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About Gujarat
A tribe that migrated to India around the 5th century AD, the state of Gujarat is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the excellent tourist attractions in Gujarat.
Gujarat's principal city is Ahmedabad (also known as Amdavad) and is one of the major industrial cities in India. Although it retains little evidence of the Raj, it has been called the `Manchester of the East' due to its many textile industries and its smokestacks. Ahmedabad is also very noisy and incredibly polluted; Relief Rd (Tilak Rd) gets the author's votes as one of the most polluted, congested and thoroughly chaotic strips of barely controlled mayhem in the country.
It's a real rat race and only on Sunday mornings is there any respite. Visitors in the hot season should bear in mind the derisive title given to Ahmedabad by the Moghul emperor, Jehangir: Gardabad, the City of Dust.
Bhavnagar is a coastal city situated in the state of Gujarat. It is located in the Saurashtra region and is also known as Kathiawar. Bhavnagar was once the capital of a princely state ruled over by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar and still exhibits the age old charm and royalty, which contribute to travel and tourism in the city.
It was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil, near the Gulf of Cambay. He chose the strategic location so that sea trade could be carried out easily from the port. Thereafter, Gohil Rajput ruled over it till independence.
Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat. It is located on the west bank of River Sabarmati, about 32 km from Ahmedabad. The city is named after the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. After the partition of Gujarat and Maharashtra, it was decided to make a new capital for Gujarat. As a result, Gandhinagar was established in the vicinity of Ahmedabad.
It is a well organized and architecturally integrated city and is slowly picking up as a tourism destination. Gandhinagar is the administrative headquarter of Gandhinagar District. It is a major center of learning in Gujarat. Many educational institutes have sprung up in the city, which provide knowledge in different fields like science, medicine and engineering.
A must visit on a trip to Gujarat, Great Rann of Kutch is reputed to be the world's largest white salt desert. Spanning over an area of 7505 sq km in the western fringes of Gujarat, the desert looks like a diamond under the scorching sun and appears like an eerie under the bluish glow during the night hours.
To witness the best of the white desert, one should visit there during the Rann Utsav, which happens between November and March. On a visit to the white desert, make a point to enjoy the camel safari. Many villages nearby Kutch like Hodko, Nirona, Mandvi and Bhujodi, has hotels and resorts where you can book a stay when on a trip to Kutch. Apart from the a white desert, you can al visit Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar temple and Bachuchara temple.
One of the largest domains of the ferocious Asiatic animals, Gir National Park is a sparkling diamond in the jewels of Gujarat. Along with lions, this dry deciduous forest is home to more than 300 avian species like great horned own, crested serpent eagle and other members of the cat family like leopards.
Going by the records of the forest department, there are 29 species of reptiles, 33 species of mammals, 93 species of invertebrates, 96 trees, and 448 flowering plants. Also, the national park is notable for its silk cotton trees; whose bright orange flowers add dashes of color to this dusty brown landscape. Best time to go for jeep safari at Gir National Park is between March and May.
Western edges of Gujarat are flanked by 1600 km long coastline, which is perhaps the largest in India. In this long coastline, there is a tiny reserve called Marine National Park, which is one of its kinds in India, on the Gulf of Kutch.
It's the only place in India where one can see the coral reefs of different shapes and sizes without diving in the water. Some of the finest marine species that can be found in the national park are sponges, starfishes, sea cucumbers, puffer fishes, sea horses, huge green sea turtles, etc. Also, you can see many sea birds like cranes, flamingos, sea gulls, etc. To reach the marine national park, you will have to hire a boat from the Bedi Port or Sikka Port. The local boat takes one and a half hours to reach the main park. Dreamy beaches, picturesque coastline, clear water, and a dash of history-all can be found and experienced on a trip to Marine National Park.
Travelers who love the concept of safari in African savannah but somehow not able to manage the trip then Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is one of the places that can quench your wanderlust.
The national park is situated in Bhal region (approximately 150 km from Ahmedabad) and as the name suggest it is one of the largest roosting grounds of blackbucks. Along with the blackbucks, here you can spot birds of every shapes and size. Walking is the only way to explore the national park, and it indeed sounds exciting here.
Even if I go by the law of probability, there will be the best chances of spotting great Indian bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds, at the extensive grassland of Kutch.
The sanctuary is spread over an area of 2 sq km and is the second largest home ground of Indian Bustard, the largest being Desert National Park in the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Other than the Great Indian Bustard, birds that are found flying around the sanctuary are McQueen's Bustard, Lesser Florican, Stoliczkas, Bushchats, Merlins. Varied vegetation, semi-arid grasslands, and marshy swamps make Kutch Bustard Sanctuary an ideal home for Great Indian Bustard. Best times to visit Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary are between August and March.
Taking about the wildlife tourism places, a vivid image of lush jungle with a countless number of trees and plants clicks our mind, but that's not it. Certain wildlife sanctuaries can be found in the harsh deserts and best example of the same is is the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Located in Little Run of Kutch over an area of 5000 square kilometers, the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch is the only home to wild ass in India.
Other than the wild ass, the sanctuary is home to 32 other type of mammals including chinkara(Indian gazelle), Jackals, Caracals, Nilgais (the largest antelope of Asia), Indian Wolves, Blackbucks, Striped Hyenas, etc. There are around 3000 wild asses in the sanctuary and can be best seen in and around October and November. Tourists who are visiting the sanctuary can book their stay in the resorts and hotels nearby the sanctuary. Day safari from Dhrandadhra, Zainabad and Dasada are provided by the resort. Wild Ass Sanctuary is no less than an empyrean for the tourists, needless to say- of all kinds!
One of the four Dhams (divine abodes of India) and Sapata Turis (seven sacred cities), Dwarkadeesh Jagat Mandir doesn't need any introduction. The word 'Dwarka' is made of two words 'dwara' meaning road, and 'ka' implying eternal significance. Going by the mythological records, Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna, and he stayed there for quite an extended period.
The five storey temple stands on 72 pillars, which according to the science of archeo-astronomy, is some immense significance. The sandstone plinth and walls of the temples are embellished with panels depicting dancers, elephants, musicians and celestial beings. Along with Jagat Mandir, you can also visit the nearby temples like Bet Dwarka, Okha, and shrines dedicated to Rukmini (Lord Krishna's Wife), Mirabai, Narsinh Mehta and Shank Narayan.
A primary shrine amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath temple is located in the small town of Gujarat's Junagarh district. One of the most expensive aartis, costing approximately 15 lakhs is carried out here. The shivling at the temple is believed to be 'swayambhu' or self-born, manifested in the temple. Locals call this temple as 'shrine eternal' because it has withstood the test of time; it was destroyed six times and every time it was rebuilt.
The current structure of the temple, seventh reconstruction, is a magnificent edifice built in the Chalukya style of architecture by the master masons of Gujarat, known as Sompuras. You can also visit the beach, and the museum, close to the temple, which exhibits 1638 pieces from 7th to 15th century.
Located atop the Shetrunjai Hill, Palitana temple is one of the most sacred Jain temples in India and is known for its 3000 brilliantly carved temple. It is believed that the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath, is visited this hill while his chief disciple Pundarika attained enlightenment here. According to the records, there are approximately 108 large temples and 872 small shrines with about 7000 images total that have been built over 900 years from the 11th century by the Jain community.
To reach the temple, one will have to climb 3800 steps. For the elder, palanquin (palki) service are easily available. The panoramic view of Palitana unfolded itself as one progresses along to the temple. From the top of the temple, you can see the panoramic view of the Gulf of Cambay and countryside.
Built in 1027 AD, Sun temple is one of the surviving Indian shrines dedicated to God Sun and stands as an epitome of the exquisite Hindu temple of Solanki dynasty. The temple is divided into three parts, which are perfectly aligned from east to west, in accordance with the deity passage of the sun.
Inside the temple complex, you can see a suryakand or stepwell, prayer hall (also known as Sabhamandapa) supported on 52 pillars and another room (Gudhamandara) that leads to inner sanctum called Garbhagrah. The temple is a sight to behold during the Modhera Dance Festival. Sun temple is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, and one can reach by car or bus ride from Ahmedabad.
The Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad is one of the most important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. The tomb is square shaped with latticed stone windows. The women are not allowed in the central chamber in the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. Just across the main road is the Rani-no Hajiro where you can get to see the tombs of Ahmed Shah's queens. Though the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad is in quite good shape yet the tombs of Ahmed Shah's wives are not in quite good shape.
One of the most beautiful architectural marvels is the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. Latticed windows, artistic craftsmanship, and domes and minarets give an exquisite look to the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. On your tour to Gujarat visit this ancient monument of the Mughal era and enjoy the art and architecture of the bygone era.
Rani ki Vav- as the name says this step well was built by Queen (Rani) of Bhimdeva, Udayamanti. Constructed in the 11th century to preserve ground water, Rani ki Vav came into limelight in 1972 when the area was fully earthed.
The main highlight of the stepwell is that its walls that are profusely ornamented with figurative motifs and showcases images of various god and goddesses and their consorts from the Hindu Pantheon. The central part of each storey contains the primary sculpture. Winter is the best season to visit Rani ki Vav as you can enjoy the light shows, cultural events and exhibition at the Rani ki Vav Festival.
Originally called Satyagraha Ashram, Sabarmati is Mahatma Gandhi's second ashram (first being the Kochrab Ashram) where he planned a significant number of freedom movements between 1917 to 1930. One can find a special mention of Sabarmati Ashram in the archives of India as here Mahatma Gandhi trained activist to join his movements like Swadeshi movements, non-violent and civil disobedience.
Gandhi's poignant, spartan living quarters are preserved in Sabarmati Ashram, and there's an open-air museum that presents an informative and moving record of his life and teachings.
Located in the heart of Junagadh city, Uperkot Fort was built way back in 319 BC by the Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya empire. In the course of 2300 years, this fort has faced many sieges, seen bloodshed, witnessed chivalry of many kings but it still stands tall for the protection of the city. Somewhere like its exteriors, interiors of the fort are equally impressive.
Inside, the fort there is a Jumma Masjid, Buddhist caves, 300 feet deep moats, and step wells. For the lovers of architecture and design, Uperkot Fort is a must visit on holiday in Gujarat.
Originally built as a stepwell in 1555 AD in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Adalaj Vav is a finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture as here one can see a fusion of Hindu craftsmanship and the geometric pattern of Islamic architecture. What makes this stepwell the most beautiful amongst other is its series of platforms and galleries built on the side of the stepwell.
Flight of the steps leading to circular tank, entrance pavilion at the ground level and well at the lowest level are the three distinctive feature of Adalaj stepwell. All thanks to its exquisite carving and embellishment, Adalaj is a clear winner of being the perfect landmark in Gujarat.
When it comes to shooting the films, Vijay Vilas Palace is a favorite haunt of the directors. This 20th-century summer palace of Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji is an impressive Indo-Edwardian and is located quite close to the beach. The place is made of red sandstones by Mistris and Suthars of Kutch, and it features every element of Rajput architecture and bears a striking resemblance to palaces of Orchha and Datia.
A portion of the palace is now converted into a resort, offering accommodation options with an ethnic decor and is replete with modern amenities. Inlaid tile work, distinctive stone carving, manicured garden, intricate jail work, great water streams, and murals are the highlights of the palace.
Rajkot is the administrative headquarter of the Rajkot district in Gujarat. It is situated at a distance of 216 km from Ahmedabad. The tourism in the city is slowly picking up owing to the fact that there are a number of places here that are worth visiting. It was founded by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja of Jadeja clan in 1612 AD.
Since then, it has been the seat of Jadeja rulers of India. Rajkot is also known for the reason that Mahatma Gandhi spent the early days of his life here only. He completed his education in one of the schools here. Apart from this, the city is famous for jewelry, silk embroidery and watch parts. It is also famous for its gold purity. Rajkot has one of the biggest gold markets of Gujarat, called Soni Bazaar.
Junagadh is situated right at the base of the temple-studded Girnar Hill, and is the departure point for visits to the Gir Forest. This interesting and unspoilt town has some exotic old buildings, most in a state of disrepair, and is a fascinating place to explore, but very few tourists come here. The city takes its name from the fort, which enclosed the old city.
Dating from 250 BC, the Ashokan edicts near the town testify to the great antiquity of this site. At the time of Partition, the Nawab of Junagadh opted to take his tiny state into Pakistan. However, the inhabitants were predominantly Hindu and the nawab soon found himself in exile, which perhaps explains the sorry state of his former palace and fort.
Vadodara city is the administrative headquarter of the Vadodara district in Gujarat. It is often termed as Baroda and is the industrial capital of the state. The city stands on the bank of River Vishwamitri, flanked by a number of graceful buildings like palaces, parks, temples and museums. This has greatly boosted tourism in Vadodara.
The cultural galore of Vadodara impels visitors to travel to this historic city. In the ancient time, it served as the capital city of Gaekwads, the former rulers of Vadodara.