Snapshots
Perched atop the sacred Shatrunjaya Hills, Palitana is more than just a destination. It is a profound testament to compassion. As the world's first legally vegetarian city, this Gujarati gem offers a serene escape where spirituality and non-violence define every street. So, whether you are climbing the thousand-step path to its breathtaking marble temples or seeking a soul-stirring cultural journey, Palitana promises an experience that is pure for the palate as it is for the spirit.
Understanding the total ban
To truly understand Palitana, one must look beyond the menu. In 2014, this ‘City of Temple’ Made history by becoming the world’s first legally vegetarian city. It banned the sale of meat and eggs, as well as the slaughter of animals within its boundaries.
This isn't just a legal mandate, but a collective vow of Ahimsa or non-violence. In Palitana, the air feels lighter, unburdened by the industrial noise of meat production. Instead, the sensory experience is defined by the scent of incense, the rhythm of temple bells, and a cuisine that celebrates the earth’s purity. Truly the best city for vegetarians, here every meal is an act of mindfulness, inviting travellers to align their lifestyle with the sacred stillness of the Shatrunjaya peaks.
Why the ban matters
The total ban reflects upon the city’s status as the most sacred pilgrimage site for Jains. By removing animal products, the city creates a sanctuary-like zone, where all living beings are granted the right to exist without fear.
All about Shatrunjaya Hills, the main attraction of Palitana
The crown jewel of Palitana is undoubtedly the Shatrunjaya Hill. A visit to the best city for vegetarians is surely incomplete without witnessing this sacred landscape.
Rising majestically above the city, this Palitana place to visit is home to an astounding 863 marble-carved temples, which makes it the largest temple complex in the world.
For the traveller, the journey is as much a part of the attraction as the destination. To reach the summit, you must ascend approximately 3500 stone steps, which helps create a rhythmic, meditative climb that takes you past the white-robed monks and sweeping panoramic views of the Shetrunji River.
The spiritual summit
Once you reach the top, the ‘City of Gods’ reveals itself in a breathtaking maze of spires and domes. The temples are organised into fortified enclosures known as Tuks, each of which reflects centuries of architectural mastery.
- Adinath Temple- The most significant shrine. This Palitana place to visit is dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabha. Its ornate marble pillar and jewel-studded idols radiate an aura of ancient purity.
- Chaumukh Temple- Famous for its sour-faced design, this temple symbolises the omnipresence of the divine across the four cardinal directions.
- Architecture of light- Built predominantly from white marble, the temples catch the morning sun, transforming the entire hillside into a shimmering ivory shield.
Other places to visit near Palitana
While the temples of Shatrunjaya are the heart of Palitana, the surrounding region offers several hidden gems that are sure to enrich the spiritual and cultural narrative of your trip.
1. Shri Vishal Jain Museum
Located at the foot of the hills, this museum is an essential stop before or after your climb. This place to visit near Palitana houses an incredible collection of ancient Jain artefacts that includes manuscripts on palm leaves, intricate idols, alongside detailed temple models.
2. Hastagiri Jain Tirth
Located at a distance of about 25 km from Palitana on the banks of the Shetrunji River, the Hastagiri Jain Tirth makes for a serene alternative to the main hills. This place sits on a quiet hill and is dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev. From here, you can see the distant spires of the Shatrunjaya temples, which offer a different perspective of the city framed by the winding river.
3. Talaja Caves and Temple
Located at a 50 km drive from the city, Talaja is where history and religion intersect in the rock. This Palitana place to visit consists of a group of 30 ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BCE. Originally Buddhist monastic cells, they feature the unique Ebhal Mandapa as well! Today, the hill also hosts a significant Jain temple and a Hindu shrine that represents the long-standing religious harmony of the region.
4. Gopnath Beach
This place to visit near Palitana is essentially when you need a moment of tranquillity away from the stone and marble. The Gopnath Beach was a summer retreat of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar. You can visit the Gopnath Mahadev temple, which is a 700-year-old seaside shrine, or indulge in the beauty of nature by the limestone cliffs and amidst the sea breeze, which makes it a perfect spot for birdwatching and reflection.
Culinary highlights
In a city where non-violence is the way of life, the food is as much a spiritual experience as the temples. Palitana offers a unique window to Sattvic and Jain culinary traditions, emphasising purity and seasonal ingredients.
To experience the true flavour of the region, indulge in a traditional Gujarati Thali, which is a balanced symphony of sweet, spicy, and salty notes served in small copper bowls. The street food and beloved snacks include khandvi and dhokla, alongside the Jain vada pav and bhungara bateta. Lastly, savour the curd and basundi for a sweet completion.