GUJARAT

About Gujarat Tourism

There are many reasons why Gujarat finds a place among the top travel destinations in India. The places to visit in Gujarat include UNESCO sites, religious sites, wildlife sanctuaries with Asiatic lions, Jyotirlinga, Char Dham Temples, museums, the large white desert Rann of Kutch, Statue of Unity and Gandhian heritage sites. There are numerous opportunities for a sightseeing tour. The richness in history, heritage and culture will overwhelm you on your first visit!

Gujarat borders Pakistan to the north-west, the Arabian Sea to the south-west, Rajasthan to the north, Maharashtra to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the east; Gujarat is the seventh largest state of India by area. The state is an electric mixture of different cultures and traditions, showcasing the traditions of the real India.

Ancient History and Rich Heritage!

Heritage lovers have a lot to look forward to in Gujarat sightseeing tour. There are so many heritage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These range across palaces, forts, stepwells and monuments. You can also enjoy a heritage walk in Ahmedabad, Junagadh and Vadodara. Some of the most famous heritage tourism sites are Laxmi Vilas Palace, Rani ki Vav and Modhera Sun Temple. Of these, Rani ki Vav, Champaner & Pavagadh Archaeological Park & Ahmedabad World Heritage City are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gujarat is also a haven for lovers of history and archaeology. It’s fascinating to know that there are more than 200 Indus Valley Civilization sites spread across Gujarat. Three of these are Dholavira, Lothal and Surkotada Indus Valley Civilisation. Among these, Dholavira dates back 4500 years. It is surrounded by the Rann of Kutch. Here, you come across the world’s earliest and best planned water conservation systems. The world’s first signboards, written in ancient Indus script, are also found here.

Best Time to Visit Gujarat

Like any other vibrant region of India, Gujarat has plenty to offer the eager traveller, opening up its treasured past and bejewelled attractions to all those who visit it. If you are planning a trip to this state in Western India, November to February is the best time to visit Gujarat. The weather is pleasant and the warm sun makes the perfect companion when you are outdoors heading from one sightseeing spot to another in the nippy air. Gujarat during winter is the perfect holiday destination.After winter, the next best climate to visit Gujarat is the monsoon, from July to September. The land bursts with colour and it is joyful to traipse along lush green roads as one takes in the beauty of the state. Be warned; the monsoon has been known to play spoilsport as well. If it’s raining heavily, it might come in the way of you being able to go out and explore to your heart’s content.

Peak Season (November-February)

Winter in Gujarat is from November to February, with the temperature usually between 12°C and 29°C. The weather in the winter of Gujarat is comfortable enough for you to walk about outdoors enjoying the local sights. The coast and beaches might be a little cold in winter, but nothing should stop you from enjoying the rest of the state of Gujarat.

Low Season (March-June) 

Summer in Gujarat is a tough season, lasting from March to June. Temperatures are unforgiving, hovering between 29°C and 41°C. Sightseeing could be a problem since it is rather difficult to step out in the blistering sun. You can plan a hill station vacation instead and head over to Saputara for a peaceful and pleasant time. You can also go to Dwarka and Vadodara for temple-hopping to enjoy the cities at night.  

Shoulder Season (July-September) 

The monsoon in Gujarat arrives in July and lasts through till September. Temperature ranges from 27°C to 35°C, making it a pleasant change from the hot summer earlier. The weather of Gujarat in monsoon is thrilling. Soak your senses in the rain-washed land. Sit by the window and watch the rain come down on the parched ground, or watch it drench the already roiling sea. Head down to the wildlife sanctuary and experience the rainfall in the deep jungles of Gujarat. And when you are done, come back to a delicious hot Gujarati meal. 

Most Visited Attractions in Gujarat

• Gir National Park :Gir is a must visit attraction in Gujarat because of the Asiatic Lions. In fact, it’s the only place in India with the largest population of Asiatic lions. There are more than 300 bird species too, and is great for birding.
• Dwarkadhish Temple :What makes this temple a must visit is its extraordinary architecture! There are 5 storeys standing on 72 pillars. The walls & sandstone plinth are adorned with elephants, dancers, celestial beings and musicians.
• Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park :History lovers will like this one! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site & stretches on a rocky hilltop. The living cultural heritage of Gujarat is reflected in its mosques, temples and forts.
• Sabarmati Ashram :Sabarmati Ashram is a must visit because Mahatma Gandhi stayed here between 1917 & 1930. It consists of his living quarters. There is also an open air museum which presents a record of his life & teachings.
• Lothal :It is an important site of Harappan civilization, and hence, a must visit tourist attraction in Gujarat. This archaeological site dates back 4,500 years. There is a museum which showcases 5,089 products varying from ornaments to weights.
• Sun Temple :The Sun Temple in Modhera was built in 1,027 AD. Inside the temples complex, there is a stepwell, prayer hall and another room which leads to Garbagriha.
• Akshardham Temple :Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Lord Swwaminarayan. Its architecture is almost surreal, making it a must visit tourist place. It’s built from 6,000 tons of pink sandstone without the use of cement or steel.
• Laxmi Vilas Palace :It’s 4 times the size of Buckingham Palace & easily the grandest structure in India. It sprawls over 700 acres. What’s equally amazing is that its construction took almost 12 years.
• Adalaj Stepwell :It was originally built as a stepwell in 1,555 AD on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. The series of platforms & galleries built on the sides of the stepwell are extremely impressive.
• Statue of Unity :At 182 meters tall, the Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue. It is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the famous freedom fighter in India.

Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Gujarat

• Ahmedabad :Ahmedabad, founded in 1411, is a UNESCO World Heritage City. The old city comprises pols, narrow streets, chabutaras for feeding birds & secret passages. Sabarmati Ashram is another attraction.
• Junagadh :Visit the city of Junagadh to visit the Buddhist Cave groups, Gir National Park, Somnath Temple, Mahabat Maqbara Temple, Damodar Kund and Junagadh Museum.
• Gandhinagar :Gandhinagar is a treasure trove of sightseeing attractions. Visit the Indroda Dinosaur & Fossil Park, Dandi Kutir Museum and Adalaj Trimandir.
• Vadodara :Visit the 19th century Laxmi Vilas Palace, enjoy golfing, visit 140 years old Tambekar Wada and the 18th century Sursagar Lake & Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum.
• Kutch :Kutch is a top tourist attraction for one of the world’s largest salt deserts: Great Rann of Kutch. Watch how Nirona painting is done. There are heritage sites, beaches & famous Prag Mahal museum.
• Jamnagar :Stretched out on the coast, Jamnagar is famous for the Ranmal Lake, Bhujiyo Kotho, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Khambhalia Gate & European styled arcaded Willingdon Crescent.
• Surat :Surat is a curious mix of Parsi agiaris, European tombs, carved mosques and colonial houses. Surat Castle, Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden & Suvali Beach are top attractions.
• Bhavnagar :Bhavnagar was once a princely state. The top tourist attractions in the city are Brahm Kund, Takhteshwar Temple, Gandhi Smriti, Mahuva Beach and Velavadar Blackbuck National Park.
• Saputara :It is the only hill station in Gujarat. Some of the tourist attractions of Saputara are Lake Garden, Rose Garden, Honey Bees Center, Gira Waterfalls, Gandhi Shikhar and Sunrise Point.
• Great Rann of Kutch :It is one of the world’s largest white salt deserts. It’s best visited during Rann Utsav, celebrated between November and March. The event is marked by camel safaris & traditional handicrafts.

Best Adventure Sports In Gujarat

Adventure sports have always been an inner craving for every individual around the globe. While some may not admit it at the forefront, people secretly think about trying the sports at least once in their life. The curated list below has some of the best adventure sports to take the plunge into while in Gujarat.

1. Jungle Trekking
2.  River Rafting
3.  Paragliding
4. Zorbing
5.  SkyDiving
6. Rock Climbing
7.  Water Skiing