Patan is one of the oldest cities of Gujarat. It was an ancient fortified town of 745 AD when the Chavda Kingdom came into existence.

History of Patan
Patan was founded in 745 AD by Vanjraj Chavda- a prominent ruler of Chavda kingdom, this was originally known as Anhipur Patan or Anhilwad Patan. Surrounded with a number of temples and decorative dargahs this place is also known for carrying the replica of an age old city of Anhilpur which is also known as Anahilpatak, Anahipatan, Anahilpur, Anahilvad Patan, Patan etc. Patan was part of the Baroda state from the mid-eighteenth century during the rule of British East India Company and the British Government in India, until India`s independence in 1947, when Baroda became part of Bombay state, which in 1960 was separated into Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Geography of Patan
Patan is located at 23.83 degree North to 72.12 degree East. Patan Railway Station is 108 km away from Ahemdabad Railway Station. It has an average elevation of 76 metres. Patan was one of the most prominent cities of ancient India. This place was one of the richest cities of the west coast. It reached its zenith of imperial greatness when it extended the territory in all directions. Anhilpur or Patan was extended to cover the Saurashtra and Kutch in the west, Lata in the south, Malwa in the east and eastern and southern Rajasthan in the north. This for the first time gave a complete structure of present day Gujarat which is tenth largest city of India.

Population of Patan
According to the Population Census in the year 2001 Patan had a population of 112,038. Males constitute 53 percent of the population and females 47 percent. Patan has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 65%. In Patan, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Tourism in Patan
There are many tourists` attractions in Patan. It includes the ancient forts of Chavada Kingdom, vavs (step wells), talavs (lakes) and places of worship. The main tourist attractions are Ran ki vav and Patola of Patan. Patan has been a popular city of ancient India which is known for a number of historical sights. The place is mainly known for Rani Ki Vav which is further surrounded with a number of historical sights. During the period of Solankis or the Chalukyas the famous Rani ki Vav was constructed. It is mainly known for the rich sculptures. Though not much detail is available yet it is believed that this Vav was constructed in the memory of Bhimdev I in AD 1022 to 1063 who was the son of Mularaja the founder of the Solanki Dynasty. Rani ki Vav is mainly known for some of the well built sculptures and fine carvings. This is a living example of superior architecture which attracts the tourist every time. Though the major part of the Vav has turned into ruin the remaining part is glorious enough to define the cultural heritage of the place. Built with some exceptionally carved pannels and carved pillars this is one of the most decorative sites of Patan. Along with Rani ki vav the ancient city is surrounded with some more historical monuments and religious places. It includes some of the age old shrines of Lord Shiva and a number of mosques which are mainly known its beautiful architecture and decorative sculpture that depicts the heritage of Saurashtra.

Thus known as an ancient city of Gujarat this place attracts a number of visitors who get enchanted with the marvellous forts, Vavs or stepped wells that is the speciality of Gujarat architecture, talavs and the places of worship. All these depict an eminent part of architectural skill and superior craftsmanship which attract the visitors.