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HERITAGE · HILLS · TOWNDanta
A former hill kingdom — Danta, an old princely town in the Aravalli hills near Ambaji, with its palace heritage, the Koteshwar shrine and a gateway to scenic hill country.
An old hill state
Danta is a historic town in the hills of Banaskantha, once the seat of the Danta princely state ruled by the Parmar Rajputs. Set amid the Aravallis near Ambaji, it retains traces of its royal past — including palace heritage and the old hill fort of Bhadli nearby — and is surrounded by green, scenic country that includes the sacred Koteshwar temple and the source-region of the Saraswati.
A quiet, lesser-known town, Danta serves as a gateway to the hills, forests and shrines of this corner of the district, and reflects the layered princely and tribal heritage of the Aravalli borderland. A peaceful base in the hills — a historic hill town, with much to explore in the wider area.
A hill state on the Aravalli edge
Princely heritage.
Danta was the seat of a princely state ruled by the Parmar Rajputs, one of the small hill states along the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
Palace buildings and other traces of the state survive in and around the town, mostly unrestored and in ordinary use.
The old hill fort of Bhadli stands nearby, commanding the approaches through this stretch of the Aravallis.
The surrounding country is green and lightly travelled, running towards Ambaji and the headwaters of the Saraswati.
Reasons to make the time
Princely town
A small Aravalli hill state, Rajput-ruled for centuries and merged into India after 1947.
Aravalli hills
The setting is wooded Aravalli country — greener and hillier than most of north Gujarat.
Palace heritage
Palace heritage survives in the town, though little of it is presented for visitors.
Near Koteshwar
The Koteshwar temple nearby is a sacred site associated with the Saraswati's source region.
Bhadli fort
Bhadli fort on its hill is the state's most visible military relic.
Gateway
Ambaji, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is close enough to pair with a Danta visit.
How to spend an hour or two
Explore the town
Wander the town and take its quiet princely character; nothing here is signposted or staged.
Sense the princely past
Look for the Parmar-era buildings and gateways, which are still in everyday use.
See Koteshwar nearby
Visit the Koteshwar temple in the hills, an easy add-on and a sacred site in its own right.
Enjoy the hills
Drive the Aravalli country around Danta, which is green, calm and largely untravelled.
Learn the heritage
Note how princely and Adivasi histories overlap across this borderland — both shaped the district.
Pair with Ambaji
Carry on to Ambaji, the great goddess shrine, which is the natural companion stop.
A princely hill town
Danta, once the seat of a Parmar Rajput princely state, is a historic hill town in the Aravallis near Ambaji — retaining palace heritage and the old Bhadli fort nearby, surrounded by scenic country including the Koteshwar shrine and the Saraswati’s source-region. A peaceful base in the hills.
This is one of many places worth seeing here — the full guide to Banaskantha has the rest.
A former princely state
Parmar Rajput heritage
Near Koteshwar & Ambaji
Bhadli hill fort nearby
When to go
November to February is the season here — cool, clear and the best light on the Aravalli hills.
The monsoon greens the whole district and the hill country is at its most attractive from August.
April to June is hot and dry; travel early in the day if you come then.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; combine the Ambaji shrines with the Aravalli hills and the border at Nadabet.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best in the cool season
- An easy Banaskantha stop
- Pair with nearby sights
- Free or a nominal fee
- Respect the site & nature
- Photography may vary
- Pair with nearby sights
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~180 km).
By Rail
Palanpur Junction / Abu Road.
By Road
Ambaji / Palanpur.
At Danta
HILLS & HERITAGE
A former hill kingdom
What to shoot
The hills.
Detail
Palace heritage.
Context
Koteshwar nearby.
Best light
Golden hour.
Know before you go
More to see close by
BORDERNadabet
The India–Pakistan Seema Darshan
PALACEBalaram Palace
A regal heritage retreat near Palanpur
LANDMARKKirti Stambh
A soaring tower beside Ambaji
Ambaji Shakti Peeth
One of India’s 51 holiest Goddess shrines
Koteshwar
A Shiva shrine at the river’s source — Koteshwar near Ambaji, an ancient Mahadev temple by…
3Jessore Sloth Bears
Track the elusive bear in the border hills
Where to eat near Danta
THALINorth Gujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETAmbaji prasad & street
Sweets & snacks.
Local fare
Simple North-Gujarat food; Ambaji sweets.
Danta FAQ
What is Danta?
Danta is a historic town in the hills of Banaskantha, once the seat of the Danta princely state ruled by the Parmar Rajputs. Set amid the Aravallis near Ambaji, it retains traces of its royal past — including palace heritage and the old hill fort of Bhadli nearby — and is surrounded by green, scenic country that includes the sacred Koteshwar temple and the source-region of the Saraswati.
Where is it?
Aravalli hills, near Ambaji.
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler season.
What's nearby?
Ambaji, Kumbhariya, Balaram and Nadabet.
How long does it take?
1–2 hours.
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Kirti Mandir
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HERITAGESarkhej Roza
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PALACEKusum Vilas Palace
The elegant royal residence of the town
SACREDNavsari Atash Behram
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026