Lately for some years, Gujarat has taken India by storm. Be it the honorable Prime Minister Modi Ji or the high-paced development of the state, it always remained in buzz. In front of these two things, people are drifting apart from the rich culture & heritage of Gujarat. Literally means ‘the land of legends’, Gujarat is deep-rooted in heritage and boasts a prideful history which can be seen in the marvelous monuments of the state.
Being a treasure trove of history, culture, heritage, and nature, Gujarat is a major tourist destination in India. The sonorous voice of Megastar Amitabh Bachchan describing the beauty of Gujarat has made it even more beautiful. So, let’s have a quick overview at places to visit in Gujarat.
Kutch
Remember, what Amitabh Bachchan says in the ad? “Agar Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha!”. He simply summed up the grandeur of Kutch in one line. Truly, if you haven’t witnessed Kutch at least once in your lifetime, you haven’t seen anything. Being the largest salt desert in the world, Kutch is one of the most splendid places in the world. The Great Rann of Kutch is so widespread that you can’t capture the starting point and ending point at the single sight.
Stretching in the western skirt of Gujarat, Kutch touches the border of Thar Desert on one side and of Arabian Sea on other side. During the Rann festival which happens every year in the winters, Kutch comes in its full swing. Unnumbered of cultural and festival activities are held by the locals. The barren land of salty desert Kutch is stretched in over 40,000 km2. The Kutch region of Gujarat is truly a sight to behold and one of the best places to visit in Gujarat.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Famous for: Handicrafts, white deserts, virgin sea beaches, hills, forts and archaeological sites.
- Places to visit: Great Rann of Kutch, Kalo Dungar, Mandvi Beach, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary Topansar Lake, Kandla Port, Kutch Museum, Prag Mahal, Dholavira, Lakhpat, Siyot Caves etc.
- Things to do: Attend Rann Mahotsav, ATV riding, horse riding, paragliding, camel-riding, trekking, Para motoring, rifle hooting, archery, bird watching etc.
- Places to stay: Hotel White Desert, Hotel Kutch Desert, Rann Resort Dholavira, Dholavira Tourism Resort, Rann Village Resort, Kutir Craft Village Resort, Tent City.
- How to reach:
- Nearest train station: Bhuj railway station (80 km)
- Nearest airport: Shyamji Krishna Verma Bhuj airport (80 km)
Champaner
Champaner is a World Heritage Site located in Panchmahal district, about 47 kilometres from Vadodara. It embodies the history of Gujarat. Founded by Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century, it was named after his friend General Champa.
The Khichi Chauhan’s ruled over it and then it was conquered by Mahmud Begada who also conquered the Pavagadh Fort standing on the hill that is now famous for the Amba Mata temple. He built Champaner and the magnificent Jama Masjid is still an outstanding architectural marvel. Walk through this and the other monuments and you will feel echoes from the past resonating in the ruins. From here you move on to Jambughoda.
- Best time to visit: October to February (winters)
- Famous for: Sandalwood trees, mangoes, silks, adventure, wildlife, pilgrimage, forts & archaeological sites.
- Places to visit: Maa Mahakalika Temple, Pavagadh Hill, Pavagadh Fort, Jain Temples, Hindu Temples, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park etc.
- Things to do: Explore historical sites, photography, zorbing, boating.
- Places to stay: Champaner Heritage Resort, Vikrama Heritage Resort and Spa, Hotel Balaji Inn, Jambughoda Palace, Hotel Sara Palace, Hotel Nilkanth.
- How to reach:
- Nearest train station: Champaner railway station
- Nearest airport: Vadodara airport (42 km)
Patan
Patan has recently garnered a huge attention when an ancient monument from the city became the latest Indian entrant of UNESCO World Heritage site. Yes, I’m talking about the ‘Rani ka Vav’ which has amused the world with its brilliant carved architecture and sculptures. During 11th century, Queen Bhimdeva built this step well with the fore-vision of saving wastage water but over the ages, it emerged as an epitome of stellar Hindu architecture.
The vividly embellished motifs and the carvings of Hindu God & Goddess make it one of its kind. Apart from Rani ka Vav, Kalika Mata, Sidhwai Mata, Brahmakund, Hemachandra Gyan Mandir, Jain temples, and Sahastralinga Talav are the must-see places in Patan. Being the capital of Gujarat during the medieval period, Patan has an important role in Indian history as well as in culture. In recent few years, Patan has become a tourist hub in Gujarat. If you’re a lover of thickly adorned Patola Sarees, Patan is a place for you. Patan is among beautiful places to visit in Gujarat.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Famous for: Patola sarees, hand-woven textiles, religious sites & historic sites.
- Places to visit: Rani Ki Vav, Patola Heritage Museum, Modhera Sun Temple, Patan City Museum, Loteshwar Mahadev Temple, Bindu Sarovar, Panchasara Jain Temple etc.
- Things to do: Photography, explore historical sites, camping
- Places to stay: The Grand Raveta, Hotel Dolphin Residency, Hotel Apple Residency, Hotel Carre Four, Hotel Marvel Inn, Hotel The Grand Piano, Hotel Navjivan.
- How to reach:
- Nearest train station: Kalol railway station (75 km)
- Nearest airport: Ahmedabad airport (125 km)
Saputara
The tourism of Gujarat can’t be completed without the mention of Saputara. The all other tourist places to visit in Gujarat are on one side and Saputara is alone on other side. Being the beautiful hill station of the state, it receives a huge influx of visitors daily. Tucked majestically in the imposing Sahyadri ranges on the lap of dense dang forests, Saputara is the most refreshing tourist destination in Gujarat.
Interestingly, in Saputara, natural, historical, and wildlife splendor stand side by side, so it is a sheer delight for every visitor. Vansda National Park, Hatgadh Fort, Saputara Lake, Rose Garden, Gira Waterfall, and Mahal Forest are the central attractions of Saputara. The most beautiful thing about Saputara is that the weather always remains pleasant in Saputara. There is never excessive heat, never chilly cold. Just the mild weather!
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Famous for: Hill station, waterfalls, national parks, wildlife
- Places to visit: Gira Waterfalls, Vansda National Park, Hatgadh Fort, Sunrise Point, Saputara Lake, Sunset Point, Lake Garden, Saptashringi Devi Mandir, Purna Sanctuary.
- Things to do: Boating, picnic, nature walks, paragliding, trekking
- Places to stay: Strawberry Hills hotel & Resorts, Hotel Kansar Palace, Aakar Lords Inn Saputara, Savshanti Lake Resort, Hotel Lake View, Aakar Lords Inn.
- How to reach:
- Nearest train station: Waghai railway station (50 km)
- Nearest airport: Surat (156 km)
Marine National Park
From the South you travel North-west to Kutch and its coastal side, home to the largest marine park in India, the Marine National Park. The waters here are crystal clear and give you a glimpse of dugong, porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and even whales. The coral reef is the main attraction and getting to islands is a day time excursion since there are no facilities for overnight stay.
It is nature in the raw. While in Kutch you can take in Koteshwar, Narayan Sarovar Lake and Lakhpat, an ancient port city. From here you travel downwards to Bhavnagar and to Velavadar Blackbuck national park cavorting in their glory. Winter or just after rains is the best time. In Kutch you will find the Great Indian Bustard sanctuary and feel at one with nature among the sand dunes. Proceed to Bhuj to admire the Mirror Palace (Aina Mahal).
- Location: Gulf of Kutch, Dwarka, Gujarat
- Established: 1982
- Area: 162.89 km2
- Entry fee:100 for Indians and Rs.650 for foreigners
- Best time to visit: October end to February
- Famous for: Starfish, whale shark, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, green sea turtles, olive ridleys and leatherbacks.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Jamnagar (56 km)
- Nearest airport: Rajkot airport
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Ahmedabad
If you’re talking about a state, how a discussion can be over without a mark of the state capital. Ahmedabad is a city in Gujarat where modern-age vibrancy and old-age cultural heritage sparkle together. Often tagged as the ‘Manchester of East’, Ahmedabad recently added another feather in its cap having been declared as the first UNSCEO World Heritage city of India.
Over the ages, Ahmedabad has been a hub of history, culture, and business, that’s why today it is on the top in tourist places to visit in Gujarat. Being the state capital, it offers a convenient and stress-free holiday experiences. Swaminarayan Temple, Akshardham Temple, Sabarmati Ashram, Jama Masjid, Dada Hari Vav, and World Vintage Car Museum are the most shining jewels of Ahmedabad.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Famous for: Cotton textiles, diamond cutting, shopping, festivals, many historical places, temples.
- Places to visit: Akshardham Temple, Patel National Museum, Calico Museum of Textiles, Hathee Singh Temple, Sabarmati Ashram, Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Sarkhej Roza etc.
- Things to do: Water sports, heritage walk, hot-air balloon rides Explore world vintage car museum, boating,
- Places to stay: Lemon Tree Hotel, Kanak Beacon Hotel, WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion, The Lake Palace, Hotel Super Inn Armoise, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza, Nal Safari Resorts.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Ahmedabad Junction railway station.
- Nearest airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
Dwarka
If you’re a Hindu, you would definitely feel an unknown connection with this city. Once the royal kingdom of Lord Shree Krishna is today one of the seven holiest cities of India. In fact, Dwarka boasts the honor of being one of four highest revered ‘Char Dham’. The Char Dham Yatra gets completed in Dwarka only. Though the original Dwarkapuri was submerged in the sea as soon as Shree Krishna left the world but according to the legends and excavations, it is the same place where Dwarkapuri of Lord Krishna was inhabited in Dwapar Yug.
It is also home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that makes the city more popular. Dwarkadeesh Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple make the city soaked in holiness. For some different experience, you can visit Dwarka Beach, Beyt Island, and Lighthouse. Dwarka is one of the most religious places to visit in Gujarat.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Famous for: Religious sites, temples, historical sites, archaeological sites, beaches.
- Places to visit: Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Bet Dwarka, Dwarka Beach, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat, Dwarka Lighthouse etc.
- Things to do: Camel ride, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, boat ride, ATV ride.
- Places to stay: Hotel Fortune Palace Dwarka, The Dwarika Hotel, The Grand Dwarika, Hotel Swati, Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn, Goverdhan Greens Resort, Lemon Tree Premier Dwarka.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Dwarka Railway Station
- Nearest airport: Porbandar Airport (95) and Jamnagar Airport (110).
Somnath Temple
Somnath in Saurashtra along the coast is home to the famous Somnath Shiva temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites in India and one of the Major char Dham Yatra spots. The temple is ancient and, according to legend, was built by the Moon God.
Be that as it may, this temple was sacked and razed dozens of time by invaders but each time it was rebuilt. In its latest iteration, it has been reconstructed by the government assistance in 1950.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Famous for: 12 jyotirlinga shrines of lord Shiva
- Places to visit: Somnath Mahadev Temple, Bhalka Tirth, Gita Mandir, Triveni Sangam, Somnath Beach, Suraj Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Dehotsarg Teerth etc.
- Things to do: Homage to Lord Shiva, camel ride, shopping, boat ride, paraglding, wild safari.
- Places to stay: Lords Inn Somnath, The Fern Residency Somnath, Safari Hotel & Resort Somnath, The Square Somnath, Regenta Central Somnath , Lords Inn Somnath, Sarovar Portico.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Veraval railway station (7 km)
- Nearest airport: Diu airport (60 km).
Lothal & Dholavira
Remember, half of our school days went learning ‘the Indus Valley and Harappan Civilization’. But we never understood this myth. So, when you’re in Gujarat, don’t miss a chance to witness the remnants of these civilizations. Yes, Lothal & Dholavira are filled with the ruins of Indus Valley and Harappan Civilization.
Being one of the most ancient historical and archaeological sites in India, Lothal & Dholavira certainly deserves a visit. There is also a museum that showcases all the artifacts associated with these civilization, so don’t forget to pay visit in the museum. Having an in-depth sight of a different civilization is really intriguing.
- Best time to visit: Winter season (October – March)
- Famous for: Indus Valley Civilization, archaeological sites
- Places to visit: IVC Metropolis, Dholavira, Kotada Timba, Archaeological Museum, Dholavira – World Heritage Site, Flamingo Lake Dholavira, Purneshwar Temple, Kutch Fossil Park etc.
- Things to do: Desert Safari, photography, shopping
- Places t stay: Dholavira Tourism Resort, Rann Resort Dholavira, Dholavira Rajal Home Stay, Dholavira Homestay, Toran Tourist Complex, Richa hotel palace, Balaji Upvan.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Samakhiali Railway Station (92)
- Nearest airport: Bhuj airport (220 km)
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Junagadh and Gir – Jamnagar
One of the highlights of Gujarat Tourism is a visit to the Gir Forest where you are likely to come across lions sprawling across the road. The Gir is also home to the Ashokan Rock edict and Junagadh is known for its Mahabat ka Maqbara, a fine architectural monument.
It simply has no parallel. You could then go on to Jamnagar and visit the Museum and Palaces built by the Jams, most famous of whom is undoubtedly Maharaja Sir Ranjitsinhji. Jamnagar has a number of other attractions as you will find, chief of which is the bird sanctuary.
- Best time to visit: October – March (winter)
- Famous for: Asiatic lion, temples, historical sites, spices and pickles.
- Places to visit: Girnar Hills, Gir Natonal Park, Damodar Kund, Mahabat Maqbara, Uperkot Fort, Madhavapur Beach, Dattatreya Temple, Sarkheswar Beach, Buddhist Caves etc.
- Things to do: Wildlife safari, trekking, camping, rafting, waterfall rappelling and paragliding.
- Places to stay: Saavaj Resort, Gir Jungle Lodge, Madhav Farmhouse, Gir Serai – IHCL SeleQtions, Saavaj Resort, Click Hotel Junagadh, Hotel The Fern Gir Forest Resort.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Junagadh Junction railway station
- Nearest airport: Rajkot Airport (106 km).
Also Read: Popular Places to Visit in Junagadh
Laxmi Vilas Palace
The seat of power of the Gaekwads, Laxmi Vilas Palace in Baroda is a beautiful, sprawling structure sitting amid stately grounds. Built around 1890 according to the Indo Saracenic style by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this palace is grander and 4 times larger than Buckingham Palace.
No expense was spared as one can see in the grand Darbar Hall, the collection of armoury and sculptures, the landscaped gardens and the Museum. While here you may visit the Motibaug Palace and the Makarpura Palace, both in Baroda.
- Location: J N Marg, Moti Baug, Vadodara 390001
- Best time to visit: October to December
- Timings: 30AM – 05.00 PM
- Entry fee: 200/- per person
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Vadodara railway station (2 km)
- Nearest airport: Vadodara Airport (6 km).
Jambughoda
Jambughoda is a pristine wildlife sanctuary just 20 kilometres from Champaner or 70 km from Vadodara. It is populated by Mahuva and teak trees and is home to a variety of wildlife. However, you will love the peace and solitude of this place, not yet spoilt by hordes of tourists. Visit the Jambughoda Palace, now a home for nature lovers, to know about the royal past of this region. Then you can move on to Saputara.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry fee: Rs. 50/- per person
- Timings: 6:00am – 7:00pm
- Famous for: Wildlife and avian species, heritage sites, Religious Sites.
- Places to visit: Nature & Wildlife Areas, Jund Hanuman Temple, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Waterfalls, Targol Dam, Sukhi Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam etc.
- Things to do: Trekking, buet cycling, bouldering, rappelling, camping stay, rope bridge, nature walks.
- Places to stay: Jambughoda Palace, Vananachal Resort, Greenland Resort, Champaner Heritage Resort, Vananchal Jungle Resort, Hotel Asopalav Inn, Vikrama Heritage Resort & Spa.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Jabugam Railway Station (6km)
- Nearest airport: Vadodara Airport (33 Km), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Ahmedabad (86 Km)
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Adalaj Stepwell and Rani Ki Vav
Gujarat has a number of step wells, the most famous of which are Rani Ki Vaav at Patan and Adalaj Stepwell at Gandhinagar, near Ahmedabad. The Adalaj Stepwell was built by Mohammed Begda in 1498 as a tribute to Rani Roopba, wife of Veer Singh, the ruler of this region who was subsequently defeated. This step well goes down five storeys, with each storey bearing intricately carved Jharokha and pillars. Right at the bottom there is a well that is now dry and fenced off but it can be pleasantly cool even in blistering heat of summer.
Rani ki Vaav is older, dating back to 1022 and was built by his widow Queen Udayamati. This is even more elaborate and larger in size than the Adalaj step well with purely Hindu architecture and carvings depicting various gods and goddesses. Traveling in Gujarat becomes quite a unique experience because of these famed enough historical monuments that leave an indelible impression on the sands of time.
- Best time to visit: Winter months (October to March)
- Timings: 8am – 6pm
- Entry fee: Rs.25/- for Indian & SAARC countries, Rs.300/- rupees for foreigner’s
- Famous for: Heritage step well, descending five stories deep
- Places to visit: Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, Calico Museum of Textiles, BAPS Akshardham Temple, Dandi Kutir, Indroda Nature Park, Trimandir.
- Places to stay: Hotel Hill City, Sterling Greenwoods Lake Resort, Hotel Om Villa, Siara Styles Amba Suites, Hotel Royal Stay, The Hillock Ahmedabad, Sterling Greenwoods Lake Resort.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Kalupur Railway station, Ahmedabad (18 km)
- Nearest airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Ahmedabad airport (15 km)
Palitana
Not far from Bhavnagar you will find Palitana on the Shetrunjaya Hills, home to marvellous collection of Jain temples. There are 108 large ones and 872 smaller ones with a total number of 7000 sculptures. Just climbing the steps is a challenge but the view atop is stupendous at this Jain Tirth Dham. Visit it for there is no other like it.
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Famous for: Jain Pilgrimage, beaches
- Places to visit: Shatrunjaya Hill Temple, Hastagiri Jain Tirth, Kumarpal Temple, Talaja Jain Temple, Vishal Jain Museum, Vimalshah Temple, Gopnath Beach.
- Things to do: Explore Jain temples, trekking, photography
- Places to stay: Hotel Om Palace And Party Plot, Hotel Sumeru, Hotel Gallord, Hotel Nandini Banquet, Hotel Vijay Palace, Rangoli Park Hotel & Resort, The Basil Park, EFCEE Sarovar Portico.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Songadh Railway Station (26 km)
- Nearest airport: Bhavnagar airport (51 km)
Mandvi
Mandvi is a small town in Gujarat but always hits the list first when it comes to must-see destinations in Gujarat. Its location in the heart of Kutch makes it even more popular. The town was founded as a port town in the mid of 15th century but soon, it became a big name in the state. In a short span of time, Mandvi has witnessed a set of drastic development.
Just in 400 years, it has become a landmark of monuments and temples. Sundarwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rameshwar Temple, and Vijay Vilas Palace are the most noticeable places in Mandvi.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Famous for: Beaches, historical sites, shipbuilding industry & craftman.
- Places to visit: Mandvi Beach, Jain Temple, Vijay Vilas Palace, Topansar Lake, Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial, Kranti Teerth, Shipbuilding Yard, Navjivan Nature Cure Centre, Light House.
- Things to do:
- Places to stay: The Beach At Mandvi Palace, Ocean Residency, Serena Beach Resort Mandvi, Beach View Hotel And Restaurant, City The Village Beach Resort, Shraddha Guest house.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Bhuj Railway Station (64 km)
- Nearest airport: Rudra Mata Airport in Bhuj (64 km)
Bhuj
The beauty of Gujarat is that here most of the cities account an eventful history of ancient olden ages and Burg is one of them. Having embraced a prideful history of over 4000 years, Bhuj is an unmatched treasure trove of culture, tradition, and history. Over the ravages of time, it has served many empires and today presents the remainders of those empires beautifully.
Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum, Ramakunf Step well, and Hamirsar Lake are the places of interest in Bhuj. In Bhuj, don’t miss a chance to go on a shopping spree. The beauty of the city makes it one of the beautiful places to visit in Gujarat.
- Best time to visit: November – March
- Famous for: Palaces, temples & meandering streets, handicrafts and arts.
- Places to visit: Banni Grassland Reserve, Chari-Dhand wetland conservation reserve, Pirotan Island, Aaina Mahal Palace, Prag Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum, Mandvi Beach, Bhujio Hill.
- Things to do: Explore local craft, cultural activities, shopping, desert festival, camel ride, trekking, boating, wildlife safari, bike ride,
- Places to stay: Regenta Resort, The Fern Residency, Hotel Prince Residency, Click Hotel Bhuj, Seven Sky Clarks Exotica, Usha Residency, V.R.P. Guest House, Hotel Shiv, City Guest House.
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Bhuj Railway station
- Nearest airport: Bhuj Airport
Best Time to Visit Gujarat
Like other parts of India, Gujarat is also extremely hot in summers. The temperature can go up to 41°C – 42°C, so it won’t be a suggestible idea to visit the state in summers. One more thing, the great Rann of Kutch remains drab during summers, so avoid summers.
Monsoon months are obviously the ideal time for the nature enthusiasts so visit during these months if you’re one of them. But if you want explore every bit of Gujarat including the real splendor of ‘Rann of Kutch’, winters are the most suitable time to visit the state. You can get the thrill of ‘Rann Utsav’. And during winters, weather also remains pleasant in Gujarat.
How to Reach Gujarat
Don’t forget, Gujarat is the home of our Prime Minister Modi Ji. Can we expect any kind of inconvenience getting in Gujarat? Obviously not! The state has the world-class connectivity by the all modes of transportation. It has many domestic airports but ‘Sardar Vallabh Bhai International Airport’ is the most suitable for the domestic as well as international tourists. If you’re going by rail, you can take at any railway station as per your convenience. All major railway stations are connected throughout the country. If we talk about the superiority of road network in Gujarat, wouldn’t it be an offense to Modi Ji. You can imagine, how developed and high-class connected the home of a prime minister can be.
If you’ll try to sum up the glory of Gujarat in one article, it would be like to measure an unfathomable ocean. The tourism of Gujarat is as expanded as the great Rann Kutch. Words can’t fathom the splendor of tourism in Gujarat. So, visit and feel it. “Kuch Din to Gujariye Gujarat me“!
