Location:
Village Chitrasani, Off Ahmedabad-Mt. Abu National
highway - 14, District Banaskantha, Gujarat
Built In Between: 1920's & 1930's
Built By: HH Nawab Saheb Sir Taley Muhamad Khan
Lohani
Hotel Balram Palace Resort
HERITAGE
Balaram palace was the weekend retreat and hunting resort of
the Lohani who ruled from Jalore in Southwestern Rajasthan and
moved to Palanpur after Jalore was annexed to the kingdom of
Jodhpur, Marwar. The palace was erected in the 1920s and 30s
during the rule of HH Nawab Saheb sir Taley Muhamad Khan
Lohani, one of the most loved of the Nawab. The palace has now
been taken over by a private entrepreneur, whose family has
been in the hospitality business for over 17 years.
THE EXPERIENCE
The palace is a gracious work of neo-classical architecture,
with 13 acres of private woodlands and formally landscaped
gardens with Mexican lawns, exotic flowerbeds, Modern
fountains and well-concealed music system. Inside the palace
are some beautiful marble galleries, wooden staircases and
well-appointed public areas. The terrace has breathtaking
views of the Aravallis hills, specially during the sunset. The
palace has been beautifully restored and renovated.
SIGHTSEEING
Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary And Jessore Hill
Sanctuary
Fine hill forests near the palace are home to Sloth Bear,
Panther, Blue Bull, 4-horned home to Sloth Bear, Panther, Blue
Bull 4 horned Antelope, Jackal, etc. Excellent area for bird
watching with Grey Hornbill, Grey Jugle Fowl, Flycatchers,
Drongoes, etc. are among the many birds seen over here.
Balaram Temples
A number of temples of religious importance are located along
Balaram River. An important religious fair takes place at
Balaram annually.
Palanpur
Palanpur is a famous Diamond centre with sightseeing
attractions such as havelis, palaces, Kirti Stambha, King
George Clubhouse.
EXCURSIONS
Ambaji (45-km)
A popular palace of Hindu Pilgrimage, Ambaji is also well
known for it's marble quaries, marble carving artisans, honey
and timber. Its also an important centre for marble tiles.
Kumbhariaji (Approx. 50-km)
It's a beautiful cluster of five 1034-1162 AD Jain temples
with intricate marble carvings rivalling those of Dilwara and
Ranakapur.
Dhantiwada (45-km)
This place is a famous reservoir on river Banas, agricultural
university, good picnic and winter bird watching spot.
Sidhapur (47-km)
It is known for its 12TH century Rudramalaya temple with
beautiful Torana gates, havelis, and Kartika Poornima camel
fair.
Patan (73-km)
Patan is famous for its 11th century stepwell, Patola silk
weaving, Jain temples, and magnificent havelis.
Taranga (86-km)
Taranga houses exquisitely carved 12th century Jain temples,
with spectacular hilly location.
Vadnagar (65-km)
Vadnagar attractions include 12th century Toranas, beautifully
carved Solanki period gates, a lake, Naggar Brahmin havelis,
and a 17th century Hatkeshwar temple.
GETTING THERE
The palace is 167-km from Ahmedabad, 14-km from Palanpur
Station, 3-km Off Ahmedabad - Abu National Highway - 14. It's
a very convenient stop over between Ahmedabad and the
destinations of Rajasthan.
