An 11th-century Solanki sun temple with a carved stepped tank and a Sabha Mandap.
The Sun Temple at Modhera was built in 1026-27 CE under King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty and dedicated to Surya. The complex has three parts: the Gudha Mandapa (shrine), the Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall) and the Surya Kund, a rectangular stepped tank lined with more than 100 small shrines. The carving is intricate and the alignment was designed so the rising sun lit the inner sanctum at the equinox. Worship is no longer held here, and the annual Uttarardh Mahotsav in January stages classical dance against the temple backdrop. Allow about 90 minutes.
| Distance | About 100-110 km north-west of Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2-2.5 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car with driver; Detail: GSRTC buses run to Mehsana with onward buses to Modhera, but a car with driver allows Modhera and Patan's Rani ki Vav in one day. |
| Cost | ASI ticket about ₹600 (approx $6.25 USD) for foreign nationals and ₹40 for Indians; car with driver ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Sun Temple, Modhera, Mehsana district, Gujarat 384212, India |
How to get there
- Car: private car with driver about ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD) for a Modhera-Patan day
- Bus: GSRTC to Mehsana, then a local bus or auto to Modhera
- Train: Ahmedabad to Mehsana, then road for the last 25 km
- Organised tour: Modhera-Patan-Sidhpur day tours from Ahmedabad
Location
Sun Temple, Modhera, Mehsana district, Gujarat 384212, India
23.5835, 72.1330 View on map
Highlights
- Surya Kund, the large stepped tank with 108 shrines
- Carved pillars of the Sabha Mandapa
- Sanctum designed to catch the equinox sun
- Uttarardh Mahotsav classical dance festival in January
- Evening 3D projection show
Tips for visiting
- Start by 7am to visit both Modhera and Patan in one day
- Wear a hat and carry water; there is little shade
- Check the 3D projection show timing if staying to the evening
- The ticket can be booked online through ASI
- Sidhpur's Bohra havelis are worth a stop en route
When to visit
Early morning in winter, or the January dance festival
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Modhera from Ahmedabad?
About 100-110 km, roughly 2-2.5 hours by road.
What is the entry fee for foreigners?
About INR 600 per person (approx $6.25 USD); Indian citizens pay INR 40.
Can Modhera and Rani ki Vav be combined?
Yes. They are about 45 km apart and are usually done together in one long day.
When is the temple open?
Daily, roughly 7am to 6pm.