Idar Fort — Attraction in Gujarat

Idar is a town in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, India. It is known for the manufacture of handmade wooden toys, tiles, its temples and various beautiful architectural monuments on hill, and its historical background. Idar is at the southern end of the Aravalli Range. The first clear tradition shows Idar in the possession of Bhils. After the fall of Vallabhiin 770, Kamalavati or Pushpavati, one of the wives of Maitraka king Shiladitya was at Ambaji to fulfil a vow. She heard news and took refuge in a cave in the mountains and there gave birth to a son called Gruhaditya or 'Goha' or cave-born.Making over the child to a Brahmin woman, the queen followed her husband through the fire. The young prince, of a daring character and adventurous spirit, soon passed out of his guardian's hands, and joining the Idar Bhils was by them chosen king. Whether in sport or earnest, the election was real, and for several generations his successors ruled in Idar. At last Nagaditya or Aparajita the eighth prince was killed by his subjects. He left a son named Bappa Rawalwho never succeeded to his father's chiefship, but became the founder of Mewar dynasty.The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (640) mentions a place which he calls O-clia-li, the Chinese way of writing Vadali, a village nearby. British General Cunningham identified this place with Idar. He further noted that in the eleventh century Vadali or Vadari was the capital of a family of chiefs claiming descent from Raja Bhara Gupta, whom the General believed to be the same as the above-mentioned Bappa. According to tradition, Idar was refounded by Parihar Rajputs, who, subject to Chittor, ruled there for several generations. Towards the close of the twelfth century, the Idar chief took part with Prithviraj Chauhan, king of Delhi, against the Ghurid Sultanate and was killed in the Battles of Tarain (1192). Idar then fell into the hands of a Koli king named Hathi Sora who was succeeded by his son Samalio. The latter was killed by a Rathod prince named Sonangji, who took occupied Idar, and became the founder of the dynasty of the Raos who ruled there for several generations. After numerous changes of fortune and many struggles with the Muslims, the Raos had at last to leave Idar, and were, in 1728, succeeded by the Rathod dynasty...

Pratap Singh in 1914

Lieutenant-General Maharaja Sri Sir Pratap Singh Sahib Bahadur of Idar GCB GCSI GCVO (22 October 1845 – 4 September 1922), commonly known as Sir Pratap, was a career British Indian Army officer, Maharaja of the princely state of Idar (Gujarat). Sir Pratap commanded his regiments heroically during the First World War in France and Flanders. He travelled to Europe often and was close to Queen Victoria and her family.

Pannalal Patel (7 May 1912 – 6 April 1989) who was a Gujarati author. He was the recipient of Jnanpith Award in 1985 and Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1950.Pannalal used to write novels in a dialect which is generally spoken in Sabarkantha district. He was educated at Sir Pratap High School of Idar.

Umashankar Joshi (12 July 1911 – 19 December 1988) was an eminent poet, scholar, and writer. He received the Jnanpith Award in 1967 and Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1939 for his contribution to Indian, especially Gujarati literature. He was also an alumnus of The Sir Pratap High School of Idar.

Arvind Trivedi, an Indian actor. He, alongside his brother Upendra Trivedi, has been prolific in Gujarati cinema. He is also famous for portraying Ravan in Ramanand Sagar's television series Ramayan. Both the brothers belong to village Kukadiya near Idar town. Raja Anand Singh, with the help of his brother Rai Singh and a few horseman from Palanpur and the Kolis of Gadhwara, he established himself in Idar without difficulty in 1728 or 1729. He died in 1753. Then HH Maharaja Rajendra Singh became the ruler of princely state of Idar. In 1924 it was made part of the Western India States Agency. It was transferred to the Rajputana states in the early 1940s. In 1949 it was dissolved and split between Sabarkantha and Mehsana districts which were at that point in Bombay State.[8] Both these districts became part of Gujarat when it was...

This is one of the best Hiking places in Gujarat, My experience was far above my expectations. I truly loved this place. Please read the below points before visiting -

Early morning is the best time. Go with friends or group. Total Time two sides is 3+ Hours with lots of photos and enjoyment ( From bottom to Ruthi Rani nu Maliyu) Please wear the sport shoe with good grip (Trekking Shoes) Bring water bottle to remain hydrate, Bring chikki(peanut bars) or chocolates for instant energy. If you are going for the first time, take help or ask a local person for correct direction.

Let me share my experience which might help you to decide.

28th Dec'24 -I went there with my close friends, it was the first time for everyone. Nobody knows the right direction towards the Peak (Ruthi Rani no mahal). It was quite exciting for all of us to explore unknown ways. After crossing the Beautiful Palace, sometimes we chose the wrong directions and lost among the Big Stones and Hilly place, however the journey of unknown roads and direction made our trip more lively and adventurous. We laughed our heart out, did some push up challenges at the top, took some challenging paths and the best part is we ate lots of Chiki (Peanut Bar) and plenty of water. I came to know about this place by my very good friend she used to visit here frequently. This is not a one time place, you will definitely love to visit this place Whenever you get chance or when your...