Gujarat, the western extreme of India is a hotspot for the tourists. The hospitality, colourful lifestyle, festivities, cuisine, all seem to be too pressing for one to overcome. The state is laden with mirth and never fails to drench her visitors in the same mood. This Gujjar state has her own unique selling proposition (USP) which place her atop the destination list of adventure seeking travellers. Aesthetics, culture, history, all represent the enticing blend of modernity amidst strong traditional roots. After all, the land is the birth place of Mahatma, the man who trod the path of non-violence in response to acute violence.
Major Attractions of Cities
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad Kakaria Lake
Places that Interest You: This modern city was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah and is one of the key entry points into Gujarat.Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram is one of the many attractions that is accessible from here. There are also ample forts mausoleums, and museums. Jumma Mazjid, Jain Temples, the Dutch Cemetry, Calico Textile Museum, Shreyas Folk Museum are some places to visit. Also there are numerous lakes and gardens.
Nalsoravar Bird Sanctuary, Modhera Sun Temple, Rann of Kutch, Shanku Water Parkand Lothal are some places that could be visited from Ahmedabad.
Jamnagar
pratap vilas palace jamnagar
Places that Interest You: There are several places that are worth visiting in this city Gulf of Kutch coast. It was founded by Jam Rawal. Apart from the bird and marine sanctuaries, the other historical places are Lakhota Fort, Kotha Bastion, Pratap Vilas Palace, Darbargadh etc.
Palitana Temples, Dwarkadeesh Temple, Bechtel Beach, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple are some of the places in the vicinity of the Jamnagar, and also are tourist attractions.
Bhuj
Bhuj Mandir
Places that Interest You: This district of Bhuj in Kutch has many historical wonders to display. Kutch Museum, Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Lakhpat, an ancient port and town etc. are some of the distinguished places.
There are some picnic and excursions spots around Bhuj. Than Monastery and Mandvi Sea Resort are some places along with other villages.
Junagadh
Gir Forest, Junagarh
Places that Interest You: The foremost place to visit in Junagadh is the Chorwad Beach. Ahmadpur Mandvi Beach, Damodar Kund, Uparkot Fort, and Durbar Hall Museum.
Gir Forest National Park, Ayurvedic Museum, Dataar Hills are some other places.
Surat
Surat Fort
Places that Interest You:This industrial city of Surat was formerly known as Suryapur. The many places to visit here include, Surat Castle, Chintamani Temple, Sardar Patel Museum, ISCKON Temple, Bardoli, Dandi etc.
Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Places that Interest You: Initially the capital city of Gujarat, Baroda or Vadodara is also known as the traditional city of the state. There are numerous forts, museums, palaces, and historical buildings that make up this ancient city.EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy Temple), Baroda Museum and Art Gallery, Sayaji Bagh, Laxmi Vilas Palaceare some of the places to see within the city.
Cuisine in Gujarat
gujarati thali
Gujarati traditional food is a pure vegetarian meal, with a dash of sweetness in each food item. Dessert after the main course is dominant in a typical Gujarati meal. Mild flavors, spices, and ghee are used in cooking. Roti (bread), Kadhi, Shaak (vegetable curry), Rice, and pickle are compulsory. Thepla, Dhokla, Uundhyu, Dal Dhokli,Handvo, Ghewar, Basundi, and Malpua, are some of the specialities one mustn’t miss in Gujarat.
Celebration Time
dandiya dance during durga navratri
There are ample festivals and fairs that are carried on throughout the year in Gujarat. Some of the noted ones being Navaratri, Kite Festival, Modhera Dance Festival and Ran Utsav. Some noteworthy fairs of the state are Tarnetar Fair, Bhavnath Fair, Dangs Darbar, Ambaji Fair, and Shamlaji Fair.
How to Reach Gujarat
By Air, Road, and Road, Gujarat is well knit to almost all major Indian cities. It has got a total of 14 airports. Also the rail and road connectivity are also highly developed. There are many National Highways which make interstate connectivity very reliable.
Accommodation
This land of hospitality offers some of the best hotels. One can choose to stay in budget hotels as well as luxury hotels. The latest trend of homestay is also available in some of the best localities in different cities. Homestays are chosen over hotels by many for they provide a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere.
Sopping Hub
Gujarati Bamboo Craft
Bandhni, Tanchoi, and Patola are some of the ethnic art work of Gujarat. These work can be seen fabric and textiles. Also, there are traditional art work of embroidery and painting that are displayed in decorative items also Brass and wooden artefacts are a craze for both national and international tourists. One prized possession from this land would be the traditional beetle nut cracker.
Best Time to Visit Gujarat
October-March is the ideal travel season for tourists aspiring to travel in Gujarat. The weather remains the most travel-friendly during that time.
