Nadabet Seema Darshan and Things to Do

Nadabet, because of its unique location, is being developed into a tourist attraction. Besides taking selfies at Nadabet Seema Darshan, there are other interesting things to do in Nadabet. Located on Indo-Pak border in Gujarat, it is worth visiting by bird lovers, nature photographers, adventure lovers and last but not the least, the patriots. There is something for all.

BSF along with Gujarat Tourism board has developed this spot tremendously in an effort to promote Border Tourism. It is a new concept in Indian Tourism.

BSF role in Nadabet Border 1971 Indo-Pak War History

Nadabet is spelled as Nada Bet by local people. Bet here translates to island. Narabet is yet another name for this same place.

When Radcliff drew the (infamous) historic line dividing our country into Pakistan and India based on religion, Nadabet fell into Indian side. Pakistan, our new neighbour then, tried encroaching into Indian Territory through Nadabet in 1965. The Border Security Force was raised on Dec 1st after the 1965 Indo-Pak war with Pakistan, prior to that it was manned by local police.

1971 Indo Pak war Nadabet

During 1971 Indo-Pak- war Border Security Forces (BSF), India’s first line of defence, were manning the post, not the Indian Army. As the war scene was heating up, it was evident that Indian Army troop would take a long time to arrive at the scene and defend the post. The senior most BSF official there then decided to take his men and defend the Nadabet post till Indian Army would arrive.

Pakistani forces started moving from Nagarparkar in their territory and BSF forces of India started marching towards Pakistan from Jaloya towards Nadabet. The Paggi community of the area are expert in studying footprints of animals like camels. Paggi people can accurately say how much load the animals were carrying, to which direction they were heading and precisely how long back they crossed the area. They knew the directions very well.

So with their help the BSF soldiers were able to reach Nadabet within six hours and protect the border post till Indian Army arrived and finished the enemies in no time.

Operation of 1971 war in Kutch sector

Gujarat Pakistan International Border

The boundary demarcation line between India and Pakistan is known as the Radcliffe Line. It came into force on 17 August 1947. India-Pakistan border line extends from Gujarat to Kashmir; a total length of 3029 km. Gujarat Pakistan border, a distance of 504 km, out of which only 340 km is feasible for construction of fencing, rest is manned by BSF soldiers with latest technologies.

Nadabet Terrain

Here is a little about the terrain of Nadabet border point to understand the place better. Nadabet is a small stretch of land jutting into a lake formed by monsoon rains and salty sea water during high tides. During summers there is a hard white layer of salt on the surface but when rains are excess the land around turns into marshy area with no vegetation. There are cases of animals getting trapped- in this. Also the BSF jawans (soldiers) look out for each other here. There are chances of rare human error and getting stuck in these lands.

Aquatic migratory birds like Flamingos, Pelicans and wild animals like Black, Bucks, Chinkara, Desert Foxes, and Wild Indian Ass can be spotted here. Poisonous desert snakes and scorpions too have been spotted here.

Sunsets here are most enchanting. There is a viewing deck which facilitates spotting the animals and birds and watching the sunset, enabling a mesmerizing experience.

Seema Darshan and Things to Do in Nadabet

Nadabet Border Post – Zero Point

Once you are at Nadabet T-junction pillar, keep aside at least two hours for going to the international line of border for Seema Darshan. It is a goose bump experience to be remembered for lifetime especially for patriotic Indians.

You have to take special permission, a formal paperwork and nominal fee, to go to zero point. It is a 25 km drive to reach the zero point at border from the T-junction. This stretch is dotted with eight lay-by points that display artillery weapons, tanks and a viewing deck. You might want to stop and have a look at them and you are allowed to pause for sometime there.

Once you reach the zero point you can see Pakistan through the barbed wires. However the actual border line isn’t the barbed wire, it is 150m from the international border line. Between the barded wires and the white milestones at the actual international border is the no man’s land.

Both sides have to speak to each other and fix up time to walk through the no man’s land to maintain the stones at the border. A flag flies high at zero point and there are regular ceremonies of hoisting and lowering it in a small scale. You can time yourself in the evenings to witness it. The best part of being here is you are free to take endless pictures.

Last but not the least, there is a kids’ play area and refreshment centre at zero point.

Things to Do in Nadabet

Other than taking selfies at the international border there is such a lot to experience in Nadabet. Following is a list of to do things in Nadabet that I saw and found very interesting.

Nadabet Seema Darshan Timings

Visit Time: 9 AM to 7 PM. (Monday closed.)
T Junction: 9 AM to 8 PM
Parade Time: At Sunset.
Zero Point Visit Time: 9 AM to 4 PM.

Main Attractions in Nadabet

• Ajay Prahar Smarak
• Short Film shows in Auditorium
• Photo Opp at MIG 27 – The MiG-27, a ‘ground attack’ aircraft, is efficient to conduct precision air strikes in battle while tackling the adversary’s air defences. These jets have proved to be extremely effective in both Battle Air Strikes and in Battle Air Interdiction, which are preventive operations that are sometimes carried out deep inside enemy territory, to target enemy installations, supplies, and forces, and hamper its future actions. The same is displayed here in its full grandeur for tourists.
• Museum on Sarhad Gate
• Art Gallery on Naam Namak Nishan – This exhibition is a tribute to the spirit and culture of Indian soldiers. It is made with an objective to educate, inspire and motivate Indian youth to learn about the contributions and sacrifice made by our guardians at the edge.
• Retreat Parade Ceremony – There is a parade ground specially made for this ceremony with a seating capacity of 5000 people. It is different from the retreat ceremony held at Attari-Wagah border point in Amritsar. Here you will feel the absence of Pakistani side.
• India Pakistan Border Visit (explained above)
• Toy train ride – which even the adults will enjoy
• Souvenir/Handicraft shop

Experience Zone

• Time to Reflect
• 360degree photo booth
• Josh Meter – Josh here means your attitude, your spirit towards our country’s soldiers and their deeds. It is a good natured fun activity to rate your josh.
• BSF Quiz – fun questionnaire to check your knowledge about Border Security Force
• Mobile AR
• Wall Mural – impressive wall mural of soldiers in different activities

Adventure Activities in Nadabet

• Paint Ball
• Rocket Ejector
• High and Low Rope course
• Zip Line
• Zip Cycle
• Free Fall
• Rock Climbing
• Rappelling
• Giant Swing
• Human Bungee Sling slot
• Meltdown
• Bungee Basket
• Air Rifle shooting range
• Army Commando Course
• ATV/UTV off-roading track

Rope Course

Tips to Visit Nadabet

• Valid identity card a must
• Keep your tickets safe till end of day
• Keep a complete day to get the wholesome experience
• Food, water and washrooms available
• Sign the indemnity certificate before you take adventure activities
• Tickets can be booked in advance. You can do Seema Darshan online booking at: booking.visitnadabet.com
• Recharge points at necessary locations with easy and convenient self recharge option.

How to Reach Nadabet

Nadabet Location – Nadabet village is located in Vav Tehsil of Banas Kantha district in Gujarat, India. You can take your own car or hire private taxis.

By Road to Nadabet – Radhanpur to Nadabet distance – 69 km,
Bajana Royal Safari Camp 193 km,
Nadabet to Dasada distance – 163 km,
Mehsana to Nadabet distance – 187 km,
Mt. Abu in Rajasthan to Nadabet – 249 km,
Gandhinagar (capital of Gujarat) to Nadabet distance – 246 km,
Nadabet to Ahmadabad distance – 267 km.

By Train nearest railway stations – Bhildi, Deesa and Palanpur

By Air – Nearest airport to Nada Bet is in Ahmadabad at 203 km.

Nearby Sightseeing Sites

Nadeshwari Mataji Temple (Nadabet Temple) in Sui village, is located 26.7km by road from the international border point. (Open timings: 7 AM to 7 PM).

An interesting legend exists from the medieval times about how this temple cam to existence. The King of Junagadh, Raja Navdhan had stayed here with his huge army while on his way to Sindh. He was on a mission to rescue his sister Jashal from the clutches of the ruler of Sindh.

In the difficult desert terrain, a local Charan girl had provided food to the army and had guided them further to their destination. This Charan girl is worshiped as Nadeshwari Mata. The Chauhans ruled over Nadabet and before independence it used to be prosperous. When people migrated towards Sindh during drought, they first offered prayers here.

Nadeshwari Mataji Temple

What is Nadabet famous for?

Nadabet is famous for border tourism, zero point Nadabet, Nadabet parade and flag hoisting in Nadabet Parade ground, Seema Darshan, and temple dedicated to Nadeshwari.

Which cities are near to Nadabet?

Closest Railway stations to Nadabet are: Palanpur (145 km), Dheesa (118 km) and Bhildi (95 km). During a road trip you will cross Suigam (20 km), Vav (59 km), Radhanpur (75 km) and Mehsana (166 km).

Best time to visit Nadabet

Avoid April May due to extreme heat.

You may like these nearby places to visit from Nadabet:

• Rani ki Vav (Queen’s step-well)
• Modhera Sun Temple
• Dholavira Harappan Site
• Kashmir Ladakh Tour: Best Things to Do

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