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| GUJARAT
TRAVEL GUIDE |
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The most convenient entry
point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmedabad. The
city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles
being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s
walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts
as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing
ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques
of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells
and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window
screens.
Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by
four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with
designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian
architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions,
Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the
very few sun temples in the country. |
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| Placewise
Gujarat Travel Guide
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Ahmedabad
Travel Guide »
Ahmedabad blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant
present. The city's prosperous and eventful past and present
is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture,
rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit
Ahmedabad throughout the year.
Alang Travel
Guide »
The ship-breaking yard at Alang is situated 50 kms from the
district headquarters of Bhavnagar on the Bhavnagar-veraval
coastal highway.
Ambaji Travel
Guide »
179 kms from Ahmedabad located on the Arasur hill is a major
Shaktipith of India, A temple of the mother Goddess Amba. The
temple is set on Arravallis of considerable importance of Hindus.
Balasinor Travel
Guide »
Balasinor, is one of the three largest dinosaur sites in the
world. Experts believe that this may have been a major hatchery
for dinosaur eggs, dating back 65 millions years, some of which
are over 20m long. Numerous eggs have been found here during
excavations. The site is a treasure-trove of fossils and clutches
of petrified eggs which together with the geological studies
of region.
Balaram Travel
Guide »
Located 167 kms, An weekend retreat and hunting resort of the
Lohani who rules from Jalore in Southwestern Rajasthan. A number
of temples of religion importance are located along Balaram
River. Balaram Ambaji wildlife Sanctuary & Jessore Hill Sanctuary
are fine hill forests near the palace are home to Sloth bear,
Panther,Blue bull, 4 horned antelope, Jakal etc. The Balaram
Palace resort is a classified Heritage classic.
Baroda Travel
Guide »
Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat. A name that has
been derived from the profusion of banyan trees in the city.
Once the capital of the princely Gaikwad Family, Vadodara is
a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples, and museums. The
city's Fine Arts College attracts students from around the country
and abroad
Bhavnagar
Travel Guide »
Once the capital city of the princely state, Bhavnager was founded
in 1743 and is now a flourishing port on the Gulf of Khambat.
For the tourist it's a convenient base for visits to the town
of Palitana and the sacred hill of Shatrunjaya.
Bharuch
Travel Guide »
Its situated 70 kms from Vadodara. Ancient town with a 2000
years history. On a hilltop is a fort, which over looks the
river Narmada.
Bhuj Travel
Guide »
Bhuj was the capital of the former princely state of Kutch till
1947 AD. The two most interesting places at Bhuj, Aina Mahal
and Pag Mahal are both located in the same campus. Aiana Mahal
is a part of a large palace complex it is a two storied building
with Darbar hall, hall of mirrors and suites for royal family.
The Kutch Meseum, formerly known as the Fergusson Museum is
another interesting visit in Bhuj. Tourist also attracts visit
to Anjar - Old Architecture, Banny Villages to see 'Bhunga mud
Houses,Kutchi Handicrafts, Kera an 11th century Shiva Temple,
Dholavira - and Indus Valley Civilization excavation site.
Bhaucharaji
Travel Guide »
Famous for the three temples of Goddess Bahuchraji (110 Kms
from Ahmedabad) for who it is Named, the town features the varkhadi
tree from where Goddess is said to have appeared. The temple
dates from the 12th to the 18th century. The temple attracts
innumerable pilgrims on full moon nights.
Bet Dwarka
Travel Guide »
Offshore of Okha, the island of Beyt Dwarka is associated with
Lord Krishna. The main temple here built in the 19th century
has several shrines and images of Lord Krishna and his 56 consorts.
There are several other temples on the island. Excavations have
revealed some Harappan period artifacts. There are some nice
beaches and coral formations to the north and east of the Island.
Champaner
Travel Guide »
It is situated 47 kms from Vadodara, The town of campaner was
subjugated by Sultan Mahmud Begara in 1484 and made it his new
capital. Campaner lies at the foot of Pavagadh Fort. Campaner
recently identified and declared as one of the hundred endangered
architectural monument of the world.
Chorwad
Travel Guide »
It is a small fishing village. Chorwad gained importance when
Nawab saheb Mohabbat Khan of Junagadh build a palace by the
sea.
Chotta Udaipur
Travel Guide »
One of the India;s most picturesque tribal regions, Chotta Udaipur
has a number of hamlets of the Bhils,Ratwas and other tribals,
and handicrafts like pottery, arrow crafting , bow making, pithora
wall painting etc During the Holi( Festival) The villages around
chotta udaipur are the site for some really ethnic and splendidly
colorful fairs attracting tribals in Numbers beyond comprehension.
The Chitra Vichitra fair held during Mid March also attracts
thousands of tribals in colorful attires.
Dabhoi Travel
Guide »
Dabhoi is an ancient town originally known as Darbhavati. It
was established in the early 6th century AD. The fortification
and its foundation is ascribed to the great King of Gujarat,
Siddhraj Jaisinh(1093-1143 AD), who made this frontier fortress.
Dakor Travel
Guide »
Dakor (94 Kms from Ahmedabad) originally known as Dankpur, is
located 40 kms east of Nadiad. It is an ancient temple town
sacred to Lord Krishna. There are many temples in Dakor. The
temple of Ranchodrai has an idol of Krishna, which said to be
brought here from Dwarka, by a devotee. It is a combination
of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Diu Travel
Guide »
Across the Bride from Ahmedpur Mandvi, Is the Diu Island. There
are 6 beaches to choose from Nagoa is a most popular. The other
beaches are - Jalander, Chakratirth Goghla, Simmer beach and
Gahiramta. A 16th century fortress of Diu, Spanning 5.5 sq.km,
is among the largest fortresses on of the Portuguese in Asia.
A short distance from the fort is the Church of St. Paul, built
in the 17th century. Another Church - Sao Thome or St. Thomas
Church , is now a museum with a good collection of wooden sculpture
and archeological finds.
Dwarka Travel
Guide »
Dwarka is one of the 4 Principal dham yatras of the Hindus,
The other being puri,Badrinath-Kedarnath and Rameshwaram. Dwarka
was the home of Lord Krishna, who moved to this pretty coastal
town with the entire Yuduvanshi clan. Marine excavations off
the Dwarka coast have revealed important evidences of 4 ancient
cities.
Gandhidham
Travel Guide »
It was specially built for displaced persons after partition
Khanla is a Major port, the only free trade zone of the county
is very close by
Gandhinagar
Travel Guide »
Gandhinager the capital city of Gujarat, is the second capital
city in the country, after Chandigarh,to built anew. The two
cities are similar in more ways than one. Both the cities are
very well laid out, with plenty of gardens and grid like houses
and street structures. Local visit covers the most famous temple
of "Swaminarayan Sect" the richest sect in the world. Pink stones
with beautiful carving build Akshardham Temple. It is surrounded
by lush greed gardens and admirable fountains.
Girnar Travel
Guide »
Girnar is one the two hills most sacred to the Jain community
of India. It rises to a height of more than 600 meters, Its
five peaks crowned by 16 carved and sculptured marble shrines
that adorn this famous hilltop temple city.
Gondal Travel
Guide »
The town created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and
early 20th century. One of the oldest and most beautiful of
Gondal palace, The Navlakha Palace complex (17th century) is
situated on a river bank, on a grand masonry base, rising to
the monumental scale of the last 30 meter above the river bed.
The Grand Darbar hall, with a series of huge windows opening
onto a long balcony supported by intricately carved brackets.
Other two royal palaces - The Riverside Palace & Orchard Palace
are converted in Heritage hotels. The rules of Gondal where
great lovers of automobiles and one can see several Vintage
and classic cars in the Royal Garage. Two Royal rail Saloon
of the Gondal state were renovated, keeping the original décor
and are available for accommodation (run by Royal family). Other
interesting places to visit are the Swami Narayn temple, Bhuvaneshwari
Temple, Ayurvedic Pharmacy and the stud farm of Kathiawadi Horses.
Halvad Travel
Guide »
Halvad was a former capital of Dhrangadha State and was ruled
by Jhala Rajputs. It is and ancient fortified town at the southern
edge of the little Rann of Kutch. The yellow earth of this semi
arid area and buildings of local yellow sandstone makes the
whole townscape glow vibrant golden yellow during the sunrise.
Hajira Travel
Guide »
Situated 28kms from Surat the pleasant Hajira beach is fringed
by feathery casurina trees and has a comfortable holiday home
for the visitors. Tithal situated 108 kms from surat is a Beautiful
sandy beach with palm-sheltered cottages. Ubharat is another
fine sandy beach situated 42 kms from Surat. Dumas are a seaside
resort 16 kms from Surat.
Hindolgadh
Travel Guide »
The town Jasdan on the bank of Bhadar River, The Darbargadh
at Jasdan is a beautiful example combining plaster decoration
with intricate wrought iron work. The decoration above the arches
and Jharokhas are noteworthy. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
is in the vicinity of Jasdan. The Royal Palace on the hilltop
heritage accommodation is an added attraction.
Jamnagar Travel
Guide »
Founded in 1540, Jamnager is the above of the Jadeja Rajput
rulers of Nawangar and the capital of their state, is and interesting
city which enjoys a variety of destinations. It is renowned
for its pearl fisheries, a neval base of some importance and
a certain type of tie-and dye fabrics.
Junagadh Travel
Guide »
Am ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, Junagadh
lies at the foot of Girnar Hills and takes its name from the
Old Fort which circles the medieval town, The Girnar Hills stands
from 2500 year B.C having a legend of its own. The Antiquities
of Junagadh go back to the times of the Emperor Ashoka (250
BC) Whose fourteen Rock edicts can be seen cut into a great
rock outside the city.
Kandla Travel
Guide »
Kandla is a major sea port 380 kms from Ahmedabad. It has single
point mooring facilities with a free trade zone. The places
of interest are a monument of Mahatma Gandhi and Nirva Siteshwar
Mahadev Temple. Gujarat's picturesque hill station is perched
on a plateau in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range.
It has a cool bracing climate, the highest temperature even
in the summer months not exceeding 28-Degree Celsius.
Kutch Mandvi
Travel Guide »
One of the finest beaches in Gujarat is at Mandvi, a historic
port town of the Maharao of Kutch. The Mandvi brought considerable
prosperity to the royal family of kutch. It was important to
the Maharaos as their capital city of Bhuj, and they endowed
it with some splendid palaces and buildings.
Lothal Travel
Guide »
about 85 kms south-west of Ahmedabad. Towards Bhavnager, Lothel
is the nave given to a mound near Saragwala, A village in Ahmedabad
district. Its is of great interest to archaeologist as the city
which stood here 4500 years ago was a Harappan settlement. The
excavations at the site have brought to light a well-planned
city with rows of houses and a scientific drainage system. All
the discoveries prove that the city must have been a commercial
center. Harappans might have come of this part of India and
proceeded inland. While the Harappan civilization comes to an
end in Punjab, it continues for about 500 years more in Gujarat.
The name Lothel actually means Mound of the dead in Gujarat.
Mahudi Travel
Guide »
Mahudi (80 Kms from Ahmedabad) is an important Jain and Baniya
Pilgrimage. The Jain temple is dedicated to Vir Ghantakarna
and is known for the long penance of Mauni Buddhisagarji. The
sun temple is important for Banias and had idols believed to
date back to the 5th Century.
Mandvi Travel
Guide »
Its Main attraction is a seaside resort, a renovated palace
of the Nawab. Nearby are sunny beach, offering a safe heaven
for swimming and water sport.
Mehsana Travel
Guide »
The district headquarter, this city has earned its place of
pride due to the dairy run on the co-operative basis. The building
housing Dudhsagar Dairy is in itself an important site for architects
for its modern design coupling utilitarian and aesthetic concepts.
Modhera
Travel Guide »
The sun temple of Modhera is on of the finest examples of Indian
temple architecture of its period. Built in 1026 AD the temple
is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands hight on a plinth
overlooking a deep stone - steeped tank every inch of the edifice,
both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and
Goddesses, Birds, Beasts and flowers.
Morbi Travel
Guide »
Located on the bank of the Machchhu River, floods devastated
morbid in 1979 AD. Rulers built road, railways network of seventy
miles connection Wadhvan and Morbi and two small ports of Navlakhi
and Vavnia for exporting the states production of salts and
cloth. The Railway station of Morbi is a beautiful example of
Railway architecture, combining Indian and European architectural
elements. The royal palace is also an attraction for the visitors.
Nalsarovar
Travel Guide »
Nal Sarover, 116 Kms is a Natural lake, About 64 Kms away from
Ahmedabad where different verities of migratory birds of various
breeds, flock and rest in winter months (November to February).
The bird life in Gujarat is rich in winter when the local residential
forms are augmented by a large number of species coming from
far off places. Such birds include rosy pelicans, flamingoes,
white storks, a variety of ducks including the Brahmany duck
from Tibet, saras cranes, herons, avocets, curlews etc.
Navsari
Travel Guide »
Navsari was an important Parsee settlement from 1142 AD. The
sanatorium, fire temple, tower of silence and agiaries of Navsari
are major pilgrimages for Parsee visiting Gujarat.
Palanpur
Travel Guide »
A Former princely state rules by the Nawabs. Now state famous
for Diamonds with rich heritage such as havelis, palaces, Kirti-Stambha,
KingGeorge clubhouse.
Palitana Travel
Guide »
Commanding a special place on the Gujarat travelers' map, Palitana
is a `must visit' destination for the Jains and all those who
would like to witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise,
architectural skills, philanthropy and channelised religious
fervor can achieve. The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya
is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for
beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle
to devotees and visitors
Patan Travel
Guide »
Home of the famous Patola silk saris, Patan is a beautiful old
town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. Ranakivav (Step-well)
and Sahastraling Lake are also interesting places to visit in
Patan.
Porbandar Travel
Guide »
The historic city of Porbander, has creeks rich with flamingoes
and other shore birds. The Daria Mahal Palace faxing the sea
is a delightful work of architecture. The City's greatest claim
to fame is as a birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, whose old residence,
Kirti Mandir , is now a memorial museum that traces his life
through a series of memorabilia and library.
Poshina
Travel Guide »
The Village of Poshina is home to a number of Native artisans-the
tribal arrow crafters, silver smiths, potters, blacksmiths and
the Bazaar is famous for Silver tribal Jewelry, ornate sheathed
daggers and terra cotta horses. Darbargadh Poshina- It is a
small family runs medieval fort in a tribal village with comfortable
antique furnished rooms with attached baths. Tribal dances and
safaris are some of the highlights of staying Poshina.
Rajkot Travel
Guide »
Rajkot, the former Capital of the princely state of Saurashtra
was founded by the Rajput Chief Kunwar Vibhuji in the 16th century,
Rajkot is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patch
work, bead work and silk embroidery. Best Season: October to
March
Siddhpur Travel
Guide »
Siddhapur is an ancient sacred town on the banks of the Saraswati
River. It finds mention in the Skanda Purana as Sristhala. Siddhapur
derives its name from the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh,
who constructed a magnificent Shiva Temple in 12th century AD,
Rudra Mahalay,at this town.
Saputara
Travel Guide »
Gujarats picturesque hill station is perched on a plateau in
the Dang forest are of the Sahyadari Range. At and altitute
of about 1000m, it has a cool bracing climate. Saputara means
the Abode of serpents and a snake image on the banks of river
Sarpagana is worshipped by the Adivasis on festival like Holi.
The thick forest around Saputrara is dotted with Adivasi tribal
villages and thrie unique dance is of great interest to visitors.
Shamlaji Travel
Guide »
Located 125 Kms from Ahmedabad, The Ancient hindu temple of
Shamlaji, built during the Solanki Rajput period, is a splendid
work of architecture with fine carving and an aura of devotion.
Some of the shrines here date before Christ. The Main Aarti
attracts numerous pilgrims. During the Kartik Poornima period,
Shamlaji is the site for a Massive Fair.
Somnath Travel
Guide »
The shore temple of Somnath, believed to have been built in
4-Phases-in Gold by Lord Soma, in Silver by Ravi, In wood by
lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimadeva. Tales of its riches
brought in a series of invasions. Sardar Patel commissioned
the present temple, the much loved Gujarati leader, in the 1950's.
The temple has imposing architecture, a 50-meter high Shikara
tower, intricate carving, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the
Shivalinga, a Number of holy idols and images, at a splendid
location facing the Arabian sea.
Surat Travel
Guide »
The Ancient port of Surat has been renowned for its fine silks
and exquisite brocades and its trade in Spices. Surat is ideal
point to visit Hajira, Upharat, Thithal etc.
Udwada Travel
Guide »
Udwada is one of the most importance Parsee Pilgrimages with
the original fire temple of the early Zaorashtrain settlers.
Sanjan was one of the first Landing points of the Parsees with
an important fire temple.
Utelia Travel
Guide »
At the eastern entrance to Saurashtra from Gujarat, The Palace
Utelia offers accommodation in a turn of the century building,
se in the heart of an ethnic village of the Bhal Plains. Uthelia
is convenient for visits to Lothal's archaeological site.
Vadnagar Travel
Guide »
It's the center of the Nagar Brahmin Community that has provided
Gujarat with some of her best administrators, poets, writers
and musicians. When Akbar's court poet and singer, Tensen was
affected by the burns of the Deepak Raag, He came to Vadnagar
and was cured by the Raag Maldaar sung by Tana and Riri (116
Kms from Ahmedabad)
Velavadar Travel
Guide »
Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary :- 26 Kms patch, in the Bhal
region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has
attracted fame for the successful conservation of the black
buck- the fastest of the Indian antelopes, the wolf and the
lesser florican. This exclusively Indian animal is graceful
and beautiful. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist
of three to four turns and approx. 70 cm long. The upper part
of the body is black and the underparts and a ring around the
eyes are white. The female, light brown in color is usually
hornless. The fastest of the Indian antelopes, they move in
a series of amazing leaps and bounds when threatened and then
break into a fast run.
Wankaner Travel
Guide »
Wankaner derives its name from the Geographical feature, "Wanka"
Means a bend and "ner" means water stream in Gujarati, - Means,
"BEND ON THE STREAM" and it is located on the bend of the Machuhha
river. The Royal residence - Ranjit Vilas Palace overlooking
Wankaner town, The palace is a very eclectic building, a bold
attempt to sythesise various architectural Styles, Also Museum
has a memorable collection of swords, shields and daggers, 95
species' of stuffed animals etc etc. Step Well, Vintage car
collection are added attraction. Heritage (converted) accommodation
offered by the royal family for the esteemed visitors.
Zainabad
Travel Guide »
The farthest corner in northwest Gujarat is Kutch, a stark &
barren land of salt flats and caked mud for most part of the
year and literally and island in the Arabian Sea after the monsoon.
The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian Wild ass - a
distinctive variety found nowhere else in the world. Kutch is
also home to a diverse range of fauna of the carnivores that
stalk this stretch like Panthers and Wolves., Also found are
Black Buck, Blue Bull and wild Boar. This sanctuary is open
to visitors from November to May. In the Jeep you can break
all land speed records as you will not come across a single
fist sized stone for miles. This best way to chase the wild
ass thundering downs the hard desert. Photography lovers and
filmmakers will rarely have been such sight before. Tourists
have made some of the fines action films of dashing wild ass
and stampeding herds of Blue bulls, or vast congregations of
winter cranes. |
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