Things To Do In Gujarat

Gujarat, one of India's most culturally rich states in the west, as a travel destination has a lot to offer to its visitors. You will never be disappointed travelling to Gujarat because there is so much that you can do to capture long lasting memories of your trip. From sacred temples to western-styled malls, from ancient architecture to newly developed technical factories and industries, there is a plethora of things that you can do in Gujarat. Let’s discuss them in detail.

The Rann of Kutch is renowned as world’s biggest salt desert that spreads across 16k square km. It is basically a thick layer of salt covered by thick sand. There’s nothing for miles, just the white barren land, and the clear blue sky. It is not only famous for its  natural grandeur but also for the great Rann Utsav. It looks spectacular when the clear full moon light bounces off the white sand. It leaves behind nothing, but just mesmerization. You will be astonished to see the stunning views of sunset and sunrise. Cultural programs are organized during December and there are various luxurious and comfortable accommodation options provided by the management. Rann of Kutch is something that you cannot miss during your trip to Gujarat.

The Gir National Park spreads over 1412 square km and was set up in 1965. It is also Gujarat's most applauded wildlife park. It will be an amazing and unforgettable experience sighting some of the endangered wildlife species that includes, and not limited to, Antelopes, Hyenas, Sambhar, Jackals, Wild Boar, and Indian porcupine amongst others. It is also home to a large number of Asiatic Lions. You can also witness Lion shows organized by the park management, which are very famous among visitors.The Jeep Safari costs around $84, roughly 5.5k Indian rupees.

More popularly known as the Revetak Parvataka or Girinagar, this is a high range set of mountains near the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is considered as holy by the Hindus and Jains. The Girnar Parikrama festival celebrated here is famous all across the state and a lot of people visit this mountain to offer prayers to the Gods. It is said that approximately 1 million devotees visit this place which generates about 250 million revenue in just five days. The trekking here is filled with adventure as you hike to the top. What you see from the top will simply blow your mind away. If you are a nature lover you cannot leave Gujarat without visiting this place.

Gujarat is famous for some of the finest and most ancient temples. The legendary Somnath Mandir is considered as one of the most captivating temples in Gujarat, said to be existing since the times of Mahabharata. The Mahmud of Ghazni attacked this temple several times and took away all the riches, gold etc. Consequently, it was badly damaged and was raided multiple times after that. Apart from the Somnath Temple, other beautifully constructed temples are the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, Bal Hanuman Mandir in Jamnagar, Sun Temple in Modhera, and Balkha Tirth in Somnath, and the Rukmini Temple in Dwarka.

Gujarat has a rich history that dates back to 2000 BC. The Dholavira and Lothal excavations are said to be the fifth largest sites of the Harappan excavations. It is also a major architectural site of India. While Lothal is believed to be an old city that spreads over 100 hectares and was a key trading center in those days. The next is the UNESCO world heritage site known as Rani ki Vav, which is a nicely constructed step well located in the Patan town in Gujarat. It is one of the best tourist places.

The Makarpura Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Baug, Jami Masjid, Adalaj Step Well are some of the most magnificent architectural marvels in Gujarat. Gujarat saw the development of many structures by different kings and emperors back in the day. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is the grandest of them all. It looks mesmerizingly beautiful, both from the outside and the inside. A visit to these grand and majestic places will leave you speechless and will spellbound you. Don’t forget to take a walk at these royal structures and witness the wonders of Gujarat.

As Gujarat is blessed to have the longest coastline in India, there is no shortage of beaches, and all are amazingly beautiful. The Diu beach, Tithal beach, Nargol beach, Dwarka beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi beach in Junagadh, Jamnagar beach, Sarkeshwar beach, Somnath beach, and the list continues. Just spend some cool-off time with your family, and revel in the Arabian Sea that kisses the shore of Gujarat.

Gujarat has its typical taste in all food items that you can try. You must try some of the finest Gujarati dishes. You keep hearing about them outside of Gujarat but here your chance to taste their real essence with the blend of Gujarati spices is ripe. Things that you can try are Gujarati Kadhi, Undhiyu, Aam Shrikhand with Mango Salad, Khandvi, Gujarati Samosa, Bardoli ki Khichdi, Dhokla, Methi ka Thepla, Dal Dhokli, Handvo, Fafda with Jalebi, Patra, and Shrikhand. 

Do also bring back the Gujarati dry snacks like peanut bhajiya, chivda, dry fruits kachori and gathiya.

Last but definitely not the least thing in your list, is shopping. If you love to shop and prefer traditional dresses, this is the place to be at. There are numerous options to choose from. Prepare a list of your favourite items, get on to places like Law Yard Market, Dhalgarwad, Lal Darwaja or the Teen Darwaja, and Sindhi market, all in Ahmedabad. Ring Road and Rander Road in Surat are famous for fashionable clothes. Also new textiles in Surat has a beautiful collection of sarees and a lot of material gets exported to middle East from this place. Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Vadodara are also famous for shopping. Whichever city you plan to visit, take a day off and just shop.