9 places to visit in Gujarat to experience the essence of a rich Indian state

Gujarat is among the largest states in India, loved by travelers from all over the world due to its history, architecture and culture. The best part of the state is that the people have clung to the ethnicity with pride, and that is what makes Gujarat such a unique destination. You can wander the narrow congested streets for part of the day and spend the rest of the time rejuvenating in your luxurious historic hotel that is equipped with international comforts. This is the real place in India, rugged yet colorful, historic yet elegant, and chaotic yet serene in its own way.

For someone who wants to explore this beautiful state, you must adhere to this list that features the best places to visit in Gujarat.

1. Kutch

The white salt desert of Kutch is a surreal destination to visit. However, in the images, you can mistake the landscape for a snowy one. Gujarat’s colorful folk costumes add to the allure of this otherwise arid region. The Gujarat government organizes the Kutch Utsav in the winter season. This months-long festival is indeed a cultural extravaganza that includes folk music and dance performances, local handicrafts, Gujarati cuisine and much more. There are special cultural programs held during full moon nights, so that is the best time to attend Rann Utsav.

During the winter season, Siberian flamingos fly to Kutch and make the sight more enchanting. This is the best time to visit Kutch, as during the monsoon the entire region is submerged in sea water.

2. girl

Gir is home to the Asiatic lions and is among the best places in India to witness the fierce yet intriguing wildlife. In addition to lions, Gir National Park serves as a habitat for hyenas and black bugs. It extends over an area of ​​1,412 square km. In the ancient era, it was the hunting ground of the Nawabs of Junagadh, and today it is among the most important protected areas on the continent.

A wildlife safari experience here will be the moment you will treasure all your life. If you are traveling with children, this is an ideal place to learn while exploring.

3. Somnath

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath is a highly revered shrine for followers of Hinduism. But spirituality is not the only reason people come here, the temple is located by the Arabian Sea and has undergone devastation and renovations many times over the years. According to the legends, the temple was once rebuilt by Lord Soma using gold, Ravana restored it using silver, Lord Krishna then used wood for the restoration, and finally the stone restoration was done by King Mahadev.

4. Saputra

A picturesque hill station in Gujarat is the only mountainous region here. This is also a haven for people seeking pleasant weather during the scorching summers. The lush forested region makes it an ideal weekend getaway for people living in cities like Ahmedabad. As the monsoon arrives, Saputara becomes more beautiful as the landscape turns greener. Boating is a common activity here, thanks to the picturesque beauty that surrounds the lake. If you feel like enjoying a beautiful view of the place, just hop on a thrilling cable car ride.

5.Ahmedabad

The largest city in the state, Ahmedabad is also among the most developed cities in Gujarat. As it has a busy international airport, it is likely that you will start and end your trip in the state of Ahmedabad. There are many attractions here that keep travelers wanting more. Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham Temple and Kankaria Lake are among the best highlights in the city. A foodie can gorge on the most delicious Gujarati cuisine right here.

Of all the attractions, the International Kite Festival is one of the most sought after. The festival features kites from different countries around the world in different colors, shapes and sizes.

6.Vadodara

Mostly known for the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara has a majestic story to tell. The palace is spread over a massive area of ​​700 acres and was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. At that time it was considered the largest private dwelling in the world. The complex features many other popular Vadodara buildings such as the Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Most of Laxmi Vilas still serves as a royal residence, while part has been converted into a historic luxury hotel.

7. Dwarka

An important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Dwarka is one of char dham (Four pilgrimage destinations). Located on the banks of the Gomti River, the Dwarkadhish Temple is the most significant highlight of the ancient city. According to belief, Dwarka is said to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The shore next to the temple is where people often see turtles and starfish.

During the Janmashtami festival (Lord Krishna’s Birthday) all the streets of the city are decked out in colours. Krishna bhajans resound everywhere, making it the best time to visit Dwarka.

8.Lothal

In today’s ruins, Lothal makes all history buffs go weak in the knees. Studies suggest that Lothal was an important site during the Indus Valley Civilization, and today even the ruins are well preserved by authorities. The archeological site has a museum displaying ancient artifacts, jewelry, gemstones, and more.

Surely Lothal is among the best historical places to visit in Gujarat!

9. Rani Ki Vav

Rani Ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an 11th-century stepped well built by Queen Udaymati in memory of her king, Bhimdev I. This seven-tiered structure is embellished with up to 1,500 intricately chiseled sculptures. It hasn’t been long since it was excavated. It was previously flooded by the Saraswati River. A photography buff can find a thousand dream frames exploring this archaeological wonder.