Vacation In Gujarat
If you are planning for a vacation and want to get away from the hustle bustle of the city life. Well, then Gujarat is the perfect destination to visit. There are several beautiful places in Gujarat that you can visit with your friends and family members.
Before you leave for your vacation, it is important for you to research about the tourist places in Gujarat. It is an amazing place to visit with lots of fantastic monuments, beaches, wildlife and entertaining spots. You will surely love the long holidays you spend here.
The whole world is aware of the fact that Gujarat is one of the popular and charming tourist destination in India. But do you know that Gujarat Tourism has always developed various adventurous and exciting activities for tourists? One such exciting activity is Safari in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Tourism organizes jungle safari in Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. The best part is the presence of wild animals near the banks of the river in Sabarmati. You should not miss a chance to see the animals while they are near the river banks or houses and farms around it.
Rajkot is the location of the state’s tourism department. It was declared as the Tourism Central Zone of international tourist attraction. It is one among four tourism zones in Gujarat. Rajkot attracts a huge number of tourists throughout the year due to its geographical location, historical background, natural beauty, richness and culture.
Vacation In Gujarat
India can be a truly interesting place for travel, with each state offering something new and exciting. Gujarat State is one of the great India’s states, known for a multitude of sites that are worth visiting. If you’re looking for a travel destination, you will have several destinations to choose from. However, there’s no better place to go then the city of Ahmedabad . From it’s incredible historical monuments to it’s breathtaking views, Ahmedabad has it all.
Located on the western coast of India between Maharashtra and Rajasthan, Gujarat didn’t really feature on the tourist map until recent years. A very successful series of ad campaigns with Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and the addition of the Statue of Unity have changed this though. Tourist interest in the state has grown substantially. Gujarat actually has a very interesting and extensive history that can be traced all the way back to the Harappan Civilization and its establishment of coastal trading ports from 2400 to 1900 BC. Much later, warrior communities came and set up kingdoms in the state. They were followed by the Delhi and Gujarat sultanates, the Mughals, and the British. However, Gujarat is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
The legacy of Gujarat’s heritage includes remarkable architecture, temples, palaces and mansions (many of which have been converted into hotels), and handicrafts. The state also has some rare wildlife and many bird-watching sites. It’s worthwhile getting out and about, away from the major cities, and exploring. You’ll be surprised by what there is to see and experience. Gujarat really is one of the most underrated destinations in India! If you’re serious about birding and wildlife, archeology, or textiles, Soar Excursions are highly recommended for guided trips.
Do note that vegetarian cuisine predominates in Gujarat and the state is a dry one, so alcohol is not widely or freely available. Visitors from outside the state may obtain liquor permits from upmarket hotels in Gujarat that have liquor shops or apply online here.
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Ahmedabad Old City
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ADDRESSAkshar Group 9 City Centre, 2nd Floor, Swastik Cross Road, Chimanlal Girdharlal Rd, Swastik Society, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
PHONE +91 98250 91049
WEB Visit website
Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat for many centuries, was declared to be India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, beating both Delhi and Mumbai. Its walled Old City was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century and is home to diverse Hindu, Islamic and Jain communities. The Old City is divided into numerous pols (historic residential neighborhoods with winding lanes and carved wooden homes). It has some of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and Hindu Muslim art in India. Explore the area on this fascinating Ahmedabad Heritage Walk. You can even stay in a heritage mansion such as French Haveli.
Gandhi’s Ashram is another top attraction in Ahmedabad. It was the starting point for his movement for India’s freedom through non-violence.
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Baroda (Vadodara)
Baroda (renamed Vadodara) stands out for its regal heritage. The Gaekwad royal family formed their kingdom there in the 18th century and their expansive Laxmi Vilas Palace features imposing Indo-Saracenic architecture. It’s set on 500 acres of parkland and is reputed to be the largest private residence in India—and four times the size of England’s Buckingham Palace. Part of the palace is open to the public daily; this includes the Coronation Room, Gaddi Hall (containing the throne of past kings), Darbar Hall, and the Royal Armoury. Tickets cost 200 rupees and include an audio guide. Madhav Baug Palace homestay offers an authentic heritage experience.
Baroda is also known for its art scene and vibrant Navratri festival garba dances.
- Where: 115km southeast of Ahmedabad via the Ahmedabad Vadodara Expressway.
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Statue of Unity, Kevadia
The world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Indian independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950), was completed in 2018. At 182 meters tall, it’s twice the size of the Statue of Liberty. Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, and is highly regarded for his leadership in bringing the 562 princely states of India together. The area around the statue has been developed as a comprehensive tourist destination for the whole family to enjoy, with enough activities and attractions to fill in at least three days. Apart from the statue, these include a sound and laser show, butterfly garden, cactus garden, Ayurvedic wellness center, eco-friendly and medicinal plant nursery, handicraft stores, valley of flowers, forest with native trees, children’s park with train and mirror maze, safari park and zoo, zip-lining, white water rafting, cycling, and boating on the lake. There’s also been a heartening focus of the empowerment of local women, through training and provision of employment. Accommodations are provided in luxury tent cities, hotels and local homestays.
- Where: About two hours (90km) southeast of Vadodara.
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Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
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ADDRESSChampaner, Gujarat 389360, India
WEB Visit website
The little-known UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner and Pavagadh is laden with historical, architectural and archeological treasures from both Muslim and Hindu traditions, dating back to between the 8th and 14th centuries. These include a hill fortress, palaces, places of worship (Jama Masjid is one of the most spectacular mosques in Gujarat), residential areas, reservoirs and step wells. Stay at Champaner Heritage Resort or Jambughoda Palace hotel if you want to spend time nature as well.
- Where: An hour (48km) northeast of Vadodara.
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Chhota Udepur District
Part of Gujarat’s tribal belt, Chhota Udepur is ideally visited during the Holi festival when tribal fairs erupt into life throughout the district. Tribal markets also take place there on Saturdays and Mondays. If you’re interested in India’s tribal heritage, don’t miss Bhasha Research and Publication Center’s Adivasi Academy in Tejgadh village of Chhota Udepur. Its incredible Vaacha Museum of Voice documents tribes from across the country. It has a comprehensive collection including musical instruments, paintings, sculptures, textiles, images of worship, and agricultural equipment. Another highlight is the museum’s Bhasha Van forest of languages. Stay at Kali Niketan palace hotel.
- Where: Eastern Gujarat. About two and a half hours (110km) east of Vadodara.
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Sun Temple, Modhera
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ADDRESSH4JM+XM7, GJ SH 7, Modhera, Gujarat 384212, India
One of the most significant sun temples in India is located in peaceful Modhera village. Built in the 11th century by Solanki dynasty rulers, the temple is dedicated to Surya the Sun God. It’s a substantial structure, consisting of a carved stepped tank, assembly hall, and main shrine. It’s covered in intricate stone sculptures. The sanctum is positioned in a way that it receives the first rays of the morning sun at the equinox.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. About two hours (99km) north of Ahmedabad.
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Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell), Patan
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ADDRESSMohan Nagar Society, Mohan Nagar Socity, Patan, Gujarat 384265, India
Rani ki Vav is an ancient abandoned stepwell dating back to the 11th century and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also constructed during the Solanki dynasty, apparently in memory of ruler Bhimdev I, by his widowed wife. The stepwell has stairs going down seven levels, and panels containing more than 500 main sculptures and over 1,000 minor ones. Only discovered relatively recently, the stepwell was flooded by the nearby Saraswati River and silted over until the late 1980s. When it was excavated by the Archeological Survey of India, its carvings were found in pristine condition.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. About three hours north of Ahmedabad (128km) and 50 minutes north of Modhera (35km).
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Sidhpur
A town trapped in time, Sidhpur will delight architecture aficionados with its colorful century-old mansions belonging to the affluent Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. Many of the houses are empty as their owners have moved abroad. Sidhpur sits alongside the holy Saraswati River and is also a Hindu pilgrim destination. It’s dotted with temples and water bodies. The ruins of 10th century Rudra Mahalaya Temple, with its towering carved pillars and torans, is a major attraction.
- Where: Under two hours (76km) east of Patan. It can be visited as part of a Patan and Modhera circuit.
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Idar Hill Fort, Sabarkantha District
Giant boulders have guarded the town of Idar, at the southern end of the Aravali mountain range, for centuries. A scenic but strenuous climb to the top of the hill (Idariyo Gadh) through the rocks will take you past the remains of various palaces and temples. The town is known for its handmade wooden toys as well. They can be purchased at the market near the clock tower.
- Where: Northern Gujarat. About two hours east of Patan (98km), near the Rajasthan border. It’s on the way to Mount Abu in Rajasthan.