Gujarat which is stretched over the Arabian Sea coast. The region consists of around 11 districts engulfing about a third of Gujarat and thereby cleanly, separated by the Gulf of Kutch on the west side and Gulf of Khambhat on the east side.
But before we start our list I want to clear you that If your vacation is going to short one, It would be better not to consider visiting Gujarat. Your visit to Gujarat cannot be justified if you miss the important places to visit in Gujarat. To understand the essence of the culture and heritage of Gujarat, you will need quite proper time. Exploring Gujarat will be a great experience and rewarding as well. The state, correctly called the ‘Diamond of the West’ has a lot to offer for everyone. Beaches that let you enjoy and relax, constructions that represent diversified faiths, palaces that depict the heroic past, and last but not the least, the beautiful nature’s generosity in various parts of the state await visitors to be explored and enjoyed. A state that currently sets a rich example in developing industrialization needs to be visited when you have a good amount of time.
It is a difficult task to shortlist 12 attractions amongst the innumerable tourists spots. However, here is a true and humble efforts to provide to you with a list. However, the suggestion would make your visits based on the purpose of your travel. If it is a heritage tour, you could all out to visit the heritage sites in Gujarat. If you seek to visit temples, mosques, or both, you will find that you are short of time as the state has various temples and mosque. If wildlife is your passion, you have a lot to keep you moving. If you want somewhere quiet to spend your holiday in a relaxed place and rejuvenate your tired soul after a hectic schedule, you will find in Gujarat various tourist spots to suit your needs.
1). GIR NATIONAL PARK
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| Asian Lion At Gir |
Gir National Park is a pride of India because it has been a shelter of Asia’s most wild lions since 1965. The park is located 65 km in the south-east direction of Junagadh and stretched over a massive of 1150 sq. Km of the area. According to the reports, the numbers of lions in this park have increased from 250 to 450 and many tourists come here just to see them walking wildly. The sanctuary is also home to some other rare species like leopards, cheetahs, deer, antelopes, large deer, gazelle, and wild boars.
There is a Kamleshwar dam in the vicinity of this park where one can also dwell in the thrill of watching wild crocodiles and birds breathing freely. Earlier, a small tribe used to live in this area who were later relocated to some other region but still, some of the people of that tribe lives here in the wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: December to April.
Timing: 6am-9am, 9am-noon, 3-6pm (Only runs through mid-October to mid-June).
Entry Ticket: Mon-Fri (Rs.800 for an Indian/ Rs.4800 for a foreigner) and Sat-Sun (Rs 1000 for an Indian/ Rs.6000 for a foreigner).
2). Kankaria Lake
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timing: 6am-11pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Ticket: Tue-Sun (Rs.25 for adults, Rs.10 for kids, Rs.00 for senior citizens and kids below age of 3 years FREE)
3). Great Rann Of Kutch
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| Tents In The Rann Of Kutch (Tamboo) |
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
4). Narara Marine National Park
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| Crab At National Marine Park |
The Narara Marine National Park is one of the rare places in the world where one can look at corals without having to dive down into the water. About an area of 458 Sq. km from Okha to Jodiya was declared as a Marine Sanctuary in 1980. Later, in 1982, about 163 Sq. km of core area was declared as a Marine National Park under the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1972 of India.
There are 42 tropical islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park, most of them surrounded by reefs. Out of which 33 islands have coral reef. Some of the best known islands are Pirotan, Karubhar, Narara, and Poshitra. There are islands with sandy beaches and mangrove swamps. Major ecosystem types available are coral reefs, mangroves, mudflats, creeks, Sea grass, & Sea weeds, estuaries, sandy strands to saline grasslands, marshy areas and rocky shores. All ecosystems support rich marine life & bird life in the marine park.
The sanctuary lies in the intertidal zone, so especially in low tide, visitors get to observe the rich diversity of marine life. One has to just walk in the water when tide ebbs, in about 1 to 2 feet of water to watch this fascinating underwater world of corals. It is a 2 km walk and takes 1.5 - 2 hours. Here one can spot variety of marine life which includes Octopus, crabs, sponges, puffer fish, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins, ray fish, jelly fish star fish, sea anemones, colorful corals, exotic marine flowering plants, etc. Since it is protected area, tourists are not allowed to pick things like shells, stones, dead coral etc. and do not catch or disturb any marine creature.
For access to the Marine National Park, one has to take permissions from the Forest Department. In case of foreign tourists additional permission from the Police Department is also needed. The park can be accessible only during low tide when the island is abuzz with a variety of marine life. There are four tides in a day - two high tides and two low tides. High tide occurs every 12 hours, and the Coral walk is done between 2 high tides. Generally, it takes 3.5 hours for the tide to reach its highest point at Narara. Make sure you start your visit when low tide starts, as you cannot enter the park during high tide. So call to the forest office at Jamnagar or check online for the details of tidal times before you visit.
Wear good sandals / shoes because some places in the reef are sharp. Also, carry some snacks and water as there is nothing available once you start the walk. If you want to find more interesting sea creatures do hire guide at the entry gate of the park.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Timing: 8am-4pm (Mon-Fri)
Entry Ticket: Mon-Fri (Rs.40 for Indians, Rs.700 for international tourist, Rs.300 for personal guide).
5). Somnath Temple
Somnath temple is a very sacred pilgrimage site of Hindu community and often, visited by thousands of devotees every day. The temple is the first of all the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ (a form representing Lord Shiva) and is of the reason why it is always deeply reverenced by the Hindu community. The temple is only 79 km away from Junagadh and lies on the western coast of Gujarat.
As per legends, the temple was built by moon God himself purely with gold. But the temple was later reconstructed with other different materials as King Ravana turned it in silver, Lord Krishna then turned it in sandalwood, and then lastly, it was built with stones by the rulers. There is no entry fee for the visitors.
Best Time to Visit: October to March and major festivals are celebrated here during this time.
Timing: Darshan time (6:00 am to 9 pm) and Aarti time (7:00 am, 12 noon and 7:00 pm)
Entry Ticket: No entry ticket
6). Girnar Hill
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| Girnar Hill Temple |
The trek to this hill starts from Girnar Taleti and after taking 2000 steps, one could easily see themselves surrounded by the panoramic view of this hill. The most gorgeous view one can have here is during the sunrise time when the sun shimmers the whole mountain in golden colour.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
7). Laxmi Villas Palace
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| Laxmi Palace |
Best Time to Visit: October to December
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Mon-Sun (Rs.200 per person)
8). Shatrunjaya
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| Shatrunjaya Temple & Hill |
Shatrunjaya is another such sacred hill, situated at an altitude of 50 m above sea level in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It is also crowded with lots of Hindu as well as Jain temples which are presumed to be built 900 years back. The famous temple of all the other temples is Shatrunjaya temple, which is considered to be the most sacred Jain temple.
There are only 3300 steps as compared to 10,000 steps for Girnar hill and will hand you the most splendid view at the top. The hill is famous for holding a ‘Teerth Yatra’ during Kartik Purnima and is considered a very great event among the Jains who never fails to pay their homage at that time.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
9). Diu
Diu is a quaint town owning everything in Portuguese style which is located on the Southern coast of Gujarat. It is also the union territory of India which is often visited by young travellers because of its quiet life. Since the territory is separated by a tidal creek which is why it is only accessible by a bridge from the mainland.
The island has some pretty impressive attractions like Diu fort, caves, and some gorgeous beaches. The fort is a major landmark which showcases the authentic Portuguese culture. The beautiful beaches also beautify the island’s low skyline in a very elegant way.
Best Time to Visit: During monsoon from August to October.
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
10). Devbhumi Dwarka
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| Dwarka Temple |
Devbhumi Dwarka is also the third pilgrimage site of Chardham Yatra lying on the East zone of India. This place is often held with great reverence in the history of India because it was helmed by Lord Krishna himself. Many pilgrims come to this play to pay their hearty homage to the ruins of Lord Krishna’s kingdom.
The place is popular for its Dwarkadhish temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is estimated to be built 2,500 years ago. The place is also home to some other notable religious places like Rukmini Devi temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka.
Best Time to Visit: October to March and many festivals are being held at this place during this time.
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
11). Mahabat Maqbara
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| Mahabat Maqbara |
The mausoleum is often visited by the people chasing historical monuments around India. It is must visit place if one is planning to visit the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year but it is advisable to plan a visit during winters from Oct-Mar.
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry
12). Mandvi Beach
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| Mandvi |
Mandvi city was founded in 1580 by the Rao of Kutch, Khengarji. Being an integral port, the skill of the Gujarati sailors was valued by many at that time. Even Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who discovered the Europe-to-India sea route in 1497, was accompanied by a Gujarati sailor.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year but best time is between October to March
Timing: No particular time, you can visit anytime in a day.
Entry Ticket: Free Entry for Public Beach / For Private Beach Rs.100 per person.
- Before you leave wait a minute. As you read the whole article right above I think I might have gave you a clear idea about the state of Gujarat by providing even the little info that can help you during your visit. So don't you think I atleast deserve a share and a comment about how much you got to know from the blog ?
- If yes, do comment down and even let me know if I missed something. And hit me up if you wanna know about some other place too. Suggestions are always welcomed.
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