Located on the western coast of India among Maharashtra and Rajasthan, Gujarat didn’t feature on the visitor map till recent years. A very successful series of ad campaigns with Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and the addition of the Statue of Unity has modified this though. Tourist interest within the state has grown substantially. There are truly some fantastic places to visit in Gujarat, with diverse attractions such as handicrafts, architecture, temples, and wildlife. It’s worthwhile getting out and about, away from the major towns, and exploring. Do note that vegetarian cuisine predominate in Gujarat and the kingdom is a dry one, so alcohol is not broadly or freely available.
1. Ahmedabad Old Citys
Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat for many centuries, was declared to be India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, beating each Delhi and Mumbai. Its walled Old City turned into founded by way of Sultan Ahmad Shah inside the 15th century and is home to various Hindu, Islamic and Jain communities. The Old City is divided into numerous pols (historic residential neighborhoods with winding lanes and carved wood homes). Plus, it has a number of the greatest examples of Indo-Islamic structure and Hindu Muslim artwork in India. Explore the area on this charming Ahmedabad Heritage Walk.
Gandhi’s Ashram is another top attraction in Ahmedabad. It becomes the place to begin for his movement for India’s freedom via non-violence.
2. Baroda (Vadodara)
Baroda (renamed Vadodara) is worth visiting for its regal heritage. The Gaekwad royal family mounted their kingdom there inside the 18th century and their expansive palace features implementing Indo-Saracenic structure. It’s set on 700 acres of parkland and is reputed to be the largest private residence in India — and four times the dimensions of England’s Buckingham Palace. Part of the palace is open to the public daily except on Mondays. This includes the Coronation Room, Gaddi Hall (containing the throne of beyond kings), Darbar Hall, and the Royal Armoury. Tickets fee 225 rupees for Indians and four hundred rupees for foreigners, including an audio guide. Madhav Baug Palace homestay gives an authentic heritage experience.
Baroda is likewise known for its art scene and vibrant Navaratri festival Garba dances
3. Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple, placed inside the district of Junagadh, is taken into consideration to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The fantastic wealth of Somnath Temple attracted diverse invaders who attacked and plundered it ruthlessly. However, each invasion changed into followed via its reconstruction which restored it to its former glory.
Architecturally, the temple presentations magnificence. Built within the Chalukya style of structure, it boasts a shikhara almost 50m tall. The temple impresses visitors with its complex carvings, silver doors, the famous Nandi idol and the top enchantment, the Shivlinga. Its big courtyard houses the mandapa (hall) and the main shrine. From the temple, you can also revel in incredible views of the Arabian Sea. Another interesting time to be here is throughout the Kartik Purnima Fair, held over 4 days.
4. Gir National Park
Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you may spot the majestic Asiatic lion. Nowhere else will you get a risk to identify them as near as Gir National Park. Spread throughout a location of virtually 1,412 sq. Km of land, it’s the handiest countrywide park in India wherein a tribal network has perfected the artwork of harmonious co-existence with wildlife.
Gir National Park is the various topmost places to visit in Gujarat mostly due to the Asiatic Lion. However, the park also boasts the largest dry deciduous forest in Western India. Apart from the Asiatic Lion, the park is also home to around 300 species of birds and plenty of other animals. The satisfactory manner of revel in sightseeing in Gir National Park is through a jeep safari.
5. Dwarka “The home of Lord Krishna”
Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is an ancient city of India. Known as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Dwarka boasts of being the simplest town that is a part of both Char Dham (4 important holy locations) and additionally Sapta Puris (seven sacred towns) stated within the Hindu religion. Dwarka becomes part of the historic country of Krishna and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is also placed in Dwarka. For those reasons, it enjoys a wonderful spiritual significance and attracts hundreds of pilgrims all year round. The beachside and the beaches are an added vacationer enchantment.
Legend has it that the city becomes once engulfed with the aid of the sea and current excavations monitor that a town did exist here. The name Dwarka translates to dwar meaning ‘door’ and ka meaning ‘moksha’ meaning the ‘door to salvation.
6. Rann Of Kutch
Rann of Kutch is probably the most beautiful thing you may ever lay eyes on. Nestled conveniently among the infinite Thar Desert and the mighty Arabian Sea, Rann of Kutch is an enchanting wonder of sand and salt. On complete moon nights, the wasteland shines brilliantly as a diamond and brings a surreal experience of calm with it. Cultural applications are hung on complete moon nights, tents are pitched and the wondrous land is yours for the night. Truly one of the most mesmerizingly lovely places to visit in Gujarat Tour.
During winters, Rann of Kutch is home to the flamingoes, right here all the manner from Siberia! The white desolate tract turns a delicate color of pink and brings with it the chance to enjoy proximity to these elusive birds and lots of others. But Rann Mahotsav is the satisfactory time to go to Gujarat, with Rann of Kutch coming alive with music, cultural shows, dances, food, camel safari and artisans flaunting their ware.
7. Saputara – The Only Hill Station
The only “hill-station” in Gujarat, Sapatura comes as a breath of fresh air inside the in any other case warm and humid clime of the state. Sprawled fantastically on a densely forested plateau, Sapatura is a warm new vacationer destination, with a huge lake surrounded using resorts. It doesn’t get very cold there, however, monsoons may be the satisfactory time to visit when the mist rises out of the lake and covers the nearby region. Attractions in Saputara include a ship club, an artisan village, a tribal museum, a cable vehicle and multiple others. One of the precise and romantic locations to go to in Gujarat if you are looking to relax for a little whilst on an otherwise hectic trip.
8. Gandhinagar
The capital city of Gujarat, Gandhinagar is known as after the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The captivating town is simply 25 km far from the financial capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad. Gandhinagar boasts of being the greenest metropolis in Asia and after Chandigarh, the most well-planned metropolis in India. It is also one of the cleanest cities in India with an array of factors to do inside the metropolis. The Akshardham Temple is the maximum well-known spot in Gandhinagar that’s visited by heaps on a day by day basis. Besides this, Sarita Udyan, the 3-d, and hi-tech Dandi Kutir (Salt Mount) Museum, Punit Van, Sant Sarovar Dam, Swarnim Srushti Water Park, Indroda Nature & Fossil Park (Jurassic Park of India), Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan, and Blackbuck National Park are some of the first-rate spots within the city for visitors.
9. Junagadh
Junagadh is yet some other prominent tourist destination in Gujarat. At a distance of 850 km from Mumbai, Junagadh has the whole lot in save to mesmerize you. It is well known for its history, exquisite structure, religious locations, and sublime seashores which you may explore to get the maximum out of your go-to. The great part of visiting Junagadh is Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary or the Gir National Park. This big national park is the best home to the endangered species of big cats, Asiatic Lions. There is no higher sight than looking this deadly predator directly into the eye whilst you go for Safari right here. Apart from this, trekking at Girnar Hills, admiring the Mahabat Maqbara, the ancient Uperkot Fort, Jami Masjid, Moti Baug, and Damodar Kund will honestly make you spellbound.
