The western hemisphere of India is home to an incredible state of Gujarat. It has some of the most mesmerizing landmarks in the country. Besides, it also has a reputation for a vibrant culture and atmosphere. Not to mention the mouth-watering treats that every city of the state has to offer. Although Gujarat is a dry state, the beauty of the region is almost intoxicating. Surely, you will be catching flights to India after reading the article. From the rarest animals to the world’s tallest statue, Gujarat packs an unforgettable travel experience. Therefore, take a look at some of the best attractions and activities that Gujarat offers:
1) Statue of Unity
Located in the Kevadiya colony of the Narmada district, Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, reaching a height of 182 m.
It commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of India post-independence. The perfect place to start your Gujarati trip!
Things to do:
(i) Tour the marvelous statue-cum-building from inside and out.
(ii) An intriguing light and sound show is put up for visitors to enjoy.
(iii) Understand Patel’s contribution to the Indian struggle through a museum located on the first floor. It is located near the shin of the statue. And, visit the beautiful memorial garden.
(iv) Next, reaching a height of 149 m and up to the thighs of the statue is the viewing gallery. It offers breathtaking views of nearby ranges and a water body.
2) Gir National Park
Dating back to 1965, the Gir National Park is in the Talala Gir, Gujarat. It is well-renowned as the only remaining habitat for Asiatic Lions.
Furthermore, the wildlife sanctuary is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Things to do:
(i) Explore the heart of the 1000 square km dense deciduous forest on the Gir Jungle Trail.
(ii) Then, catch a glimpse of the rare Asiatic Lions and other exotic animals.
(iii) Go on a safari at Devalia Safari Park. It is also called ‘Gir in a Nutshell.’ It is less expensive and allows the tourists to have a quick experience of Gir National Park.
(iv) Next, there are beautiful reserves of water. Seven major rivers, four dams with reservoirs.
(v) Also, visit the Tulsi Shyam temple located within the wildlife sanctuary.
(vi) Enjoy staying at the resorts inside the premises of the National Park. Taste the unique local flavors.
3) Great Rann of Kutch
The spectacular salt marshes are in the Thar Desert, Kutch district of Gujarat. They are one of the largest and most beautiful salt marshlands in the world.
In addition, the spotless white expanse stretches for 7500 square kilometers!
Things to do:
(i) Sights like sunrise, sunset and the full moon are unmatched, especially during the Rann Utsav. It is a three-month festival that includes delicious local feasts, music, dance, and other fun cultural activities! So, visit during December-February to experience it.
(ii) With the desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, the captivating region is famed for creating marvelous mirages and optical illusions.
(iii) Also, the beautiful handicrafts and embroidery made by talented women and young girls of Kutch offer delight to shoppers!
4) Swaminarayan Temple
Swaminarayan Temple is also known as Akshardham Temple is located in the city of Ahmedabad.
During the festival of Diwali, the temple experiences a footfall of over a million! Moreover, the architecture here is extraordinary, just like the ambiance.
Things to do:
(i) Dip into spirituality. Attend the Morning Prayer or ‘aarti.’ Further your experience by exploring the personal artifacts of Swaminarayan, founder of the temple.
(ii) Discover the beautifully designed and massive complex of the temple. It is constructed out of beautifully carved sandstone and filled with unforgettable sights.
(iii) Take a heritage walk from the temple to Jama Masjid! The perfect merger of religious harmony. The three-hour walk covers 18 sites.
(iv) The temple offers its visitors air-conditioned guest rooms. Also, there are also other comfortable accommodation options.
5) Kankaria Lake
The second largest lake of Ahmedabad is prominent for tourist attractions and activities. The history of the lake dates back to the 15th century.
However, it was later refurbished in 2008. Moreover, it is a complete family entertainment and educational bundle for locals and tourists.
Things to do:
(i) Check out 2000 birds, 450 mammals, and 140 reptile species at the 31-acred Kankaria Zoo.
(ii) Elevate to the height of up to 350 ft in a hot-air balloon. Absorb phenomenal views of Ahmedabad.
(iii) Embark on a fun-filled toy train ride across the Kankaria Lake. The train is specially designed for entertainment and is imported from London.
(iv) The Kids city, a replica of a town that includes hospitals, mini banks, theater, prisons, etc. is worth visiting. It is amusing as well as educative.
(v) Moreover, in the last week of December Kankaria Carnival takes place. It is a must-experience event in Gujarat. And, the plethora of activities include Magic shows, laser show, painting competitions, debates, scuba-diving, etc.
6) Ruins of Lothal
A must-visit place for all tourists, especially history buffs. Four thousand five hundred years old, Lothal is an Indus Valley Site and an ancient city. The ruins provide insight into earlier times. Surprises await at every step.
Things to do:
(i) Visit the ancient Indo-Saracenic Palace built by Neknamdar Thakore Saheb Sur Singh. Also, the Palace contains porticoes, pillared galleries, balconies, and five domes.
(ii) Dip your feet and absorb the tranquility of the calm Bhogavo River. It provides picturesque views of the lush greenery all around.
(iii) There is an archaeological museum near the ruins of Lothal. It has a model of the city reconstructed out of plaster of Paris. It also houses over 800 intriguing artifacts of great historical significance.
(iv) Furthermore, the Pushpawati Ganga is another tourist point of interest. Its surroundings are flooded with attractive flowers. Also, the name of the river translates to ‘river of flowers.’
7) Girnar
Girnar is a group of mountains that offer religious activities coupled with trekking opportunities.
It is the highest place in the whole of Gujarat, elevating to a height of 1031 m. The area is brimming with marvels such as the rock inscriptions of Junagadh.
Things to do:
(i) Cover pilgrimage sites and temples such as Nemavasi, Amba Mata, and Meravasi Temples. There are over 800 temples spread across five summits.
(ii) Experience the colorful religious festival of Parikrama and the Bhavnath Fair held annually during January and February.
(iii) Girnar is a famous trekking location. Besides, there is a flight of about 10,000 steps that lead you to the peak. Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
(iv) Pay a visit to the nearby Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden spread over an area of 210 acres. Thirty percent of the park’s species fall under Schedule-1 endangered wildlife species. Therefore, you encounter some of the rarest animals here.
8) Laxmi Vilas Palace
Located in Vadodara, Laxmi Vilas Palace is amongst the most striking structures in India. Also, it is home to the royal family of Vadodara.
Spreading over 700 acres, the Palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The extravagant landmark was completed in 1890 for £180,000.
Things to do:
(i) The oriental gallery containing Chinese and Japanese artifacts. The sculptures of Indian as well as foreign origins. The sheer opulence of the exhibits and the extensive lawns inside. These are few of the tourist attractions that make Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum amongst the best attraction of the Palace.
(ii) Relax at the swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and a baby pool.
(iii) Indulge in remedial massage therapies at the Ayurveda massage center.
(iv) Moreover, every evening, entertaining puppet shows take place inside the Palace.
The places mentioned above only begin to explain the beauty of Gujarat as a tourist destination. There are several other landmarks and sights that a traveler can only experience here.
So, pack your bags and book cheap flights to India online for a great start to your Gujarati trip!