Halvad

Halvad is a town and a municipality in Morbi district in the Gujarat state of India.GeographyHalvad is located at. It has an average elevation of 46 metres (150 feet). Halvad sits on the banks of the Samatsar Pond.Halvad was a former capital of the Dhrangadhra State and was ruled by the Jhala Rajputs. It is an ancient fortified town at the southern edge of the Little Rann of Kutch. The yellow earth of this semi arid area and the buildings of local yellow sandstone make the whole town glow vibrant golden yellow during sunrise.Halvad is close to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary at the Little Rann of Kutch. The Asiatic wild ass is a member of the horse family with striking white underparts and a deep mane. It is a strong and powerful runner. Other animals spotted here are nilgai and chinkara and the birds seen are the Indian sandgrouse, houbara bustard, lark, desert warbler, desert wheatear, Indian courser and vultures.Culture and Points of interestHalvad is protected by a temple of Shiva in all the directions. Halvad is called the Chota (small) Kashi of India.Names of temples around Halvad: Sharaneshwer - Shiva temple located on the bank of the pond, with a Stepwell. Bhavanibhuteshwar Gaulokeshwar Shabaleshwar Kashivishwanath Dholeshwar Vaijnath world famous Naklank Guru Dham, shaktinagar Chatris (15th-century structures) resemble the architecture of the smaller temple structures of Gujarat, with carved columns, high plinths and cobbled roofs in pyramidal shape. The vast arid landscape, dotted with chatris, makes a picturesque setting.