Gujarat is among the largest states in India, loved by travelers from all over the world due to its history, architecture, and culture. The best part of the state is that the people have held onto ethnicity with pride, and that is what makes Gujarat such a unique destination. You can stroll through the narrow and congested streets for part of the day and spend the rest of the time rejuvenating in your luxurious historic hotel that is equipped with international amenities. This is the real place of India, rugged yet colorful, historic yet elegant and chaotic but serene in its own way.
For someone who wants to explore this beautiful state, then this list of the best places to visit in Gujarat must be adhered to.
1. Kutch
The white salt desert of Kutch is a surreal destination to visit. However, in the pictures, you may mistake the landscape for a snowy one. The colorful folk costumes of Gujarat intensify the charm of this otherwise barren region. The Gujarat government organizes the Kutch Utsav in the winter season. This month-long festival is in fact a cultural spectacle with performances of folk music and dance, local crafts, Gujarati cuisine and much more. There are special cultural programs that take place during full moon nights, so this is the best time to attend Rann Utsav.
During the winter season, Siberian flamingos fly to Kutch making the party more charming. This is the best time to visit Kutch, as during the monsoon all regions are submerged in sea water.
2. Gir
Gir is home to Asian lions and is among the best places in India to witness fierce yet intriguing wildlife. Apart from lions, Gir National Park serves as a habitat for hyenas and black bugs. It spread over an area of 1,412 square km. In ancient times it was the hunting ground of the Nawabs of Junagadh, and today it is among the most important protected areas on the continent.
A wildlife safari experience here will be the time that you will cherish for a lifetime. If you are traveling with children, this is an ideal place to learn while exploring.
3. Somnath
Somnath, one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, is a shrine highly revered by followers of Hinduism. But spirituality is not the only reason people come here, the temple is located by the Arabian Sea and has been devastated and restored many times over the years. According to the legends, the temple was rebuilt once by Lord Soma using gold, Ravana restored it using silver, Lord Krishna then used wood for restoration and finally stone restoration was performed by King Mahadev.
4. Saputra
A picturesque hill station in Gujarat is the only mountainous region here. This is also a haven for people looking for a pleasant climate during scorching summers. The lush forested region makes it an ideal weekend getaway for people living in cities like Ahmedabad. As the monsoon hits, Saputara becomes more beautiful as the landscape becomes greener. Boating is a common activity here, thanks to the picturesque beauty that surrounds the lake. If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the place, just hop on an exciting cable car ride.
5. Ahmedabad
The largest city in the state, Ahmedabad, is also among the most developed cities in Gujarat. As it has a very busy international airport, you will likely start and end your journey in the state from Ahmedabad. There are many attractions here that keep travelers wanting more. Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham Temple, and Kankaria Lake are among the highlights of the city. A foodie can gorged on some of the most delicious Gujarati cuisine right here.
Of all the attractions, the International Kite Festival is one of the most sought after. The festival features kites from different countries of the world in different colors, shapes and sizes.
6. Vadodara
Mainly known for the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara has a royal story to tell. The palace spreads over a massive 700-acre area and was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Back then it was considered the largest private home in the world. The complex has many other popular Vadodara buildings such as the Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Most of Laxmi Vilas still serves as a royal residence, while part of it has been converted into a luxury hotel.
7. Dwarka
An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Dwarka is one of the char dham (Four pilgrimage destinations). Situated on the banks of the Gomti River, the Dwarkadhish Temple is the most important highlight of the ancient city. According to belief, Dwarka is said to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The shore next to the temple is where people often see turtles and starfish.
During the Janmashtami festival (Lord Krishna’s birthday) all the streets of the city are decked out with colors. Krishna bhajans echoes everywhere, so it is the best time to visit Dwarka.
8. Lothal
In today’s ruins, Lothal brings all history buffs to their knees. Studies suggest that Lothal was an important site during the Indus Valley civilization, and today even the ruins are well preserved by the authorities. The archaeological site has a museum displaying ancient utensils, jewelry, precious stones, and more.
Surely Lothal is among the best historical places to visit in Gujarat!
9. Rani Ki Vav
Rani Ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an 11th-century stepped well built by Queen Udaymati in memory of her king, Bhimdev I. This seven-tiered structure is embellished with up to 1,500 intricately chiseled sculptures. It hasn’t been long since it was excavated. It was previously flooded by the Saraswati River. A photography enthusiast can find a thousand dreamlike frames exploring this archaeological wonder.
