The state of Gujarat that is situated on the western coastal range in India is known for its vivacious, flamboyant, opulent and varied traditional and cultural legacy. The Gujarat state is as old as the country India and has been majorly a state known for its commercial activities around 5000 years ago during the Indus Valley civilization. The only harbor in the Gujarat at those times was Lothal which was also famous for its design of the town during the Indus Valley Civilization.The state of Gujarat is the homeland for numerous ancient and archaeological monuments that share their history as old as 5000 years. The different cities of Gujarat state offers varied variety in its cultural aspects like Lothal is famous for its matchless acumen that is related to Indus Valley civilization, the Indo-Sarcenic type of architecture can be seen in the city of Ahmedabad, the famous Jain temples can be seen in Palitana while the Buddhists caves are richly found in the city of Junagadh. The state of Gujarat is also famous for other major tourist’s attractions which can be visited during one’s visit to the state. The most admirable features of the state of Gujarat are its magnificent architectural temples, forts, museums, palaces, mosques and caves.

The major language that the people of Gujarat speak is Gujarati. The remains of the sites of Indus Valley Civilization can be seen in the cities like Lothal and Dholavira. The state of Gujarat has been the major aspect in the economic growth of the country both during the history and also during the current times. The few of the major ports in India have always been the part of this state. The state of Gujarat is the famous for its trading and commercial activities that happen in the country. The first dockyard of the world is situated in the state of Gujarat in the city of Lothal. The other importance that can be related to the state is to the Father of the Nation “Mahatma Gandhi” who was born in this state and later started the movement against the British for the Independence of India. Today it is also well known for its economic contribution to the country. A 1600 kms long coastline runs along the state of Gujarat that is also marked by the numerous historical locates, temples, monuments, scenic beaches and the historical palaces that have been currently transformed into heritage hotels.

Jewel of Western India

The other name that is given to state that is situated in the western part of India is “Jewel of the West” and has been once been part of the major civilization that existed in the country known as “Harappan or Indus Valley civilization”. Gujarat is also visited for various other reasons like the rich culture of India, the famous Jain temples, the extended natural terrains, the old wells, and the picturesque beaches and is also house for famous Asiatic Lions. The state also speaks about its modern industries and the rich and famous business families are also located in the state. It is also one of the most sought out holiday destination for the people of India. The large variety of tourists spot is located in the state. Such a large number of tourist’sattractions thus make it difficult to decide on which spot to be visited first. The rich culture of Art, Handicraft, folk Music and dances adds color to the life of the people of not only the Gujarat state but also the visitors coming to this place.

Ahmedabad is the capital city of Gujarat and is also amongst the most popular destination while the visit to the state. The other famous tourist attraction in the state is the Girnar Hill. There are large numbers of pilgrim spots that can be seen in the state few of them being Somnath, Palitana and Dwarka. The few of the most sought out places that one should surely visit during their visit to the state of Gujarat are Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad; Uparkot has few of the tourist spot like Sidi Sayyad Mosque, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Maharaja Sayajirao Museum, and Buddhist Cave Monastery and at Junagarh is the famous Durbar Hall Museum.

Major Tourist Attractions

Religious Attractions

The state of Gujarat houses many Holy destinations that can be visited by the visitors to this place. The major communities that together form the part of the state of Gujarat are Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The people of Gujarat are free to practice the religion they belong to. Few of the other communities that are part of Gujarat are the Muslims, Parsi’s, Christians and the Sindi’s.

The famous temples of the state are the Somnath temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also forms the part of the 12 famous Jyotirlings of the country. This altar has been as old as related back to 10th century built during the days of Mahabharata. The other famous temple that is also dedicated to Lord Shiva is the famous Someshwar Mahadev temple. The temple that is ranked seventh temple that has been dedicated to Lord Somnath who is also famous as Bhaireshvar during the Satva yug, shravanikeshwar during the Treta Yug and Shrigaleshwar during the Dwapar Yug.

The shrines that have been built on the top of the hill are Ambaji, Palitana, Girnar and Pavagadh speaks about the history of the place. The Jains visit the Palitana that is located on the top of the cliff. The architectural beauty of the temple is rich that has been made out of stones and marble engravings.

Some of the Famous Religious Places in Gujarat are

• Akshardham Temple
• Ambaji Temple
• Dakor Temple
• Somnath Temple
• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Sun Temple
• Pavagadh Temple
• Girnar Temple
• Palitana Temple

Historical Attractions

The Forts and Palaces in the state of Gujarat have a remarkable architect and speak about the rich history of the country. The forts in Gujarat illustrates about the architectural designs related to the communities like Hindu, Islamic and the Europeans. The forts also displays rich relics related to the state of Gujarat.

The “Bhadra Fort” located in Ahmedabad is as old as the medieval times. The fort was constructed in the year 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah and the name of the fort is shared with the Hindu Goddess “Bhadra” who is also an avatar of Goddess “Kali”. The fort is an attraction for the visitors from all over the country. The second fort that is famous is the Teen Darwaja that is also rich in its artifacts. The interiors of the Bhadra fort are richly carved and engraved. The Teen Darwaja during the medival times served as the royal entrance to enter the Bhadra Fort.

Famous Forts and Palaces are-

• Lakhota Fort - Jamnagar
• Pavagadh Fort – Panchmahal District near Baroda
• Uparkot Fort - Junagadh
• Dabhoi Fort – major gateway for Narmada Dam
• Old Fort – Surat
• Bhujia Hill Fort - Bhuj
• Ilva Durga (ancient fort) - Idar
• Dhoraji Fort – Porbandar
• Okha Port – Dwarka
• Zinzuwada Fort – Rann of Kutch
• Vijay Vilas Palace – Palitana, Across Mandvi Beach, Bhavnagar
• Aina Mahal (Old Palace) and Prag Mahal – Bhuj, Kutch
• Kusum Vilas Palace and Prem Bhavan Palace – Chotta Udepur
• Navlakha Palace, Riverside Palace, Orchard Palace – Gondal
• Dolat Nivas Palace - Idar
• Art Deco Palace – Morbi
• Digvir Nivas Palace – Vansda, Surat

Gujarat ‘Jewel of The West’- Hill Stations and Tourist Spots

The state of Gujarat is famous for its traditional and historical monuments and temples and is one of the most sought out place for the people from all over the country. The most famous hill station in the state is Saputara that is majorly covered with green and lush trees and shrubs and is part of Dangs district. The tribal people of the state are known for their famous folk dances and music. The tourist spot Udwada located in Valsad district has been developing as major international tourist spot that relates to the peace and harmony of the visitor. The famous Gandhi Ashram also attracts the visitors.

Wildlife Attraction

The state of Gujarat is also famous for its rich natural and wild life. The major types of forests that can be seen in the state are the dry deciduous forests, the green grasslands and at places it also has the moist deciduous forests. Most rare species of the wild inhabitants are part of the wildlife in the state. The famous Gir forest that houses the Asian Lions is also part of Gujarat and is one of the major attractions for the visitors.

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