Champaner, Gujarat - Part -1 - Kamani Masjid (Mosque)

Champaner, historical town of Gujarat,India, was founded in 8th century by a Rajput King, Vanraj Chawada. It was a strategically and commercially important town of Gujarat. Its fame attracted Muslim ruler, Mahmmud Begada and he captured it in 1484.  Under his rule , town flourished further. Many mosques were built in Champaner and surrounding area. In 1535, Mughal king Humayun conquered Champaner. But under his rule, importance of Champaner reduced, resulting in slow deterioration of its many beautiful monuments.

I recently had a chance to visit this beautiful but ruined town of Champaner. Out of the many monuments I visited, I found Kamani Masjid to be most fascinating. Kamani masjid is so called because of number of arches (Kaman) and pillars in its main hall.

At the moment, this mosque is in shambles.Only some beautiful arches remain to remind us of its original glory.

I was fascinated by asymmetrical structure of the mosque. Abstract lover in me appreciated it immensely.

Amazing geometry created by play of shadow was another point of interest for me.

Geometry of shadows..

One can see damaged minaret at one end of the mosque. That is the only surviving minaret. Did it have more ? question will remain unanswered.

Arches and Pillars..

One can see flowers and pots and other similarly carved motifs on some of the pillars and in one or two carved out areas. Though everything is in a ruined condition.

http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=22.462119&lon=73.543081&z=14&m=b&show=/3209951/Kamani-Mosque-Champaner&search=kamani%20mosque%2Cchampaner%2Cgujarat

Story continues...

Streets of India in split seconds - Through my car window, Part-1

Travelling on Indian roads can be a fascinating experience. At each turn , one can find , new story happening, new experience to carry along. I am very fond of travelling by car. I come across many instances when I feel like stopping my car and get down to shoot the scene. Unfortunately it is not possible most of the time. So as not to miss the opportunity, I capture from my car. In many cases, I have included car as a frame of my shot. I am thoroughly enjoying this series of mine. Decision has to be taken in split seconds. Yes, I do sacrifice on technical quality but not on content. IMHO.

You definitely need God's protection on Indian roads!!

Move!! They seem to tell me!

seemed so bored!!

You can have all kinds of road blocks..

Stop- Go!

Kids enjoy their ride!

Nomads migrating!

Roadside eateries have food to die for!

Journey on Indian roads can be an experience to be remembered forever. There is never a dull moment. Yes, they can be dangerous, but driving with care and enjoying the vista can be a lifetime experience.

To be continued..

Velavadar- Savanna of India-Home to Blackbucks

Indian Savanna as I call Velavadar, is a dream destination for any wild life lover. Situated in Saurashtra region,of western state of Gujarat in India, it is a place to be, for lover of Blackbucks. Land covered with Golden grass till your eyes reach, can be painter's delight.

                          Photo Description: Grassland with its watch tower,Velvadar

                     Photo Description: Lovely Golden Grassland

Velavadar National park and Wild life sanctuary is situated 145 kms from Ahmedabad, main town of Gujarat. Wonderful road network from Ahmedabad to Velavadar makes journey enjoyable. Park covers 34 square km area ,which is quite small compared to other national parks of India. Park was created in 1976. Before that it was hunting ground of Maharaja of Bhavnagar. Park was specifically created for Blackbucks.Today Black bucks population in the park, has touched 2000.

                          Photo Description: Black Bucks

Black Bucks are easy to spot against Golden grassland. Water holes are provided at different spots all across the park.

                            Photo Description: Buck at waterhole

Apart from Black Bucks ,one can find Nilgai, Jackal,Wolf etc.I  was also fortunate enough to see Hyena.

                      Photo Description: Nilgai

On inquiry guide told me that there are 2-3 Hyenas in the park but it is very rare to see them. I was lucky on that count.

                          Photo Description: Striped Hyena

Apart from wild animals, it is also home to many birds. In the winter thousands of Harrier birds visit this park to avoid harsh winter of Europe. Montagu's Harrier is more frequently seen here. There is wetland in southern side of this park, where one can see pelicans,Flamingos, Painted Stork,birds of prey and if lucky enough, Stolizca's Bushchat can also be found!

                                                 Photo Description :Kestrel


I was able to catch Pallid Harrier in my camera. It was a beautiful sight to see it flying. It had a grace of dancing in its movement.

                                 Photo Description: Pallid Harrier

Best time to visit this park is from October to February.


How to reach:  Best way to reach it, is to drive down from Ahmedabad. It takes around 2.5 hours journey to reach the park from Ahmedabad . One has to enter park in one's own vehicle. Guide is provided (compulsory) by the forrest department. They are more to keep  watch over you rather than provide any information. Guide we had , had no knowledge and was constantly talking on his cell phone. So gather all knowledge before you reach there.


Ahmedabad--> Arnej-->Vataman Cross Roads-->Pipli--> Dholera--> Adhelai-->Velavadar


No signboards can be seen anywhere on the highway as currently road is being repaired. At Adhelai check post turn right for final 10 kilometers to the park.


Charges: 20 rs. per person entrance,200 rs.for car,100 rs. per camera + 50rs. to be directly paid to guide for which there will not be any receipt!


Staying options: Forrest lodge:. For which all permissions are to be taken from forest department's office at Bhavnagar. Even tea was not available when we went there. So carry your water and food as place is remote. 


Another option is upmarket Blackbuck Lodge.It is situated hardly 500 mters from the park.

Truly a place for wild life lover!!