Patan and Modhera tour from Ahmedabad: Rani ki Vav and Sun Temple

Stepwell, temple, and weavers: explore ancient art and craftsmanship inspired by Ajanta.

This private tour from Ahmedabad visits two ancient Gujarati towns in a single day: Patan, where you walk through the subterranean architecture of Rani ki Vav and learn the centuries-old Patola weaving tradition, and Modhera, home to the Sun Temple built in 1062 A.D. with intricate stone carvings and a design aligned to the equinox sunrise. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, transport by private vehicle, bottled water and entry fees are included. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Patan and Modhera

• Hotel pickup in Ahmedabad
• Drive to Patan ancient city
• Learn about Patola weaving heritage
• Visit Rani ki Vav stepwell
• Drive to Modhera village
• Explore Sun Temple at Modhera

The experience

Rani ki Vav in Patan is a stepwell: a structure that descends eight stories underground to reach the water level, with lateral staircases and broad stepped corridors carved into the stone. Built by Queen Udayamti of the Solanki dynasty, it represents a link between classical step-well design and the kunda form, and the carvings throughout show the finest Indian architecture of its period. You walk down into it rather than around it, which is what makes the scale and the engineering visible in a way a photograph cannot show.

Patan itself was established in 745 A.D. and became the center of Patola weaving: a double-ikat textile technique with no reverse side, equal design and color intensity on both faces, and a tie-dye method so precise that the paintings in Ajanta caves resemble it. Around the 12th century, 700 weaver families from South Maharashtra were invited by King Kumarpal to settle here. The Salvi family, one of them, has preserved the tradition across four generations and still works the looms. You see the craft in practice, not just in a museum display.

Modhera's Sun Temple was built in 1062 A.D. by King Bhimdev I and predates the famous Sun Temple of Konark by 200 years. The temple stands on a high plinth overlooking a stone-stepped tank and is carved with gods, goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers throughout. It was designed so that at the equinoxes, the dawn sun shone directly on the image of Surya, the Sun God: a precision in stone that required both astronomical knowledge and engineering skill. The main shrine and hall are reached through a pillared porch. Hotel pickup starts the day and a private vehicle handles the drive between sites, so the pace stays yours and the stops are not rushed.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport by private vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• entry to Rani ki Vav and the Sun Temple.
• bottled water.
• all landing and facility fees.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GeTS Holidays

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you do not need a car or a driver's license to reach these two towns. The tour collects you and handles the full route, which matters if you are staying in central Ahmedabad without transport of your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 5): free.

What is Rani ki Vav and why is it worth the visit?

Rani ki Vav is an underground stepwell in Patan built by Queen Udayamti, descending eight stories with lateral staircases and broad stepped corridors carved throughout. It is a masterpiece of subterranean architecture and one of the finest examples of Indian design from the Solanki period, representing the link between classical step-well and kunda forms.

Can I see Patola weaving being made, or is it only in a museum?

The tour includes a visit to see Patola weaving in practice. The Salvi family, descendants of weavers invited to Patan in the 12th century, continues the double-ikat tradition across four generations and still works the looms, so you watch the craft being made rather than viewing finished pieces alone.

Why was the Sun Temple at Modhera built the way it was?

The Sun Temple was designed so that at the equinoxes, the dawn sun shines directly on the image of Surya, the Sun God. Built in 1062 A.D. by King Bhimdev I, it predates the famous Konark Sun Temple by 200 years and stands on a high plinth overlooking a stone-stepped tank, with carvings of gods, goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers throughout the structure.

What should I wear to visit these sites?

A dress code is required to enter places of worship. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women: no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Failure to comply may result in refused entry.

How does pickup work, and what is the total time for the tour?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The full day runs 8 to 9 hours from pickup through return, with transport by private vehicle between Patan and Modhera, bottled water provided, and an English-speaking guide throughout.