Top 10 tourist destination in Gujarat

Are you looking for Top 10 tourist destination to visit in Gujarat in 2022 for a memorable holiday. From temples to parks, there is no dearth of places to visit in Gujarat that one can explore on their vacation. One of the largest states in India, Gujarat is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.

 

Indian state wise food list

Breathtaking natural beauty, historical monuments, remnants of ancient civilizations and picturesque beaches have cast a spell that is hard to break. Apart from this, travelers visiting Gujarat also get a chance to relish the unique folk dances and absolutely delicious cuisine of the state famous across the globe. There are many great places to visit in Gujarat, all of which have a certain charm and are steeped in history.

 

1. Somnath Temple - tourist destination in Gujarat

Somnath, which literally means 'Lord of the Moon', is a pilgrimage center and home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This temple situated on the shores of the rough Arabian Sea is also a wonder. It has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times, once in gold by Lord Soma, once in silver by Ravana, once in wood by Krishna and once in stone by King Bhimdev.

 

It is a stone building that stands tall and now attracts lakhs of devotees to come here and seek the blessings of the Lord. It is a city that derives much of its identity from the mythology, religion and legends surrounding it. Its spiritual atmosphere is embellished by the large number of temples in the area, however, Somnath also offers beaches, museums and other attractions. Somnath Temple and Somnath Beach are the primary places to visit here, Geeta Mandir, Balukha Teerth, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, Somnath Museum are some other places that one can visit.

 

2. Statue of Unity - tourist destination in Gujarat

The Statue of Unity is a memorial to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. State of Unity is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gujarat and attracts tourists from all over the world with its amazing sculpture designed by Ram V Sutar. The statue was inaugurated on the 143rd birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reflects his strong personality.

 

It is one of the most popular tourist places in Gujarat. The statue has been built to propagate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision of India and inspire the citizens of India through his patriotism and freedom struggle.

The bronze statue of the founding father of the Republic of India is 182 meters tall, which has attracted the attention of the whole world as 'the tallest statue in the world'. The Statue of Unity is located in Gujarat on the banks of the Narmada River at Sadhu Bet, 3.2 km from the Narmada Dam (Sardar Sarovar Dam). The Statue of Unity is well connected through Expressway, improved rail system and helipads for the convenience of the tourists.

3. Gandhinagar – tourist destination in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, located on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, was named after Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the great freedom fighter and father of India's nation. Located at a distance of 32 km north of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar is a symbol of rich cultural heritage. Gandhinagar gives you that climate and atmosphere which is hard to find these days. The city hooks you into its pace in such a way that it can be difficult to come back.

 

It keeps you away from the chaotic world and provides peace to you and your soul. Often referred to as the commercial and cultural heart of Gujarat, Gandhinagar presents a sprawling, well-planned appearance of an architecturally integrated city. It offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples and serene environment to all its tourists.

 There are many things to do in Gandhinagar, from visiting the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, one of the largest and most beautiful temples in India, to mapping out the village of craftsmen, from Undhiyu to Khandvi, from participating in the Khadi festival to buying local specialties. Till then, you will find endless reasons to love this city. The city also has a small Khadi Gram or Khadi Village where traditional Khadi clothes are manufactured, but these days it has also been converted into a tourist attraction where tourists can also visit and learn how to make cloth from the original wool.

4. Saputara - tourist destination in Gujarat

Saputara, situated in the Sahyadri or Western Ghats, is a quaint hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, rolling mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, vivid landscapes and plenty of exotic cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, this city is the first favorite among tourists. It is situated at an altitude of 875 meters above sea level and is an ideal destination for environment lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.

 

Located at a distance of four kilometers from the Maharashtra border and 250 kilometers from Mumbai in Dangs district, Saputara literally means the abode of snakes and the tribals of the region worship snakes especially during Holi. It is a beautiful hilly region blessed with lush greenery and offers spectacular panoramas, a distinct tribal culture and great trekking opportunities.

 

5. Ahmedabad - tourist destination in Gujarat

A fast-growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational center and a city with an illustrious past – Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is the former capital of Gujarat, and its delicious food, colorful culture is making it a fast-growing tourist destination. The historic city or old part of the city of Ahmedabad was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Home to a plethora of noteworthy temples such as the Swaminarayan Temple, intriguing museums and classy markets, with a bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is a classic example of how a city still manages to retain every bit of its old-world charm can retain. Ahmedabad is famous for its textiles and the tie-dye Bandhani handloom technique, which makes it a great place to shop.

From bandhani sarees, dupattas to traditionally embroidered dress materials and other local handicrafts. The Sabarmati Ashram, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, is a quaint and peaceful ashram built by Mahatma Gandhi after his return from South Africa. Till date, Gandhiji's living quarters are preserved here and it is now used as a museum where tourists can learn all about his life and his teachings. The infamous Dandi Salt March, which was a turning point in India's freedom struggle, originated from this ashram.

 

6. Surat - tourist destination in Gujarat

The city of Surat in Gujarat has a lot to offer for travelers to take a break from the monotony. This vibrant diamond city of Gujarat offers a lot for travelers to see and learn. From traveling to the vast salt flats to the nearby Gir forests and from the cultural heritage of Surat's temples to modern art, the city has something to inspire everyone. The city of Surat is a good base to explore the many things the state of Gujarat has to offer, like the lions in the Gir Forest and the Asiatic wild asses of the Little Rann of Kutch, as well as a wonderful travel getaway in itself.

 

Surat, often referred to as the Diamond City, has been a diamond trading center for centuries! The city allures tourists with its natural beauty, hot springs, temples, tree lined streets and some of the most beautiful beaches. The present day city of Surat is believed to have been established as Suryapur in 1516. The festival is celebrated almost throughout the year in the city of Surat. From the vibrant Navratri celebrations at the many temples dedicated to Hindu deities at the beginning of the year to the festive colors of Garba dance in October-November.

 In January there is a spirited kite flying festival that attracts travelers from all over the world and then there are music festivals after the rains. The city attracts travelers from all corners of the world from October to March which is the best time to visit the state. The beautiful beaches around Surat, such as Dumas and Suvali, make for a great travel experience at any time of the year.

7. Kutch - tourist destination in Gujarat

An island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is a former princely state of India that holds onto its grandeur from the past. With a vast expanse of white salt desert, Kutch is one of the most beautiful places in India. The place comes to life during winters when Rann Mahotsav is held everywhere during December-February with huge camping settlements along with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.

 

Kutch is also the largest district of India with very low population density. Also, Kutch is located on the India-Pakistan border and you can see parts of Pakistan from Kutch. Kutch is also famous for craft and embroidery works, flamingo sanctuary and camel ride. Bhuj is an ideal starting point for a trip to the Rann of Kutch. The beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don't miss out on the ancient city of Dholavira in Kutch.

 

8. Gir National Park - tourist destination in Gujarat

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining home of the Asiatic Lions. Located in Talala Gir, Gujarat, the sanctuary is a part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. Gir National Park remains closed from 16th June to 15th October every year and the best time for wildlife viewing is April and May.

 

Gir offers you a unique experience of visiting a place that plays an almost singular and pivotal role in the conservation and sustenance of a certain species. The conservation of these lions was started by the Nawab of Junagadh when they were about to enter the phase of extinction due to hunting.

  The official count states that there were 411 lions in 2010 and now, there are about 2375 species of fauna, including 38 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 species of insects. Other important wildlife forms found here are leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer and chinkara.

 

9. Bhuj - tourist destination in Gujarat

Established in 1510 by Rao Hamir, the city of Bhuj is one of the best culturally rich places to visit in Gujarat. The city is located in the Kutch region of the state and was once the capital of Kutch. The ancient city of Bhuj has been witness to many wars and local conflicts. Today it serves as a tourist capital as well as an important trade and commercial point of India. There is a hill on the eastern side of the city, which explains its natural beauty. A fort situated on the ridge further intensifies the historical importance of Bhuj landscape.

 

Two lakes named Hamirsar and Deshdasar are also situated here. These lakes provide an ethereal charm to the busy city. While in Bhuj, you can visit places like Bhujia Fort, Hamirsar Lake, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal and Sharad Bagh Palace. You'll love these places, especially if you want to spend some time learning about the history of the Rajputana and Mughal rulers of India. Bhuj is a great place to shop for traditional Gujarati clothes, meenakari jewelry, local spices and handicrafts at the Bhuj Haat market.

 

10. Rajkot - tourist destination in Gujarat

A sprawling metropolitan city in Gujarat, Rajkot is a must visit for every tourist. The city was prominent in the Indian independence movement, being home to many leaders who participated in India's freedom struggle. In recent years, it has been extensively developed to provide excellent facilities to the tourists. Much of the architecture reflects the Anglo Indian styles of construction. Extensive parks, lush green gardens, monumental buildings and museums further adorn Rajkot.

 

Begin your Rajkot trip by exploring the historically iconic Jubilee Park. The sprawling space houses several buildings from the colonial era, including the famous Connaught Hall. You can also visit Mohandas Gandhi High School or Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Kaba Gandhi Na Delo, Watson Museum, National School, Rotary Dolls Museum, Lang Library and Rotary Midtown Library within Jubilee Park. Other important tourist places in the city include Darbargarh Haveli, Swaminarayan Gurukul, Race Course, Masonic Hall and Aji Dam. You can also explore religious beliefs in Swaminarayan Temple, ISKCON Temple, Vishwakarma Prabhuji Temple.

  While in town, you can find concerts and performances of the local music genre called dayaro. Catch a play at the Hemu Gadhvi Natyagriha or shop the lively streets for items like ivory handicrafts, beaded jewelry, country clothes and meenakari items. The weather in Rajkot is pleasant from October to March every year. During this time, cool winds blow during morning and evening.

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