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Among the numerous forts in Gujarat, Idar Fort in Sabarkantha is one that every history and archaeology buff should visit at least once in their lifetime. Located on top of the Aravalli, this majestic fort tells the stories of the past. The Idar fort was the former princely state and is located around 38 km from Vijayanagar. Not just for the historical background, the strategic location of this fort also makes it an ideal destination for trekking and adventure. To make your travelogue around Gujarat a little more enticing and adventurous, consider adding Idar Fort into the mix.
Idar Fort Location
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Idar Fort is situated in Idar town, part of the Sabarkantha district in Gujarat, India. From the state capital of Ahmedabad, Idar Fort is roughly 111 km away and usually takes around 2-3 hours to reach. It is surrounded by the Aravalli mountains, which add to the charm of the fort even further.
About Idar Fort
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Also known as Ilva Durga, there are prominent mentions of the Idar Fort in the scriptures of Mahabharata. This ancient and historical fort dates back to the mediaeval era and was reportedly constructed by the Bhil kings. However, soon after the fort was built, Bhil was occupied by the Rajput rulers. Over the years following that, the Idar Fort witnessed many wars and battles and was succeeded multiple times by Rathores of Marwar, the Mughals, and the British consecutively.
The architecture of the fort has a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles and since it is surrounded by the majestic Aravalli Hills, the beauty and the views from the fort are beyond comprehension. It is said that the Sultan of Ahmedabad, Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah conquered Idariyo Gadh during his reign between 1458 and 1513, being the only ruler to have occupied two mountain fortresses. The disappointing thing is that he destroyed the entire town of Idar. The structure of the fort is spread over the hilltop, with remnants of old palaces, temples, and water reservoirs still visible. The fort’s intricate carvings, massive gates, and ancient temples are among the highlights that attract visitors.
How To Reach Idar Fort
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The offset location of Idar Fort often makes people question the commute. Idar is accessible from the nearby cities in Gujarat, so all you have to do is be aware of the routes.
By Air: If you are taking a flight, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest airport to Idar Fort, which is around 101 km. You’d best hire a taxi from the airport to the fort.
By Train: Himmatnagar is the nearest railhead, located around 30 km from the Idar Fort. There are auto-rickshaws and taxis available outside the train station.
By Road: You can take a state transport bus or drive your vehicle via the SH 9 highway. The road journey offers scenic views of the Aravalli range and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Ahmedabad.
Things To Do At Idar Fort
Once you are in the fortress city of Idar, there is a lot that you can do and explore. So, to execute each action with ease, you’d need to have a well-thought-out plan.
1. Explore The Ancient Fort
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When in Idar Fort, start by checking out the expanse of the fort, which is spread across an extensive area. Since the fort is spread across hilly terrain, the adventure and fun of exploring this space is truly one-of-a-kind. You will need to indulge in a bit of trekking, so consider wearing heavy-duty shoes. The fort has several gateways, with the main entrance being the most impressive, featuring intricate carvings and robust construction. Inside the fort lies ancient temples, palaces and water reservoirs.
2. Visit The Jain Temples
Photo: Divyasingh04 / Wikimedia Commons
Idar is home to numerous Jain temples, which is one of the reasons why it is such a popular pilgrimage site for the Jain people. Not just inside the fort, there are quite a few other ones outside the fort and in the city. So, while visiting Idar, you have to take your time to explore every one of these Jain temples and learn about the history associated with it.
3. Trekking In The Aravalli Hills
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Another fun adventure that you can explore while checking out Idar Fort is to trek through the Aravalli Hills. The hills wrap around the fort, offering an amazing adventure opportunity for you to grasp and make the most out of. It is a fairly easy and beginner-friendly trek, so you don’t necessarily need a lot of equipment as such to get through. The climb to the top of the hills rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
4. Visit Idariyo Gadh
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A short distance from the main Idar Fort lies Idariyo Gadh, which is another small fort with an equally entwined history. The fort’s existence offers a look into the strategic military architecture of ancient India. If you are overwhelmed by the crowd at Idar Fort, you can slip away and explore this small fort, which is usually less crowded and a perfect getaway from the chaos of the city. The trek to Idariyo Gadh is also quite enjoyable too.
Places To Visit Around Idar Fort
So, once you are done exploring Idar Fort, it is time to fill up the rest of your time exploring some of the popular tourist attractions nearby.
1. Polo Forest
Photo: Naresh Darji / Wikimedia Commons
If your dose of adventure isn’t over yet, head to Polo Forest, which is a dense forested area, located around 35 km from Idar. It is a great destination for nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts or simply people who are looking for some peace. Inside the forest, you will find numerous temples that you can stop to worship as well. The majority of these temples are in ruins now but it adds to the experience further.
Distance: 38 km from the fort
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
2. Shamlaji Temple
Photo: Snehrashmi / Wikimedia Commons
Shamlaji Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located on the Gambhoi – Bhiloda Road, around 47 km from Idar Fort. The temple is also located on the banks of the Meshwo River, which adds to the charm of the temple. It is said that the majority of the temple, including parts of the Garuda idol inside the temple were destroyed by the Muslim army back in time.
Distance: 47.8 km from the fort
Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM & 2:15 PM – 8:30 PM
3. Vijaynagar
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons
Another nearby town that you can consider visiting from Idar Fort is Vijaynagar. It is renowned for its ancient temples and forts and is 100% worth the visit. The town is named after the Vijaynagar kingdom and is home to several architectural marvels and historical spots that were associated with the dynasty. Some of the places to visit there are Neelkanth Mahadev, Ruthi Rani Nu Maliyu, and Polo Forest.
Distance: 33 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay & Eat
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Idar is a prime tourist attraction in Gujarat, so there are numerous accommodation options available in the quaint town. The next time you are in Idar, consider booking your stay at Hotel Anjali, Hotel Royal Stay or Suraj Garh Resort.
After a day of exploration of the Idar Fort and trekking through the Aravalli Hills, you are bound to be hungry. There are quite a few different restaurants available, each catering to the interests of the travellers. From authentic Gujarati cuisine to North or South Indian food, there is a variety of choices. Some of the best restaurants to check out in Idar are Hotel Volga, Ma No Visamo Garden Restaurant, and Govardhan Dalbati.
Other Factors To Consider
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Best Time To Visit:
The majority of the Idar Fort reviews depict that the months between September and December are the best for exploring the fortress city. During these months, the average temperature is from 10°C to 25°C and with cool and dry weather, exploring the surroundings and trekking becomes a lot less hectic too.
Tips For Travellers:
To execute your Idar Fort trip successfully, a few of these tips in your checklist should make the process a lot easier.
- If you plan to trek, carry appropriate gear, including comfortable shoes, water, and a first-aid kit.
- Be mindful of the local culture and traditions and respect them too.
- Carry enough cash as ATMs may not be easily available in remote areas.
- Consider hiring a local guide with you, especially for a smooth trekking experience.
- The sun can be harsh, so carrying sunscreen and a hat is advisable.
Idar Fort is one of the most beautiful and majestic forts in Gujarat. With its architecture, the surrounding views of the Aravalli Hills and the beautiful remnants of the historic past, this place tells a story you’d want to sit and listen to. You can sort out and plan your next trip to Gujarat with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience and the best deals.
Cover Photo: Parag Vijaykumar Bhagat / Wikimedia Commons
