Palanpur, the headquarters of the district
Banaskantha, was the capital of the former princely State of Palanpur. The city is surrounded by hillocks, and is near Aravali Mountains. The place received its name after Palansi Chauhans, who lived here in the 14th century. After Chauhans, the city was under the control of Muslims till independence. The city flourished during the period of Nawab Saheb Sher Khan Lohani and Nawab Saheb Talej Muhammad Khan Lohani in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Now it is a commercial center and has become crowded due to mercantile growth.
Saraswati and Banas are the rivers flowing though this city. Kirti Stambh, the Rajmahal, Balaram Mehadev Temple, and the old palace of the Nawab are worth mentioning. Zoravar Palace carries beautiful paintings on the ceiling, gold leaf decorations and a sandalwood staircase, now it houses government offices. Two
Dargahs and an ancient stepwell, Mithi Vav, with seven galleries on the wall are other attractions. It is about 70 km away from Mehsana.
