Travel Shop

Discover India

Hot Spots

Hill Stations

Holy Places

Around the World

Contact Us

Introduction

Accommodation

 DHARAMPUR - In the serene setting of Sahyadri foothills.

Dharampur is situated on the banks of the Swargavahini river and is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range on east, west and south sides. Due to its location, the town enjoys a very pleasant climate, all throughout the year.

Dharampur, situated in South Gujarat, was capital of the former princely State of Dharampur. Originally, it was known as Ramnagar. The present day Dharampur dates back to 1764 AD and was founded by King Dharamdevji.

Dharampur was ruled by the descendants of the Sisodia Rajputs of Chittod. After the fall of Delhi Sultanate in south Gujarat, the State of Dharampur flourished and gained a very significant and powerful position by controlling oat least seven strategic forts in the region. The Dharampur State was surrounded by the Muslim states of Khandesh, Ahmednagar and Guajarat Sultans, but because of its strategic importance, was never attacked by the Muslims. Even the Parsis found political patronage under the Dharampur kings. The Dharampur kings had cordial relations with Portuguese traders from the south Gujarat ports and used to receive tax revenue from them.

The city of Dharampur had two major phases of development- the first in the late 18 th century, when the Rana undertook the construction of Raj Mahal, public buildings, step wells and temples. The second phase was in the late 19 th century, when as a part of the queen Victoria Golden Jubilee celebrations the Anglo Vernacular school, jail and hospitals were constructed.

King Mahadevji (1891-1921 AD) studied at Rajkumar College and introduced many reforms. Under his patronage, Mohan Vilas Palace, Pramod Bhavan, State Guest House and several temples were constructed. Roads, water tanks and bridges were built to improve the infrastructure of the state.

King Vijaydevji, on his accession to kingdom in 1921, constructed a museum and dedicated it to Lady Wilson. Vijaydevji undertook extensive traveling to collect rare and genuine art objects for display in museum. He was also fond of hunting and constructed a hunting lodge at Audha and residences at Wilson Hills as summer retreats.

Raj Mahal, the original residence of the royal family is now in a ruinous condition, but there are other interesting structures in the town. The Radha-krishna Temple, Japanese Garden and Nagarsheth bungalow are worth visiting.

The Japanese Garden (Gandhibag) has an imported clock from Japan- a novelty in those days. The Radha-Krishna Temple is designed by more like a residence in colonial style with decorative plaster work and sloping roof.

The town has a very beautiful entrance gate (Rajya Rohan Gate) done in European style with life size statues in Greek style adorning the top. Bandstand and gymkhana building are located, near the gate. In the old days, the state band used to play music in the evenings for the citizens of Dharampur, at the Band Stand.

Lady Wilson Museum and Jubilee Hall are examples of early 20th century architecture. The museum section has a fine collection of Indian, western and tribal musical instruments and miniature paintings of Pahari style depicting various musical compositions- Indian classical ragas.

The District Science Centre at Dharampur is one of such three centers in India. It is successfully involved in spreading scientific education among the tribals of this region.