Happy TravellerWelcome to Lunavada, a charming municipality in the Mahisagar district of Gujarat, India. This hidden gem is surrounded by water sources like the Panam river, Vasant Sagar, Kishan Sagar, Kanka Talav, Veri, Mahi River, and Darkoli Talav lake. Lunavada is the administrative headquarters of the Mahisagar district and one of the most developing towns of central Gujarat. Let’s explore the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine of Lunavada.
History:
Lunavada was the capital of Lunavada State, a princely state that predated the town’s existence by around 200 years, having been founded in 1225. The states rulers claimed descent from the Solanki or Chaulukya dynasty. Lunavada was founded in 1434 by Bhim Singh, the rana of Virpur. Since the ascetic was a devotee of the god Luneshwar, the rana named the new town Lunavada out of respect. Lunavada State was one of the princely states under the Rewa Kantha Agency of Bombay Presidency during the British Raj.
Tourism:
Lunavada is known for the temple of Luneshwar Mahadev, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva with a lot of religious importance. Visitors can also visit places like the Panam Bridge, Kings Palace, Ramji Mandir, Hanumaan ni Veri, Kakachiya Triveni Sangam, Panam River Check Dam, Fateh Baug, Fuvara Chawk, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kalka Mata ni Tekari, Javahar Garden, Vasiya Talav, Amaze Little Garden, and Ganipir Dargah Sharif. Kalka Mata ni Tekari is one of the hilltops in Lunavada city and one of the highest points of Lunavada. From the hilltop, you will find a beautiful view of the city and on the top, there is a temple and bunch of slides and swings. Vasiya Talav is also one of the tourist attractions in Lunavada city. It is a beautiful lake, and the sunsets view are the best. Jawahar Garden is the largest park of the Lunavada city and one of the oldest parks in the city. It contains a jogging park, kids section, garden, and two beautiful fountains. Amaze Little Garden is basically a kids garden with fun slides and swings. Lunavada is a perfect destination for a weekend picnic.
People:
Lunavada contains people of every kind of religious persuasion, Hindus, Jains, Sindhis, Muslims, and Dawoodi Bohras. It has Hospitals and clinics for surrounding Talukas. The town has facilities like a Gymnasium, a Town hall, Theater, Gardens, Parks, Public schools, Private Schools, Colleges, Religious schools, Hotels, Guest houses, Restaurants, and Cafes. It is predominantly Muslim. Lunavada’s people have made achievements in fields of business, education, banking, literacy, and health. Lunavada has a large NRI population thriving in different foreign countries like Kuwait, UAE, Australia, Canada, Oman, US, Hong Kong, and Africa.
Godhra-Lunawada Railway:
The Godhra-Lunawada Railway was a 2ft 6in/762 mm narrow gauge(NG) line, opened in 1912 and reached Lunawada in 1914. The railway length of 49 kilometres (30 mi) and was served from the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway (BB&CIR) station Godhra. The railway was owned and managed by the Gujarat Railways Company. The company was taken over by the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway(BB&CIR) in 1922. This Line was closed in 2002 following The Godhra Train Incident which killed 59 people. Currently, there are plans to revive this line as a broad-gauge(BG) line with a 226 kilometres (140 mi) extension to Abu Road Railway Station via Modasa, Himmatnagar, Khedbrahma, and Ambaji.
Come and explore the hidden gem of Gujarat, India, and experience the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine of Lunavada.
