancient history along with its magnificent architectural style and its festive activities.

2. Zanzari Waterfall

Zanzari Waterfall is found along the Vatrak River banks where it enters the village of Dabha which belongs to the Bayad Taluka and Aravalli district of India. Zanzari Waterfall attracts vacationing nature enthusiasts and adventure enthusiasts because of its position 12 kilometers from Bayad and 7 kilometers south of the Bayad-Dahegam Road.

Tourists in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and Mehsana residents commonly travel to Zanzari Waterfall for seeing its magnificent natural appearance. Winding steps form distinctive smaller falls which produce an enchanting landscape while creating a calming postal setting. Visitors overrun Zanzari Waterfall especially during weekend days but also on public holidays to observe its scenic views and unwind in nature while performing outdoor activities.

Zanzari Waterfall serves as an outstanding natural destination where photographers and trailblazers experience peaceful moments together with photographers. Zanzari Waterfall offers a perfect combination of peaceful surroundings and water audios that draw visitors who want to disconnect from urban stresses.

3. Devni Mori

Devni Mori, located just two kilometers from Shamlaji and 20 kilometers from Bhiloda in Aravalli district, is an important archaeological and historical site. This region was once a flourishing center of Buddhist learning and spirituality.

The area was dotted with numerous hills along the banks of the Meshwo River. One of these, known as ‘Bhajraja’s Tekara,’ served as a Vihara (monastic residence) for Buddhist monks. The presence of these monastic establishments highlights the influence of Buddhism in the region during ancient times.

A significant discovery in Devni Mori was the remains of a Buddhist stupa, which stood at a height of 85 inches and was surrounded by 36 adjoining rooms for monks. During excavations, two pieces of jewelry were found, one of which bore an inscription in Sanskrit stating that the construction was designed by Agnivarma Sudarshan and built by a king named Rudrasen. This suggests that the stupa was constructed during the Kshatriya era.

Similar stupas have been found in other ancient Buddhist centers such as Sindh and Takshashila, indicating Devni Mori’s historical connection to major Buddhist sites. Additionally, researchers discovered 272 iron artifacts dating back to the 3rd century, along with pottery, pictorial stones, and other relics from Buddhist times.

Devni Mori stands as an essential testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of Gujarat. The findings from this site provide invaluable insights into the religious, architectural, and artistic traditions of early Buddhist civilization. Today, while the remnants of the stupa and monastery remain, the site continues to attract historians, archaeologists, and devotees eager to explore its forgotten past.

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