Located in the Kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat that extends well into the Arabian Sea, Amreli is a small town with a loaded history, many ancient temples and various species of wildlife. Historically, this city was known as Amarpalli, among its other names, which has been discovered thanks to inscriptions in the ancient Nagnath Temple. The Gaekwad clan of the Maratha dynasty was the most influential ruler of this region, leaving many of their marks behind, small and big.
Amreli is replete with temples, natural reserves and dams on rivers that rush in to meet the Arabian Sea. Though not documented, it is believed that this region was in existence back in 6th century AD. Imbibing the colorful local Gujarati culture, Amreli is a great place for a short break of a few days.
The Nagnath Temple is of major religious and historical significance in Amreli. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in the 17th century and it was from the inscriptions on its walls that much of the region’s history was discovered. The temple witnesses the highest number of devotees during the religious festivals of Naag Panchami and Shivratri. The architecture of the Nagnath Temple coupled with the traditional rituals that take place here make for a wonderful tourist experience.
The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is another major reason people from far and wide visit Amreli. This reserve was established to protect and conserve the remaining population of wild lions outside Africa. The Pania Sanctuary, a part of the Gir Reserve, is also well-known for its myriad species of rare and exotic flora and fauna.
The Khodiyar Dam, along with the Mandir nearby, is another popular tourist attraction in the region. Built on the River Shetrunji, it is one of the largest dams in the region. This dam provides water to the city of Amreli and is a popular picnic spot. The views from and of this dam make it worth the trip.
Auto-rickshaws are available at almost any point in the city. They are the most commonly used mode of transport. You can hop on to a bus that will take you around Amreli as well as to nearby places. Hire a private car or taxi if you’d rather move around in comfort.
On a daily basis there are approximately 4 flights that operate at Rajkot Airport.Air India is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Amreli is surrounded by Gondal, Jetpur Navagadh, Botad which are 36.83 km, 39.46 km, 48.63 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.