In the western region of India sits the state of Gujarat, which is known for its many traditional aspects. The term “Gujaratta” is where the name of the state originated from. Literally, this refers to the territory that the Gurjar people own. After travelling across Punjab for many centuries, Gurjars eventually settled in this state and made it their home. The state of Gujarat is well-known for its sugary treats and the vibrantly coloured handicrafts that are known as “Gurjari.” The fact that Mahatma Gandhi was born and raised in this state further contributes to the state’s prominence as a political and cultural centre. People from all over the globe, including intellectuals, artists, academics, and businesspeople, have a high regard for the state for a variety of different reasons.
There have been many different civilizations in Gujarat, which has resulted in a lively culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is a land steeped in mythology. Mythological tales have their origins in this area, and some of those tales are being spoken today. The ancient Gujarat evokes the atmosphere of a period when “Hawelis” were the topic of conversation in the community and when long, narrow bylanes were all the rage.
Main Tourist Attractions of Gujarat, India
Sidi Sayyid Mosque
A slave of Ahmed Shah is credited with building the Sidi Sayyid Mosque, which is located in Ahmedabad and dates back to the 16th century. The intricate carvings on the mosque make it an important landmark and a popular tourist destination in Ahmedabad. The gorgeous domes are the centrepiece of the lovely interiors. One of the many things that stand out about this place is the intricate lattice work that is done on the screens called “Jali” that run along the top walls. The stone tracery and semi-circular windows are two excellent examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture at its finest.
The Ahmed Shah Mosque
The Ahmed Shah Mosque was constructed in the year 1414 AD, making it one of the earliest mosques in Ahmedabad. Sultan Ahmed Shah, the city’s namesake and founding father, was the architect and builder of the mosque. The mosque was first built as a private royal mosque when it first opened its doors. The mosque is a really stunning piece of architecture, and it can be seen right next to the Bhadra Fort. The ornate patterns that can be seen within the prayer rooms are a significant part of this site’s appeal.
Swami Narayan Temple
The Swami Narayan Temple that may be seen in Ahmedabad is an absolutely magnificent piece of architecture. Lord Swaminarayan, a deity in Hinduism, is the focus of worship at this temple. The inside and outside of the temple are both covered with intricate wooden carvings. These carvings serve as excellent illustrations of traditional Gujarati design and provide light on the culture and customs of the state of Gujarat. The exquisitely ornamented galleries and domes are another feature that first draws the attention here. The grandeur of the temple is enhanced by the verdant surroundings, which include expansive lawns covered with thick greenery.
Mosque & Tomb of Rani Sipri
The Mosque and Tomb of Rani Sipri in Ahmedabad is a stunning example of architectural design and may be found there. The term “Masjid-e-Nagina” has also been used to refer to the mosque. The balcony windows are a real treat to look at because of the beautiful carvings and the lattice windows that they feature. The mosque is an excellent example of the successful combination of Hindu and Muslim aesthetics, thanks to the skilled execution of its design. The domes and pillars of the mosque contribute to the building’s already impressive sense of grandeur.
Dada Hari-ni Vav
The Dada Hari-ni Vav is a stunning step-well that can be seen close to Ahmedabad. One may get a peek of several intricately etched pillars that support the walls of the well as they make their way down the stairs. Approximately five hundred years ago, Sultan Bai Hari constructed this step well, which has a structural design in the shape of an octagonal shaft with five stories. The magnificent sculptures found here showing a variety of subjects, including birds, animals, and maidens dancing among the site’s most notable features.
Calico Museum of Textiles
After India gained its independence in 1949, the Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad opened its doors to the public. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the best textile museums in all of India. The museum, which is located in a well-known wooden structure in Ahmedabad, is home to an exceptional collection of textiles that date back to the 17th century. These textiles are from various regions of India and include both woven and spun varieties. The museum also has two specialised galleries that are only accessible to members: the gallery of historical textiles and the gallery of religious textiles.
City Museum
The City Museum in Ahmedabad is a veritable treasure trove filled with artworks, antiquities, and treasures of all kinds. The museum is home to some of the world’s finest miniature paintings, which are considered to be works of art of the highest calibre. It is possible to get some understanding of Gujarat’s illustrious history and culture by perusing the antiques, sculptures, and other items that are on display here. Archeologically speaking, the artefacts being presented are of the utmost significance. The museum’s art halls are filled with paintings and pictures that are renowned all over the world.
Sabarmati Ashram
Near the Sabarmati River, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city, you’ll find the Mahatma Gandhi-established Sabarmati Ashram. It was established in 1915. A museum that includes a number of other facilities in addition to its picture galleries and theatre is one of the primary draws in this area. This location has an extensive collection of Mahatma Gandhi’s handwritten essays and letters, many of which are in their original form. This location’s library boasts a collection of memorabilia that includes coins and postal stamps in addition to its more than 30,000 book collection.
Vishala Village
The Vishala Hamlet in Ahmedabad is an exquisitely crafted and faithful reproduction of a traditional Indian village that can be found in the heart of the city. The town has a museum of utensils with more than three thousand examples of utensils gathered from different parts of the nation. The huts that are built here out of mud and decorated in the local style are a major draw for visitors. In these huts, there are potters and weavers demonstrating their crafts to visitors. This restaurant is well-known for the delectable Gujarati cuisine that it serves, which is presented in a setting like a traditional village and is accompanied by traditional Gujarati music, dancing, and puppet performances.
Swami Narayan Complex
Gandhinagar is the location of the Swami Narayan Complex, often known as the Akshardham temple due to its widespread popularity. Incredible to see is the temple with its roofing topped with domes. There are one hundred pillars that have been artistically carved, and each one has a figure of Lord Swaminarayan that has been coated in gold leaf. Together, they are a sight to see. Beautiful visuals are projected onto a total of 14 separate screens, providing guests with the opportunity to take in a spectacle that is both cutting edge and visually stunning. In addition to that, there are three exposition halls located here.
Lothal
In Lothal, which is around 80 kilometres away from Ahmedabad, extensive remains of an old city provide a profound understanding of the way of life of the Indus Valley civilization. An important part of this town’s history is its old dockyard. An old bead factory, the acropolis, and a village are among the other noteworthy sites that may be found amid these remains. An archaeological museum can be located in this location, and it exhibits some of the most unique artefacts that were discovered at the sites. These include painted potteries, jewellery, and mirrors made of copper and bronze.
Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Sun Temple may be found in the vicinity of the Pushpavati River and is around 125 kilometres from Ahmedabad. During the reign of the Solanki dynasty, which began in the early 11th century, this historic temple was built. This very stunning piece of architecture has a touch of grandeur to it, which is accentuated by the golden brown stone that was used to construct the building as well as the pillared portico. Within the walls of the temple complex lies a very large tank. The intricately carved pillars that are organised in a geometric pattern are a significant part of this location’s appeal.
Jain Temple of Taranga
Lord Ajitnath is honoured in the Jain Temple of Taranga, which can be found around 60 kilometres away from Mehsana. The temple is perched atop the Taranga hills at an elevation of 1,197 feet, providing visitors with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area. It is a stunning example of architectural artistry. Here, guests will discover three balconied windows, each of which has a carved grill. The intricate carvings on the enormous pillars that can be seen within the temple are very breathtaking. Even more gorgeous columns may be seen on the porches that are located on the sides.
Sharad Bagh Palace
In the year 1867, construction began on the Sharad Bagh Palace, which is situated in Bhuj. The Maharaos of Kutch initially used to call this palace, which is now a museum, their royal retreat. The whole palace, together with its exquisitely designed rooms, as well as its expansive grounds, is a popular destination for vacationers. Here one may discover unusual treasures such as stuffed tigers, elephant tusks, and silver caskets, among other things. The many tennis championships that Maharao Madan Sinjhi has won are on display here, so guests may look for those trophies as well.
Kaba Gandhi No Delo
The ancestral house of the nation’s founding father is located in Rajkot and is known as Kaba Gandhi No Delo. It is cared for by the government of the state of Gujarat. The residence is currently referred to as “Gandhi Smriti,” which is the name of a memorial museum. Within the museum, there is an extensive collection of images and artefacts linked to Mahatma Gandhi that may be seen. The location, which was constructed in 1880–1881 by Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s father, is a significant landmark in the city of Rajkot due to the extensive collection of artefacts connected to Mahatma Gandhi that it houses.
Watson Museum
The Watson Museum is a well-known monument that can be seen at Jubilee Gardens in Rajkot. The museum is home to an extensive collection of items that provide light on the cultural history of the Saurashtra area. A primary focus of interest in this location is the imposing front door of the museum. The exhibits include reproductions of artefacts from the Mohanjodaro culture as well as a colossal figure of Queen Victoria carved out of marble. You may also see a variety of temple models and natural history exhibits at this location.
Dwarka
The holy city of Dwarka may be found in the Indian state of Gujarat. Marine archaeological digs were instrumental in the discovery of Dwarka. According to an old myth, this city served as the administrative centre of Lord Krishna’s great dominion in the past. The city that stood on the edge of the Kutch peninsula and faced the vast Arabian Sea was a port that exported products to the area of the Mediterranean. During the ancient ages, this city served as the primary port of entry to the western parts of India.
Mount Girnar Temples
Mount Girnar is a peak in Junagadh, Gujarat, that rises to a height of 3,660 feet, and it is home to a number of the most significant Jain temples in all of India. The fortress that surrounds the temples is referred to as “Deva Kota,” and it is one of the most popular attractions. The enclosure is home to a significant number of temples associated with the Jain and Hindu faiths. A Muslim holy site may also be found in this area. The Neminath temple, which was finished in 1159 AD and has intricate sculptures as well as a lovely courtyard, is considered to be the most remarkable of all the temples.
Ashokan Edicts
The Ashokan Edicts may be found around 2.5 kilometres east of Junagadh. The edicts of Emperor Ashok, which were carved into a rock, were written during the third century B.C. The Buddhist edicts carved into the rock provide ethical instruction on how to practise nonviolence and tolerance. In later times, other emperors, like as Skandagupta and Rudradamana, contributed some of their own Sanskrit inscriptions to the temple. The edicts that were written in the Prakrit dialect continued to have an effect on the area up to the year 7 AD.
Uperkot
The Uperkot Fort is the primary attraction of Uperkot, which can be found on the eastern edge of Junagadh. The construction of the fort began around 319 BC. Chandragupta was the architect of the first version of the fort, which underwent several renovations throughout the subsequent centuries. Both the Gupta and Maurya dynasties used the Uperkot fort as a bastion of their power. The intricately carved triple entrance is a prominent feature that draws visitors to the fort. Caves at Uperkot known as Baba Pyare, Buddhist, and Khapra Kodia may also be explored by tourists. These caves date back to the 1st century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. respectively.
Somnath Temple
A magnificent work of architecture, the Somnath Temple can be found around 80 kilometres from Junagadh. The breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea from the temple is enough to take your breath away. The expertise of the local master masons is on display in the temple that was constructed employing Chalukya style architecture. The’shikhara,’ also known as the main tower, of this temple is 155 feet tall and is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. The “mandap” or hall and the beautiful sculptures that can be found all around are two of the most notable features of this location.
Gir National Park
The only place in India where you can see Asiatic lions is in Gir National Park, which is India’s only national park. There are up to three hundred of them in the park, and the best time to see them is around dawn or dusk, when they are most active and moving about. The thick vegetation that can be found here includes of trees and plants such as acacia, tendu, and teak, and it is broken up by areas of natural grasslands. A significant population of Indian Gazelle may be seen on the outskirts of the Gir National Park.
Velavadar Black Buck National Park
Within the Bhavnagar district is where you’ll find the Velavadar Black Buck National Park. The park has grasslands, shrub areas, and saline regions, and is home to a large population of black bucks. Saline grounds are also present in the park. Other species that may be seen up close here are the jungle cat, hyena, fox, wolf, and wild boars. In addition, the park is home to many species of birds that are threatened with extinction, such as the Greater Spotted Eagle, the Pallid Harrier, and the Sarus White Stork.
Shatrunjaya Hill Temples
The Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana, which is located in Palitana, is home to the greatest concentration of Jain temples that can be found elsewhere in the world. The collection of 863 marble temples makes for an impressive spectacle at this location. Over a span of more than 900 years, the temples were constructed. An assembly hall and a sanctum sanctorum are included in the design of every one of these temples, just as they would have been in a temple constructed during the mediaeval period. The temple spires, which include sculptures that are symmetrical in a mathematical sense, are key draws in this area.
