Gujarat is one of the most progressive states in India. It is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the country. It is widely known for its beautiful and one of the largest coastlines in the world.
There are so many beautiful beaches in Gujarat where tourism is growing at rapid rate. The state has so many historical and ancient sites, found recently.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Fast Facts
- Population: 60,439,692 (2011 est.)
- Official Language: Gujarati
- Other Languages Spoken: Hindi, Urdu, English and other regional languages
- Religion: 89.09% Hindu, 9.06% Muslims, 1.84% others
- Time Zone: +5:30 UTC
- Area: 196,024 square km
- Electricity: 230V/50Hz, Indian (Old British)/European plugs
- Temperature: Winter – minimum 10 degrees to maximum 35 degrees, Summer – minimum 25 degrees to 45 degrees.
See
Gujarat is blessed with countless tourist attractions, where thousands of tourist visit each year. You can found all types of tourist places such as religious places, national parks, royal palaces, historical museums, lakes, zoo, and much more.
Tourist Places
- Gir Forest National Park: One of the largest national parks dedicated to the Asian tigers. It is located in the district of Junagadh.
- Sabarmati Ashram: It was one of the centres of Indian freedom movement, located in the city of Ahmedabad.
- Sidhi Saiyyed Mosque: The mosque’s design must to see. It is located at Lal Darwaja, Gheekanta, Ahmedabad.
- Laxmi Vilas Palace: It is one of the largest private houses in the world. It is the official residence of the Royal Family of Baroda.
- Watson Museum: The Watson Museum is one of the best places to see the historical objects related to the Indian Royal Families.
- Jama Masjid: It is one of the oldest mosques in the state of Gujarat. It is situated in the city of Ahmedabad.
- Ukai Dam: It is one of the largest dams in India. It is constructed across the Tapti River, the largest reservoir in the state of Gujarat.
- Kirti Mandir: It is the birthplace of India’s Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. It is situated in the centre of Porbandar.
- Shri Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur: It is a popular Hanuman ji mandir, located in Sarangpur.
- Hanging Bridge, Morbi: The bridge is also known as ‘Julto Pul’ in local language.
- Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad: It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, located in Ahmedabad.
Traditional Fairs and Festivals
- Kite Festival (Uttarayan): Kite Festival, locally known as Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, is one of the most popular festivals in the state. It is celebrated in each and every cities and villages of the state. On this day, people do the kite fighting for the full day to celebrate the day.
- The Tarnetar Fair: The fair is held on 4th, 5th and 6th Bhadarva Sud (approx. in the months of August-September). The place of fair is located just 8 km from the town of Thangadh, in Surendranagar district.
- The Jadeshwar Fair: It is also a traditional fair, held on the first Sunday of the month of Shravan (approx. August) at Jadeshwar Temple, just 15 km away from the town of Wankaner.
- Rann Utsav Kutch: The world famous Rann Utsav is organized each year in the white sand deserts of Kutch.
Important Cities
- Gandhinagar: The capital of the state of Gujarat. The first planned city of the state and the second in the country.
- Ahmedabad: The former capital of the state and the current commercial capital, Manchester of India and one of the fastest growing cities in India.
- Rajkot: The largest city of Saurashtra region, the former capital of the state of Saurashtra.
- Surat: The world famous centre of diamond and textile industry.
- Vadodara: The cultural capital of the state of Gujarat, also known as the Oxford of Gujarat.
- Morbi: One of the largest manufacturing hubs of vitrified tiles and clocks in India.
- Jamnagar: The world’s largest grass-root refinery complex, owned by the Reliance Industries Ltd.
- Junagadh: An ancient city, where the mountain Gir is located, older than the Himalayas.
- Bhavnagar: Alang, the world’s largest ship-breaking yard is situated in Bhavnagar.
- Gandhidham: One of the fastest growing cities in the state.
Reach
By Air: Gujarat is well connected with the major cities of India as well as other metropolitan cities in the world. Gujarat has one international airport, located in Ahmedabad. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has regular flights to and from Singapore, Sharjah, London, Dubai, Chicago, Muscat, New York, Kuwait and Doha. The state has also a number of domestic airports such as Rajkot, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Surat and Keshod. Only a few domestic airports in Gujarat have a regular flights to the major destinations of the country.
By Train: Gujarat is also well connected with the major cities of the country. There is a rail track network of 5,890 in the state. You can easily reach any part of the country from Gujarat through the rail network. The major cities of Gujarat such as Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara (Baroda), Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kandla, Surendranagar, Gandhidham and Bhuj are well connected through the railway line.
By Road: Gujarat is well-connected by road through the national highways. You can easily reach in the state of Gujarat through the various borders sharing including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and others.
Stay Safe
Gujarat is relatively a safe state in India. You just need to follow standard travel tips, while travelling in India. Please note that drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited in Gujarat. However, only a few Five Star Hotels have a permit to serve the alcohol.