TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN GUJARAT
Gujarat, you beauty! There was a long weekend ahead and I was looking for a quick getaway where flights or express trains are available. A colleague at work, suggested me to try Gujarat.
After a little research on the internet, I realised there is soooooo much to see in Gujarat. This western state of India has a rich history, opulent wildlife, vibrant dance forms and the largest salt desert in the world!!
An ideal holiday in Gujarat meant a road trip exploring different colours, flavours and moods of the state. Gujarat also happens to have the largest seashore in the country. One can find large number of temples dotting the entire region. Most have impressive white washed walls, marble floorings adorned with beautifully carved domes.
Best Things about Road trips in Gujarat
We decided to do a road trip in Gujarat by hiring a self-drive car. Gujarat has undoubtedly the best roads in India which makes traveling very convenient. You can cover long distances without getting tired.
Along our way, we noticed the nomadic Rabari tribes of Gujarat. They wander around with their animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels. They are very well known for their craftsmanship and impressive embroidery designs, mirror work and patch work designs. These tribes do not understand borders nor what it is to settle at one place. Their world will fit in few bags and they meander without maps. These sights are one of the few things you would enjoy on a road trip to Gujarat.
So, if you are planning to make a trip to Gujarat then here are top 10 places I would recommend:
1. Rann of Kutch
This is the most exceptional place to visit in Gujarat comprising of world’s largest salt desert. Gujarat Tourism holds a Rann festival or Rann Mahotsav between November and February. This is also the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch as the place comes alive with cultural shows, dances, lip-smacking food, camel safari and locals flaunting their traditional attire. You can choose to stay in eco-friendly mud tents or traditional bhungas. Full moon nights are also a popular choice here as the desert brings a sensational feel with it.
Spending at least two nights here is recommended and plan an itinerary that includes Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi beach, Bhuj, Kutch Museum and alike. You will not fall short of places to see. And most important of all, the sunrise and sunset in the white desert is the most stunning view you will ever see. Cultural shows are normally organised by the resorts you choose, and you would enjoy the most authentic stay ever.
2. Gir National Park
I learnt that this National Park happens to be the only home of the Asiatic lion in the world and this community saved the lions from being extinguished. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then look no further for a holiday with your friends and family amidst the jungles of Gujarat. A jeep safari is a must at Gir, and it also lets visitors catch sight of other rare wild animals such as black bucks, hyenas, and fish owls. Wildlife safaris are offered three times in a day starting from 6.30am. This forest was the former hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. The Sanctuary is open for tourists from 16th October to 15th June every year. However, the best time to visit Gir is between December and March. You need book your safari here and the prices include jeep, driver, permit, guide etc.
3. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
A little-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, Champaner on the foothill of Pavagadh comprise of historical, architectural and archaeological treasures dating from 8th to 16th centuries. There are several monuments to visit here and I have listed some places you can tick off.
Shahar ki Masjid near the Royal Palace was used exclusively by the Sultans. Jama Masjid is the most notable mosque in this region. It has intricated stone carved designs and every corner is dreamy. The Masjid has a beautiful dome and is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Ek Minar ki Masjid, Kevada Masjid and its Cenotaph, Nagina Masjid and Lila Gumbaj ki Masjid are some other remarkable places to visit here. Once you have completed Champaner tour, there are Pavagadh hills nearby.
Pavagadh Hills displays great views of landscapes around Gujarat. You can finish your day trip here with a sunset at Navlakha Kothar. One can travel to Champaner from Vadodara and Ahmedabad as an easy day trip. Local transport, food and refreshments are not available at Champaner. And this makes Champagner a clean and quite place to explore. The best time to visit Champaner is in the monsoon or winter months. June to January is the perfect time.
4. Sabarmati Ashram
Gujarat is known as the ‘land of legends’ as it is the birthplace of many freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and many others who fought the freedom struggle of India.
You would immediately find the difference as you walk from the noisy streets and enter the Ashram’s premises. There are lot of hand-written notes of Gandhiji. Some of his personal belongings are on display which gives you an insight of the person he was. A visit to Gujarat without visiting the Sabarmati Ashram would certainly be incomplete.
5. Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara
Constructed over 12 years ago, this palace is four times the size of the spectacular Buckingham Palace, which makes it the largest private dwelling in the world. Spread across 500 acres, the Laxmi Vilas Palace still serves as an official residence of the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. It has lush manicured gardens on the outside and features a banquet and a museum in the inside. This is certainly a must-visit place in Gujarat with its unparalleled lavishness and grandeur.
There are numerous important buildings inside the compound including Moti Baug Palace and LVP Banquets & Conventions. Another attraction here is the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which contains a spectacular collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma. Is he your favourite artist too? Well, even till today his paintings hang inside many Indian homes. And his collections here at Museum is a visual treat to the eyes. In addition, you come across portraits of the royal family in heavy jewelry and clothing. The museum is also home to works of foreign art, copies of famous masterpieces of Italian Renaissance can be seen here. Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
The city’s heritage can also be witnessed by visiting its various museums including Vadodara Museum, Sri Aurobindo Niwas and Tribal Museum. Also, now the city has become the getaway to the Statue of Unity, the world’s largest statue. Dedicated to the Iron Man of India-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the colossal portrait is one of the amazing tourist sites in Gujarat.
8. Rani-ki-Vav, Patan
Also known as Queen’s Stepwell, the Rani-ki-vav is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that speaks volumes about the sculpting skills of the artisans from the Solanki dynasty. It was constructed in the 11th century as a memorial to King Bhimdev I by his wife, Queen Udayamati. The Stepwell or Vav remained buried for a long-time till in recent times it was excavated. It is home to more than 500 sculptures carved out of stone. There are images of various gods and goddesses. This architectural delight is one of the most popular attractions in the sleepy town of Patan. It is open on all days from 8.30 am to 7pm.
Also situated here is the Sahastralinga Talav or tank of a thousand Shiva shrines. It was a complex water management structure, huge in size, built without any machinery or modern tools. I wonder how this was all achieved in those early days.
Other attractions in Patan include Hemachandracharya Jain Gnan temple or literally “knowledge temple”. This is an ancient library that includes several ancient palm-leaf Jain manuscripts. Some ancient scripts are written in ink of gold and available to view only on special requests.
7. The Sun Temple, Modhera
Sun worshiping is as old as Indian civilization. There were more than 100 Sun temples in India & the Sun temple of Modhera is a prominent example of it all. Unlike other temples, this temple has no idols to worship, there are no religious activities that take place here. The Temple was built during the Solanki period, a period which has been hailed as the Golden Age of Gujarat. The Surya Kund(step well), the Sabha Mandap, the connecting passage and the Garbhagriha all these sections of the Sun Temple is a classic example of Solanki architecture. Even after multiple attempts, Alauddin Khilji failed to destroy this brilliant piece of art.
No words would help me describe this stunning place. The temple and its surrounding, exude a strong positive vibe. It was built as a tribute to the Vedic God, along with the natural elements like fire, air, earth, water and sky.
8. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Just 65 kms from Ahmedabad is the most delightful bird sanctuary of Nalsarovar. The Nal Lake attracts around 200+ bird species every year. It is also a home to the endangered wild ass and black buck. Nalsarovar sees winter migrants from the north that includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons. Migratory birds start arriving here in October i.e. after Indian monsoon and stay till April. Best time to visit the bird sanctuary is between November to February. The visiting hours at the lake stretch between 6am to 5.30 pm. Both early morning and late evenings are a good time to visit this place when birds come in search of food. The water is not too deep; however, a boat ride is recommended due to marshy lands.
9. Beaches of Gujarat
If you wish to enjoy a family beach vacation in Gujarat, Mandvi is the place to be. It was once the summer haven of the rulers of Kutch, and today holds myriad activities for the tourists such as camel ride, horse ride, sunset views and others. This is one of the most famous beaches in Kutch. You could combine this trip along with the Rann of Kutch trip and most itineraries include both.
Chorwad Beach, located around 37km from Somnath, once served as the royal residence of the Nawab of Junagadh. However today tourists come here to watch a beautiful sunset. Although the beach is unsafe for swimming, it is quite clean and great for enjoying a relaxed day at the beach.
10. Junagadh
Junagadh went under the rule of several dynasties and emperors, playing a significant role for some years. I didn’t know this until recent times that Junagadh along with few other towns formed Saurashtra or United State of Kathiawar and was a separate westerns state ruled only by the Kings. It is with the efforts of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and the influence of Mahatma Gandhi that all these princely states decided to join the Union of India.
Mahabat Maqbara, a spectacular mausoleum that is considered a vintage architectural gem is located here in Junagadh. The tomb of Mahabat Khan is an ornate building with a fusion of gothic, European, Hindu and Islamic architecture. On one side you would the Jama Masjid and on the other side is the iconic tomb of Bahar-ud-din Bahar.
Uperkot fort houses Jama Masjid, tomb of Nuri Shah and two step-wells or vavs called Adi Kadi ka Vav and Navghan Kuvo. There are some Buddhist caves which are believed to be at least 1,500 years old.
How to reach Gujarat
The state is well connected through all types of transport.
By Air – Gujarat has both domestic and International airports.
By Rail – Gujarat falls under the Western Railway Zone of the Indian Railways.
By Road – Gujarat is known for having some of the best roads in Western India. The extensive road network makes it easily accessible by car.
What to wear
Gujarati people are very traditional minded and so, don’t wear clothes that are against the culture.
Best Time
Travel to Gujarat between October-February. The weather is pleasant at this time. Summers begin from March till May and the temperatures remain high.
Lastly, I would say traveling to a destination and exploring it gives you the real essence of being one with that place. Gujarat was the place for me where I was away from home into a completely different cultural destination. With camels and deserts surrounding me. I loved it and have promised myself to be there again.
This post has been submitted on WANDER BIRD by Shreya & Akash, couple-travel bloggers from Pune. They are travellers at heart with a full-time IT job. They believe in slow-travel, finding less-visited places in India and travelling sustainably. Nature inspires them the most to travel. They started to appreciate history more after their journeys and also learnt to respect every race, religion, tradition and culture. Travelling surely has played a critical role in shaping their personalities and through their blog The Tropical Moon – they wish to inspire more people to travel sustainably. They are one of those who would choose kayaking or canoeing over boats with engines! You can also find them on Instagram here.
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