GUJARAT
Useful Info & Guides
AREA
196,024 km2
POPULATION
6 crores approx
MAJOR FESTIVALS
Holi, Diwali, Eid, Makar Sankranti / Lohri, Navratri, Dussehra
Chandani Padva, Chitra Vichitra Fair, International Kite Festival in Gujarat – Uttarayan, VadFest
NATIONAL PARK
Blackbuck National Park, Gir Forest National Park (Sasan-Gir), Pirotan Island, Vansda National Park
UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
CITIES OF GUJARAT
AHMEDABAD
The historical city of Ahmedabad dates back to the 11th century and was ruled by Ahmed during 1411 AD. Famous as Manchester of the East because of tie-dye handloom and textile industries, Ahmedabad is an industrial, education hub of Gujarat. A city that has some of the most iconic Hindu temples such as Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad has several museums and old local markets. Delectable cuisine, street food, vibrant culture and traditions and old-world charm, the city still lives with a hint of colonial presence at some points. Away from the rapid growth and the hustle-bustle of the city, Sabarmati Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi is a peaceful place where one can seek solace. Ahmedabad truly stands as the first Urban World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
PLACE TO VISIT
Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, Kankaria Zoo, Adalaj Step-well, Akshardham Temple, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, ISKCON Temple, Hathee Singh Jain Temple, Jama Masjid, Swaminarayan Temple, Bhadra Fort, Calico Museum of Textile, Sarkhej Roza, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Jhulta Minar
BHUJ
Intriguing historical monuments and affluent palaces; the westernmost city of Gurajat, Bhuj reflects a rich cultural heritage. The desert city of Bhuj owns a remarkable place in the history of South Asia including many archaeological sites connected to the prehistoric era such as Harappan civilization, impressions of Alexander the Great and his march, etc. From old noisy streets wedded around the city to the shops selling local textiles, embroidery items and handicrafts, there is a lot to explore and a lot to experience. The Rann Utsav is perhaps the most iconic festival all over the country which is visited by people from different corners of the world.
PLACE TO VISIT
White Desert, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Hiralakshmi Memorial Craft Park, Matanamadh, Chattardi, Kutch Fossil Park, Bhujia Hill, Prag Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum
MANDVI
Just an hour's drive from Bhuj is found a small shipbuilding industry. Mandvi is a small town but with great importance due to its handmade wooden boats known as dhows which are made for the Arab people. Encircled by several ancient edifices, the central point Mochi Bazaar is a nice place to visit to take a glimpse of the culture of the town. The town surprises once with sand, sea and desert at the same place. The beaches here are the numero uno of the city. Mandvi beach serves as a tourist destination with its pleasant tropical climate.
PLACE TO VISIT
Jain Temple, Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi Beach, Mazar-e-Noorani, The Beach at Mandvi Palace, Mandvi Shipyards, Ghoghla Beach, Rukmavati Bridge, Navjivan Nature Cure Center
GIR NATIONAL PARK
The place where the morning starts with the roar of the lions and the day ends with scream of Hyenas, Gir National Park (Sasan Gir) is a wildlife sanctuary spread in a massive area of around 1,412 km square. The great Asiatic lion roams freely here in full glory in the wildlife park. Known for distinctive species of flora and fauna, the national park provides protected shelter to several carnivores including Asiatic lion, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian lion along with herbivores including chinkara, sambar, nilgai, chital, etc. Visit here from December to March and till the end of April month to witness a unique wildlife.