Dabhoi Fort
Historical Significance: Dabhoi Fort, originally known as Darbhavati, is a 13th-century military marvel built during the Solanki dynasty. It was established by the great King Siddhraj Jaisinh to serve as a defensive stronghold for the eastern borders of his kingdom. The fort is an exquisite example of the Hindu Military Architecture that flourished in Gujarat before the arrival of the Sultanates. It is world-renowned for its four magnificent gateways, which are masterpieces of stone craftsmanship. Each gate is oriented toward a cardinal direction: Hira Bhagol (East), Baroda Gate (West), Champaner Gate (North), and Nandod Gate (South). The most famous of these is the Hira Bhagol, named after the architect Hiradhar, who was allegedly sacrificed or punished after its completion to ensure no replica could ever be built. The fort walls were once nearly 3 KM in circumference, though only parts of the walls and the gates remain well-preserved today. It played a vital role in regional trade as it sat at the junction of routes connecting Malwa and the Gujarat coast. Over centuries, the fort witnessed several battles and changed hands between Rajputs, Muslims, and Marathas. Today, it stands as a testament to the artistic heights reached by the Vaghela and Solanki rulers. The intricate carvings on the gates depict scenes from the Puranas, floral patterns, and figures of deities, making it a "stone library" of Hindu mythology. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the structural evolution of Indian forts.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Fort & Historical MonumentEntry Fees:
Entry Fees: There is currently no formal entry fee for the public to visit the gates of the Dabhoi Fort.
Photography Charges: Professional photography or commercial shoots may require prior permission from the local authorities. ...Entry Fees: There is currently no formal entry fee for the public to visit the gates of the Dabhoi Fort.
Photography Charges: Professional photography or commercial shoots may require prior permission from the local authorities.Timing:
General Timings: The fort gates are accessible from Sunrise to Sunset, typically 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The early morning hour of 7:30 AM provides the softest light for viewing the carvings. ...General Timings: The fort gates are accessible from Sunrise to Sunset, typically 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The early morning hour of 7:30 AM provides the softest light for viewing the carvings.Special Events:
Maha Shivratri: The local temples inside the fort celebrate Maha Shivratri in February/March with traditional rituals.
Heritage Day: Occasional local heritage walks are organized in April to educate residents about the fort's importance. ...Maha Shivratri: The local temples inside the fort celebrate Maha Shivratri in February/March with traditional rituals.
Heritage Day: Occasional local heritage walks are organized in April to educate residents about the fort's importance.Best Photo Spots:
Hira Gate Carvings: The best spot for macro photography of the dancers and deities carved into the yellow sandstone.
The Bastion View: Climb the accessible parts of the wall to get a view of the town of Dabhoi against the fort.Hira Gate Carvings: The best spot for macro photography of the dancers and deities carved into the yellow sandstone.
The Bastion View: Climb the accessible parts of the wall to get a view of the town of Dabhoi against the fort.
Nandod Gate: Offers a rustic and less crowded backdrop for portraits and historical architectural shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Observing the Hira Gate: Spend time looking at the microscopic details of the stone carvings depicting musicians and dancers.
Exploring the Moat: Walk around the remaining sections of the fort's dry moat to understand its defensive capabilities.
Visit the Jain Temples: Explore the nearby Jain Shrines that feature similar Solanki-style marble and stone work.
Village Photography: Take photos of the bustling local market that has grown around the ancient fort walls.
Historical Walk: Walk from the Baroda Gate to the Champaner Gate to appreciate the scale of the original fortification.
Studying Inscriptions: Look for the ancient Sanskrit inscriptions on the walls that record the history of the fort's ...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Hira Bhagol: Famous for being one of the most intricately carved gateways in India, featuring exquisite relief work.
Legend of Hiradhar: Famous for the tragic folk legend of its architect, whose story is deeply embedded in the local cult...The Hira Bhagol: Famous for being one of the most intricately carved gateways in India, featuring exquisite relief work.
Legend of Hiradhar: Famous for the tragic folk legend of its architect, whose story is deeply embedded in the local culture. -
Architecture:
Intricate Gate Design: The Hira Bhagol is a six-story structure with a height of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters. It features a double-gate system for security, with the inner gate decorated with carvings of Goddess Kali.
Maru-Gurjara Style:...Intricate Gate Design: The Hira Bhagol is a six-story structure with a height of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters. It features a double-gate system for security, with the inner gate decorated with carvings of Goddess Kali.
Maru-Gurjara Style: The architecture follows the Maru-Gurjara style, utilizing yellow sandstone. The dimensions of the stone blocks are massive, fitted together without mortar in many sections. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Vadodara Airport and take a taxi or a local train to Dabhoi.
By Train: Dabhoi is a major junction; take a local train from Vadodara Station for a scenic journey.
By Road: Drive via the Vadoda... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Hira Bhagol (0 KM), 2. Chandod (18 KM), 3. Statue of Unity (65 KM), 4. Karjan (35 KM), 5. Poicha Nilkanthdham (45 KM), 6. Kuber Bhandari (20 KM), 7. Sankheda (22 KM), 8. Vadodara City (29 KM), 9. Sinor (30 KM), 10. Tilakwada (40 KM)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Be careful of traffic as the town is built directly through and around the ancient gates.
Packing Items: Carry a good camera with a zoom lens to capture the high-up carvings on the gateways.
Acc...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Bhujia FortBhujodi Handicraft VillageChhatardi Great Rann of KutchHiralaxmi Memorial Craft ParkKalo Dungar Lakhpat FortMandvi BeachMata No Madh TempleNarayan Sarovar Wildlife SanctuaryNirona VillageVande Mataram MemorialVijay Vilas PalaceKuber Bhandari TempleMaharaja Fateh Singh MuseumMaharaja Sayajirao University Makarpura PalaceMandvi GateMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Ajwa Nimeta Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ajwa World
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Atladara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dabhoi Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
EME Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hathni Mata Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hazira Maqbara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities