About Parnera Hill
Parnera Hill is a small forested hillock about 152 meters high near Parnera village, 6 km from Valsad city in Gujarat. It is known for the ruins of Parnera Fort, ancient Hindu and Jain temples on its summit, and panoramic views of the surrounding plains and Arabian Sea coast. A popular trekking and pilgrimage spot, it combines natural scenery, history and religious significance.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a moderate trek of about 300 steps to the hilltop through scrub forest and rocky terrain. At the summit are the ruined walls and bastions of Parnera Fort, three Jain temples and Hindu shrines dedicated to Kalika Mata and Chandika Mata, open viewpoints offering 360-degree views of Valsad, Tithal Beach and the countryside, and quiet natural surroundings suitable for photography and nature walks.
Key highlights
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Panoramic 360-degree views of Valsad, Par River and Arabian Sea coastline from the summit
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Ruins of historic Parnera Fort with stone walls and bastions
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Kalika Mata and Chandika Mata temples at the hilltop
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Three ancient Jain temples on the hill
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Trekking trail with approximately 300 stone steps through forested slopes
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Popular sunset and sunrise viewpoint
History of Parnera Hill
Parnera Hill is crowned by Parnera Fort, believed to have been built in the 17th century. The fort is associated with the Maratha period and later came under Peshwa and British control. The hill also has historic Jain temples dating back several centuries, reflecting its long-standing religious importance. The fort ruins, including walls, bastions and water cisterns, remain visible today.
Culture & Context
The hill is a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Jain communities. The Kalika Mata and Chandika Mata temples on the summit attract devotees, especially during Navratri, while the Jain temples are important for Jain pilgrims. The site is visited for religious worship as well as for its traditional fairs and cultural gatherings.
Route
| By air |
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