Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable. A state with an amazingly varied topography ranging from the deep green of the dense forests to stark white at the salt plains. Its 1660 kilometers coastline is home to some of the most unique marine species and geographical locations at the state makes it an ideal matrix, a melting pot of a vast variety of culture, people, places and history due to eons of migratory influences. Along with all the migrations came in various ritual practices, cuisines, style of dresses, fairs and festivals, celebrations all of which were amalgamated and became a part of what this amazingly diverse state has to offer to you.
Proin gravida nibh vel velit auctor aliquet. Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit consequat ipsum, nec sagittis sem nibh id elit. Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit.
Salt Marshes in Great Rann of Kutch: The Great Rann of Kutch, a large area of salt marshland, is located in the District of Kutch, in the western state of India, Gujarat. The vast expanse is situated in the Thar Desert and is formed of salt marshes which create a mesmerising view that attracts travellers from all over the world. Sunsets at the Great Rann of Kutch are a treat to the eyes after exploring the region. Watching the moon on a full moon night in the captivating surroundings of the Great Rann of Kutch will make you feel like you are on a different planet altogether.
Spot Asiatic Lions at Gir: Gir National Park is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions that are almost a definition to this park in Gujarat, which has a lot more to offer. Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a certain species.
Visit the Historical Sabarmati Ashram: Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, Sabarmati Ashram is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction situated in the suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Witness a Mesmerizing Sunset in Kankaria Lake: Kankaria Lake is the second largest lake of Ahmedabad, formerly known as Hauz-e-Qutub. Located near the Maninagar area, the lakefront is popular for the balloon safari, zoo, toy trains and the amusement park.
Enjoy a Cable Car Ride at The Ropeway in Saputara: The Ropeway Cable offers a panoramic view of the entire city from an altitude of about 30 feet. The cable cars are well suited for the physically challenged as well as the elderly. They start from the Sunset Point, and carry tourists up to the Governor’s Hill and Sunrise Point.
Hike the Hills in Girnar: Keeping up the delicate balance between the fine golden-brown sand of Gujarat’s richest desert on one hand, and the lush green of the Gir Forest on the other – Girnar – a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat are a haven for thrill seekers.
Bird watching at Vadla: Vadla is an up and coming haven for migratory birds making their way to the marshy wetlands of Gujarat, just a short drive away from Ahmedabad. Vadla still remains relatively unknown and undiscovered in comparison to the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and is a hidden gem only known to the locals.
Take a Tour to the Ancient Town of Dholavira: It is one of the largest remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization which was one of the most developed civilization roughly 4500 years ago. Witness the history yourself.
Flamingos Watching at Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary: Less than 100 km away from Bhuj, this sanctuary is spread over an area of about 7505.22 sq. km. in the Kutch District of Gujarat. This wildlife sanctuary is considered as one of the largest seasonal saline wetland areas. It has a water depth that ranges between 0.5 to 1.5 m and preserves various species of flamingo birds.
Water Sports at Beyt Island: Among the several activities available at the beach to engage the tourists, the most popular ones include dolphin spotting, marine excursions, beach camping and picnics etc.
Attend the Famous International Kite Festival: The International Kite Festival is among the most prominent festivals that are celebrated in this State. Ahmedabad, where the main event takes place, becomes an abode for visitors from all over the world.
Take a Tour of the Vibrant Marine National Park: Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is the first marine conservatory built in India. Crediting to its diverse range of flora and fauna, it accounts for a magnanimous natural site for India’s natural resource and beauty. The park is distributed in 42 scattered islands in an archipelago. The park also houses many endangered aquatic animals granting them protection from poachers.
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
Kutch: Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held.
Gir National Park: Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions. Located in Talala Gir in Gujarat, the Sanctuary is a part of Kathiawar- Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
Somnath: Somnath, literally meaning ‘lord of the moon’ is a pilgrim center and is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a town which derives much of its identity from the mythology, religion, and legends that surround it. Somnath also offers beaches, museums and other attractions.
Statue of Unity: The Bronze statue of the founding father of the Republic of India stands 182 metres tall grabbing the attention of the whole world as the ‘Tallest statue in the World’.
Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in Gujarat. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is the former capital of Gujarat, and it’s delicious food, colourful culture is making it a fast-growing tourist destination. The historic city of Ahmedabad or the old part of the city was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vadodara: Known for one of the most lavish palaces in India- the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and plenty more legendary monuments, Vadodara is the cultural capital of Gujarat. With a prominent part of it being occupied by the Gujaratis, this place is the most sought after during the nine days of the Navratri festival.
Saputara: Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists.
Dwarka: Dwarka is believed to be the capital city of Lord Krishna’s kingdom. Known as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Dwarka boasts of being the only city that is a part of both Char Dham (four principal holy places) and also Sapta Puris (seven sacred cities) mentioned in the Hindu religion.
Wankaner: It’s a fabulous little town that has River Macchu on one of its sides and is dotted with many impressive heritage buildings and palaces. And some of these have proudly been turned into 5-star hotels as well and you can experience royal lifestyle and hospitality.
Champaner: Champaner is a historical city located in the Panchmahal district in Gujarat. Being included in the elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park holds a lot of historical as well as mythological significance in itself. The Park comprises of umpteen number of splendid architectural wonders consisting of both Hindu & Islamic styles of design.
Girnar: Girnar is such a location that has some enticing hills and fascinating sceneries around that are surely going to tempt you to explore them immediately. Climb the hills and even trek at the nearest meadows and valleys. So, if you are looking for a perfect adventure journey, then Girnar is the place for you.
Bhuj: Bhuj is known as a desert city, with a history dating back to kingdoms and empires, palaces from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj. With numerous temples, small streets, and traditional handicrafts, Bhuj is one of the unique historical sites in India.
Dholavira: Known as a remarkable excavation site during the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira was one of the most developed cities roughly 4500 years ago. It was a flourishing Harappan site between 2650 and 1450 BCE.
Site of the Indus Valley Civilization: Gujarat is home to two major towns of the Indus Valley (or Harappan) Civilization, Dholavira and Lothal. Dholavira is located in the Kutch District. It is said to have once been one of the grandest Harappan cities.
The Unique Wildlife: This state has numerous national parks and reserves, but perhaps the most important is the Gir Forest National Park near Talala Gir. It is home to the only Asiatic Lion population in India and is one of the most important protected areas in Asia.
Colourful Festivals: Some of the most vibrant and iconic festivals in the country are celebrated in Gujarat. Perhaps the most famous is Navaratri. During this 10-day festival, perform poojas during the day, and dance the nights away with the garba and dandiya, while colourful kites fill the sky during the International Kite Festival.
The Rann of Kutch: A desert of salt marshes, the Rann of Kutch is bordered by the Thar Desert and the Gulf of Kutch. It covers around 10,000 square miles and spills over into the region of Sindh in Pakistan. The flooded grasslands of the Rann are a variety of ecosystems. It is the site of the colourful annual Rann Utsav festival.
Historic Palaces and Tombs: Like most Indian states, Gujarat has numerous magnificent forts and palaces. Don’t miss the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Spread across 500 acres, it is an official residence of the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. It combines Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architectural styles.
Temples: Gujarat offers the most spiritual energy to its visitors. With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, tradition, and colourful temples this destination offers the best holiday experience. This serene place is also referred to as the land of Lord Krishna and is filled with many exotic carvings present in the temples dedicated to many Hindu gods.
Suggested daily budget – 50-60 EUR / 52-62 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
October and February: During the winter season the climate remains pleasant and comfortable all through the day between October and February, making it a perfect environment to explore the tourist attractions, heritage hotels, majestic palaces, forts, ancient ruins, the natural reserves/ wildlife sanctuaries and monuments of religious importance.
Temperature: 12°C and 29°C
Fairs and festivals: If visiting during this season, tourists can also get a peek into the traditional festive celebrations. The festival of Navaratri which is a ten-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is celebrated every year in October. It signifies the rich culture of the region and is considered to be religiously important to the locals. Locals dress up in colourful traditional attires, perform sacred rituals and enjoy folk music and dance, especially Dandiya and Garba. The famous Rann Utsav is held between November and February on the desert of Rann and includes folk music, dance, games, entertainment and exhibitions.
France truly is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art and history, food and wine, or just the natural beauty of the countryside, you’ll find it all here. Some of the top reasons to visit France include the iconic landmarks and architecture, world-class museums, delicious cuisine and wine, and charming countryside villages. Additionally, France offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to quiet rural areas, so you can tailor your trip to your preferences. Whenever you choose to visit, France is sure to enchant and inspire you with its beauty and culture.
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.
© Copyright 2023 ways2wander. All rights reserved.