One of the most splendid states in the country is Gujarat. It is often known as the land of legends and is prominent for its rich history and culture. If you are wondering where you should visit on your next vacation, then you need to look no further Gujarat would be your best bet.
When you hear the term Gujarat all you think about is its famous dance form Garba and of course, the state is also known for its warm hospitality. But apart from all the factors, some unique attributes make Gujarat special and an attractive destination for tourists.
10 Reasons to Visit Gujarat on Your Next Trip:
Here are some points that inspire you to book tickets to that beautiful place for your next holiday:
1. Amazing Temples
Gujarat is home to incredible temples, including the Dwarkadhish temple. Lord Krishna was the president of the city, and it is one of the oldest temples in the country. Besides Dwarkadhish, you can also visit Somnath, located in Veraval city, and it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Even though the temple is pretty old but it is still strong today.
You will come across some unique temples wherever you are in Gujarat; if you visit Gandhi Nagar, you can see the prominent Akshardham temple built with at least 6000 tons of pink sandstone, and witness a beautiful statue of Lord Swaminarayan. These are just famous temples of Gujarat, but indeed whenever you are in the state, you will undoubtedly come across different temples that will make you feel blessed.
2. Smell the sea by visiting the Gujarat coastline
There are several alluring beaches along the coastline of the state. Some of the most famous beaches in Gujarat include chorwadDwarkaSomnath Mandvi and Gopinath.
If you want to take some leisure box and get some water sports including surfing parasailing or scheme, you need to look no further as you have to head to Mandvi beach. Somnath beach is your best bet if you want to enjoy the site of different travelers or boats.
3. Get the festive vibes only at the great Rann Utsav
Rann of kutch is nothing but a vast stretch of the white desert. The vast salt desert provides great therapy visually. It would be best to visit this place, especially the whole moon night, as the views are breathtaking.
This is celebrated between November to February every year, and you must visit Rann Utsav at least once in your lifetime.
4. Visit the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
The Sabarmati ashram dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most prominent factors that attract tourists from different parts of the world. This ashram is nestled around the Sabarmati river and was one of the leading Centers for the country’s fight for freedom. This is a landmark in the state because it witnessed the satyagraha movement, which was an extremely challenging time for Indian independence.
You can get a fantastic sense of patriotism when walking in the land where Mahatma Gandhi started this movement. Another landmark you must visit is the Kirti mandir, dedicated to Kasturba and Mahatma Gandhi. The ancestral home of Gandhi is also nearby this monument.
5. Satiate the wildlife lover in you by visiting the Gir wildlife century
After Africa, the Gir wildlife century is the only home to the Asiatic lions where they thrive and exist. The National Park is around 258 kilometers. Over the past few years, the number of majestic lions has risen dramatically, so viewing this beautiful beast is nothing less than a magnificent site.
Besides lions, you can also spot some leopards, and at least 250 bird species are present here. If you are lucky, you can also come across the sambar, the largest deer in India and the only four-horned antelope in the world.
6. Learn about the ancient civilization by heading to Dholavira and Lothal
visit the fantastic Indus valley civilization places at Dholavira and Lothal and go back in time in history. Once Upon a time, it was a prominent commerce and Trade Center as lethal was significantly connected to Sindh.
Even today, Dholavira is unearthed through excavation, and it is spread over more than 100 hectares. If you love history, who should visit this place because it holds excellent archaeological value today and is a site worth visiting?
7. Relish the delicious local cuisine
Sugar, lemon, and tomato are some of the most common ingredients in the local cuisine that give it a unique flavor, and it is because the climate is hot and dry here due to the coastal region. The majority of the dishes in Gujarat are vegetarian. It is a fusion of sweet and sour.
Some of the must-have food items here include dhokla khandvi and handvo. One of the most sought snacks in Gujarat is fafda and jalebi, and you must have them while you are in the state.
8. Car lovers must visit the Autoworld vintage car museum
One of the best vintage car museums is in Gujarat, and if you love motorcycles, fancy antique cars, or even buggies, you must visit this museum in Ahmedabad.
The Autoworld is the home to more than 100 classics from some of the unique makers of the UK, US, and Europe. The cars include Rolls Royce, Mercedes Bentley, and several others.
9. Visit Bhuj, the land of history
Which is also connected with Mahabharat, and it is fascinating as it sounds. Whether you want to learn about the Jadeja Rajput, Alexander the Great, the Naga chief, or the Harappan civilization, Bhuj has everything you are looking for.
It also has charming buildings like the Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal, which are prominent for handicrafts from kutch.
10. How to have some clean cities
While in Gujarat, you can do some city hopping by moving from one city to another. You would be surprised to come across some of the clean list cities in the state. It is because the state has taken the vision of the Swatch Bharat mission by Narendra Modi pretty seriously.
Some stations mainly include Surat, Gandhidham, Ankleshwar, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. You would be surprised to know that Surat has also won an award from pm Narendra Modi for being one of the cleanliest stations in the country. Surat is not only clean but also the diamond city of the country.
Famous Gujarat Must-Visit Attractions:
- Rann of Kutch: Famous for its white salt desert, especially during the Rann Utsav festival.
- Somnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, known for its stunning architecture.
- Dwarka: An ancient city, known as the kingdom of Lord Krishna and a major pilgrimage site.
- Gir National Park: The only home of the Asiatic lions, offering safari tours.
- Sabarmati Ashram: The residence of Mahatma Gandhi, now a museum showcasing his life and work.
- Statue of Unity: The world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Ahmedabad: The city is famous for its textile museum and the Calico Museum of Textiles.
- Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara: Known for its grandeur and the blend of Indian and European architectural styles.
- Pavagadh Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historical and cultural significance.
- Modhera Sun Temple: Renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Gujarat:
- October to March: This is the most ideal time to visit Gujarat due to the pleasant weather conditions. The Rann Utsav, a cultural festival in the Rann of Kutch, typically takes place between November and February.
How to Reach Gujarat:
- By Air: Gujarat has several airports with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad being the major one.
- By Train: Gujarat is well connected by rail with major cities across India.
- By Road: A good network of roads and national highways connects Gujarat with other parts of the country.
- By Sea: Kandla and Mundra are the major ports in Gujarat, though they are primarily used for cargo rather than passenger travel.
Popular Gujarat Tour Packages:
- Cultural and Heritage Tour: Includes visits to historical sites, temples, and cultural experiences.
- Wildlife Safari Tour: Focused on Gir National Park and other wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
- Pilgrimage Tour: Covers major religious sites like Dwarka, Somnath, and Palitana.
- Rann of Kutch Tour: Specifically for experiencing the white desert and the Rann Utsav festival.
- Architectural and Museum Tour: In cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara, showcasing Gujarat’s architectural wonders and museums.
After going through all the places mentioned, you wouldn’t be excited to pack your bags and visit this excellent state. Of course, you will be convinced why you should visit Gujarat soon, so don’t think twice before taking a holiday.
Find out more about Gujarat by reading on:
- Gujarat’s Most Famous Forts to See
- Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Gujarat
- Gujarat List of Historical Destinations
- 20 Most Famous Places to See in Gujarat
- Top 8 Popular Destinations to See in Rajkot
- 5 Things to Do in Saputara Hill Station, Gujarat
- Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara, Gujarat Travel Guide
- 10 Most Popular Festivals In Gujarat
