Top Best and Famous 4 Travel Destinations in Gujarat

Sweet and tangy dishes like Thepla, Fafda, Khakhra, and Dhokla spice up the Gujarat Tourism whereas the Navratri special Dandiya Raas is the rhythm of it. That’s all? What about the amazing white sand of Rann of Kutch and relics from centuries old events those date back from the era of Mahenjodaro-Harappan settlement to several Rajput clans of medieval era and Colonial era? The age old land of Gujarat is a blend of several myth, heritage, nature and culture sparking up the tourism industry with lakhs of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. From ancient sea ports across the Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambat to beaches, national parks, temples, forts and palaces… the state is dotted with several destinations shining like precious gems. Let’s check out some of the best travel destinations in Gujarat where you can dig into its vast history, culture and myths.

1. Ahmedabad

One of the fastest growing cities in India and located on the banks of River Sabarmati, Ahmedabad apparently unwraps a vast chapter of Indian history. The city with its urbanite clamour intrinsically grabs the time since the era of Solanki dynasty that dates back to the 11th century and throws a distinct scenario of the Muzaffarid, Mughal, Maratha and British empires. The Bhadra Fort with its well carved royal palaces, mosques and gates is one such fine example that reveal the quaint Muzaffarid era. It was built in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah I and today it is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. The fort houses the beautiful Nagina Baugh and the royal Ahmed Shah Mosque (a yellow sandstone architecture) on the west side and an open area known as Maidan-Shah on the east side. 


The fortification also comprises several inscriptions. The Bhadra Kali Temple, which was built during the Maratha rule, and Clock Tower during the British East India Company are other major attractions inside the fort. Another marvelous yellow sandstone architecture on the eastern side of Teen Darwaza that was built in 1424 is the Jama Masjid snapping up tourists’ interest. The Jhulta Minar, which is a part of the Sidi Bashir Mosque, built in 1452; Adalaj Stepwell that was built by in 1499 by Muslim king Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba, wife of Veer Singh; and Dada Hari Vav that was built in 1501 are some of the major tourist attractions having historical significance. Encircling the quaint walls of Bhadra Fort, the historical Manek Chowk stands out to be a popular hub for food lovers. On the other hand, areas like Bhatiyar Gali, Kalupur and Jamalpur are perfect for those travellers who want to wake up their carnivorous nature. The city also holds a special gallery for housing a distinct culture. 

The Sanskar Kendra, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Calico Museum of Textiles, Hazrat Pir Mohammad Shah Library and L D Institute of Indology holds several noteworthy chapters of Gujarati literature, art, dance and music AND Jain manuscripts and diversified Indian culture. The Gandhi Ashram which was established in 1917 on the bank of River Sabarmati is one of the finest examples of the Indian Freedom Movement and holds an important place in the eyes of travellers. Other attractions in Ahmedabad are the Auto World Vintage Museum, Science City and Kankaria lake. The Akshardham Temple, Vaishnodevi Temple, ISKCON Temple, Swaminarayan Temple and Hutheesing Jain Temple also grab the attention of pilgrims.

2. Vadodara

The city complies with royal touchstones where the Laxmi Vilas Palace, belonging to the Gaekwad a prominent Maratha family, stands like grandeur. The palace, which is marked by complex designs and boasts Indo-Saracenic style, is reputed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The Laxmi Vilas Palace boasted as one of the prominent venues of several cultural events and is one of the major tourist attractions in Vadodara. 

Then there are others like the Makarpura Palace and Nazar Bagh Palace also hold ennobled place in the travelogue of Gujarat Tourism. The city of Vadodara, which is also dubbed Baroda, dates back to the era of the Gupta Empire which dominated the region till the Chalukya Dynasty took over it. Later it was captured by the Sultanates of Delhi followed by the Mughals and finally by the 17th – 18th century the Maratha Gaekwads took over the region. The city of Baroda is the most sought after location in Gujarat for several cultural events. 

The Garba and Dandiya forms of dance remain the major attractions for travellers who are keen about framing each and every detail of Indian culture. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery showcase a diorama of the royal chapters during the colonial era and host several antiques that include marble and bronze sculptures and distinct art works. 

Close to the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, the Sardar Patel Planetarium, Sayaji Baug Zoo and Floral Clock are major sightseeing spots in Baroda that is housed in Sayaji Baug. Major buildings and monuments like the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Kirti Mandir, Kirti Stambh, Nyay Mandir, Khanderao Market, Aurobindo Ashram, EME Temple (Dakshinamurty Temple), Hazira Maqbara, Kala Ghoda and Mairal Ganpati Mandir are also significant tourist landmarks in Baroda.

3. Surat

The city served as a major trade center for the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British. The medieval era was much influenced by the Mughals as Surat became the transit point for Mecca. Later, the city flourished as the mercantile capital of West India and today it is one of the bustling textile hubs with several cotton mills. Hence, shopaholic travellers… go to shop from the vibrant alleys arraying shops of textile products like kinkhab brocades, Tanchoi and Ganjee Sarees and wood, ivory inlay and diamond work. 


Another distinct feature is the Surti cuisine and when you are travelling to this part of Gujarat… don’t forget to spice up your mouth with Khaman, Sarasiya Khaja, Undhiyu and kiosks. Try out Surati Ghari, which is a type of sweet dish. Now coming back to sightseeing in Surat… the city houses several tombs that date back from the 15th to 18th centuries and the most prominent one among them is the 17th century memorial to Baron Adrian Van Reed. 

The Nau Saiyid Mosque on the bank of the Gopi Lake and Mirza Sami Mosque are the two significant Muslim pilgrimage sites that capture the frame of Gujarat Tourism. Dandi, located on the outskirts of Surat and the major hub for Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930, is a must visit place during your tour to Gujarat. Likewise, places like Navasari, Udvada and Sanjan hold a significant place in Indian history being the major Persian hubs. 

The Surat Fort, built by the British in 17th century, and the 15th century Chintamani Jain Temple signify the rich and exquisite artistic works of the medieval era. Surat is also a hub for beach lovers. The Dumas Beach and Suvali Beach are the nearest beaches where one can enjoy an evening by capturing different shades of the horizon at the time of sunset

4. Rajkot

Located on the banks of Aji and Nyari Rivers, the city of Rajkot holds a significant place in the Indian independence movement. The Watson Museum holding collection of precious objects of the colonial period, history of Rajkot and culture AND Karba Gandhi No Delo, also known as Mahatma Gandhi House, which houses several antiques are the major tourist attractions in Rajkot. The Rashtriya Shala, which was founded by Mahatma Gandhi,… is a center of patola weaving and Lang Library that racks several documents and books covering bits and bytes of Rajkot and Saurashtra history marks an important place in Gujarat Tourism. 

The marvelous red sandstone architecture, Jagat Mandir is another prominent tourist attraction in Rajkot. Located on the outskirts of Rajkot, the Ranjit Nilas Palace in Wankaner and Durbargadh Waghaji Palace in Morvi are the two major places to visit in and around Rajkotthat resonate with memories of the colonial era.

 

Previous Post Next Post

Contact Form