The diverse state of Gujarat consists of a varied landscape, immaculate wildlife collection and a rich historical heritage. Gracing the bank of Arabian Sea and known for being the cradle of civilization, Gujarat is a tourism heaven. Dotted with National Parks, Ancient Temples, Salt Flats, Stepwells, Beaches, lakes and marketplaces, this place offers a wholesome travel experience. Wondering why to choose Gujarat Tour then check out these reasons:
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Gujarat
From going on safaris to following spiritual quests, a holiday in Gujarat is memorable. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should visit Gujarat.
1. Get In Touch With Your Spiritual Side
Gujarat is dotted with temples. Devotees from all over the world visit Gujarat to have a deep, spiritually empowering experience. Home to the Char Dham Temple of Dwarkadhish, the holy Jyotirlinga of Somnath and many more, Gujarat is the perfect destination for a spiritual holiday. Being the erstwhile kingdom of Lord Krishna, this westernmost state is dotted all over with places of Krishna importance. From the island of Beyt Dwarka to the 700 Jain Temple hill of Palitana, there is something for everyone. Take a dip at the Triveni Sangam and offer prayer at Bhalka Teerth, a spiritual soul will truly find peace here. Visiting Gujarat during the peak festive season will add a newer perspective to your travel plans in Gujarat. The spiritual vibe here is recognized and cherished by devotees even from across the borders.
2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Where Civilization Took Birth
Gujarat has several archeological sites and remnants that give us a glimpse into ancient life. Sites like Dholavira and Lothal are important sites of great historical relevance. These sites paint a clear picture of the development of one of the earliest civilisations in the world. From paved roads and homes to trading and shipping, Dholavira and Lothal are iconic sites. After much research, it sheds a light into the great Indus Valley or the Harappan Civilisation. Although from a distance, these sites may look like mounds of stones and barren land, but on closer look, it will open up a new understanding for our development of civilization. Just like most Harappan cities in the nation, all these sites are excavated and very well preserved while also being properly laid out in grid pattern.
3. Visit The First Marine National Park In India
Located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch, the Marine national park of Gujarat is the first national park of India dedicated to marine life. This national park is a combination of 42 islands out of which Pirotan island is the most famous one. Surrounded by reefs on all sides and blessed with a rich marine life, the national park is explored via a fun packed jetty ride. It is the ideal destination for every nature lover and wildlife enthusiasts. The unique national park is home to 70 species of sponges, a variety of hard and soft corals, jellyfish, sea anemones, octopus, whale sharks, turtles and many more. During the peak season visitors can also savour views of exotic migratory birds here as well like flamingos, terns, storks etc. The sanctuary covers an area of 458 sq. km. consisting of mangroves, mudflats, estuaries, creeks, rocky shores and more.
4. Go On An Adventure At Gir National Park
Known as the only home of the endangered Asiatic Lions species, Gir National park is a must visit. Established in 1965 with the intention of protecting the dwindling lion population caused by hunting, Gir became a vital place for tourism as well as conservation. Gir is home to over 2,300 different fauna species along with over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects and almost 50 species of reptiles. Other than lions, other carnivores commonly found here are, Jungle Cat, Mongoose, Bengal Fox, Hyenas, Honey Badger and more. Jeep safaris to explore Gir in a more up close manner is the best option. Being one of the oldest sanctuaries in India, Gir exploration is on everyone’s bucket list. Visit to Gir will open up a new chapter in your life about the great wonders that India holds.
[ Also Read: Famous Festivals of Gujarat ]
5. Visit The Great Rann Of Kutch
When it comes to ecology, Gujarat never disappoints. The great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh desert located in the Thar Desert region of the Kutch district. Covering an expansive area of 7,500 sq. km. the great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. For miles and miles nothing can be seen other than glistening white cracked earth. Very long ago, the present day Kutch area was once a lush sprawling shallow land of Arabian Sea. After constant massive geological shifts, over the years, the region turned into a seasonal marshy salt desert. For a couple of months in winter from December to February, the salt desert turns into a happening stage for the Rann Utsav. During the summer months, Rann of Kutch turns into one of the hottest regions in India. It also serves as an abode for a variety of wildlife and birds like flamingos, Indian wild ass etc. certain regions of the white desert is also marked off as a national park or a wildlife sanctuary like Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Banni Grasslands Reserve, Indian wild ass sanctuary etc.
6. To Try Out Delicious Traditional Gujarati Cuisine
Gujarati cuisine is extremely unique. The flavour profile and techniques are deeply rooted to its old school traditions. Although located very close to the ocean, traditional Gujarati cuisine is purely vegetarian and devoid of any sea food or non-vegetarian elements. A typical Gujarati Thali consists of Roti, Dal, Curry, Rice and Shaak or mixed veggies. The Thali also consists of some pulse or whole beans based preparation. Some of the most famous foods of Gujarat are Dhokla, Pathra, Samosa, Fafda etc. no dish is complete without a good helping of a dessert or sweet dish. Famous sweet dishes of Gujarat include Mohanthal, Jalebi, Doodh Pak etc. Other seasonal specialities include: Aamras, Undhiyu, Muthias etc. Many Gujarati dishes carry a distinctive sweet, salty and spicy flavour which sets it apart from the other Indian cuisines.
7. Go Stepwell Exploring
The stepwells of Gujarat have a league of its own. Back in the day, Gujarat used to face a lot of water shortage due to geographic and climatic conditions. The kings and queens of the past era constructed deep stepwells as a remedy for this constant water shortage problem. Over time these stepwells also became more and more glorious in its creation. Some of the most famous stepwells of Gujarat are: Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj Stepwell, Dada Harir Vav, Navlakhi Vav and many more. Each of these stepwells are extremely unique, and many of them are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walls, pillars and floors of these stepwells are intricately carved out and brilliantly designed with images and sculptures of gods, goddesses and apsaras. Gujarati stepwells were not only a water source during the time of need, but they were a place where people would socialise, meet each other and spend time.
[ Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Gujarat ]
8. Learn About The Past At The Archaeological Pavagadh Archeological Park
The UNESCO world heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. This historical city was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the most famous and prominent kings of the Chavda Dynasty. The 3,283 acres of area is studded with incredible buildings and remnants from the past. These include forts, temples, bastions and more. The park’s landscape also include archaeological historic and living cultural heritage monuments such as chalcolithic sites, hill fortresses of an early Hindu capital. Other important aspects and elements that are strewn all over the park include unique and stunning installations such as stepwells, tanks, palaces, entrance gates, arches, complexes, mosques etc.
9. Visit The Iconic Sabarmati Ashram
Located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad and on the banks of the river Sabarmati, this iconic heritage place was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi. This place has witnessed the changing tides of the Indian independence movement. When the father of the nation was not travelling he would spend time at this ashram. He had stayed here for 12 years with his wife Kasturba Gandhi as well as his followers. As a part of the ritual Bhagavad Gita is recited here on a daily basis. It was from here that Gandhi Ji had led the great Dandi march that had a massive impact on the independence revolution. Due to its importance, the ashram is now established as a national monument. The ashram consists of a Museum, Images Gallery, Upasana Mandir, Magan Niwas and other such elements.
10. Visit Iconic Palace Of Laxmi Vilas
The Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is one of the most iconic heritage buildings of India. Being 4 times bigger than the area of the Buckingham Palace, Laxmi Vilas offers a glimpse into the life and times of the royals of Gujarat. It offers an amazing blend of heritage and royalty combined with modern amenities. Laxmi Vilas Palace is an iconic piece of Gujarati heritage. Every inch of the palace displays the traditional designs and traditional Gujarati architectural styles. A part of the palace is also converted into a hotel and a restaurant where visitors can go and try out the latest Gujarati cuisines in a traditional royal Gujarati setting. Surrounded by well-maintained, lavish lawns, and sprawling, open surroundings, Laxmi Vilas Palace is all about maintaining a royal way of life.
[ Also Read: Top 10 Historical Places to Visit in Gujarat ]
Conclusions:
Gujarat boasts of an incredibly rich heritage and well-preserved monuments. The Gujarati folks are also very close to nature. This is clear through the presence of numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. There is so much to do here that not even a single day would go to waste. The state is very well connected that makes travelling here a cake walk.
Namaste India Trip 