Gujarat, the birthplace of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Narendra Modi and also the city with the longest coastline is one of the most wonderful destinations to spend your holiday with your loved ones. This westernmost state is teeming with oodles of tourist destinations ranging from historical sites Lothal to dry areas like Rann of Kutch. This wonderful state plays a huge role in increasing the economy rate of the country as there are several industries established here. It also boasts of the only habitat to Asiatic Lions i.e. Gir National Park, a true paradise for animal lovers. You are surely missing out an incredible experience if you have not visited Gujarat yet so let’s not waste more time and pack your bags for the next holiday.
Here is the list of some of the most popular tourist destinations in Gujarat that you can discover on your trip to Gujarat. You all must have heard of these golden words quoted by great film star Amitabh Bachchan “Kuch din to Gujariye Gujarat me” so if you are also attracted with these words then check out the below mentioned sites that you get to explore here. We have segregated the wonders of the city on the basis on their importance and the theme of holiday.
Temples in the State
Religious tour plays a great role in increasing the tourism rate of Gujarat as the state boasts of numerous temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses and many of them were established several centuries ago.
Somnath Temple
One of the most important and revered pilgrimages in the state, Somnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reckoned as one of the highly venerated Jyotirlingas in India. The destination is not only considered as a religious site but also popular as a thing of wonder. This gorgeous and beautifully standing huge temple is believed to have been plundered several times and has got renovated each time in a more graceful way. It is believed to have been built up of gold by Lord Soma then in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna, and then was made up of stone by King Bhimdev and the one that is presently found in the city is made up of stone. The striking architecture of this temple and its religious significance attract millions of tourists towards itself where they come to seek the blessings of the deity.
How to Reach – Take a flight from your city to Diu Airport which is established at a distance of almost 65 km from the shrine or you can also opt for the train ride till Veraval which is located almost 6 km away from the desired destination.
Best time to Visit – However, you can explore this religious site in any months of the year yet summer is not considered more because the state witnesses scorching heat during this period and your trip may become so tiring.
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Being one of the most important holy pedestals of Char Dham Yatra, Dwarkadheesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This magical land of Lord Krishna is also called as Jagat Mandir and is considered as one of the most sought pilgrimages in the country. As per the Hindu mythology, this ancient Hindu temple was initially constructed by Vanjranabhji, the grandson of Lord Krishna and later got plundered and so renovated several times. The complex of the temple boasts of several smaller temples too apart from the main sanctum where Lord Krishna is idolized beautifully.
How to Reach?
Dwarka Railway Station in Gujarat is the nearest railhead to the pilgrimage which is at a distance of only 1 km. If you are not comfortable in covering the distance between your city and the destination by train then you can board the flight to Jamnagar Airport which is almost 47 ahead of the shrine. Although the city is well connected with various other cities of the country by roadways but this road journey can make you tired.
Best time to Visit – Likewise Somnath Temple, this religious site is also best to visit during the winter months as well as monsoon months because the weather is pretty pleasant and favorable in these months as compared to summer months.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
One of the most eminent destinations of Shiva worshippers, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is a highly sacred sanctum idolizing the deity of Nageshwar Mahadev and has great religious significance as it is believed that Lord Krishna performed a deep meditation here and pleased Lord Shiva by doing Rudrabhishekam. After this the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya laid the foundation of his western Math at Kalika Peeth. Devotees from all across the world come here to seek the blessings of the deity as it is believed to be the seat of divine power of Lord Shiva and also in the urge of making themselves free from the effect of every physical and spiritual poison viz. anger, maya, sin, and temptation. Also, as the name suggests, one who visits the temple gets free from the fear of snakes and this deep rooted belief makes it more significant and important in Hinduism.
How to Reach?
Take a train to Dwarka Railway Station and if you don’t get the ticket for Dwarka then get it for Veraval which is only 7 km away from Dwarka. On reaching Veraval railway station you can hire a taxi or cab to Dwarka. If you prefer to come by flight then land at Jamnagar Airport and from there take the conveyance to reach the place. Road journey is also preferred as the state is well-connected to other cities.
Best time to Visit – Being located in the dry state, summer is the most recommended time to plan your visit.
Bala Hanuman Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Bala Hanuman Mandir is one of the most crowded places in the state especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Although the shrine is flocked by heavy number of pilgrims throughout the week yet the above mentioned days hold a different charm so on these two days, it becomes more crowded. The striking feature of the temple is that it plays an enchanting prayer that continues for the entire day and has not stopped since its establishment in the year 1964. This is what that made it enlisted into Guinness Book of World Records. Besides being named after Lord Hanuman, the temple also houses the idols of other deities including Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, and Lord Lakshman.
How to Reach?
Jamnagar railway station is the nearest railway station from where you can take the transport to reach this immensely sacred shrine.
Best time to Visit – Throughout the year
Rukmini Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the partner of Lord Krishna, Rukmini Temple is a magnificent temple that is popular for its gorgeous artifacts and the two beautifully designed panels. On one of the panels, there are Gajathars or elephants depicted on the vile and on the other panel one can spot Narathars or human sculptures. When you enter the inner sanctum of the temple you get to see the idols of Goddess and the Lord where you can pay your offering and can seek the blessings for your lifelong prosperity and wealth. The temple is believed to be constructed in the 12th century and since then it is standing tall and holding great importance in religious tourism of Gujarat.
How to Reach?
Dwarka and Jamnagar are the two nearest railway stations where you can alight from your train and catch the transit for further journey towards the temple.
Best time to Visit– throughout the year except full moon days and Ekadshi days.
Scenic Splendors
Despite housing several bigger as well as smaller temples, Gujarat is renowned as one of the best holiday destinations for those who are in love with nature. Let’s have a quick check on the list of places where you can spend some amazing time amidst the nature.
Saputara – The only Hill Station in the State
Gujarat being a dry state witnesses hot and humid climate so if you are tired of bearing that unfavorable clime then moving towards Saputara Hills is one of the best ideas to relieve yourself from this unpleasant situation. Here you get to feel the cool gentle breeze and also escape yourself away from the scorching heat coming out of the sun rays. Being the only hill station in the state, Saputara is found hugely crowded during the summer season especially on the weekends as natives also flock here to spend some time in serene and tranquil ambiance.
How to Reach Saputara?
Bilmora, the nearest railway station is almost 50 km away from this hill destination and after reaching this rail head, one can easily get a cab or a personal taxi for Saputara.
Dwarka Beach
Dwarka, one of the most sought and highly venerated pilgrimages of Char Dham Yatra holds a great importance in Gujarat tourism. Popularly called as the mystical land of Lord Krishna, Dwarka boasts of a glimmering beach where not only tourists love visiting but also locals love spending their weekends especially during the summer season. It is a perfect place for tourists with vivid travel tastes viz. nature lover, adventure seeker, or a peace lover as the serene and tranquil ambiance lets you meet with your innerself and also boasting a huge waterstream, the destination lets you get indulged in several water sport activities.
How to Reach Dwarka Beach?
On reahing Dwarka Railway Station, you can easily get a conveyance to reach your desired destination.
Best time to Visit- You can visit the destination throughout the year yet spring season is considered to be the most recommended time.
Diu – The Most Incredible Beach Destination
An incredible island destination established in this hugely spread dry state, Diu is a perfect holiday destination if you are looking for a site where you can traverse along the white-powdery beach and charming waves splashing across the shore. One must be aware of the fact consuming alcohol in this dry state is not allowed but Diu is the place where you can quench your thirst of taking alcohol and that also in a proper legal way. You also get to witness the incredible charm of the Portuguese architectural work by visiting the magnificent Diu Fort or the Sea Shells Museum and there are similarly there is no dearth of such sightseeing destinations.
How to Reach?
Una is the nearest railway station located at a distance of almost 12 km from the destination city and from here you can book a cab or a taxi that takes you to the place.
Best time to Visit- August to October is the peak time to plan your journey as the weather is quite pleasing and favorable at this point of time.
Zanzari Waterfall
Located almost at a driving distance of 1 hr from Ahmedabad, Zanzari Waterfall is one of the most favorite picnic spots in Gujarat which is massively crowded on weekends. It is best to explore by the travelers who seek for adventure activities and are in love with nature and waterfalls. If trekking is one of your travel desire then Zanzari Waterfall is the best place to love your desire to the utmost level and even taking bath under the waterfall is also full of fun and excitement. One can also enjoy taking camel ride near this waterfall which makes your trip more memorable and exciting.
How to Reach?
Either you can start your drive towards the waterfall from Ahmedabad or from Gandhinagar as these are the nearest destinations from where you can get a conveyance for your travel.
Best time to Visit- Monsoon months are the most recommended time to plan your trip as during this period, the water level reaches to its peak and makes this waterfall more enriching and appealing.
Chorwad Beach
One of the most popular and idyllic beach destinations in Gujarat, Chorwad Beach was once serving as an appealing summer retreat. Nowadays also, during the summer months when it becomes very difficult to survive in the immense hot and humid weather of Gujarat then locals as well as travelers flock to this place to get some relief from the scorching heat of the sun rays. This glimmering beach destination is adorned with several other scenic vistas which make it a pictorial wonderland where one can click some amazing pictures for their travel frames.
How to Reach?
It is only at a distance of 18 km from Veraval so reach Veraval first and then from there take a transport to this beach site.
Best time to Visit- Summer months as it offers an amazing relief from the scorching heat of the sun rays on hot days.
Historical Sites
Gujarat and Indian History are the two faces of a coin as this state with the longest coastline is immensely related to the struggle of Indian independence. For an instance, Gujarat was the base of Dandi March which was proved to be a strong weapon in making our country free from the rule of Britishers. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular places that you can explore as an academician or a history lover.
Rani Ki Vav
One of the most sought destinations in the state that is reckoned for its incredible architecture and for the reason of its construction i.e. to show her love for his king, The Queen of that royal family thought of its construction. Likewise Taj Mahal, the motive of its construction and architecture is so appealing that it has been added as a World Heritage Site. Constructed in the early 11th century, Rani Ki Vav is adorned with more than 1500 sculptures and boasts of a beautiful staircase that takes you to seven floors below. The most important fact of the site is that it is a recently excavated site which has now become an important tourist site in the state.
How to Reach?
From Ahmedabad, one can take a bus to reach Patan which is located at a distance of almost 3.5 hours and from Mehsana, one takes almost 1.5 hours.
Best time to Visit – October to April is the most recommended time to visit Rani Ki Vav especially in the months of December and January.
Dholavira
Dholavira, one of the most ancient destinations in Gujarat located at a distance of almost 250 km from the Bhuj district. Reckoned as the fifth largest Indian sub-continent and the second largest in India, Dholavira is the only site that depicts the presence of Harappan culture dating back to 2900 BC to 1500 BC. On your Dholavira excursion, you get to explore various sun-dried buildings, ancient reservoirs, and the 5000 year old stepwell.
How to Reach?
One needs to cover a total distance of 6 km from Ahmedabad for which they can either hire a cab or a taxi.
Best time to Visit – Winter season is the most recommended time to plan your Dholavira trip as during this period you experience the most favorable and the pleasant climatic condition.
Lothal
Likewise Dholavira, Lothal is also one of the most significant sites of Indus Valley Civilization where you can find a tank that is believed to be a dry dockyard connected by the channels to the old channels of the gorgeously flowing Sabarmati River. Visiting the museum near the destination city is quite worthy as here you get to witness almost 5089 that were unearthed from the evacuation including shell and ivory objects, terracotta ornaments, replicas of seals and sealings, copper and bronze objects are there are many more excavated items in the list.
How to Reach?
Either you can reach Gandhigram by train and then take a bus for the further journey or reach Ahmedabad and then take a taxi from there.
Best time to Visit – July to March is the peak season of visiting this historical site and one must be aware that there is no place to accommodate yourself.
Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
Which other place is more significant than a fort especially the Uparkot Fort in Junagadh, another magnificent historical site in Gujarat. This admiring fort was established centuries ago i.e. 319 BC by the founder of Maurya Dynasty, Changragupta Maurya. Since its construction, the fort has seen many tragedies viz. bloodshed during the rivalry wars among different rulers but it is still standing in the same condition and serving its motive of protecting the city from outsiders. On entering this hugely spread fort, you get to witness many other architectural wonders like Jumma Masjid, stepwells, Buddhist Caves, and 300 feet deep moats.
How to Reach?
Rajkot and Porbandar own the nearest airport to Junagadh so if you are coming by flight then book a ticket to either of these airports. Also, the city is very well connected to several other cities of the country so going by roadways is also a good option.
Best time to Visit– Being located in a dry state, it is always recommended to visit this place between the months August and March as the weather is pleasing during these months.
Adalaj Stepwell
Originally constructed in 1555 AD, Adalaj Stepwell is one of the most appealing historical sites located in the outskirts of Ahmedabad and is renowned as a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The series of platforms and the galleries built on the side of the stepwell are the key attractions of this site and when you move upward through the stairs you get to see a huge circular tank, a well at the lowest point, and entrance pavilion at the ground level. The intricate carvings and the scriptures painted on the walls are the real treasures of this historical site that tells a lot about the city.
How to Reach?
There is a specific airport and a particular railway station in Ahmedabad, so on reaching the city take a private taxi or a sharing cab to reach your destination.
Best time to Visit– throughout the except summer months as the weather doesn’t allow you to explore the destination to the fullest.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
As stated above, Gujarat welcomes every kind of travelers whether you are a theist, nature lover, adventure seeker, or an animal lover. So, if you belong to the last category of travelers then check out the list of destinations that you can marvel at several species of flora and fauna.
Gir National Park
The only home to Asiatic Lions, Gir National Park is one of the most sought and hugely visited tourist destinations in the state where travelers from all across the globe flock to witness the wildlife experiences. This hugely sprawled national park boasts of more than 300 avian species including crested serpent eagle, great horned own, and several species belonging to the cat family. According to the statistical reports of the national park, there are almost 93 species of invertebrates, 29 species of reptiles, 448 flowering plants, and 96 trees. This admiring national park is also notable for its silk cotton trees whose bright orange color makes this dull looking land into a dusty brown landscape.
How to Reach Gir National Park?
Keshod is the nearest airport to this national park and if you prefer railways then Junagadh and Veraval are the closest railheads from where you can take the road transport to reach your planned destination.
Best time to Visit- December to March is the best time to visit Gir National Park as the weather is quite pleasing and favorable during these months.
Great Indian Bustard Bird Sanctuary
One of the best places to spot Great Indian Bustard in our country is Gujarat as the state boasts of Great Indian Bustard Bird Sanctuary sprawling over an area of almost 2 sq. km. The sanctuary comes second in the list of largest home ground of Indian Bustard bird species where as the Desert National Park in Rajasthan tops the list. Mc Queen Bustards, Bushchats, Lesser Florican, etc. are some other species of birds that are found here. One can also witness the charm of varied vegetation, marshy swamps, and semi arid grasslands to add more excitement to their bird watching experience.
How to Reach?
Take a transport from your city and reach Kutch from where you can take a taxi or a private cab to reach the destination.
Best time to Visit – August to March is the most recommended time to plan your trip as in summer it becomes difficult to go out.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
One of the largest rooting grounds of Blackbucks, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is another astonishing place to quench your thirst of living wildlife experiences. Although you can’t enjoy the safari ride at this park to marvel the animals from a closer distance but there is a remarkable feature of this national park is that here you can spot several species of birds with different shapes and sizes. Covering this huge park by walking on foot is however tiring but its incredible greenery negotiates your tiredness and make you feel energized.
How to Reach?
Surat Airport is the nearest airport to Bhavnagar where the park is established and there is also a bus stand in Bhavnagar from where you can take the transport to reach this site.
Best time to Visit – Except summer months you can plan your trip in any of the months.
Vansda National Park
Tucked beautifully amidst the Sahyadri ranges, Vansda National Park is a well conserved national park that has been spread over a huge area of 24 sq. km. The unique and the remarkable feature of this park is that since the time of Maharaja of Vansda, there is not a single tree that has been till date and this is why the park looks so dense and green. The canopies of the trees are so tall and dense that sunrays don’t pass through them properly and this makes it look dark even during the daytime and the best thing about the park is that there is no rule of seeking permission.
How to Reach?
From Surat or Waghai you can take hire a personal taxi or reserve a seat in bus that takes you straight towards the national park.
Best time to Visit- Post monsoon and winter months are the ideal time to visit this wildlife destination.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
Established in the region of Rann of Kutch, this uniquely named wildlife sanctuary had been spread over an extensive area of around 4954 sq. km. On your visit to this gorgeous wildlife sanctuary you get to marvel at carious animals including carnivores, mammals, and even several bird species are also found here. Despite being home to several species of animals, this sanctuary is mostly popular as a habitat of innumerable endangered species like the Asiatic wild ass species and Indian Wild ass named Khur.
How to Reach?
After you reach Kutch, just opt for the public transport to make a comfortable and smooth visit to this sanctuary.
Best time to Visit- August to March is the most ideal time to plan your visit for an amazing wildlife experience at this sanctuary.
Not to be Missed Destinations
Sabarmati Ashram
Situated in the northern part of Ahmedabad, Sabarmati Ashram is one of those destinations that one must not skip visiting on their trip to Gujarat as this is the place which had once served as the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his dearest wife Kasturba Gandhi. Being the originating place of the massive Dandi March, this ashram holds great importance in Gujarat tourism and as stated above, Gandhiji had spend many years of his life at this place, so one can find numerous evidences related to his lifestyle and here you can also witness various establishments that are established in the premise of the ashram.
How to Reach?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is the nearest airport to the destination and similarly Gandhigram Railway Station is the closest railhead. Also, this popular site is well-connected with the other cities via roadways.
Best time to Visit – Winter and monsoon months are the most recommended time to plan your visit.
Rann of Kutch
World’s largest salt desert, Rann of Kutch is another must visit destinations. This huge salt desert has been spread over an area of almost 7505 kilometers and this desert looks like a glazing diamond under the sun rays and during the night hours it seems like an aerie beneath the bluish glow. Thousands of tourists flock to this desert land in the winter months to participate in the grand celebration of Rann Utsav Festival.
How to Reach?
The closest railway station to this wonderful tourist site is Bhuj from where you can easily get a conveyance for your desired destination.
Best time to Visit – Winter season is the most preferred time to visit this huge marshy land as during this season, one can witness the charm of Rann Utsav celebration.
Champaner – Pavagarh Archaeological Park
Established beautifully in the foothills of Pavagadh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is another popular destination that one must not miss on his/her Gujarat trip. Discovered a long time back, this hugely spread archaeological park looks like a ruin nowadays where the remnants of several mosques and palaces are found that depicts some of the perfect examples of a perfect blend of Islamic and Jain traditions. One can also spot some centuries old monuments including tombs, palaces, fortresses and walls, pavilions, etc.
How to Reach?
Being located at a short distance of almost 50 km from Vadodara, the archaeological park is easy to access from Vadodara.
Best time to Visit – Summer is not at all a good time to plan any outdoor activities in Gujarat, so beside Summer months, you can go ahead with your plan either in the monsoon or the winter months.
Sun Temple, Modhera
Constructed in 1027 AD, this beautiful temple is one of the most surviving temples in India that is dedicated to Lord Sun. Constructed during the reign of Solanki dynasty, this temple is an absolute epitome of the gorgeous Hindu temples. The temple has been segregated into three parts that are aligned perfectly from East to West according to the deities present in the temple complex. When you enter the temple, you get to see a prayer hall, a surya kund, and one other room that takes you to the way to reach the inner sanctum of the shrine. Modhera Dance Festival is the key attraction of this site in which hundreds of participants take part to entertain the guests.
How to Reach?
After reaching Ahmedabad, one can take a bus ride or a car to reach this desired sacred destination.
Best time to Visit – Similar to other tourist destinations in the state, this gorgeous temple is also best to visit during winter or monsoon months so that the hot and humid weather don’t trouble you.
Akshardham Temple
Located in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, Akshardham Temple was established in the year 1992. This amazingly constructed shrine is one of the most sought destinations of Swaminarayan worshippers as it is believed that one who visits the temple with immense devotion in the Lord he/she attains salvation and gets the blessings for their lifelong prosperity and wealth. The most amazing part of its architecture is that there is no cement and steel has been used for its construction and it is only made of 6000 tons of pink sandstone. When you enter the main sanctum of the temple, you get to witness the 7 feet tall statue of the deity where the devotees pay their offerings.
How to Reach?
On reaching Ahmedabad, take a cab to reach Gita Mandir and then from there take a transport bus to reach Gandhinagar bus stand from where you will get the direct auto for Akshardham Temple.
Best time to Visit – Throughout the year but if you don’t want to face the scorching heat coming out of the sun rays then skip you plan for summer months.
