Palitana
Gujarat · 469m
863 Jain temples on a single hill — the most sacred Jain pilgrimage on Earth
Why Special
Shatrunjaya Hill holds 863 Jain temples built over 900 years. The climb is 3,500+ steps (or 2 hours by palanquin). At the summit, marble temples glitter in the sun. It's the single most important pilgrimage for Jain devotees worldwide.
Who Should Think Twice
Festivals & Events
Shatrunjaya Mahotsav
NovNovember
Jain pilgrimage festival at Shatrunjaya Hill (863 temples). Mass pilgrimage with special ceremonies.
863 Jain temples on one hill — the most concentrated sacred architecture on Earth
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Signal in town. None on hill.
WiFi: Some hotels
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Bhavnagar hospitals (50 km)
Ambulance: 108
Police: 100
Getting There
Bhavnagar 50km/1hr. Ahmedabad 280km/5hrs.
Roads: Good from Bhavnagar
Public transport: Buses from Bhavnagar
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Palitana town
Stay: ₹400-3000/night
30+ options (hotel, dharamshala)
Emergency: Dharamshalas at base
Helpline: 1800-200-5252
The stay decisions worth flagging in Palitana.
Palitana is a major Jain pilgrimage — 863 temples on Shatrunjaya Hill via 3,950 steps (3-4 hour climb). Stay scene is dharamshala-dominated (for observing Jains with strict dietary rules), plus basic 2-3 star hotels like Hotel Sumeru and Vijay Vilas. Most tourists stay in Bhavnagar (55 km, Nilambag Palace) and day-trip. Start climb by 5 AM to beat the summer heat.
Palitana is a Jain pilgrimage town — 863 temples atop Shatrunjaya Hill (3,950 steps). Stay scene is Jain dharamshalas for observing pilgrims and a handful of basic hotels in the town. Commercial options are limited. The realistic base for most visitors is Bhavnagar (55 km, Nilambag Palace) — day-trip climb to the temples, back for the evening.
Nilambag Palace Hotel
We recommend this restored 19th-century palace for its period rooms, courtyards, and proximity to Shatrunjaya—the spiritual anchor of Palitana.
Hotel Kesar Villa
We recommend this well-maintained property for solid rooms, reliable wifi, and restaurant service at rates that leave budget for the 3,500-step pilgrimage.
Shatrunjaya International Hotel
We recommend this hotel for its location at the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill—you can begin the temple climb within 5 minutes of checkout.
No x-factor pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
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Daily Budget Reality
Budget
₹650Mid-range
₹2,200Luxury
₹4,300💡 Palanquin (doli) costs ₹3000-5000 for the hill climb.
How to Reach
Meet the Locals
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