Champaner has a long and interesting history as a pilgrimage destination for both Muslims and Hindus. The UNESCO involvement seems to be aimed at preserving a series of ancient Mosques set in and around the Champaner village. Next to the village, without another mountain of any seriousness for hundreds of miles, arises Pavagadh, which is topped with a Hindu shrine.
From Champaner, you hop in a ‘bus’ which takes you up the mountain 5K. Then if you are a healthy or poor pilgrim, you walk 3+ hours up hundreds of stairs to the top of the mountain. There is a city that literally lines the path, with shops selling everything from water to coconuts to toys to garlands.
If you are not so healthy, or a bit more wealthy, you take the gondola–billed as ‘India’s most modern rope transport’ up near the top, then climb the last 20-30 minutes up to the shrine.
It’s a fantastic location, with few westerners but tons of Indian tourists. People’s demeanor alternated between devout and festive, with all being amazed at the (rather hazy) view from the top and the proximity to the heavens.
