The vibrant city Gujarat is located in the western part of India and worldly popular as the Jewel of the Western India. Gujarat is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural heritage, crafts work, scenic splendor and also for its great history. Having innumerable tourist attractions the state is also a most beautiful tourist hub in India. The state has all the things that attract a huge number of tourists and nature lovers from all parts of the globe.
There are a number of tourist places in Gujarat but the most exciting trip is to visit the Gir Forest National Park and Rann of Kutch together. It will be a treat and life time experience for the nature and wildlife lovers.
Gir National Park Safari
Gir National Park is nestled in the southwest region of Gujarat acquiring an area of 1412 sq km. once it was the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. This forest is full of rivers and streams, plateaus and valleys, evergreen flora, grasslands and rocky hills. This national park is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving the Asiatic Lion (Panther Leo Persica). It is also famous all over the world as the last home of this precious species of Asiatic lions.
There is great news for the wildlife lovers that according to the latest census the number of Asiatic lions has increased by 27%.
Other animals in the park are chital, nilgai, sambar, nilgai antelope, chowsingha four-horned antelope, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish etc. Some of the typical birds also found in Gir forest like sperpent eagle, king vulture, woodpeacker, bush quail, etc, actually it homes over 300 species of resident birds. There are some large water bodies like the Kamleshwar Dam homes marsh crocodile.
jeep safari
The most attractive activity during your visit of Gir National Park is jeep safari. Visitors can have a clear glance and click some pictures of many rare animals. They can spot the unmatched wilderness of animals in their natural habitat.
The remarkable place to visit in Gujarat is the endless desert of kutch. Kutch is a land of color, culture, generous history, flaming flamingos, chronicle, White Salt Desert, handicrafts and different migratory birds. This seasonal island is surrounded by seawater. A large part of this district is known as Rann of Kutch.
Rann of Kutch, also famous as the Great Rann of Kutch. It is a mesmerizing salt desert acquires an area around 10,000 square kilometers. The most sticking feature of this amazing place is that this salt desert is submerged in the water during the monsoon season.
Rann of Kutch
In remaining eight months, this pristine beauty of nature wrapped in white salt and look like a symphony of salt and sand. During these months this place is actually looks like a dream place or heaven of the earth. This Great Rann of Kutch reaches its zenith on a full moon night.
Sunset at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The must do thing in the moon light is the moon light camel safari.
A “Rann Utsav” is also celebrate here, begins in December. Gujarat government set up a number of luxury tents. Tourists can enjoy cultural programs, handicraft stalls with rows of food.
There is a saying for this Great Rann of Kutch is that during the visit of Gujarat “you haven’t seen anything if you haven’t seen Kutch.”
The Somnath Temple is positioned in the Saurashtra region, the western coast of Gujarat.It is among the twelve Jyotirlings of the god Shiva. It has presently become a tourist terminus for travelers. Various mythologies are connected to it, which makes the temple Legend. Somnath literally means “The Shrine Eternal”, since having been devastated many times by Islamic Royals and rajas it is still interminable. In recent times, it was remodeled in November 1947 by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
Entrance Of The Temple
The existent temple is fabricated in the Chalukya style of temple and replicates the skill of the Sompra Salat, one of Gujarat’s leading masons. The temple’s main pinnacle is 15 metres in height, and it has an 8.2-metre tall flag pole at the top. The temple is positioned at such a habitation that there is no land in straight- line between Somnath seashore untill Antarctica, such an engraving in Sanskrit is found on the Arrow-Pillar called Baan-Stambh raised on the sea-protection wall at the Somnath Temple.
Carvings On Wall
With the help of inhabitants, anybody can be pleasantly surprised to find this mesmerizing and enthralling Sun temple built in the 14th century. Situated adjacent in the direction of the Sitala Mata Temple, it has a magnificent arrival porch, and statues of the Sun God and his two associates.State provides transport buses and private luxury coaches which connect Somnath from various destinations in Gujarat.It is located 6 km from the adjoining railway station at Veraval. Due to fast connectivity of transport and amazing beauty of this temple makes it an alluring tourist place for travelers in Gujarat.
A Wonderful Sculpture
On the eastern end of Somnath is Triveni, which is the coming together of three rivers .On the banks of the river Triveni, Hiranya is the spot where Lord Krishna’s procession rites were performed, a hunter mistook him for a deer and killed him. A large showering harbour is built here, which is called Dehotsarg. A huge commemorative and a Geeta Mandir standing on a number of pillars are also erected here.
Amazing Carvings On The Pilers
Surya Mandir or the Sun Temple dates back to time of the original Temple of Somnath and gives an idea of what the primary temple resembled. A museum is positioned in the Somnath Temple zone and another in a thoroughfare nearby, that contains remnants of the old Somnath Shrines. Somnath Temple has folklore behind its formation. It is believed that Lord Chandra (Moon God) was very proud of his beauty because of which he was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha, to get less significant. In order to get liberated of this curse, Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva, and Lord Shiva became pleased with the reparation of the Moon and reduced the curse to some degree. This illustration led to the intermittent diminishing of the moon.
Stepped Fond In Sun Temple
Sun Temple is an eternal Indian shrine that illustrates the power of formation is always greater than the power of devastation. The religious prominence of Sun temple fascinates travelers as well as sightseers from India and abroad and as a result it has turned out to be one of the prominent tourist spots of Gujarat.Visiting Sun Temple during your Gujrat tour would not only give you a good architectural view but will also provide you mental and spiritual peace.
Probably, you have already gifted a range of designing jewellery to your wife or girlfriend, but did you ever gift the most precious gem, “Jewel in the West”. Hold on a camera and get ready to take a great snap of a big smile on your beloved one’s face, just after bringing her down in front of it. Would you like to miss such an excitement filled moment from your life?
If not, then come to the most colorful state, Gujarat and wish to spend a few days in this lovely terrain whenever time allows. Though, the flow of most of the tourist is observed in northern and southern states, but people really miss to visit the unique attractions of Gujarat during India visit. With the longest coastline in the country, Gujarat also boast its attractions by its fabulous beaches, historical charms, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating religious sites which always try to catch tourist’s attention.
The state offers multiple numbers of tourist places in Gujarat which give better explanation of the state:
Exotic Beaches
Daman Diu region is considered the best beach destination in the state. Though, Goa beaches are more popular among the tourist, but some credits also go to Gujarat’s most popular beaches namely Nagoa, Devka and Jampore. Spend some quality of time with your partner and wish to soak up the sun and simply laze around the beach. Swim like a fish in its crystal clear water and bring some memorable moments with you.
Rann of Kutch
The Kutch district is known for some of its amazing attractions; one of them is Rann of Kutch. By arriving here, you can discover a vast salt desert positioning near the Arabian Sea, from where salt is supplied to the entire country. Tribal communities of people always engaged in producing edible salts over here. Apart from that craft and textile making are their core occupation; by visiting their local markets you can buy some wonderful embroidery clothing, handicraft items and tie-dye.
Wildlife
Kutch is the only region in India which offers a secure habitation of the most incredible creature, Ass. Indian wild ass, you can watch at its most famous Wild Ass Sanctuary by arranging a wildlife safari from the Zainabad town. One another rarest species that is not found anywhere in India is Asiatic Lion which you can expect to watch in Sasan Gir National Park. Many other forms of wildlife can also be seen in this park.
Religious Sites
Visiting religious place is the part and parcel of Gujarat tourism; it draws numbers of devotees year-round. One of the twelve-jyotirlinga sites, Somnath temple is also positioning here that have a great religious importance. Wish to see the majestic appealing Jain temples of Palitana where existence of 836 temples boosts up the holiness of the region. Dwarka, Junagarh and Champaner also draw a variety of religious pilgrims by its religious heritage sites.
To set up a Gujarat tour you can go to Erco Travels website here: www.ercotravels.com
The massive mass land of Gujarat is surrounded by the southern state Maharashtra; the central part of India, Madhya Pradesh; Northern India’s richest historical state Rajasthan and the Pakistani province with Arabian Sea. The state is a melting pot of culture and traditions and one can recognize the state by the name ‘Jewel of the West’. Tour destinations of Gujarat are dotted with numerous religious sites, historical architectures, Forts and some spellbinding hill stations. Gujarat tourism is a unique opportunity to watch its modern sites, attractions and the great amalgamation of Hindu, Islamic and European culture at a single glance.
Below are some major tourist destinations in Gujarat:
Ahmadabad
Bhadra Fort, Ahemdabad, Gujarat
If you think that, Ahmadabad tourism is a day tour and can be summarized within certain hours, then you are wonderfully wrong. Ahmadabad is accounted having the best tourist destinations in the state and is remembered for its rich cultural backdrop of art architectures and monuments. When it comes to monuments, Bhadra Fort deserves a special mention. The royal Fort was established by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 A.D. The unbeatable charm of the Fort is holding by its splendid palaces and lush green gardens, which never allow the Fort to diminish its beauty.
Science City, the center of both, education and entertainment is one another attraction of the city. Visiting the site, tourist can pamper their time sitting inside an IMAX 3D theater, watching several shows throughout the day. Watch its musical fountains; it will surely make the tourist crazy by its enchanting beauty. Ahmadabad tour also includes sightseeing of some other attractions also like Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary for bird watchers; Vastrapur Lake and Kankaria Lake for Natural lovers and temples like Hathisingh Jain Temple, ISKCON Temple for religious people.
Bhavnagar
Palitana Jain Temple, Bavnagar, Gujarat
The tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are a few in numbers, but it is impossible to remain untouched by its unique attractions. This cultural city of Gujarat is the home of both modern tourist and pilgrims because of its spiritual importance. During your Bhavnagar tour, tourist can visit the beautiful Jain temple, which is located in the Palitana region. The temple is seated on the top of Shatrunjaya hills, where flock of numerous pilgrims flows towards it to pay their homage. There are also several temples one can find in this region such as Takhteshwar Temple and Aksharwadi temple. If you wish to spend some of your time amidst the wildlife then Velavadar National Park will be the best choice for you.
Champaner
Archaeological Park, Champaner, Gujarat
The old city, Champaner, once was a capital of Gujarat, but for a short period. The entire city is dotted with ruined tombs, pillars, gardens and Fort walls. Pavagadh Fort is the most visiting site of the city, which has a great archaeological, historical, architectural and artistic value. There is one another attraction that tourist can visit during their excursion that is its archaeological park. Few years earlier, the park has been designated UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wonders.
For religious people Jama Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Shehar ki Masjid and Kevda Masjid can bring world peace into their life.
Gondal
Naulakha Palace, Gondal, Gujarat
Gondal town is a great amalgamation of contemporary buildings and historical monuments which beautifully keeping alive its valuable culture. Naulakha Palace, Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace are some of Gondals majestic heritage sites, now have been converted into heritage hotels. Gondal’s palaces are not the only attractions of the city; vintage cars will boost up your excitement during Gondal tour. Akshardham Mandir in Gondal is a famous shrine of the city, which has been dedicated to Swami Gunatitanand who is called the first successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Jamnagar
Small Green Bee-Eater, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
The historical city Jamnagar is an important city of Gujarat and is the most popular tourist destinations of the state. The city has a great historical importance and has a varied tourist sighting places. All parts of the city are dotted with majestic temples, monuments, museums, and beaches. The prime pilgrimage sites of the city are Bala Hanuman Temple, Bhidbhanjan Temple and Parsi Agyari and Ratanbai Masjid. Don’t miss to visit the majestic historical Forts of the city namely Bhujiyo Kotho, Darbargadh Palace and Manekbai Muktidham which are mostly visited. Apart from that Bird watcher can find some new species of birds in Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and in Marine National Park and it could be a great photographic option for wildlife photographers.
Junagadh
Male Asian Lion, Gir National Park, Junagadh
Junagadh is situated on the foothills of Girnar hills. The city was ruled by several dynasties of past and their glorious histories are still memorized by visiting its majestic Forts. Tour to Junagarh gives the opportunity to explore some of its magnificent sites, which can never be missed out during Gujarat Tour. The most famous attraction of the city is Gir National Park, specially known for Asiatic Lions. Mount Girnar is the most famous hill destination of the Junagadh. The top hill of Mount Girnar is dotted with some beautiful Jain temples and Hindu temples where a continuous flow of devotees can be spotted. Tour package from India’s best travel agent also take you to some of your unseen tour destinations of Junagadh such as Somnath Mahadev Temple, Somnath beach, Jama Masjid, Junagadh Caves and many more, which will surely make your tour worth memorable.
Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Gujarat
Vadodara one of the most popular cities in Gujarat is situated on the banks of Vishwamitri River. There are plenty of tourist attractions in the city and tourists come in a mass to watch the city’s treasure trove. Vadodara always offers something for everyone. Travel to Vadodara, to watch beautifully constructed geodesic style temple, Dakshinamurthy Temple. The temple is the most famous holy shrines of the state. Visit Kirti Mandir, to see its exquisite architecture, which once was the rest house of royal families. To explore more attractions of the city you must have to stay for a few days in this city where you can see the magnificent building, Laxmi Vilas Palace; Vadodara museum famous for picture galleries; seven rock-cut caves, Kadia Dungar Caves; EME temple and many more.
Rajkot
Khambhalida Caves, Rajkot
Rajkot, the historical town of Gujarat, It is the attractions of Rajkot that draws the tourist from abroad towards its doorstep. If you want to make your Rajkot holiday truly worth memorable, then drive to Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is popularly known for mammoth antelopes which has gained the status of ‘Reserve Forest’. How can you forget to enjoy Dandiya dance and Garba songs of Rajkot when you are in this city? These are the main traditional dances of the city? Watson Museum, Wankaner, Morbi, Khambhalida caves, Bangdi Bazar, etc. are some of the famous tourist attractions of Rajkot that entices thousands of tourists every year.
Surat
Swaminarayan Mandir, Surat
Surat, the most important commercial hub of the state, is situated on the bank of Tapti River. The city is best known for the most precious gem industry, where 90% of world’s diamonds cut. How much the city is precious for its gems so as its attractions as well. During Gujarat trip, Surat attractions should never be missed out. Chintamani Jain Temple, one of the famous holy shrines of the site, shows a spectacular view of wooden craftsmanship. Tourist can also see the most popular Surat Castle, which was built by Muhammad Tughlaq, on the shores of Tapti River; so as to provide extra protection against Portuguese raids.
Tour operators in India has designed Gujarat tourism in such a way that tourist can touch all the major attractions of its beautiful cities within their tour duration; so don’t miss the opportunity.
Kutch
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Not utmost, but not less visited tourist destination of Gujarat or one can say naturalist’s paradise. Kutch is visited because of its great crafts and embroidery works. Situated on the bay of Kutch, leading to the Arabian Sea; known as the Rann of Kutch. Kutch offers a range of sightseeing options; some of them are Kutch Museum, known for massive collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions; Aina Mahal, Mahal of mirrors; Swaminarayan Temple, dedicated temple of Lord Krishna and Radha; and Khengar Park & Hamirsar Lake which along with holding the charm of the Kutch.
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