Khandipole Darwaja
Khandipole Darwaja is a historic gateway that serves as a silent witness to the medieval era of the Chotila region. Historically, Chotila was a princely state ruled by the Khachar Kathis, and this gate was part of the ancient fortifications that protected the town. The name "Khandipole" refers to i ts location in the older quarters of the city. The structure is built using sturdy local sandstone and exhibits the classic architectural style of Saurashtra’s defensive gates. It features a large arched opening that allowed for the passage of horses and royal processions in the past. Above the arch, there are small windows or "jharokhas" which were likely used by guards for surveillance. While the city has grown around it, the gate remains an important landmark for the local community, representing the transition from the old fortified town to the modern urban settlement. It is often visited by travelers who come to Chotila for the Chamunda Mata temple but wish to explore the local history and the lifestyle of the old city. The surrounding market area is vibrant and offers a glimpse into the traditional crafts and food of the region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 to 45 MinutesPlace Type:
Heritage Landmark & GateEntry Fees:
General Entry: Being a public landmark located on a city street, there is No Entry Fee to see or pass through the gate.
Photography: No special permits are required for amateur photography or mobile phone pictures. ...General Entry: Being a public landmark located on a city street, there is No Entry Fee to see or pass through the gate.
Photography: No special permits are required for amateur photography or mobile phone pictures.Timing:
Regular Timings: The gate is located on a public road and is accessible 24 Hours a day.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (07:00 AM) is best to avoid heavy traffic and get clear photos of the architecture. ...Regular Timings: The gate is located on a public road and is accessible 24 Hours a day.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (07:00 AM) is best to avoid heavy traffic and get clear photos of the architecture.Special Events:
Navratri Procession: During October, traditional processions for Chamunda Mata often pass through this gate with great fanfare.
Independence Day: The local community often gathers here to hoist the national flag, honoring the gate as a symb...Navratri Procession: During October, traditional processions for Chamunda Mata often pass through this gate with great fanfare.
Independence Day: The local community often gathers here to hoist the national flag, honoring the gate as a symbol of the town.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Arch: A low-angle shot from the middle of the road captures the height and grandeur of the structure.
Street Life: Use the gate as a frame to photograph the bustling movement of the local market.
The J...The Main Arch: A low-angle shot from the middle of the road captures the height and grandeur of the structure.
Street Life: Use the gate as a frame to photograph the bustling movement of the local market.
The Jharokha: Focus on the upper windows to capture the intricate stone brackets and historical textures.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Walk: Walk through the archway to experience the scale of ancient engineering compared to modern buildings.
Photography: The gate looks majestic during sunrise when the light hits the yellow sandstone.
Explore Old Chotila: Use the gate as a starting point to walk into the narrow lanes of the old town.
Shop for Handicrafts: Visit the nearby stalls for traditional Gujarati textiles and "Bandhani" work.
Taste Local Food: Try the famous "Gathiya" and "Tea" sold by vendors who have been operating near the gate for decades.
Interact with Locals: Talk to the elders near the pole to hear stories about the kings who once rode through this gate.
Night Visit: Se...Historical Walk: Walk through the archway to experience the scale of ancient engineering compared to modern buildings.
Photography: The gate looks majestic during sunrise when the light hits the yellow sandstone.
Explore Old Chotila: Use the gate as a starting point to walk into the narrow lanes of the old town.
Shop for Handicrafts: Visit the nearby stalls for traditional Gujarati textiles and "Bandhani" work.
Taste Local Food: Try the famous "Gathiya" and "Tea" sold by vendors who have been operating near the gate for decades.
Interact with Locals: Talk to the elders near the pole to hear stories about the kings who once rode through this gate.
Night Visit: See the gate illuminated by street lights, which gives it a mysterious, atmospheric look.
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Significance: It is famous as one of the few surviving parts of the old town's fortification wall.
Royal Heritage: The gate is associated with the Kathi rulers who were known for their bravery and horse-breeding.Historical Significance: It is famous as one of the few surviving parts of the old town's fortification wall.
Royal Heritage: The gate is associated with the Kathi rulers who were known for their bravery and horse-breeding.
Urban Landmark: It serves as a popular meeting point and a symbolic entrance to the traditional markets of Chotila. -
Architecture:
Style: The gate follows the Indo-Islamic architectural influence prevalent in Gujarat, with heavy stone lintels and a pointed arch.
Dimensions: The gate stands approximately 12 meters high and 8 meters wide.
Fe...Style: The gate follows the Indo-Islamic architectural influence prevalent in Gujarat, with heavy stone lintels and a pointed arch.
Dimensions: The gate stands approximately 12 meters high and 8 meters wide.
Features: It has thick walls of about 1. 5 meters depth, with internal staircases that lead to the upper terrace. The stonework includes simple geometric motifs and weathered brackets that once supported a wooden door. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Rajkot Airport is the nearest (50 KMS), well connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
By Train: Rajkot or Surendranagar are the main railway stations. Local trains also stop at nearby Than Junction.
Read MoreBy Air: Rajkot Airport is the nearest (50 KMS), well connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
By Train: Rajkot or Surendranagar are the main railway stations. Local trains also stop at nearby Than Junction.
By Road: Chotila is on the main Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway. Any bus plying this route will drop you at the main square.
By Local Transport: Once in Chotila, the gate is within walking distance or a short 5-minute auto-ride from the temple foothills.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: November to February is best for walking around the town without the scorching heat of the sun.
Summer Season: If visiting in summer, go during the Late Evening when the stone cools down and the market becomes lively.Winter Season: November to February is best for walking around the town without the scorching heat of the sun.
Summer Season: If visiting in summer, go during the Late Evening when the stone cools down and the market becomes lively.
Morning Time: The soft morning light is best for observing the architectural details of the sandstone.Near Tourist Places:
Chamunda Mata Temple (1 KM), Trinetreshwar Temple (25 KMS), Rajkot (50 KMS), Surendranagar (45 KMS), Wankaner (40 KMS), Hingolgadh (32 KMS), Muli (20 KMS), Than Junction (15 KMS), Aji Dam (45 KMS), Doliya Lake (5 KMS).Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be careful of the moving traffic as the gate is part of a functional road. Hold children's hands.
Packing: No special gear is needed; just a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Ac...Health & Safety: Be careful of the moving traffic as the gate is part of a functional road. Hold children's hands.
Packing: No special gear is needed; just a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Accommodation: Stay at one of the many Dharmashalas or hotels near the Chotila Hill for easy access.
Culture: Respect the local customs and dress modestly as the area is quite traditional and close to a major pilgrimage site.
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