Travel

Parnera Hill Valsad – Historical Fort From Shivaji Time In Gujarat

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on
January 23, 2016

Parnera Hill is a historical hill near Valsad city of South Gujarat. Deriving its name from Par river, Parnera Dungar is a good trekking destination for trekkers and a good spiritual destination for pilgrims.

Parnera is a diverse place: The hill has estimated height of 300m. It has fort. It has temple Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It has dargah of Chand Pir Bawa. It has vaav. It has mind-boggling history. It has scenic views, diverse indeed!

Let’s explore them one by one!

Road from Atul side

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

You’re Just A Tourist!

I agree! You’re a traveler and want to visit Parnera. You don’t give a damn to the history and folktales. Well, welcome then. I got you covered. Ignore the initial sections and keep scrolling down!

Height of Parnera is approx 300 m, climb via steps

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Shivaji, Fort and His Loooong Jump

Parnera fort has history that dates many centuries back. The original fort was built by a Hindu Raja. Even after hundreds of years, when we see ruins of the fort, we could guess level engineering skills those were used at that time.

Time stands still for this fort

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

While returning from Surat, Shivaji fought fierce battle here. When Shivaji was used to fight by guerilla technique against Moguls, he used to stay at Parnera.

Remains

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Fort has not been maintained well. So now, its ruined mostly.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

The fort had 150 cannons at the time of independence. Now, only 3 of them can be found on Parnera Dungar. Like every other fort, this fort was built in such a way that for opposition, it’s incredibly hard to penetrate. While, army staying in the fort can efficiently attack the enemies from any side.

Maanta

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

The Long Jump

During one of his stay at Parnera, Shivaji was besieged by opposition army. Encircled from all directions, he had no option but to jump over the army. (Played Subway Surfers? Kind of same situation. 🙂 )

So riding on his horse Badal, he jumped from a hidden orifice to Par river.

This is the “baari” from where Shivaji flew away

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

This intrigues me. I calculated distance on Map, from Parnera to Par river. It’s 1.5 km. Stories and histories are all fine but…being a science and engineering student, I couldn’t believe this feat!

Parnera to Par River Distance

If you’re reading this and have explanation on how this could be done, please drop a comment at the end of this article. 🙂

Series of Temples

Along with fort, Parnera Dungar has series of temples too.

There are 3 main temples:

  1. Mahadev Shiva Temple
  2. Maha Kali Mata Temple
  3. Ambika, Chandika and Navdurga Mata

Ambika Mata Temple

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

 

Kalika Mata Folktale

As per a folktale, once upon a time, Ambika, Kalika, Navdurga, Chandika and Kalika Mata used to stay together. For some reason, Kalika Mata sulked with others and ran away to cave. That’s the reason for two temples.

Kalika Mata Temple

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

 

Navratri Fair

It’s said that, during Navratri, On Saatham – Aatham, Kalika Mata comes out of his cave. During this time, massive fair is organized on Parnera Hill. People from all over Valsad crowd the place.

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

 

Chand Pir Bawa

I mentioned before, Parnera fort has vibrant stories associated with it. As per records, Chand Pir Bawa, fighting battle of Satya and Ahimsa,  passed away as martyr. His head fallen off in Parnera and chest in Bilimora.

To remember his martyrdom, dargah had been constructed in Bilimora and Parnera.

Valsad city is in background

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

 

Three Vaav

There are 3 water bodies, popularly known as Vaav in Gujarati, are present on the top of Parnera.

There’s a popular tale that Shivaji’s army had buried weapons and valuable treasures under Vaav. And then there’s another tale that, out of all who tried to get that treasure from Vaav, no one managed to come out alive!

Over the top view

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

History of Parnera In Gujarati

As Mr. Ajay shared in the comments, history of Parnera is available in Gujarati language on the official site of temple, http://chamundadhamparnera.org/history.html

It is an excellent writeup.

 

Location, How to Reach & Geography

Parnera Hill is 7 km from Valsad city. Approximate height is 300 meter.

One one side, you’ll get views of Atul. Another side, of Valsad city. And one another side, NH 8.

NH8

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Distance Matrix:

From To Distance in km / Approx. time in hr
Surat Parnera 100 km / 2 hrs
Mumbai Parnera 200 km / 3.30 hrs
Ahmedabad Parnera 350 km / 5.30 hrs

Local shops are shut off in off-season

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Roads are top notch. Nearest railway station is Atul. Not many trains stop here, so Valsad is actual nearest railway station.
State transportation buses can be vailed. Ask anyone at Valsad Bus Station for help, you’ll easily get guidance.

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

 

There are two entry points to Parnera Hill.

One is from Parnera village, if you’re coming from Valsad. This way, you can’t take vehicle up. Approx. 500 – 700 steps are there on this way.

Second is from Atul side, you can take your vehicle halfway and then approx. 200 – 300 steps.

Parnera hill and it’s surroundings are good spots for photography.

Good place for photographers

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Best Time To Visit

For trekking, go in monsoon.

Normal visits, post monsoon months. October to January.

Though, due to its height, Parnera’s atmosphere is mostly breezing. Even in summer, you won’t face heat.

 

I wonder what does this stone buildings signify..

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Food & Accommodation

No luck in this part. No hotels nearby. In off-season, that’s in summer, you may not get anything to eat.

Otherwise, you’ll find local sellers selling fruits, biscuits and wafers on sideways.

Valsad has many accommodation options.

Like a boss!

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Contact Details

Mandir Trust, Parnera, Valsad, Gujarat. Pin Code: 396020

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91 9825574585, +91 9737173174

Sit in peace here 🙂

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad

Abstracts

Valsad has scarcity of tourist places to visit nearby.

Tithal is one and the most popular. Parnera is second. Wilson Hills in third. Apart from these, not many places are there to visit nearby Valsad. That makes Parnera a popular weekend destination around Valsad.

Happy Journey!

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad


Photos By: Smit Patel

Parnera Dungar Valsad, Gujarat, History Of Parnera Fort, Chand Pir Bawa Temple, Height and Distance of Parnera From Valsad


Did you like this article? Was it helpful? Your comments are most welcome!

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30 Comments
  1. Reply

    Sandip Kotecha

    September 2, 2019

    Visited Parnera yesterday only… i wish read this article before visiting.. 🙂

    Thanks for updating the interesting info.. Keep doing the nice work..

    God Bless

  2. Reply

    ajay

    January 7, 2017

    please like this page
    https://www.facebook.com/Chamundadhamparnera/

  3. Reply

    ajay

    December 12, 2016

    parnera mandir website http://www.chamundadhamparnera.org

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 12, 2016

      Yes, thanks. I forgot to add this link to post above.

      • Reply

        ajay

        January 7, 2017

        thanks darpanbhai
        Parnera History available on this website in gujarati language.
        please share on your portal

        http://chamundadhamparnera.org/history.html

        • Reply

          Darpan Dodiya

          January 7, 2017

          Hello Ajaybhai,

          Thanks for sharing the link. I have updated article and added one section linking to the history page you’ve shared.

          • ajay

            January 8, 2017

            thank you sir

  4. Reply

    Tanmay

    November 27, 2016

    Please My Full Address Given For Parnera Hill temple valsad. I am going for today. please full address give…………..

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 27, 2016

      There’s no need of full address in my opinion. Go near Valsad/Atul and ask anyone for Parnera. Everyone knows about Parnera.

  5. Reply

    Niraj Vyas

    October 4, 2016

    We can also See Sea from Panera Hill if weather is clear.

  6. Reply

    vivek patel

    July 31, 2016

    Hey can I uploaded over data on this website

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 31, 2016

      What do you want to upload?

  7. Reply

    RaHuL MisTrY

    February 6, 2016

    Nice website and any people helpfull….

  8. Reply

    Kash

    February 5, 2016

    How many years back this happened?
    By then this all area developed who knows at that time paarnadi was not 1.5 km far from parneradunger . It is impossible based on current situation but guess 100 -500 years back parnadi and paneradunget

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 7, 2016

      Yes, that could be a possible explanation.

  9. Reply

    Rahul Thakor

    February 1, 2016

    People believe, or they have superstitions that number of blocks they could manage to built stone building, the house they are going to built in future will have that much floor!

    • Reply

      smit patel

      February 2, 2016

      I heard that they will get their dream house in NEXT BORN!

  10. Reply

    Maanya

    January 31, 2016

    Awesome dude

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 31, 2016

      Thank you 🙂

  11. Reply

    Pravin Shah

    January 25, 2016

    Nice place. I got enough information about Parnera. Now I will plan to go there.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 25, 2016

      Happiest Journey!

  12. Reply

    Bhavya Gandhi

    January 24, 2016

    Great job,man !!!
    And ya,superb photography @ Smit !!! 🙂

  13. Reply

    Pramod

    January 24, 2016

    good job!
    well done!!

  14. Reply

    vishal

    January 23, 2016

    Nice work both of u dapu & smit…

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 23, 2016

      Thanks Vishal!

    • Reply

      smit patel

      January 24, 2016

      vishal thanks for coming with me in hot evening !

  15. Reply

    arti mehta

    January 23, 2016

    Nice pic brother…. Great job…..

    • Reply

      smit patel

      January 23, 2016

      Thank you Rinku. :)

  16. Reply

    Deep Halpati

    January 23, 2016

    Nice Dapu, great job, I’m living near to Parnera Hill, but I didn’t do that….

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 23, 2016

      Thank you Deep!

      We’ll go to Parnera next time together and do even more great job. 🙂

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Seattle WA, USA

Hello 👋 I'm a Software Engineer based out of Seattle, WA. This is my internet backyard to share things that I do and stuff that I find interesting. I started this blog back in 2014 to share my travels stories. Glad to see you here, have a look around the website, you'll enjoy. Feel free to drop a comment or say hello. Have a beautiful day! :)