Gujarat Tourism | Gujarat Map

About Gujarat Tourism:

Gujarat, the western most state in India, presents its tourists with diverse places of interest. This state is noted for its temples which attract millions of devotees all the year round. There are also quite a few places of historical importance which are much visited by the tourists. Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat offers a wide array of tourist destinations. Wild life and beaches in Gujarat are an integral part of its tourism. Village tourism can prove to be a pretty interesting experience for enthusiastic visitors. With this wide range of most spectacular attractions, along with a vibrant culture and rich heritage, Gujarat is one of the most favourite holiday spots for the tourists. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited offers an all-embracing travel services to visitors to the state.

Geography of Gujarat:

Gujarat borders with Pakistan to the north-west, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the southwest, the state of Rajasthan to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and by Maharashtra, Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. Historically, the North was known as Anarta, the Kathiawad peninsula, "Saurastra", and the South as "Lata". Gujarat was also known as Pratichya and Varuna. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. The capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city. Gujarat has an area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²) with the longest coast line 1600 km, dotted with 41 ports; 1 major, 11 intermediate and 29 minor ports.

Gujarat Weather:

View Detailed 9 Day Weather Forecasts for Ahmedabad, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

Culture of Gujarat:

In Gujarat, there have been several great religious figures. Sant Dadu Dayal (1554–1603), a saint-poet and a major Bhakti figure from Ahmedabad treated equally both Rama and Allah as names of God and became popular in Northern India. He wrote, "The illusion of Allah and Rama has been dispelled by my mind; since I see Thee in all"

The Bhakti movement was very popular in Gujarat where devotees of both Islam and Hinduism focused worship of God, trying to rid any separations based on faith in God.

Gujarat is also the home of Mahatma Gandhi, who preached the unity between all religions and became a worldwide figure for peaceful struggle against tyranny.

Places to Visit in Gujarat:

Sabarmati Ashram:

Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha Ashram is located in the Ahmedabad suburb of Sabarmati adjoining to famous Ashram Road, at the bank of River Sabarmati, 4 miles from the town hall. This was one of the residences of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This ashram is now a national monument by the Government of India due to its significance in the Indian independence movement in the form of the Dandi March in 1930.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque:

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. As attested by the marble stone tablet fixed on the wall of the mosque, it was built by Sidi Saeed (or Sidi Saiyyed) an Abyssinian in the retinue of Bilal Jhajar Khan, general in the army of the last Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III of the Gujarat Sultanate.

The mosque was built in the last year of the existence of Sultanate of Gujarat. The mosque is entirely arcuated and is famous for beautifully carved ten stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved in designs of intertwined trees and foliage and a palm motif. This intricately carved stone window is the Siddi Sayyed Jali, the unofficial symbol of city of Ahmedabad and the inspiration for the design of the logo of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.

The central window arch of the mosque, where one would expect to see another intricate jali, is instead walled with stone. This is possibly because the mosque was not completed according to plan before the Mughals invaded Gujarat.

Kankaria Lake:

Kankaria is the biggest lake in Ahmedabad (in earliar days it used to be known by the name "Qutub Hojj" or "Hauj-e-Kutub"). Many kings, or badshah, used to bathe in this lake. With an approximate circumference of 1.4 miles (2.3 km), it represents the regale history of Ahmedabad.It is located in the southern part of the city in Maninagar area, which is the most densely populated suburb of the city. Kankaria was built by Sultan Kutubuddin in 15th century. The work was completed in 1451. It also consists of a water purification system but it was lost with the time. At one point of the circular lake, there opens a walkway which later merges into a garden called Nagina Wadi (which means beautiful garden in Urdu) that is located in the center of the lake. There is also a gym in the Kankaria lake campus which is called Ambubhai Purani Vyayamshala.

Lighting and special effects on the walkway and sumptuous food of the restaurants in the central garden make the lake a worthwhile place to visit or spend an evening. The Kankaria region is well-known for its junk food in the entire province of Gujarat. At night, the junk food business soars up. Especially in the summer between months of March and June.

Hatheesing Jain Temple:

Hatheesing Jain Temple is mainly known for its ornate architecture. Built in white marble this is one of the largest Jain temples of Ahmedabad. This was erected in 1850. Dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankara who was known as Dharmanath this temple carries the name of its creator. The temple has been named after Seth Hatheesing who was one of the richest retail traders of Ahmedabad.

It has been a real place of attraction for all the tourists along with the devotees. Built in lavish white marble this is decorated with rich intricate carvings. Surrounded with fine sculptures and rippled walls this is one the fabulous sites in Ahmedabad. With white marble it leaves a splendid silvery effect on the full moon light. Richly made this is one of the exclusive architectures of Ahmedabad.

Alongwith its splendid architecture this temple has some unique features. It is a double storey building with baronial array of cloisters that house a number of shrines. Each shrine is accompanied with an adorning tirthankara. There are at least 52 such structures. The temple further includes well organised porches. These porches add to the beauty of the temple which is further decorated with the dome shaped porch in the front. Located at a distance of 119 kms from Ahmedabad this is one of the richest temples of India.

Akshardham:

Akshardham Gandhinagar is one of the largest temples in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple complex combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place. The temple came to international attention when two heavily armed terrorists attacked it in September 2002.

Akshardham Gandhinagar is a predecessor to the Akshardham at Delhi, built by the same religious organisation, Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It was inaugurated on November 2, 1992, during the centenary celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj. The complex is very popular among tourists visiting Gujarat.

Sun Temple, Modhera:

The Sun Temple, Modhera, at Modhera in Gujarat, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. Other Sun Temples in India are as follows: Konark in Orissa, Martand in Jammu and Kashmir near Almora in Uttarakhand, Dakshinaarka temple in Gaya, Bihar, Punark and Deo Barunark in Bihar, Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao, Balaji in Madhya Pradesh, Sun Temple at Sri Surya Pahar in Assam, Suryanaar Temple at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Surya Narayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh.

The Modhera sun temple is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, 25 km from Mehsana and 102 km from Ahmedabad.

Palitana temples:

The Jain temples of Mount Satrunjaya, at Palitana, Gujarat are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the white robed, temple-oriented (Svetambara Murtipujaka) portion of the Jain community. There are a total of 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble, located on the Satrunjaya hills. The temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods; hence, no one is allowed to stay overnight, including the priests.

The main temple, on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st Tirthankar, Lord Aadinatha (Rishabha).

There is also a tomb of a Muslim Saint "Angar Shah Peer" on top of the mountain. It is said that this Muslim Saint has protected the Sacred hills of Palitana centuries ago and since then it has secured a place near the Jain Derasar's and people usually bow down at this "Durgah" and is so holy that whatever we wish comes true if asked with pure heart.

Ambaji:

Ambaji maa temple is a temple of the mother Goddess Amba mata. Ambaji maa temple is one of holiest and a major shakti peeth of India. It is located at a distance of approximately 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mount Abu near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border. Regular bus services from parts of Gujarat to Ambaji temple is provided by Gujarat state road transport corporation The temple is attracting many pilgrims from all over the world. The temple is very famous and is of considerable importance to Hindus.

Dakor:

Dakor is situated in the kheda district of Gujarat State. Earlier Dakor was known as Dankapur, famous for the Danknath temple of Lord Shiva. In 1722 AD Ranchodrajiji temple of Lord Krishna was built and then Dakor became famous pilgrimage place.

Dakor is famous for Ranchorji temple of Lord Krishna. Ranchor is the name given to Lord Krishna when he fled from the battlefield in Mathura while fighting against Jarasandha.

The divinity of Ranchorji is similar to the divinity of Dwarkadish in Dwarka, both being made from black stone. Devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the Deity.

Temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and then reopens at 4:00 PM till 7:00 PM. Mangala-arati is held every morning at 6:45 am. Ranchorji is dressed and decorated in public. In the morning aartis performed with Mangalabhog, Balbhog, Srinagarbhog, Gwalbhog and Rajbhog. In the afternoon aartis performed with Usthapanbhog, Shyanbhog and Shakhdibhog.

Every year lakhs of people visit Dakor especially on every full moon day. The main festivals at Dakor are held on the Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra and Ashwin Purnimas In the festivals more than one lakh of people visits the temple.

Dwarakadheesh Temple Dwarka:

The Dwarakadheesh temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'. It is situated at Dwarka, Gujarat, which is believed to have been built after the historic Dvarka city, the Kingdom of Krishna himself which submerged in to the ocean after the Mahabharata war. The main shrine of the 5-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir, and is believed to be 2500 years old. The Dwarkadhish Temple is Pushti Marg Temple hence it follows the guidelines and rituals created by Shree Vallabacharya and Shree Vitheleshnathji.

The present temple was built in 16th century CE, while the original temple was believed to have been built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna's residential place) and became part of the Char Dham pilgrimages considered most sacred by Hindus in India, after Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century reformer and philosopher, visited the shrine and even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit. Dwarakadheesh is the 108th Divya
Desam of Lord Vishnu on the subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts.

Somnath:

Somnath is the famous temple of God Shiva located near Veraval in Suarastra. It is on the western coast of Gujarat state. Somnath temple has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

The temple is believed to have appeared first in gold, at the behest of the moon-god, next in silver, created by the sun-god, a third time in wood at the command of Krishna , and finally in stone, built by Bhimdeva. The present temple is 7 th temple built in the same style.

Facing the wide open Arabian Sea, the temple at Somnath is an imposing structure offering a spectacular sight to the beholders. There is a grey sand beach outside the temple attracting tourist. Somnath Temple, Somnath, Gujarat, India.

A short distance from the Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was said to have been struck by the stray arrow of a Bhil tribal The temple has imposing architecture and is a beautiful sight facing the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea

Girnar:

Girnar is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.

Saputara:

Saputara is a beautiful and a densely wooded only hill station town situated in the "Dang" district of southern tip of Gujarat, India.

Saputara has been constructed as a well planned hill station having all necessary serviceableness like hotels, boating parks, swimming pools, club, ropeways, theaters and a museum providing the tourists an delightful vacation in the coziness of the hill station. Saputara is about 170 kilometers from Surat and about 80 kilometers from Nashik. The border of Maharashtra is about 5 km. away from Saputara.

This picturesque hill station is situated on a plateau in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range. Saputara town is situated at an altitude of around 1,000 m with a climate that is pleasant although bit cold, throughout the year. Even the highest temperature in the summer does not exceed 27 degree C. Saputara literally stands for "Abode of Serpent" there is a presence of snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River which flows through the town. This snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River is worshiped by the local tribes on many festivals like Holi. Tribes like Kunbis, Warlis, Bhils and Gamits inhabit Dangs. They are known for their traditional dances, which are performed wearing Bamboo and Wooden masks. The dangs district constitute of an area of 1,752 km. having population of 1.5 lacks with a tribal population density of 94% and located in south-east of Gujarat.

Great Rann of Kutch:

The Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands on its southern edge, is situated in the district of Kutch and comprises some 30,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. The marsh can be accessed from the village of Kharaghoda in Surendranagar District.

In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, averaging 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters, interspersed with sandy islets of thorny scrub, breeding grounds for some of the largest flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and is a wildlife sanctuary. At its greatest extent, the Gulf of Kutch on the west and the Gulf of Cambay on the east are both united during the monsoon.

During the flooding wildlife including the Indian Wild Ass shelters on islands of higher ground called bets.

The area was a vast shallows of the Arabian Sea until continuing geological uplift closed off the connection with the sea, creating a vast lake that was still navigable during the time of Alexander the Great. The Ghaggar River, which presently empties into the desert of northern Rajasthan, formerly emptied into the Rann of Kutch, but the lower reaches of the river dried up as its upstream tributaries were captured by the Indus and Ganges thousands of years ago. Traces of the delta and its distributary channels on the northern boundary of the Rann of Kutch were documented by the Geological Survey of India in 2000.

The Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann and other rivers fedding into the marsh include the Rupen from the east and the West Banas River from the northeast.

This is one of the hottest areas of India.

Forests and wildlife:

As per the India State Of Forest Report 2009, Gujarat has 7.46 % of its total geographical area under forest cover. As per the districts, The Dangs has the largest area under forest cover. Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries. Gujarat is the only home of Asiatic Lions. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only present natural habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Park in the south-west part of the state covers only part of the lions' habitat. Besides lions, the other big cat that can be found in the state is the leopard. Leopards are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.Saputara

Other National parks include Vansda National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar and Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch. Wildlife sanctuaries include: Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Khavda, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.

Gujarat is one state where you can find major mountain-ranges of India. Aravalli, Sahyadri, Vindhya and Satpura are having their presence in Gujarat. Apart from this Gir hills, Barda, Jessore, Chotila etc. are situated in different parts of the Gujarat. Girnar is the tallest hill of Gujarat. Saputara is the only hill-station of the state.

Gir Forest National Park:

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the national park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh and 60 km to south west of Amreli.

It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative assisted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.

The April 2010 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 411, an increase of 52 compared to 2005. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception.

Festivals:

Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival:

The Kite Flying Festival takes place in mid January and marks the time when the Sun’s direct rays reach the Tropic of Capricorn after the winter solstice. It is celebrated with lots of folk music and dance as well as kite flying. People of Gujarat gather on terraces to fly kites of various colours to celebrate Makar Sankranti or Uttrayana, the welcome to the sun after the cold winter months. Glass strengthened threads of the Indian fighter kites are matched against each other in the air — the kite fighter who cuts the other thread is the victor. At night, kites with Chinese lanterns are flown and held aloft. Food such as Undhiya, sugar cane juice and local sweets is typically served to celebrate the day.

Garba:

Garba is an Indian form of dance that originated in the Gujarat region. The name garba comes from the Sanskrit term Garbha ("womb") and Deep ("a small earthenware lamp"). Many traditional garbas are performed around a central lit lamp or picture/statues of different avatars of Goddess Shakti. The circular and spiral figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances, such as those of Sufi culture. Traditionally it is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival Navarātrī. Either the lamp (the Garba Deep) or an image of the Goddess Durga (also called Amba) is placed in the middle of concentric rings as an object of veneration.

Modern garba is also heavily influenced by raas, a dance traditionally performed by men. The merger of these two dances has formed the high-energy dance that is seen today.

Both men and women usually wear colorful costumes while performing garba and dandiya. The girls and the women wear chaniya choli, a three-piece dress with a choli, a chaniya, as the flared, skirt-like bottom, and dupatta, which is usually worn in the traditional Gujarati manner. Chaniya Cholis are decorated with beads, shells, mirrors, sitaras, and embroidery work, mati, Traditionally, women adorn themselves with jhumkas, necklaces, bindi, bajubandh, chudas and kangans, kamarbandh, payal, and mojiris. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a kediyu - a short round kurta - above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.

There is a huge interest in Garba amongst the youth of the Indian and in particular Gujarati diaspora. Garba and Dandiya Raas are popular in the United States where more than 20 universities have Raas Garba competitions on a huge scale every year with professional choreography. Garba is also very popular in the United Kingdom where there are a number of Gujarati communities who hold their own garba nights. One of the most popular garbas in the UK is at Chiswick because of the high power music of UK's popular Indian Garba band Strings and another in Northolt.

Gujarati cuisine:

Gujarati cuisine refers to the cuisine of the Gujaratis from India, who are predominant in western India. It is primarily a vegetarian cuisine, despite having an extensive coastline for sea food, due influence of Jain vegetarianism and traditional Hinduism.The typical Gujarati Thali consists of Roti (a flat bread made from wheat flour, and called rotli in Gujarati), daal or kadhi, rice, and sabzi/shaak (a dish made up of different combinations of vegetables and spices, which may be stir fried, spicy or sweet). Cuisine can vary widely in flavor and heat, depending on a given family's tastes as well as the region of Gujarat they are from. North Gujarat, Kathiawad, Kachchh, and South Gujarat are the four major regions of Gujarat that all bring their own style to Gujarati food. Many Gujarati dishes are distinctively sweet, salty, and spicy at the same time.

Farsan (Side dishes):

Bhajiya

Dhokla
Khandvi
Patra
Khichu
Sev Khamani
Lilva Kachori
Chaat
Methi na Gota
Soonvali
Kachori
Muthia
Paani Puri
Handwo (steamed dish)
Rasya Muthia, a spicy yogurt dumpling soup
Khaja
Khaman

Gujarat Transportation:

Air:

Gujarat has ten airports. All are domestic airports except Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which also offers international flights.

Rail:

Gujarat comes under the Western Railways zone of the Indian Railways. Vadodara Railway Station is the busiest railway station in Gujarat and the fourth busiest railway station in India. It is situated on the Mumbai – Delhi Western Railway Mainline. Other important railway stations are Surat Railway Station, Ahmedabad Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station. Indian Railways is planning Delhi–Mumbai dedicated rail freight route passing through the state.

Work on Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 11 billion) first phase of the metro rail project in Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar will start by 2011 and the line is expected to be operational within 2–3 years. The first phase of the metro rail project will cover a distance of 32.65 kilometre in the north-south direction between Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad and 10.90 kilometre east-west corridor between Kalupur and Thaltej.

Sea:

Kandla Port is one of the largest ports serving Western India. Other important ports in Gujarat are the Port of Navlakhi, Port of Magdalla, Port of Pipavav, Port of Porbandar and the privately owned Mundra Port.

Road:

Auto rickshaws:

Auto rickshaw is an important and frequently used mode of transport in Gujarat. The Government of Gujarat is promoting Bicycles to reduce pollution.

Bus:

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is the primary body responsible for providing the bus services within the state of Gujarat and also with the neighboring states. It is a public transport corporation providing bus services and public transit within Gujarat and to the other states in India. Apart from this, there are a number of services provided by GSRTC.