Gujarat is about one of the world’s largest white deserts; India’s longest coastline; country’s largest habitat of Asiatic lions and first marine national park; one of the Chardham Temples, Shaktipeethas, and Jyotirlinga; and now world’s tallest statue. There are just so many places to see in Gujarat that even a month holiday won’t be enough so here are top 5 places that you must visit when in Gujrat.
- Somnath
- Ahmedabad
- Dwarka
- Rann Of Kutch
- Vadodara
1. SOMNATH
Somnath is a temple town situated in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. Also known as Prabhas Patan. The town of Somnath is famous for the Somnath Temple, considered to be one of the most revered and holy shrines in India.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one among the twelve prominent Jyotirlinga shrines and also one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in Gujarat. Also, Somnath is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ended his Lila and thereafter for heavenly abode.
Somnath Beach, Gita Mandir, Bhalka Tirtha, Rudreshwara Temple, Triveni Sangam Temple, Suraj Mandir, Parshuram Temple, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, Junagadh Gate, Somnath Museum, Panch Pandav Gufa are some other places to visit in Somnath.
2. AHMEDABAD
Ahmedabad is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City and is also regarded as one of the fastest-growing cities in India. It is the commercial hub and also the living symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat state.
Popularly called the Land of Gandhi, Ahmedabad is closely associated with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.It has been one of the most important centers of trade and commerce in western India since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the Manchester of the East.
Sabarmati Ashram, Kankarai Lake, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Huthee Singh Jain Temple, ISKCON Temple, Vintage Car Museum, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Swaminarayan Mandir, and Sardar Patel National Memorial are some of the well-known places to visit in Ahmedabad.
3. DWARKA
Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is popularly known as the ‘home of Lord Krishna’. Also, Dwarka is one of the foremost Char Dhams for Hindus and among the seven most ancient religious cities (sapta puris) in India.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gomti Ghat, Rukmani Devi Temple, Beyt Dwarka, Gopi Talav, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, and Swaminarayan Besides its temples, the city is also popular for its beaches like Dwarka Beach, Shivrajpur Beach, and Okhamadhi Beach. Scuba diving is the most popular activity for those who want to see the underwater remains of Dwarka.
4. Rann Of Kutch
With the Thar Desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other side, Rann of Kutch is a spellbinding marvel of sand and salt. Covering over an area of 30,000 sq. km, the region is divided into two parts, the Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch.
Besides, one can also visit Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar & Sanctuary, Kalo Dungar, Siyot Caves, Chhari Dandh Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary. Kutch is also renowned for its handicrafts, produced by the very talented artisans in its villages.
During the Rann Utsav, a tent city with hundreds of luxury tents is set up by Gujarat Government at the White Desert near Dhordo for visitors, along with rows of food and handicraft stalls.
5. Vadodara
Formerly called Baroda, Vadodara is the third-largest city in Gujarat. It is home to some of the most exemplary displays of architecture.The city of Vadodara comes alive during the Navratri celebrations.
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Baroda Museum, Kirti Mandir, and Sayajirao Gaekwad hospital are some of the notable architectural monuments in Vadodara. Besides, Sayaji Baug, Sursagar Lake, Nyay Mandir, EME Temple, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, etc. are some of the prominent places to visit in Vadodara.
SUMMARY
It is difficult to cover all top places in Gujarat in a single trip, as the state is quote big. One can start from Ahmedabad and visit Dwarka, Somnath, Gir & Diu. Starting from Ahmedabad, Patan, Rann of Kutch, Bhuj & Mandvi can be visited. Another popular circuit includes Vadodara, Statue Of Unity, Saputara and near by places.
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