|
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 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.
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.
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.
|