Gujarat, a culturally rich and geographically diverse state on the western coast of India. It's known for its ancient temples, wildlife, heritage architecture, salt deserts, and vibrant festivals.

Overview

Capital: Gandhinagar

Largest City: Ahmedabad

Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather, ideal for travel)

Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English

Famous For: Gir lions, Rann of Kutch, handicrafts, stepwells, temples, and Mahatma Gandhi

Top Tourist Destinations

Ahmedabad – UNESCO World Heritage City

Sabarmati Ashram – Home of Mahatma Gandhi

Adalaj Stepwell – Ornate 5-story stepwell

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque – Famous for its intricate stone latticework

Kankaria Lake, Manek Chowk night food market

Heritage Walk of the Old City

Gir National Park – Home of the Asiatic Lion

The only place in the world to see Asiatic lions in the wild

Jeep safaris available (Oct to June)

Rann of Kutch – White Salt Desert

Visit during Rann Utsav (Nov to Feb): cultural performances, tent stays, camel rides, crafts

Great Rann: surreal white desert landscape

Dhordo village: main tourist hub

Nearby: Kala Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views

Dwarka – One of the Char Dhams

Dwarkadhish Temple – Dedicated to Lord Krishna

Bet Dwarka – Island temple accessible by boat

Rukmini Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Somnath – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas

Sea-facing Somnath Temple – historically significant and beautifully rebuilt

Light & sound show in the evening

Palitana – Shatrunjaya Jain Temples

Over 800+ Jain temples on a hilltop

Pilgrimage site for Jains, requires a climb of ~3,500 steps

Vadodara (Baroda)

Laxmi Vilas Palace – One of India’s grandest royal residences

Champaner-Pavagadh – UNESCO World Heritage site

Sayaji Gardens, museums, and cultural events

Statue of Unity – World’s Tallest Statue

Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

182 meters tall

Attractions: Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Viewing gallery, Laser show

Located near Kevadia, accessible from Vadodara or Ahmedabad

Other Notable Places

Saputara – Gujarat’s only hill station (lake, ropeway, tribal culture)

Modhera Sun Temple – Beautiful 11th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God

Rani ki Vav (Patan) – UNESCO-listed stepwell with intricate carvings

Champaner-Pavagadh – Archaeological park with forts, mosques, temples

Travel Tips

Transportation:

Major airports: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Kandla

Excellent rail and road connectivity across the state

Cuisine to Try:

Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepla, Fafda-Jalebi, Gujarati Thali

Bhakri & Lasaniya Bataka in Saurashtra

Khichdi-Kadhi, Undhiyu in winters