3 places to see at Vadnagar

Have you heard of Vadnagar? I am sure every Indian must have heard of the town as it is the birthplace of our current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But did you know that it is also an ancient town that has many things to see and do, especially that relates to a lot of history?

As part of the travel bloggers and influencers meet organised by Gujarat tourism, I had an opportunity to visit the quaint and beautiful town of Vadnagar. I really loved the streets and the colourful doors the town had. Every corner looked like a dramatic scene out of an art movie. In this post, I will list down the top 3 things you could see in Vadnagar and also provide the details of how you can get to the town.

Also read - 10 reasons why Gujarat must be on your travel list.

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About Vadnagar

Formerly known as Anartapura or Anandapura, Vadnagar is a town in Mehsana district of Gujarat state in India. Vadnagar is the birthplace of India’s 14th and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vadnagar with the name of Anartapura has been mentioned in several ancient inscriptions. The town has been mentioned in the mythological story of Mahabharata as Anarta Kingdom. It has also been mentioned in Tirtha Mahatmya section of Nagara Khanda of Skanda Purana.

The best time to visit Vadnagar is between the months of October and February as the weather is pleasant and bearable. The summer season is really hot and can soar up to 42 degrees during the day. One needs just a day or two to explore this town.

3 places to see at Vadnagar

Vadnagar railway station and tea stall

Opened on 21 March 1887, Vadnagar railway station became a famous sightseeing place because of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The railway station has two platforms and it talks about a story of a tea seller becoming the Prime Minister of India.

• No entrance fee is required to visit the railway station or the tea stall.

The tea stall where the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi sold tea is a famous tourist spot at the railway station. It is still intact and the government wishes to improve the surroundings so to make it an even more famous sightseeing place. It is believed that India’s current Prime Minister spent most of his childhood with his father selling tea at this tea stall, and I must admit that it is truly inspirational to see the tea stall and learn about his story.

Hatkeshwar temple

Built in the 17th century, the Hatkeshwar temple is believed to have been built before the Jyotirlingas. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Linga and it is also said that visiting this temple is equivalent to visiting the twelve Jyotirlingas. What I loved about this temple was the intricate details and figures on the exterior of the temple.

• The temple is open between 6 AM and 8 PM every day.
• No entrance fee is required to visit the Hatkeshwar temple.
• As it is a religious site, please be respectful and dress appropriately.

Kirti Toran

Built in the 12th century in Solanki architectural style, the Kirti Toran is an amazing and detailed structure. Located very close to Sharmishtha lake, the Kirti Toran is a 40 feet high arch built by a Solanki rule. The Kirti Toran or the victory gate might have been built to commemorate a victory in a battle. The gate is in yellow and red sandstone depicting the scenes of battle and sculptures.

• No entrance fee is required to visit Kirti Toran.

How to get to Vadnagar?

Vadnagar is easily accessible by road and public transport. There are buses and trains that run between the town and the major cities of Gujarat.

• Airport – The nearest airport is at Ahmedabad which is about 100 kilometres from Vadnagar. Most of the airline providers stop at Ahmedabad International airport. The affordable airline providers are Indigo, Go First and Air India.
• Drive – Vadnagar is around 100 kilometres from Ahmedabad and by road, the journey takes up to 2 hours. Since the town is just 2 hours from Ahmedabad, it is a perfect one day or a weekend getaway from Ahmedabad.

• Train – Vadnagar has a railway station and there is connectivity of trains from Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The Vadnagar railway station is on the Mahesana-Taranga Hill line. Up to date information on the trains can be found on IRCTC website.
• Bus – Vadnagar is also very well connected by buses that are operated by Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and private bus operators.

Safety for solo female travelers

I felt Vadnagar was very safe for solo female travelers as I walked around the streets and did not have any issues or concerns. Whomever I interacted was very nice and friendly. However, be careful, especially after dark, and know your surroundings.

Note that I did not travel alone to Vadnagar and I was part of the travel influencers and bloggers group travel that was organised by Gujarat Tourism.

Are you new to solo female traveling? Or do you have a lot of questions regarding solo traveling? Read frequently asked questions (FAQ) on solo traveling.

Closing Notes

I really liked this town even though I was there for a very short period of time. But I do hope to go back there someday and spend a few more days exploring the area and interacting with the locals.

I highly recommend adding this off beat place on your list while visiting Gujarat. The town makes a perfect one day trip from Ahmedabad. Have you been to Vadnagar? Or have you heard of it? Let me know in the comments below.

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