Palitana
The Great Jain Temple-City of Shatrunjaya
Overview
Palitana is a temple town in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, at the foot of the sacred Shatrunjaya hill, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism, especially for the Svetambara tradition. Rising in tiers up the hilltop are hundreds of intricately carved marble temples, built over some nine hundred years, the chief of them dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara. Reaching them means a barefoot climb of around 3,500 stone steps, and no one, not even priests, may stay on the hill overnight. In 2014 Palitana became the world's first legally meat-free city. MyTripMyTravel arranges this sacred ascent with reverence, honesty, and full support.
Palitana is defined entirely by the hill above it. Shatrunjaya, 'place of victory', is among the most sacred sites in Jainism, and over roughly nine centuries devotees have raised hundreds of temples along its ridges, an estimated 863 shrines packed into carved marble tuks, or enclosures, that shine white against the sky. The principal temple honours Adinath (Rishabhdeva), the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, and the mountain is believed to have been sanctified by his presence.
This is an active, demanding pilgrimage, not a monument. The ascent is a barefoot climb of around 3,500 stone steps, some 3.5 km rising several hundred metres, and many pilgrims fast as they go. By ancient rule the hill belongs only to the divine: no one, including the priests, may remain there after dark, so the temples empty each evening and the climb must begin at dawn. For those unable to walk, a doli, a chair carried by bearers, is available.
MyTripMyTravel arranges Palitana with the reverence it demands and complete honesty about what it involves. We brief guests fully on the barefoot climb, the early start, and the strict etiquette, leather is not carried up the sacred hill, and we support the ascent with a doli where needed. The town is strictly vegetarian, and since 2014 has been the world's first legally meat-free city, so we align dining with its pure-vegetarian, often Jain, cuisine.
At a glance
Palitana in brief
When to visit
November to February
November to February is by far the best window, because the climb must be made barefoot and early, and cooler weather makes the ascent bearable. Kartik Purnima, usually in November, is a major Jain pilgrimage day when huge numbers make the climb. From March the heat becomes intense on the exposed stone steps and the ascent is punishing by mid-morning, so we start at dawn year-round. The monsoon (July to September) can make the steps slippery. The hill closes to visitors overnight in every season.
Things to do
Experiences in Palitana
Shatrunjaya climb
The barefoot dawn ascent of around 3,500 steps to the summit temple-city, the heart of the pilgrimage.
Adinath Temple
The principal shrine at the top, dedicated to the first Tirthankara, and the focus of Jain devotion here.
The marble tuks
The clustered temple enclosures of carved white marble spread across the hilltop, built over nine centuries.
Doli ascent
For those unable to walk, a chair carried by bearers offers a supported way up the sacred hill.
Summit panorama
Views over the plains of Saurashtra and, on clear days, toward the Gulf of Khambhat from the temple ridges.
Jain heritage of the town
The dharamshalas, carving traditions, and pure-vegetarian life of the pilgrim town at the foot of the hill.
Getting there
How to reach Palitana
Bhavnagar Airport (BHU), about 50 km away, is the nearest; Ahmedabad (AMD) offers wider connections with a longer drive.
Palitana has its own station, a pilgrimage terminus with trains via Bhavnagar; we handle transfers to the town and hill base.
Palitana is reached by road from Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad; the temple hill base is a short drive from the town centre.
Our air-conditioned, GPS-tracked vehicles bring guests to the foot of the climb before dawn and wait through the ascent.
Where to stay
Clean, well-run vegetarian hotels in Palitana town, convenient for the early start at the hill base.
More comfortable hotels in Bhavnagar, about 50 km away, for those preferring a fuller-service base.
Restored palace and heritage stays around Bhavnagar for a characterful base near Palitana.
Where to eat
Strictly pure-vegetarian food, often prepared without onion, garlic, or root vegetables in the Jain tradition.
A simple unlimited vegetarian thali of dal, shaak, rotli, and sweets, in keeping with the meat-free town.
Dhokla, khakhra, and thepla, well suited to a light meal before or after the climb.
Good to know
Palitana, your questions
Why is Palitana sacred to Jains?
The Shatrunjaya hill above the town is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism, especially for the Svetambara tradition, believed sanctified by the first Tirthankara Adinath. Hundreds of marble temples cover its summit.
How hard is the climb, and can I avoid it?
The ascent is a barefoot climb of around 3,500 stone steps and is genuinely strenuous. Those unable to walk can take a doli, a chair carried by bearers. We brief every guest fully and start at dawn to beat the heat.
Why can't anyone stay on the hill overnight?
By long-standing Jain rule the sacred hill belongs only to the divine, so no one, including the priests, may remain there after dark. The temples empty each evening, which is why the climb begins at first light.
Is it true Palitana is a vegetarian city?
Yes. In 2014 Palitana became the world's first legally meat-free city, with the sale and slaughter of animals for food banned. Dining in and around the town is strictly pure-vegetarian, often Jain.
Is there an etiquette for the climb?
Yes. The climb is made barefoot, leather items are not carried onto the sacred hill, and modest dress and quiet conduct are expected. Our escort briefs guests in full beforehand.
How long does a visit take?
The climb and descent, with time at the summit temples, take most of a morning. Many guests base in Bhavnagar and make Palitana a dawn-start day, then continue onward.
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