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Ghumli Archaeological Site

Porbandar, Gujarat, India
Ghumli was once the thriving capital of the Jethwa dynasty of Gujarat, established in the 7th Century AD. At its peak, it was a center of art and power until it was destroyed in 1313 by the invading army of Bhanji Jethwa's rival, or as legend says, by the curse of a woman named Sati Son. The site i s a treasure trove for history lovers, featuring the magnificent Navlakha Temple, which is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple is considered one of the oldest sun temples in Gujarat, rivaling the one at Modhera. The name 'Navlakha' comes from the legend that nine lakh (900,000) gold coins were spent on its construction. Other significant ruins include the Vikai Vav, a massive stepwell with an octagonal design that served as a crucial water source. Walking through the ruins of Ghumli feels like stepping back into a forgotten era of royal grandeur and tragic falls.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    2 to 3 Hours.
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    Place Type:
    Archaeological & Historical
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Ticket: Free entry for all visitors as of current regulations.

    Parking: Minimal charges of INR 20-40 might apply for private vehicles. ...
    Entry Ticket: Free entry for all visitors as of current regulations.

    Parking: Minimal charges of INR 20-40 might apply for private vehicles.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon around 03:00 PM when the sun highlights the temple carvings. ...
    Regular Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon around 03:00 PM when the sun highlights the temple carvings.
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    Special Events:
    Janmashtami: Local celebrations in the village nearby attract small crowds and fairs.

    Archaeology Day: Occasionally marked by the ASI with special guided tours in November. ...
    Janmashtami: Local celebrations in the village nearby attract small crowds and fairs.

    Archaeology Day: Occasionally marked by the ASI with special guided tours in November.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Temple Plinth: Shooting the temple from a low angle to highlight its massive stone base.

    Carving Details: Macro shots of the intricate stone deities and floral patterns.

    Vikai Vav Arches: Symmetry shots of t...
    Temple Plinth: Shooting the temple from a low angle to highlight its massive stone base.

    Carving Details: Macro shots of the intricate stone deities and floral patterns.

    Vikai Vav Arches: Symmetry shots of the octagonal stepwell levels.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Heritage Walk: Walk through the sprawling ruins of the Navlakha Temple and its pillars.

    Photography: Take detailed shots of the elephant carvings and celestial dancers on the walls.

    Stepwell Exploration: Descend into the Vikai Vav to see the ancient water management system.

    Hiking: Take a short hike to the Ashapura Mata temple on the nearby hill.

    Picnicking: The site has open green spaces perfect for a quiet lunch amidst history.

    Bird Watching: The surrounding forest of Barda Hills brings many birds to the ruins.

    Historical Research: Read the information boards to understand the Jethwa dynasty's timeline. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Navlakha Temple: Famous for its intricate 11th-century carvings and Sun God worship.

    Vikai Vav: One of the largest and most complex stepwells in the Saurashtra region.

    Jethwa Capital: Known for its historica...
    Navlakha Temple: Famous for its intricate 11th-century carvings and Sun God worship.

    Vikai Vav: One of the largest and most complex stepwells in the Saurashtra region.

    Jethwa Capital: Known for its historical importance as a seat of power.
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    Architecture:
    Maru-Gurjara Architecture: The Navlakha Temple features a three-story structure with a high plinth and intricate carvings.

    Vikai Vav: The stepwell is built on an octagonal plan with multiple levels and stone galleries.

    Read More
    Maru-Gurjara Architecture: The Navlakha Temple features a three-story structure with a high plinth and intricate carvings.

    Vikai Vav: The stepwell is built on an octagonal plan with multiple levels and stone galleries.

    Dimensions: The temple base is approximately 30m x 45m, and the stepwell reaches a depth of 60 feet.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Jamnagar Airport is 85 KMS; Porbandar Airport is 48 KMS away.

    By Train: Bhanvad Railway Station is the closest, about 8 KMS from Ghumli.

    By Road: Drive via Ranavav from Porbandar on a scenic route t...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Nearby Places: 1. Bileshwar Temple (10km), 2. Barda Hills Sanctuary (5km), 3. Khimeshwar (20km), 4. Harsiddhi Mata (40km), 5. Porbandar Beach (50km), 6. Kirti Mandir (48km), 7. Sudama Temple (49km), 8. Jambuvan Cave (35km), 9. Miyani Beach (42km), 10. Dwarka (100km).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Watch your step on the uneven stone ruins and slippery stepwell stairs.

    Packing: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.

    Accommodation: No hotels in Ghumli; stay in Porbandar...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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