Valsad is a city and district in the South Gujarat near Mumbai and Surat. It was historically called Bulsar in the British Raj and is popular for mangoes. Parsi Community sought refuge at Sanjan coastal town of Valsad District after Arab Muslims invaded Iran and Persia in the 7th century and became an integral part of the Indian social fabric. Valsad is abundant with Mango and Chikoo farms and farmhouses, and the tax-exempted agricultural income contributes highly to the GDP of Valsad District.

Aayapa Temple

Fountains mingle with the rivers,

And Rivers with the Ocean

Damanganga, Par, Auranga, Kolak, Taan and Maan are the five major rivers of Valsad districting merging in the Arabian Sea in the where the sun sets.

PAR River

PAR River

Valsad is well connected by road and train to major places around. It is a cool place to hang out on a weekend with friends or family. Valsad Railway Station emits an old-world charm with modern Wi-Fi facility and the edifice was established almost a century ago.

Chemical Hub industrial city Vapi is a part of Valsad District. In and around Valsad you can majorly figure trees like Mangoes, Banayan, Chikoo, Coconut and Pipal among others. Yesteryears Bollywood Tragic Artist Nirupa Roy hailed from Valsad. The very one which Shashi Kapoor had, and Amitabh Bachchan didn’t as ‘Maa’ in Yash Chopra’s iconic flick Deewar. As a co-actor she worked with giants like Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand in movies and received Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 after she passed away in 2003.

Here is a draft of places that should be on your agenda if you happen to visit Valsad:

• Tithal Beach: Tithal beach is a prime attraction of Valsad. The opulent Arabian Sea leaves you speechless. Many families from other places visit for a weekend picnic. There are many resorts around the place. Fishermen community stay at a town named Kosamba near Tithal. On early morning you can see fitness keens running, jogging, exercising or cycling at the stretched landscape.

Tithal beach

• BAPS Swami Narayan Temple: In Gujarat you can see Swami Narayan Temples at every few miles. The one at Valsad at the Tithal Beach is quite popular and attracts a lot of footfalls on weekends and festivals. People from other cities and states visit for blessings.

BAPS Swami Narayan Temple

• Sai Baba Temple: At the opposite end of Swami Narayan Temple is the Sai Baba temple adjacent to the Tithal Beach. Devotees visit here frequently.
• Parnera Hill: 6KMs away from Valsad station is Parnera Hill where you can go hiking for Deity darshan and scenic view. If you have time in hand, you can try trekking too.
• Dharasana: Dharasana is 10kms away from Valsad station having a historic significance. Mahatma Gandhi visited this place during Salt Satyagrah after Dandi March in 1930. A monument is created in his honor. This place has saltpans near the sea area and on coastal highway and salt is processed by the local traders.
• Badheli: Badheli is a small village in north-western Valsad District. The Fourth Prime Minister of India Shree Morarji Desai was born in this village. The primary school he visited in the British Raj era still exists. A statue of him is erected in his honor near that school.
• Vekariya: If you keep moving from Badheli you will happen to visit Vekariya few miles away. It has a beautiful ancient Lord Hanuman Temple.

Hanumaj Ji Temple

If you climb the assembled rocks, you will see the start point of the Arabian Sea. Auranga River meets the Arabian Sea here at this point. You can see many boats of fisherman at the other shore and on that shore is a Light House. In evenings the view is beautiful especially when there is high tide. If you are here at Valsad for two days, you must visit this spot for one sunset. On Hanuman Jayanti there is a fair conducted by the devotees at this place.

Vekariya

Vekariya

• Hinglaj Mata Temple: In between Vekariya and Badheli there is a Goddess Hinglaj Mata Temple which is significant for the local fisherman community here.
• Tadkeshwar Temple: If you are a Lord Mahadev Bhakt, then Tadkeshwar Temple is a must visit. It is more than 8 centuries old. On occasions like Maha Shiv Ratri and Shraavan it is like a fair. It was designed without ceiling at the top to let the sunshine on the Shivlinga.
• Udvada: Udvada town is distanced around 25 KMs and can be visited via Coastal Highway or National Highway 48. It has a cultural and religious significance for Parsis because it has The Holy Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Non-Parsis are not permitted to enter the temple premises. The area near the temple gives Goa vibes and has a beach. This town also has the Zoroastrian Heritage Museum. I have been to Udvada from Valsad on Bicycle a couple of times.
• Kosamba: Beyond Swami Narayan Temple adjacent to the Arabian Sea is Kosamba village majorly of fishermen community. There is a Lord Vishnu temple right in front of the Arabian Sea. There is a Light House too at the end portion of the village. The very same one that you can see from Vekariya seashore.

Kosamba

October, November, December, January, February are the best months to visit Valsad. Monsoons are beautiful too if you have strong immunity.

Khaman, Dhokla, Thepla, Fafda, Jalebi are local food you can enjoy. Dhabas at highway are frequently visited and you must try sev tamatar sabji and bajra rotla khichdi. In winter months of December and January Umbadiyu is very popular and loved here. It is considered Gujarat’s Barbeque.

Gujarat’s Barbeque

Uttrayan, Navratri, Diwali, Ram Navmi, Maha Shiv Ratri, Janmashtmi are popular cultural festivals here. Needless to say, Garba is the popular dance. Warli Painting is a popular folk-art style you can find across the town.

If you like cycling, now you have an option to book a one on app near Circuit House. Valsad is awesome on pedal, and I can say it with more than a year of experience of more than 2000 KMs of cycling.

Cycling

If you are a beach person, looking for solace, weekend getaway with family or chilling with friends, you can visit to Valsad. Road trip will be worth remembering due to the small town and serene vibes.

Dharsana

Church

Doctors of Valsad are well-known for their efficiency and consultation. From Mumbai to Surat people visit them regularly for ailments, treatments, and operations.

About Devesh Purohit:

Devesh Purohit is a Mumbai-based 7-year experienced PR Practitioner. He likes traveling and sharing his navigation experiences.