Monuments in Champaner: Historic & Beautiful

I am sharing some more beautiful monuments dating back to the 15th and 16th century A.D. from Champaner, Gujarat.

Photo credits: Soma Jha

Helical Stepped well,Champaner

Helical Stepped well, 16th century

Nagina Masjid Champaner

Kamani Masjid

Kamani Masjid Champaner,Gujarat

Lila Gumbaz ki Masjid Champaner

Work on the walls

Champaner in Gujarat is an Architectural marvel

Jama Masjid,Champaner

About 47 kms from Vadodara in Gujarat is a not so well-known city by the name of Champaner. I am not certain why this city is not as well-known as the other cities in Gujarat considering that this city used to be the capital of Gujarat for a brief period of time. And the best thing about Champaner is the architectural wonders that it houses. It is really strange that not many of us know about it!

You can find more information about Champaner here. I am posting some pictures of the Jama Masjid. This masjid was built by Sultan Begada. It is perhaps among one of the best architectural structures in Gujarat.

Photo credits-Soma Jha

Jama Masjid

Inside Jama Masjid Champaner

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Jama Masjid Gujarat

Work on the walls of Jama Masjid

Intricate work

Intricate work in the Jama Masjid Champaner

Exquisite work

Chanpaner, Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid at Chmapaner Gujarat

Madikeri in Coorg is a must visit

View from Raja's seat

Madikeri is just around two hours drive from Ashish Estate. Even though, just like most of the popular tourist spots, it is crowded with tourists in the peak season, it is worth visiting because of its scenic beauty.

And if crowds don't bother you then Madikeri is worth visiting during Dussehra.The festival here is almost as popular as the Dussehra festival of Mysore.

Some of the popular spots in Madikeri that  can be done in couple of days are:-

Raja's seat: This used to be a favourite spot of the king. The view from here is absolutely out of the world!

Abbi falls: This is a popular destination in Madikeri.

The other places that are close by are,  Talakaveri  (The origin of river Kaveri) and Bhagamandala (this sacred place is situated at the confluence of River Kaveri and Kannike, and the mythical river Sujyoti)

There are several other places that you can visit while in Madikeri.You will need at least 2 days to cover most of the sight seeing.

View from Raja's seat

Around Madikeri

On the way to Abbi falls, Madikeri

Abbi falls, Madikeri

Abbi falls

Sunset at Madikeri Day ends, time to say Goodbye:(

A perfect weekend getaway at "Bamboo Loft" Coorg, Karnataka

Bamboo Loft, Coorg

Far away from the madding crowd is this perfect home stay in Coorg. If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this home stay is perfect.

Besides the experience of staying in the middle of a coffee plantation, the area is so serene, sylvan, and beautiful that you just feel good being there. You can enjoy a nice walk around the plantation. If you like bird watching be sure to carry your binoculars. River Cauvery flows right next to the coffee plantation. This place has everything you need for a quiet getaway!

Bamboo Loft

View from the home stay

The owners are coffee planters and are very friendly. You can get to know about their tradition and culture, the food is home cooked and yummy!

How to reach Kushal Nagar:

From Bengaluru it will take you around 4-5 hours by road (and around 2 hours from Mysore).
Once you reach Kushal Nagar, "Bamboo Loft"  is 1/2 an hour's drive away. It is inside a coffee plantation "Ashish Estate".

Try to reach there latest by 5-7 pm because later in the night you may have trouble locating the place and you won't find too many locals who can guide you to the place if you reach very late.

Ashish Estate,Valnur Village & Post,
Kushalnagar, Somawarpet Taluk,
Coorg 571 234
M: +91 9845848224

They have around 4-5 rooms, so you will need to call in advance and book.

Around the estate

In the Estate

Ashish Estate, Coorg

 While in Kushal Nagar, you can visit these places as well:-

1. Buddhist settlement in Kushal Nagar. The monastery is beautiful and for shopaholics there is enough curios and gifts that you can carry home.

2. Elephant camp- Just a 10-15 min from the home stay is an Elephant camp. You will need to take a boat ride to reach the camp. They organize Elephant rides as well.

3. Madikeri - Just 2 hours away from Ashish estate is Madikeri. Madikeri is a popular tourist hub and there are a a lot of places to see there.

Cauvery river

Way to the Elephant camp

Elephant camp near Kushal Nagar

I loved my stay in Coorg and hope to go back there soon.