Gujarat is the 6th largest state in India, located in the western part of India with a coastline of 1600 km (longest in India). It is one of the most popular tourist regions in the country and was visited by 20 million domestic and international tourists in 2010-11. Gujarat offers scenic beauty from Kutchh to the hills of saputara. Gujarat is the one and only place to view pure Adriatic lions in the world.During the Sultanate reign, Hindu craftsmanship mixed with Islamic architectures, giving rise to the Indo-Saracenic style. Many structures in the state are built in this fashion. It is also the birthplace of Mahatva Gandhi and Sardar Vallabh Bhai patel, iconic figures of India's independence movement.
Amitabh Bachchan is currently the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. The ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki' campaign by celebrity Amitabh Bachchan has increased tourism in Gujarat by 14 per cent per annum, twice that of national growth rate.
Ahemdabad with its central location and a well connected international airport is considered to be an ideal hub to cover all the destinations in Gujarat.
Rani ki Vav- as the name says this step well was built by Queen (Rani) of Bhimdeva, Udayamanti. Constructed in the 11th century to preserve ground water, Rani ki Vav came into limelight in 1972 when the area was fully earthed. The main highlight of the stepwell is that its walls that are profusely ornamented with figurative motifs and showcases images of various god and goddesses and their consorts from the Hindu Pantheon. The central part of each storey contains the primary sculpture. Winter is the best season to visit Rani ki Vav as you can enjoy the light shows, cultural events and exhibition at the Rani ki Vav Festivals.
Gujarat has been on the top of my travel bucket list since the time when Amitabh Bachchan quoted these golden words
“Kuch din to gujariye Gujarat mein”
And after one of my Facebook friends updated those beautiful pictures of Kutch, I got so inspired that I started to search blogs and travel portals on the internet for the list of places that should be visited on a trip to Gujarat. When I began my research, I saw that one of the world’s largest white deserts; India’s longest coastline; country’s largest habitat of Asiatic lions and first marine national park of India are all located in Gujarat. There is so much to see in this state that even a month holiday from office won’t be enough, but this doesn’t stop us from exploring new places.
If you’re as confused as I was, then I am here lending you a hand of help with this list of some of best places that are a must visit. Let us check out the list together.
Rani ki Vav- as the name says this step well was built by Queen (Rani) of Bhimdeva, Udayamanti. Constructed in the 11th century to preserve ground water, Rani ki Vav came into limelight in 1972 when the area was fully earthed. The main highlight of the stepwell is that its walls that are profusely ornamented with figurative motifs and showcases images of various god and goddesses and their consorts from the Hindu Pantheon. The central part of each storey contains the primary sculpture. Winter is the best season to visit Rani ki Vav as you can enjoy the light shows, cultural events and exhibition at the Rani ki Vav Festival.
One of the largest domains of the ferocious Asiatic animals, Gir National Park is a sparkling diamond in the jewels of Gujarat. Along with lions, this dry deciduous forest is home to more than 300 avian species like great horned own, crested serpent eagle and other members of the cat family like leopards. Going by the records of the forest department, there are 29 species of reptiles, 33 species of mammals, 93 species of invertebrates, 96 trees, and 448 flowering plants. Also, the national park is notable for its silk cotton trees; whose bright orange flowers add dashes of color to this dusty brown landscape. Best time to go for jeep safari at Gir National Park is between March and May.
One of the four Dhams (divine abodes of India) and Sapata Turis (seven sacred cities), Dwarkadeesh Jagat Mandir doesn’t need any introduction. The word ‘Dwarka; is made of two words- ‘dwara’ meaning road, and ‘ka’ implying eternal significance. Going by the mythological records, Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna, and he stayed there for quite an extended period. This five storey temple stands on 72 pillars, which according to the science of archeo-astronomy, is some immense significance. The sandstone plinth and walls of the temples are embellished with panels depicting dancers, elephants, musicians and celestial beings. Along with Jagat Mandir, you can also visit the nearby temples like Bet Dwarka, Okha, and shrines dedicated to Rukmini (Lord Krishna’s Wife), Mirabai, Narsinh Mehta and Shank Narayan.
At visit on a trip to Gujarat, Great Rann of Kutch is reputed to be the world’s largest white salt desert. Spanning over an area of 7505 sq km in the western fringes of Gujarat, the desert looks like a diamond under the scorching sun and appears like an eerie under the bluish glow during the night hours. To witness the best of the white desert, one should visit there during the Rann Utsav, which happens between November and March. On a visit to the white desert, make a point to enjoy the camel safari. Many villages nearby Kutch like Hodko, Nirona, Mandvi and Bhujodi, has hotels and resorts where you can book a stay when on a trip to Kutch. Apart from the awhite desert, you can al visit Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar temple and Bachuchara temple.
SomnathA primary shrine amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath temple is located in the small town of Gujarat’s Junagarh district. One of the most expensive aartis, costing approximately 15 lakhs is carried out here. The shivling at the temple is believed to be ‘swayambhu’ or self-born, manifested in the temple. Locals call this temple as ‘shrine eternal’ because it has withstood the test of time; it was destroyed six times and every time it was rebuilt. The current structure of the temple, seventh reconstruction, is a magnificent edifice built in the Chalukya style of architecture by the master masons of Gujarat, known as Sompuras. You can also visit the beach, and the museum, close to the temple, which exhibits 1638 pieces from 7th to 15th century.
GUJARAT TOP 10 BEST TOUR PLACES MUST WATCH
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