Located in India’s westernmost region, Gujarat is home to many architectural wonders. It is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, aside from beautiful landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine. Offering a wide variety of the most impressive attractions, Gujarat provides a great blend of art, history, music, and culture, also known as ‘The Land of Legends’.
20 Most Popular Tourist Places In Gujarat, India You Must Visit
Being the sole habitat of pure Asian Lions, Gujarat also provides spectacular views of the Great Rann of Kutch’s scenic beauty to the Satpura hills. In addition to the picturesque scenery and the 1,600-kilometer-long coastline, Gujarat also offers its visitors some spectacular ancient cave paintings, historic murals, holy temples, historical cities, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts, and fascinating handicrafts. Gujarat is a dry state, but the Gujarati cultural exuberance rejuvenates you. Here are the top 20 places to visit in Gujarat.
1. Ahmedabad
A fast-growing metropolis, a manufacturing hub, an educational hotspot, and a town with a glorious history – Ahmedabad is one of Gujarat’s most significant cities. Situated on the Sabarmati River banks, Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s former capital, and its delicious food and colorful culture make it a fast-growing tourist destination. Ahmedabad’s ancient center, or the old part of town, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ahmedabad is renowned for its textiles and the technique of tie-dye bandhani handloom, which makes it a great place to shop. From bandhani sarees, and dupattas to typically broken dress fabrics, and other local craftsmanship. Read More: Famous Things to Do in Ahmedabad
2. Kutch
Virtually an island resembling the form of a tortoise, Kutch is an ancient princely state of India that retains the past grandeur character. Kutch is perhaps one of India’s most stunning locations, with the white salt desert’s vast expanses.
During the winters, the place comes to life when the Rann Festival occurs everywhere from December to February. There are large camp settlements with cultural activities, functions, and adventure events such as hot-air ballooning. Read More: Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Gujarat: Dates, Attractions, and Visitor Guide
Check out the Package for Rann of Kutch:Â 2 Nights 3 Days Kutch Rann Utsav Tour Itinerary
3. Somnath
Somnath, meaning literally ‘king of the moon’, is a pilgrimage place and is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a town that derives much of its identity from local folklore, religion, and legends.
Somnath is primarily a temple town. A powerful fragrance of religion and legends lingers around tourism and even everyday life. The vast number of temples in the city adorned its spiritual setting. Still, Somnath also offers beaches, museums, and other attractions. However, the first places to visit here are the Somnath temple and Somnath beach, Gita Mandir, Balukha Tirtha, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, and Somnath. Museums are some of the other places one can visit. Read More: Most Interesting Facts About Somnath Temple You Should Know
Somnath With Dwarka Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Dwarka Somnath Tour Itinerary
4. Dwarka
Dwarka is an ancient city of India, situated on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat. This place is known as Devbhoomi Dwarka. Dwarka boasts that it is the only town that is part of Char Dham (four major holy sites). It is listed in the Hindu religion. Dwarka was a part of Krishna’s ancient kingdom, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is also in Dwarka. It holds particular religious importance for these purposes and draws thousands of pilgrims during the year. A tourist destination adds to the beachside and the seashores.
Legend has it that the town was once swallowed up by the sea, and recent excavations reveal that a city had existed here. The name is Dwarka translates the meaning of ‘door’ to Dawar and the meaning of ‘moksha’ to ‘path to salvation’. Read Also: List of Historical Places in Gujarat
5. Vadodara
Vadodara or Baroda, in Gujarat, is a cosmopolitan city. Home to some of the most outstanding architectural displays. Vadodara is a fitting memorial to Maratha leader Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, who had dreamed of transforming this Big City into an educational, industrial, and commercial hub.
Known for India’s most sumptuous palaces – the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and many other famous monuments, Vadodara is Gujarat’s cultural capital. With a prominent portion of it occupied by the Gujarati, this position is the most sought-after during the nine days of the Navratri festival. No city in India is celebrating the Navratri festival with just as much enthusiasm and exuberance as Vadodara. It houses one of India’s leading universities- the University of Maharaja Sayajirao. Read Also: Famous Destinations to See Near Vadodara within 100 km
6. Junagadh
As once the capital of Junagadh Princely State, with many historical monuments to see, the town shines with historical significance.
Junagadh is very similar to Girnar Hills and the world-famous Gir National Park, too. Catch a glimpse of the wild in Sakkabaug Zoo and the Museum of Wildlife. Visit the Girnar Hills as well, and get a sense of the serene yet religious atmosphere. A further tourist attraction is a fort at Uperkot.
7. Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar offers all its visitors a rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and a serene ambiance. Among other attractions is an enchanting Children’s Park and a unique stepwell installed.
Also, worth visiting for an enriching experience is the holy places in Gandhinagar, such as the Hanuman Temple and the Brahmani Temple, which are not famous.
8. Gir National Park
The only remaining refuge for Asiatic Lions is Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Gujarat’s Talala Gir, the Sanctuary is part of an ecoregion of Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests.
Every year Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October, and April and May are the best times to see wildlife.
9. Saputara
It is situated at a distance of four kilometers from the Maharashtra border and two hundred and fifty kilometers from Mumbai in the Dang district.
Saputara means snake habitat, and this region’s tribals worship snakes, especially during Holi. It is a stunning hilly area surrounded by massive greenery offering magnificent panorama, a special kind of tribal culture, and great trekking opportunities. Read Also: 5 Famous Things to Do in Saputara Hill Station, Gujarat
10. Porbandar
Porbandar, best known as Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, is a beautiful beach town with temples and dams and is now also a popular hub for trade.
With an important event in its history, the ancient port city is a tourist destination that offers a variety of attractions modestly. Read Also: 10 Popular Beaches in Gujarat
11. Surat
Surat is a port city in Gujarat, which has its name synonymous with Saurashtra (the good land). This city known as the state’s second-most populated city is a global diamond-cutting center and a textile trading center.
Known as the ‘flyovers area’, it attracts tourists interested in the region’s colonial past and exotic wildlife. Having a reputation for being light-hearted, easy-going, and fun-loving, Surat is a perfect place to spend a family holiday with a passion for food. Read More: 6 Famous Places to See Near Surat.
12. Diu
Located near Veraval’s port, Diu is a small island that used to be a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around. Diu takes on the most popular due to many beaches, along with the southern coast of Gujarat like the Nagoa resort, but also has much more to offer. In Diu, alcohol is legal.
Another fascinating location is the Vanakbara, a small fishing village whose beauty has colorful tints of fishing boats and day-to-day life humming. A great add-on to a Gujarat tour will complement your experience with fascinating museums such as the Sea Shell Museum, temples, and churches.
13. Bhuj
It’s called a desert city, with a history dating back to the kingdoms and empires, Naga ruling palaces, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans, and the British Raj.
Bhuj is one of India’s unique historical sites, with numerous temples, narrow streets, and traditional handicrafts. It is a municipality within Gujarat’s Kutch district. Following the 2001 earthquake, the city was left in a state of destruction and is still in the recovery process. Read Also: Gujarat Tourism Reopening of Sabarmati Ashram after 10 months.
Check out the package for Bhuj: 3 Nights 4 Days Bhuj Mandvi Kutch Tou Itinerary
14. Girnar
Holding the delicate balance between the fine golden-brown sand of Gujarat’s most luxurious desert on the one side and the lush green of Gir Forest on the other. Girnar, a group of mountains in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, is a refuge for both thrill-seekers and religious devotees because of their ability to be both. It is a center for religious activity and a sanctuary for hikers because of the hill.
Here you will find several small wonders of historical significance, for example, Ashoka’s Main Rock Edicts and Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock inscription, from many centuries ago. You are Gujarat’s highest point-Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 meters (or 3,383 ft) and represents the country’s rich history and heritage.
15. Rajkot
Situated in the country’s western area, Rajkot is Gujarat’s fourth-largest city in the Indian state. An industrial town with few sightseeing options, it is worth visiting Rajkot for its sweets, traditional snacks, Navratri festivities, handicrafts (silverwork, patola weaving, bandhani), and its labyrinth of narrow streets with distinct cultural character. Located halfway between Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Rajkot is ideal for an excursion of one day. Read Also: Top 8 Destinations to Visit in Rajkot, Gujarat.
16. Vadla
Vadla is a refuge for migratory birds coming up and going on their way to Gujarat’s marshy wetlands, just a short drive from Ahmedabad. Similar to the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Vadla remains mostly unknown and undiscovered and is a secret gem known only to locals.
The scanty tourist population and limited intrusion in the birds’ natural habitat give way to easy unfiltered access and excellent opportunities for bird watching. Vadla is a perfect opportunity for you to closely observe the birds’ natural behavioral aspects without violating their inhabited environment. Read Also: Top 5 Historical Destinations in Ahmedabad.
17. Modhera
Modhera is an ancient village in Gujarat, famous for housing the remains of the Chalukya dynasty Sun Temple is a real historical treasure. The town covers itself with a mystical aura provided by the Sun Temple. It is a center for spirituality and culture as well.
Modhera gives you an insight into the glory days of Chalukya’s royal family and is one of the most beautiful testaments to past architectural excellence. If history entices you, then this place is ideal for you. The village is deep in relics, structures, and legends of history.
18. Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity is a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, The Iron Man of India. The figure is to spread India’s dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inspire the Indian people through his struggle for patriotism and independence.
The bronze statue of the Republic of India’s founding father stands 182 meters tall, catching the world’s attention as the ‘tallest statue in the country’. The Unity statue is situated in Gujarat, on Sadhu Bet River Island, on River Narmada banks overlooking the Narmada Dam (Sardar Sarovar Dam) 3.2 km downstream. Read Also: PM Modi flagged off 8 Trains to connect Statue of Unity across India.
Statue of Unity Gujarat Package: 3 Nights 4 Days Statue of Unity with Narmada Tent City Tour Itinerary
19. Wilson Hills
One of those places that would make you say ‘wow’ when you experience the area’s natural and panoramic beauty is the Wilson Hills in the Dharmapuri district of Gujarat. Clouds are floating above the horizon, lush green woods, a relaxed atmosphere, and a fascinating sea view from the top of the hill. Wilson Hills is a perfect location for those who enjoy nature photography.
Located 123 Km from Surat and about 54 Km from Valsad, Wilson Hills elevates about 2500 feet from the sea level. Despite being a bit warm during May and June, the fresh sea breeze blowing in from the Arabian Sea compensates for that.
20. Zanzari Falls
The Dehgam Vatrak River, Gujarat, boasts the Zanzari Waterfalls. The largest waterfall is 25-foot-high, and a picturesque collection of cliffs, boulders, and craters falls on it.
The flow reduces gradually, becoming a great picnic spot during summertime. Sunrise and sunset periods are excellent times to travel, avoiding the scorching heat of summer. If you plan to visit, wear sturdy sports shoes and bring snacks.
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