Top Holiday Destinations in Gujarat
Gujarat Tour
Located on the western coast of India between Maharashtra and Rajasthan, Gujarat didn't really feature on the tourist map until recent years. A very successful series of ad campaigns with Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and the addition of the Statue of Unity has changed this though. Tourist's interest in the state has grown substantially. There are actually some amazing 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 cities, and exploring. Do note that vegetarian cuisine predominates in Gujarat and the state is a dry one, so alcohol is not widely or freely available.
Gujarat Sightseeing
AHMEDABAD OLD CITY
Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat for many centuries, was declared to be India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, beating both Delhi and Mumbai. Its walled Old City was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century and is home to diverse Hindu, Islamic and Jain communities. The Old City is divided into numerous pols. Plus, it has some of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and Hindu Muslim art in India. Explore the area on this fascinating Ahmedabad Heritage Walk. Gandhi's Ashram is another top attraction in Ahmedabad. It was the starting point for his movement for India's freedom through non-violence.
STATUE OF UNITY, KEVADIA
The world's tallest statue, dedicated to Indian independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950), was completed in 2018. At 182 meters tall, it's twice the size of the Statue of Liberty. Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, and is highly regarded for his leadership in bringing the 562 princely states of India together. The area around the statue has been developed as a comprehensive tourist destination for the whole family to enjoy, with enough activities and attractions to fill in at least three days.
KUTCH REGION
The immense stretch of the largely barren and harsh desert landscape that is the Kutch region of Gujarat is sometimes described as India's "Wild West". Its name, Kutch (or Kachchh), refers to the fact that it alternates between wet (submerged during the monsoon season) and dry. Much of Kutch consists of seasonal wetlands known as the Great Rann of Kutch (famous for its salt desert) and smaller Little Rann of Kutch (famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary).Other attractions in the Kutch region include historic Bhuj, villages and traditional handicrafts, the shipbuilding in the port town of Mandvi, and the Dholavira ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan city.
DWARKA
One of the four most sacred Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage sites and seven most ancient Sapta Puri religious cities in India, Dwarka is considered to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna and the first capital of Gujarat. The Krishna Janmashtami festival is a major event there. Of special importance is Dwarkadhish Temple, built approximately 200 BC and often referred to as Jagat Mandir. Head down to Gomti Ghat, at the holy water's edge, for a spectacle of decorated camels, tea stalls, and seashell jewelry sellers.
SOMNATH
An important pilgrimage destination, Somnath Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlinga (shrines of Lord Shiva, where he's worshiped as a linga of light) in India. Its seaside location is powerful, the intricate carvings on its sandstone architecture are superb, and its history is fascinating. The temple was ransacked by Islamic invaders and rebuilt numerous times, with the final reconstruction taking place after India achieved independence from the British. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in a big way there in February or March. A colorful religious fair is also held every year on Kartik Purnima, complete with small children dressed up as Lord Shiva and plenty of bhaang.
JUNAGADH
If you're interested in Indo-Islamic architecture, you'll marvel over the splendid design of the striking 19 century Mahabat Maqbara mausoleum complex of local rulers at Junagadh. This historical city, whose name means Old Fort, is situated at the bottom of the sacred and temple-covered Girnar Hills. On the way to the hills is a building housing 14 rock-carved edicts of Emperor Ashoka, dating back to 250 BC. You can also visit the ruins of Uparkot Fort, built-in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, which has some interesting structures such as step wells and Buddhist rock-cut caves.
