Gujarat is one of the most exceptional places to visit in India. Located in northwest India, this beautiful state has the best of everything. From its biggest city, Ahmedabad, to the peaceful shorelines of Diu, there are many places to visit in Gujarat.
Gujarat has a very long and rich history, It has been home to both Stone Age and Chalcolithic settlements. However, it is best known for its Bronze Age settlement, the Indus Valley Civilization. The remains of its many cities and towns are among the top historical places to visit in Gujarat.
How to reach Gujarat
The state is well connected through all types of transport.
By Air
Gujarat has 17 domestic air terminals, more than any other state in India. This makes it easy to reach from within the country. Ahmedabad also has the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport.
By Rail
The state is well connected through by rail both within the state and to other states. It falls under the Western Railway Zone of the Indian Railways.
By Road
Gujarat is known for having some of the best roads in Western India. The extensive road network makes it easily accessible by car and bus.
By Sea
One of the most important ports in Western India is the Kandla Port in Gujarat. It is one of the primary international shipping terminals in the country. Other critical ports are Port of Navlakhi, Port Pipavav Port of Veraval and many more.
Places to visit in Gujarat
There are lots of famous historical places and natural sites to see in this diverse state. Here are some of the places to visit in Gujarat.
Going Back To Nature
- Blackbuck National Park — this grassy national park at Velavadar was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar and is home to blackbucks, hyenas, and nilgais.
- Gir Forest National Park — this wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir is home to the only Asiatic Lion population in India.
- Pirotan Island — Set in the Arabian Sea, this island is a Marine National Park. It is home to mangroves, sea-birds, and various marine animals. Special permission is needed to visit.
- Saputara — One of the most popular hill stations of Gujarat, this town is located in Sahyadris. It has some exciting activities like paragliding.
- Vansda National Park — this national park nestled in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats is home to groves of “Katas” bamboo, along with many species of birds and animals.
- White Desert of Kutch (Rann of Kutch) — a desert of salt marshes, the Rann of Kutch is bordered by the Thar Desert and the Gulf of Kutch. It covers around 10,000 square miles.
Cultural Sites
- Champaner-Pavagadh — originally built by Sultan Mahmud Begada, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Panchmahal district is dotted with forts, palaces, mosques, tombs and temples.
- Dholavira — an archaeological site of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization in the Kutch District.
- Dwarka — an ancient city on the banks of the Gomti River, it is a sacred pilgrimage site According to legend, it is associated with the ancient kingdom of Krishna.
- Lothal — the ancient port of Lothal was once a thriving trade centre of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- The Palitana Temples — a cluster of 800 Jain temples located on Shatrunjaya hill near Palitana which are considered sacred to the Svetambara Jains.
- Rani ki Vav — a famous stepwell in the town of Patan built in 1304 and a World Heritage Site.
- Sabarmati Ashram — Located in Ahmedabad on the banks of the River Sabarmati, this ashram one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba and an important site of the Indian Independence Movement.
- Somanath Temple — this temple is an important pilgrimage and tourist destination in Gujarat.
- Sun Temple, Modhera — dedicated to Surya, this temple near the village of Modhera is almost 1,000 years old.
Interesting facts about the state
- Artistry and Craft: Gujarat is known worldwide for its iron, brass, and clay jewellery.
- Music and Dance: The most famous Gujarati dance is the Garba.
- Local cuisines: Gujarat has many delicious foods such as the Khaman, Dhokla, Khichu, Khandvi, and more.
- Celebrations: The people of Gujarat have many colourful traditional ceremonies and festivals. Some of the most well known are the Kite festival, the Rann Utsav, Navratri, and the Vautha Fair
The best time to visit the state is during one of these festivals. Navaratri occurs between September and October; the International Kite Festival is held in January, and the Rann Utsav is celebrated in December.
