Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Gujarat

Gujarat, located on the west coast of India between Maharashtra & Rajasthan, has not been on the tourist map for many years. This has been changed by a series of very successful ads featuring Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, and the addition of The Statue of Unity. 

Gujarat has a rich and interesting history. It can be traced back to the Harappan Civilization, which established coastal trading ports between 2400 and 1900 BC. Later, the state was populated by warrior communities that established kingdoms. They were then followed by the Mughals, British, Delhi, and Gujarat Sultanates. Gujarat is most well-known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Find your current location pin code.

Places to Visit in Gujarat

Gujarat’s legacy includes outstanding architecture, temples and palaces, mansions (many of which have been converted to hotels), and handicrafts. There are many bird-watching spots and rare wildlife in the state. It is worth getting out of the big cities and exploring. It will be amazing to discover the incredible things you can see and do. Gujarat is one of India’s most underrated places. Soar Excursions are highly recommended for guided trips if you are serious about archeology, birding, and textiles. For note, To get the zip code of the specific area, go for what is my zip code?

• Ahmedabad Old City

Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s capital for centuries, was named India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. This victory beat Delhi and Mumbai. Sultan Ahmad Shah founded the Old City, which is now a walled city. It is home to many Jain, Islamic, and Hindu communities. There are many pols, historic residential areas with winding lanes, and wooden homes that make up the Old City. You will find some of India’s finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, as well as Hindu Muslim art. This Ahmedabad Heritage Walk will take you around the fascinating area. You can also stay in a heritage home like French Haveli.

Another top attraction in Ahmedabad is Gandhi’s Ashram. It was his starting point in the movement for India’s freedom by non-violence.

• Baroda (Vadodara)

In the 18th century, the Gaekwad royals established their kingdom there. The sprawling Laxmi Vilas Palace is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is situated on 500 acres of parkland and is four times larger than England’s Buckingham Palace. The Coronation Room, Gaddi Hall (containing past kings’ thrones), Darbar Hall and the Royal Armoury are all open to the public every day. The cost of the tickets is 200 rupees and includes an audio guide. Madhav Baug Palace offers authentic heritage experiences.

Baroda is also well-known for its vibrant Navratri festival Garba dances and art scene.

• Statue of Unity

In 2018, the world’s tallest monument was built. It is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai, an Indian independence activist (1875-1950). It stands 182m tall and is twice as large as the Statue of Liberty. Patel, the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister of independent India is well-known for his leadership in bringing together the 562 princely states of India. The entire area surrounding the statue has been made into a tourist destination that is accessible to all ages. There are enough attractions and activities to last at least three full days.

• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner and Pavagadh, a little-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in historical, architectural, archeological, and other treasures, ranging from Hindu and Muslim traditions. They date back to the 8th through 14th centuries. There are palaces, religious places (Jama Masjid, one of the most impressive mosques in Gujarat), residential areas, and reservoirs. If you are looking to spend some time in the natural world, stay at Jambughoda Palace or Champaner Heritage Resort.

• Chhota Udepur District

Chhota Udepur, a part of Gujarat’s tribal belt is an ideal place to visit during Holi when tribal fairs explode into life in the district. There are also tribal markets that take place on Saturdays and Mondays. Bhasha Research and Publication Center’s Adivasi Academy is a great place to learn about India’s tribal heritage. It’s located in Tejgadh, Chhota Udepur. 

The incredible Vaacha Museum of Voice records tribes from all over the country. The museum houses a large collection that includes musical instruments, paintings, and sculptures, as well as textiles, agricultural equipment, and images of worship. The museum’s Bhasha van forest of languages is another highlight. Stay at Kali Niketan palace hotel.

• Sun Temple, Modhera

In a peaceful Modhera village, you will find one of the most important sun temples in India. The temple was built in the 11th century by Solanki rulers of the dynasty. It consists of a carved step tank, an assembly hall, and the main shrine. The structure is covered with intricate stone sculptures. It is placed so that the first rays from the sunrise are on the equinox.

• Rani ki Vav, Patan

Rani ki Vav is an abandoned stepwell that dates back to the 11th Century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Solanki Dynasty in memory of Bhimdev I, a widowed ruler. 

There are seven levels of stairs leading down to the stepwell, with panels that contain more than 500 main sculptures as well as over 1000 minor ones. The stepwell was only discovered in the 1980s after it was submerged by the Saraswati River. It remained silted until the 1980s. Its carvings were discovered in perfect condition when it was excavated and reconstructed by the Archeological Survey of India.

• Idar Hill Fort in Sabarkantha District

For centuries, giant boulders have protected the Aravali town of Idar at the southern end. It is a scenic, but difficult climb up to the top of the hill (Idariyo Gadh), through the rocks. You will pass the remains of many palaces and temples. It is also known for its wooden toys made by hand. These toys can be bought at the market next to the clock tower.

• Polo Forest, Sabarkantha District

To discover ancient Jain and Hindu temples hidden deep in the forest, trekkers should visit Polo Forest, one of Gujarat’s most secretive places. This was once known as Abhapuri. It is believed that it was founded in the 10th Century by Idar kings, and then conquered by Rathod Rajputs from Marwar in the 15th century. For the most stunning greenery, visit the area after the monsoon between September and December.

• Kutch Region

Sometimes, the Kutch region in Gujarat is called India’s Wild West because of its vast expanse of barren desert land. Kutch (or Kachchh) refers to its ability to alternate between dry and wet. Kutch is largely made up of seasonal wetlands, such as the Great Rann in Kutch (famous because of its salt desert) or the smaller Little Rann in Kutch (famous because of its Wild Ass Sanctuary).

• Dwarka

Dwarka, one of the most sacred Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage locations and seven oldest Sapta Puri religious communities in India is considered the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. It is also the capital of Gujarat. 

There is also the Krishna Janmashtami festival. In addition, Dwarkadhish Temple is a landmark, which was built around 200 BC. It is often called Jagat Mandir. Gomti Ghat is located at the holy water’s edge and offers a spectacular display of seashell jewelry sellers, tea stalls, decorated camels. Furthermore, Shivrajpur beach, just north of Dwarka was awarded the international Blue Flag certification for safety & cleanliness.

• Somnath

Somnath Temple, an important pilgrimage site, is one of 12 jyotirlingas, which are shrines of Lord Shiva where he is worshipped as a linga light. The temple’s location on the coast is impressive, as are its intricate carvings in sandstone. Its fascinating history is also worth a visit. 

After India gained independence from the British, the temple was destroyed by Islamic invaders. It was rebuilt several times. Furthermore, In February or March, Maha Shivratri is celebrated there. Every year, a colorful religious fair is held on Kartik Purnima (full moon night, usually in November). It features small children dressed as Lord Shiva and lots of bhaang.

• Gir National Park

Gir National Park is one of the best parks in India to view wildlife. It is also the only place where you can see the Asiatic Lion. Gir is the largest dry deciduous rainforest in western India. There are about 300 species of birds and plenty of wildlife. Although it is possible to spot lions, you will have the best chances of seeing them if your visit falls between December and May. April and May can also be hot. Safaris run daily. This Gir travel guide will help you plan your trip.

Junagadh

You’ll be amazed at the stunning 19-century Mahabat Maqbara mausoleum complex. In addition, which was built by Junagadh’s rulers. Furthermore, the historic city, which means Old Fort in Arabic, is located at the base of the sacred, temple-covered Girnar Hills. Moreover, a building with 14 rock-carved edicts from Emperor Ashoka dating back to 250 BC can be found on the road to the hills. Chandragupta Maurya built Uparkot Fort in 319 BC. It is home to some fascinating structures, including step wells, rock-cut caves, and Buddhist rock cuts.

Saputara, The Dangs

Saputara is a densely wooded plateau at the top of Sahyadri’s mountain range. The hill station was developed to be a tourist attraction. It features hotels around a large lake and a boat club, tribal museum cable car, artist village, as well as other attractions. This is a popular weekend getaway, especially in the misty monsoon season. The Dangs district is home to large numbers of tribal people and offers a great way to see rural India. Rural Pleasure at Subir village is pioneering community-based tourism.