Top 20 Places to Visit in Gujarat
It is located on the Western coast of India located between Maharashtra as well as Rajasthan, Gujarat didn’t really make the cut on the travel map until recently. A highly successful series of advertising campaigns featuring Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and the addition of the Statue of Unity have changed the perception of this state however. The interest of tourists for the region has risen dramatically. Gujarat actually has an rich and interesting history that goes from early in Harappan Civilization and its establishment of trading ports along the coast from about 2400 until 1900 BC. Then, the warrior communities arose and established their kingdoms in the state. These were then followed by Delhi and Gujarat Sultanates and the Mughals as well as the British. But, Gujarat is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
The heritage of Gujarat is remarkable structures as well as temples, palaces, mansions (many of which are transformed to hotels) and handicrafts. Gujarat also has unique wildlife, as well as numerous bird watching locations. It’s worth going out of the city and away from the big cities and exploring. You’ll be amazed by the variety of things you can explore and see. Gujarat is certainly one of the lesser-known places in India! If you’re interested in birding, archeology, wildlife or textiles It’s time to Soar. Excursions strongly recommend guided tours.
Note it is important to note that vegetarian cuisine is prevalent within Gujarat in the entire state. It is dry and alcohol isn’t easily or readily accessible. Tourists who are not from the state are able to get liquor permits through upscale hotels in Gujarat which have liquor stores or apply online at this website..
Ahmedabad Old City
Ahmedabad is the capital of Gujarat for centuries was declared the first Indian UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, beating Delhi as well as Mumbai. The city’s Walled Old City was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century. It is an area that is home to a range of Hindu, Islamic and Jain communities. Its Old City is divided into many “pols” (historic residential communities with curving lanes and wooden houses). It houses one of the most impressive evidence of Indo-Islamic architecture as well as Hindu Muslim art in India. Explore the area with this amazing Ahmedabad heritage Walk. You can even stay in a historic mansion like French Haveli.
Gandhi’s Ashram is another major tourist attraction located in Ahmedabad. It was the place where he began in his struggle in the cause of freedom in India, non-violence.
Baroda (Vadodara)
Baroda (renamed Vadodara) stands out due to its royal past. Baroda is renowned for its regal past. Gaekwad royalty founded their kingdom there around the turn of the century, and their sprawling Laxmi Vilas Palace features imposing Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It’s situated in a park of 500 acres and is believed to be the most luxurious private residence in India, and four times larger than the English Buckingham Palace. A portion of the palace is accessible to the public on a daily basis and comprises The Coronation Room, Gaddi Hall (containing the throne of previous King’s), Darbar Hall, and the Royal Armoury. Tickets are 200 rupees and include an audio-guide. Madhav Baug Palace homestay gives guests a true heritage experience.
Baroda is also famous for its art scene as well as lively Navratri festival dances in garba.
- The location:115km southeast of Ahmedabad via the Ahmedabad Vadodara Expressway.
Statue of Unity, Kevadia
The tallest statue in the world dedicated to Indian independent activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Paitel (1875-1950) It was completed in the year 2018. With a height of 182 meters it is twice the height that of The Statue of Liberty. Patel has been the first Vice-Prime Secretary and the Home Minister in the independent India and is widely recognized for his leadership in the bringing of the 562 princely states in India together. The region around the statue is being developed to be a complete tourist spot that the entire family can delight in, with numerous activities and activities to keep you entertained for at minimum three days. In addition to the statue, there are laser and sound shows and a the butterfly garden, cactus gardens, Ayurvedic wellness center, an eco-friendly and medicinal plants store, handicrafts Valley of Flowers, woodland with native trees children’s playground with a mirror maze and train the safari park, zoo and safari zip-lining, white water cycling, rafting as well as boating in the lake. It’s also been a uplifting emphasis on the empowerment of women in the area through education and provision of work. Accommodations are offered in luxurious hotels, tent cities as well as local homestays.
- Location:About two hours (90km) southeast of Vadodara.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
The less-known UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner and Pavagadh is filled with archaeological, archeological, and historical artifacts taken from Muslim and Hindu tradition which date back to 13th and 8th centuries. They include an ancient Hill fortress, palaces, sites for religious worship (Jama Masjid is among the most stunning moses in Gujarat) and reservoirs, residential areas and step wells. Visit the Champaner Heritage Resort or Jambughoda Palace hotel If you wish to be in outdoors as well.
- Location:An hour (48km) northeast of Vadodara.
Chhota Udepur District
The tribal belt of Gujarat, Chhota Udepur is ideally to be visited at the time of during the Holi festival when tribal fairs explode to life across the district. Tribal markets are also held on the weekends and on Mondays. If you’re interested in the Indian tribes, you shouldn’t miss Bhasha Research and Publishing Center’s Adivasi Academy in Tejgadh village in Chhota Udepur. Its amazing Vaacha Museum of Voice documents tribes across the nation. It is home to a wide array of artifacts that includes music instruments, paintings sculptures as well as textiles, images of worship, as well as agricultural tools. The museum’s other highlight is its Bhasha Van, a forest that is made up of different languages. Stay at Kali Niketan palace hotel.
– Where: Eastern Gujarat. Two and an hour (110km) to the east Vadodara.
Sun Temple, Modhera
One of the biggest solar temples found in India is located in tranquil Modhera village. It was built around the year 1170 by the Solanki rulers of the dynasty, the shrine is dedicated to Surya The Sun God. It’s a massive structure comprised of a carved step tank an assembly room and the main shrine. It is adorned with intricate stone carvings. The sanctum’s position is so that it is exposed to the first rays of the sunrise sun during the time of the equinox.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. Around two hours (99km) to the north Ahmedabad.
Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell), Patan
Rani ki Vav is an old stepwell that dates from the eleventh century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also built in the Solanki dynasty, possibly to commemorate its ruler Bhimdev I, and his wife who died. The steps go down seven levels and panels with greater than 500 principal sculptures as well as more than 1,000 small ones. It was only discovered in the last few years, the stepwell was submerged by the adjacent Saraswati River and silted over in the 1980s. When it was discovered through the Archeological Survey of India, the carvings found were in a perfect state.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. Three hours to the north from Ahmedabad (128km) as well as 50 mins to the north from Modhera (35km).
Sidhpur
A city that has been sucked into the past, Sidhpur will delight architecture lovers with its vibrant mansions that date back to the wealthy Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Dawoodi Bohra community. A lot of the homes are vacant because their owners have relocated elsewhere. Sidhpur is situated along the sacred Saraswati River and is also an important Hindu pilgrimage destination. It is dotted with temples and water bodies. The ruins of the 10th century Rudra Mahalaya Temple, which has its impressive carved pillars and torans, is an important tourist attraction.
- The location:Under two hours (76km) east of Patan. It is possible to visit as part of the Patan or Modhera circuit.
Idar Hill Fort, Sabarkantha District
The massive boulders have protected Idar, the city Idar in the southern reaches of the Aravali mountain range for hundreds of years. A beautiful, but strenuous hike up the mountain (Idariyo Gadh) through the rock formations will take you through the remains of several temples and palaces. The town is famous for its hand-crafted wooden toys in addition. They are available in the market located close to the clock tower.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. Two hours to the east from Patan (98km) close to the border with Rajasthan. Rajasthan border. It’s on the way to Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
Polo Forest, Sabarkantha District
Travelers should visit one of Gujarat’s most secretive mysteries, Polo Forest, to explore ancient Hindu as well as Jain temples hidden in the forest. There was once a city known as Abhapuri which is believed to have been founded during the 10th century Idar rulers. It was later was conquered by Rathod Rajputs from Marwar during the fifteenth century. Go there after the monsoon, between September and December to see the most stunning lush greenery.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. Around an hour to the northwest from Idar (45km) close to Vijaynagar. It is reachable within three and a half minutes away from Ahmedabad (156km).
Kutch Region
The huge stretch of rough and barren desert that forms the Kutch region in Gujarat is often described as being India’s “Wild West”. The title, Kutch (or Kachchh) is a reference to the fact that it is a transitional area between dry (submerged in it’s rainy season) in dry. The majority of Kutch is comprised of wetlands that are seasonal and called Kutch’s Great Rann that is located in Kutch (famous due to the salt desert) and the smaller Little Rann of Kutch (famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary). Other attractions in the Kutch region include historic Bhuj, villages and traditional handicrafts, the ship building in the port town of Mandvi, and the Dholavira ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan city. Learn more about these in the Kutch Tour Guide.
- Where:Northwest Gujarat. Bhuj is located about seven hours to the west from Ahmedabad (400km). There is an airport in the city.
Dwarka
A one of the most holy C Har Dham Hindu journey sites , and the seven oldest S the apta Puri sacred city located in India, Dwarka is considered to be the realm that was the home of Lord Krishna and was the capital city of the first state of Gujarat. It is also the site of Krishna Janmashtami festival is a important event here. Particularly important is the Dwarkadhish Temple, constructed around 200 BC and is often called Jagat Mandir. Take a stroll down Gomti Ghat, which is located at the edge of the holy water to see a spectacular display that includes decorated camels as well as tea vendors and jewelry makers selling seashells. Nearby to Dwarka, Shivrajpur beach was recently given the an international Blue Flag certification for safety and hygiene.
- Location:Western Gujarat, at the river’s mouth. Gomti River on the Arabian Sea. It’s approximately three hours to the to the west to Jamnagar (132km).
Narara Marine National Park
Isolated and off-the-beaten-track, Marine National Park lies along the coast on the way to Dwarka. It was designated an official national park in 1982. It is the first park of this kind of park in India. However, few people are aware of it. The national park is comprised from 42 separate islands of which 33 are surrounded by coral reefs and are an area that is home to a wide range of species of birds and marine life. Visitors are allowed to visit a few of the islands. The largest, Narara Island, is accessible by car as well as it is a lengthy walk on low tide. It is a must to visit during winter take your time and prepare to walk through the water to the depth of ankles on the seabed. Local guides are readily available. Pirotan Island can be accessed via charter boat, but it’s a challenge and permits have to be sought from a variety of agencies in advance.
- What is it: Western Gujarat in the Gulf of Kutch, about an hour to the west to Jamnagar (54km).
Somnath
A significant pilgrimage spot, Somnath Temple is among the 12 Jyotirlinga (shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva where he’s worshipped as the Linga that is the light) located in India. The location on the sea is captivating The intricate carvings of its stone structure are amazing and its story is fascinating. The temple was destroyed by Islamic invaders, and was rebuilt several times. The final reconstruction occurring shortly after India was granted its independence from British. Maha Shivratri is observed in large scale in the month of February and the month of March. A vibrant religious festival is also celebrated every year during the Kartik festival (full moon’s evening, typically during the month of November) and is filled with young children dressed in costumes in costumes of Lord Shiva and a lot of Bhaang.
- Where: Southwest Gujarat. The closest airport is Diu. Ahmedabad is approximately seven hours drive away. Trains can be taken to Ahmedabad up to Veraval.
- Don’t miss the captivating late-night sound and light show on the evening of Somnath.
Gir National Park
Gir National Park, one of the top parks to view animals in India is the only location in the world in which the Asiatic Lion can be seen. Because of conservation efforts, the numbers of these animals have increased. Gir is the biggest Dry deciduous tree in the western part of India. There’s plenty of animals to be seen, including around 300 species of birds. It is the most chance of seeing the lions if you visit between December and May. However, the months of April and May can be extremely hot. Safaris run daily. Make your plans using the following Travel guide for Gir.
- Location: Southwest Gujarat, just three hours northeast from Somnath (68km). It is located inland from the beaches of Diu. The nearest airport is located in Diu.
Junagadh
If you’re fascinated by Indo-Islamic architecture, you’ll be amazed at the stunning designs of the striking Mahabat Maqbara mausoleum complex built by local rulers in Junagadh. The city of history is named after the Old Fort, is situated on the lower part of the temple-encrusted and sacred Girnar Hills. Along the route to the hills is a temple that contains 14 stone-carved edicts of Emperor Ashoka that date to around 250 BC. It is also possible to go to the ruins of Uparkot Fort, built in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maharya with intriguing structures, including step wells as wells, and Buddhist caves cut out of rock.
- Location: Southwest Gujarat, approximately three hours to the south from Jamnagar (140km) in addition to two hours to the north from Somnath (96km).
Shatrunjaya Hill Temples, Palitana
Palitana is a major pilgrimage centre for Jains and has built up around 900 temples. More are in the process of being built. Take a hike of more than 3000 steps up to the top and you’ll be able to see an impressive Jain temple complex that offers breathtaking views. Be aware it is believed to sacred. You are not allowed to carry or wear any items made of leather and you must dress in a conservative manner.
- The location:Southern Gujarat, about five hours to the south to Ahmedabad (210km). The closest airport is Bhavnagar just an hour and half away.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
The largest number of Blackbuck The unique spiral-horned Indian antelope, is located in Velavadar. The Velavadar area is the sole natural grassland that is tropical in India that has been granted the designation of an official national park. It’s the home of wolves and numerous grassland species too. It is home to wolves and many species of grassland birds too. Blackbuck Lodge, one of the top jungle lodges in India is an excellent location to stay.
- The location: About three hours south of Ahmedabad (145km) and one hour to the north of Bhavnagar (47km).
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is one of the best spots for and observe the birds of India. It is comprised by Nalsarovar Lake, and surrounding marsh wetlands , islands and marsh. There are over 250 kinds of migratory birds are seen , however you’ll need to explore more of the lake than the usual excursion towards Dhrabla Island. The lake isn’t set to be a tourist-friendly place. The facilities are not up to scratch and the boat operators aren’t controlled, which results in they charging astronomical rates.
- What: Just under two hours to the southwest from Ahmedabad (63km).
Lothal Ancient Harappan Site
Lothal is one of the largest excavations at an Indus Valley Harappan Civilization site located in Gujarat. It is located in the Gulf of Combay, it’s believed to have been a bustling shipping port and trade center. Although the area is in ruin, it still has important remains, comprising the dockyard, which is believed to be among the first in its type anywhere in the globe. A variety of objects belonging to The Indus Valley Civilization is displayed in the tiny archeological museum on the site. It is open all days, excluding Fridays. It’s open every day, except Fridays. The Indian government is currently in the process of creating the museum of maritime heritage at Lothal as well.
- Location: About two hours southwest of Ahmedabad (78km) via Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar National Highway 47.
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