# Taranga

Taranga is a rural area in north Gujarat, India. Taranga is a major Jain pilgrim centre due to its 11-12th century Jain temples. There are some Buddhist archaeological remains and temples of interest. It is also visited by trekking and forest enthusiasts.

## Understand

There are no lodging or boarding facilities in the area except for Jain pilgrims and the nearest Timba village has not much facilities either. The place is isolated and best visited by private vehicle only as there is no public or private transport.

## Get in

Most state transport buses drops passenger at 23.99027372.7615621 Timba Chowkdi. on Mehsana-Visnagar-Ambaji Highway. Shuttle Vehicles also drops passengers here. From here, Taranga Hill Road starts to reach above the hill. It is difficult to get transport to hill except on major festival days from Timba Chowkdi or railway stations. So it is best suited to have your own private vehicle.
* 23.95906672.7110221 Taranga Hill Railway Station (under construction). (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.95251772.6915022 Varetha railway station. Nearest operational railway station. (updated Dec 2022)

## Get around

Private vehicle is an only feasible way to move around. Several sites of interest are located on the hillocks which need climbing steps and a bit of trekking.

## See and do

* 23.966472.75471 Ajitanatha Jain temple. The large 12th-century Jain temple built by Chaulukya ruler Kumarapala in late Maru-Gurjara architecture style. (updated Dec 2022)
* The two hillocks named 23.97113672.7513532 Siddhashila. and 23.96317872.7544153 Kotishila. have shrines with idols of the Tirthankaras, Neminath and Mallinath dated Vikram Samvat 1292. One need to climb 500 and 700 steps respectively to reach the top of hillocks. They also provide an excellent view of the surrounding landscape.
* There are 23.96654472.7536544 14 Digambara temples in the foothills. The oldest temple in foothill compound dedicated to Sambhavanatha was built in Maru-Gurjara architecture in 11th century.
* 23.97462172.7432825 Taran-Dharan Mata shrines (About 2.5 km north of the hill). The shrines of Taran Mata and Dharan Mata is situated near a natural stream. The idol of Taran Mata is dated to 8th-9th century based on its style. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97392572.7438776 Buddhist Stupa remains. (Near Taran-Dharan Mata shrines). Brick structures and other archaeological remains were found near the seasonal stream. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97207372.7485777 Jogida ni Gufa (Taranga Buddhist caves). Buddhist sculptures and rock shelters atop the hill. Need some trekking to reach there. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97572772.7614288 Tapovan Digambar Jain temple (on the way to Ajitnatha temple). (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97536272.7637539 Tirthankar Van (Tapovan botanical garden). Good for family picnic. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.9750272.76558310 Nilkanth Vav Jal Mandir. A small square stepwell built in 1830. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.96244572.71757311 Rock climbing at Frog Rock. Rock climbing should be performed only with help of suitable equipment and team as this is very isolated place. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97192372.75105712 Fortification remains. Located in southwest of hill, this fortification remains are probably from 3rd or 4th century BCE. There are probable place of historical Anarta/Anandpura. One has to trek difficult forest to reach there. Help from experienced local trekker is must. (updated Dec 2022)

## Eat

* 23.96723572.7541921 Taranga Jain Bhojanshala. (updated Dec 2022)

## Sleep

* 23.96689772.7546451 Ajitnath Jain Dharmashala. For Jain pilgrims only. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.96707572.7536872 Digambar Jain Dharmashala. For Jain pilgrims only. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.96256272.711593 Sambhavnath Jain Dharmashala, Near railway station. (updated Dec 2022)
* 23.97556372.7617784 Tapovan Jain Dharmashala. For Jain pilgrims only. (updated Dec 2022)

## Connect

There is no hopsital nearby, nearest being the Primary Health Centre in Satlasana (5 km away).

## Go next

* Vadnagar
* Mehsana
* Siddhpur
* Modhera
* Patan