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Chhota Udepur
Excursions > Around
Chhota Udepur
[ Kusum Vilas Palace | The Kali Temple
| The Jain Derasar Temple | Prem Bhawan
| Kali Niketan ]
 Kusum
Vilas Palace
The Kusum Vilas Palace was design by a famous architectural firm
of Bombay - Bhatkar & Bhatkar, in the early 20's. The design
concept was to create a palace in a harmonious fusion of the architectural
style of Champaner with modern amenities of an elevator and other
functional requirements. A large porch, arcaded facade and balanced
architectural treatment of the 5 storied central wing with receding
volume, capped with a dome lends majesty to the palace. The British
made elevator has a foyer at ground level, enclosed by series of
exquisitely carved stone jalis bringing in an ethereal light effect.
The interiors are a blend of east and west. The carved pilasters,
friezes gilded with real gold are replicas of such architectural
elements at Champaner. The grand reception room on ground floor
has large doors, a carved false ceiling, French furniture, Belgium
mirrors and superb Italian marble statues. The wall paintings by
an Indian artist, depicting the picturesque settings of Chhota Udepur
and previous capital Mohan, are most remarkable.
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The Kali Temple
The Kali Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali and is worshipped
by the royal family.
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The Jain Derasar Temple
The Jain Derasar is a typical example of plaster-decorated buildings
of Gujarat, imitating woodcarvings and figurines in plasterwork,
showing the influence of Victorian art. The arcades, with decorated
pillars, the figures with musical instruments, their dressing, headgear
and hairstyle painted in an unconventional manner with bright colours,
make a beautiful composition.
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Prem Bhawan
The Prem Bhavan Palace in the same Kusum Vilas Palace campus is
now a heritage hotel.
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Kali Niketan
Kali Niketan, originally called Nahar Mahal, the palatial mansion
was built about 100 years ago as the summer residence of the royal
family of Chhota Udepur in 60 acres of ground along River Orsang.
Attractively set in fruit orchards, the mansion has fountains in
the forecourt and in the courtyard. The palatial mansion has terraces
with good views of the gardens.
Other architecturally beautiful royal buildings now used as public
buildings and government offices are Collector's office, Rani Mahal,
college and ITI building.
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Around Chhota Udepur
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: One of the largest dams of India, Sardar
Sarovar Dam is 110 kms away.
- Sankheda: 60 kms away, Sankheda is famous for its lacquered
furniture work.
Other places:
- Tribal haats of Bhil and Rathwa tribes in nearby villages,
- Hapeshwar Mahadev, Pavagadh (Kalika Mata Temple, ropeway, Patai
Rawal Palace, fortification) 80 km,
- Champaner (Jami mosque and other beautiful mosques, fortification)
80 km,
- Dabhoi (13th century fort, Hira Bhagol and other gates) 75 km,
- Sardar sarovar dam (one of the largest dam of India) 110 km,
- Sankheda (famous for its lacquered furniture work) 60 km
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Information on Tours & Travel excursion of Chhota Udepur city
of Gujarat - India
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