Things to Do in Gujarat
Things to do in Gujarat have been attracting an ample number of tourists each year. Nestled in west India, Gujarat is the sixth largest state possessing a coastline of around sixteen hundred kilometers. It witnesses a huge amount of national as well as international tourists each year. It offers landscaped beauty all the way from Rann of Kutch to the beautiful hills of the Satpuras. In the whole wide world, only Gujarat offers an opportunity to adore the beauty of Asiatic lions. Various ancient structures in Gujarat depict the craftsmanship of the Sultanate reign. Ahmedabad is an ideal tourist hub to be visited in Gujarat. Gujarat is home to a number of remarkable hills including Wilson hills, Palitana, Saputara as well as the beautiful Pavagadh. These hills are admirable destinations that offer breathtaking views along with an opportunity of indulging in various adventure activities such as camping as well as trekking. Here you will have a great sightseeing opportunity as the state houses an ample number of historical forts, ancient palaces, temples, mosques as well as other attractions holding historic importance. Some of these forts, as well as palaces, have been converted into top-notch hotels where one can enjoy a comfortable stay. Gujarat is a well-known tourist destination that holds a significant culture. It offers various handicrafts including Khadi, patolas of Patan, kutchhi work, pithora, block printing, metal crafts, Rogan painting as well bandhani. Gujarat flaunts a wide variety of flora and fauna that beautifies the state. While touring Gujarat one can take trips to national parks as well as wildlife sanctuaries and have an impeccable experience of wildlife photography. There is a Royal Orient Train that runs between Rajasthan as well as Gujarat which is a luxurious experience altogether. It covers a number of tourist places falling amidst these two states of India. The state of Gujarat is highly popular for the Gujarati cuisine and one must surely try it out while touring it. Trying out Gujarati cuisine is one of the best things to do in Gujarat.
The park has a unique landscape made up of hills, plateaus, sharp ridges, and portions of 7 major rivers of the region like Datardi, Hiran, Raval, etc. One of the best places to see in Gujarat, it houses more than 400 species of fauna and 2300 species of fauna.
You can spot several unique wildlife (animals & birds) species here like the Asiatic lion, hyena, chinkara, nilgai, mugger crocodile, pythons, Malabar whistling thrush, tawny eagle, etc. The park houses rare tree species like Flame of the forest, sirius, charal, kalam, etc.
Highlights of the place: Don’t miss to enjoy a lion safari at the Gir Interpretation Zone and see the crocodiles up and close at their breeding centre. You can shop for local handicrafts and fabrics at the park’s souvenir shop. If you visit 15 days after Holi, you can attend the folk dance and food festival by the native Maldhari and Siddis tribes.
Location: Talala Gir, Gujarat.
Taking in the beauty here on a full moon night is an overwhelming experience. Also famous for the Rann Utsav held every year from November to February, you can enjoy a blend of music, culture, dance and various activities like camel cart rides, rifle shooting, cultural shows, spa treatments at the Rann of Kutch. An entertainment zone for the kids ensures they have a good time too.
Location: Thar Desert, Kutch District, Gujarat
Price: Rs 100 for an adult, Rs 50 for a child of 6-12 years, Rs 25 for a two-wheeler and Rs 50 for a four-wheeler.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Kalika Mata Temple on top of the Pavagadh Hill and the Jama Masjid housed here are two of the most popular attractions of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
Location: Panchmahal District, Gujarat, India
Timings: 08.30AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park would be during the cooler months between October to February, when the weather remains pleasant enough to explore the park under the open sun.
Amidst miles of rare tree species like teak, timru, sadad, charoli, etc. you can spot unique wildlife like cobra, Russel’s viper, leopards, four-horned antelopes, civet cats, etc. Its location atop the Ratanmahal hill and rugged landscape makes one feel as if one is visiting a beautiful hill station.
Highlights of the place: The close-by tribal towns of Baria and Chhota Udepur gives a unique opportunity to meet the locals. Kanjeta eco-campsite with its orientation centre is the perfect place to experience the wilderness up and close. Visit the majestic River Panam that originates inside the sanctuary.
Location: Kanjeta, Gujarat.
Edging around the majestic Narmada River, it is surrounded by the Malwa plateau and the Mathwar hills lending it a beautifully unique landscape. The dam area becomes even more beautiful during the rainy season with large curtains of foamy water crashing down. You can see this up and close from the tunnels that reverberate with the forceful sounds of the water, making it one of the best places to see in Gujarat.
Highlights of the place: Visit the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world dedicated to Sardar Patel. Narmada Tent City for boating and camping. Valley of Flowers to see 17 kilometres of flowering patches. See the beautiful architecture of the ancient Shoolpaneshwar Temple and the Rajvant Palace.
Location: Navagam, Kevadiya Colony, Gujarat.
Most of the temples here are located on hilltops and have magnificently unique architecture and hold famous Navratri and Diwali festivals. The town is surrounded by Aravalis covered in dense foliage, valleys, acres of lush plains, and wildlife zones that house rare flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature and trekking enthusiasts.
Highlights of the place: Ambaji temple’s beautiful architecture consisting of a white marble building adorned with golden cones, silver-plated doors, and niches that have ancient Vedic inscriptions is a must-visit. Visit the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places to go in Gujarat, to spot leopards, porcupines, small Indian civet, sloth bear, white-backed vultures, etc. Gabbar Hill to see the temple of Sati Devi.
Location: Banaskantha District, Gujarat.
They have hundreds of Jain & Hindu temples and mosques spread over its peaks that are reached by rugged trails. This makes Girnar one of the most popular and important hiking and spiritual places in the region, irrespective of one’s religion. Trekking enthusiasts love to take on the 10,000-step trek from the base to the last peak.
Highlights of the place: One of the best attractions here is the ancient Dattatreya Temple that has the footprints of Lord Dattatreya. Visit the Neminath Temple that’s one of the oldest Jain temples in the country. The Girnar Parikrama and Bhavnath festivals held in January each year are attended by thousands from all over the country. Don’t miss to see the rock edicts of Ashoka, belonging to 250 BC.
Location: Girnar Taleti Road, Gujarat.
The structure was excavated by the ASI only in the 1980s as it lay submerged under the River Saraswati. It is divided into seven levels, the walls of which are engraved with hundreds of mythological figurines, motifs, and sculptures that depict 3 levels of Hindu cosmology i.e. heaven, earth, and the underworld (patal lok). The image of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is printed on the new Rs.100 currency note.
Highlights of the place: You must see all the seven levels that have distinct carvings marking each one of them. You will see intricately-carved sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his 10 avatars like Varaha, the Boar, Kalki, Narasimha, etc. along with figures of celestial deities, water nymphs, apsaras, etc. are a must-see.
Location: Mohan Nagar Society, Patan, Gujarat.
This site is extremely important since this is one of the few Harappan-era sites to be found in India, with the rest becoming a part of Pakistan after partition. This ASI protected area consists of the stunning prehistoric architecture of brick walls, burial ground, houses, drainage system, wells, etc. The humongous dock here suggests that it was an important trade route connecting India to ancient Mesopotamia and was a site of advanced tidal studies.
Highlights of the place: Lothal is one of the most accessible Harappan sites in the world and is considered to house one of the oldest docks in the world. Visit the archaeological museum to see terracotta ornaments, figurines of animals and humans, red clay pottery, engraved seals, and beads. Don’t miss to see the replica of a twin burial site here.
Location: Saragwala Village, Dholka Taluka, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The statue, standing at a height of almost 790 ft. (including the base), is the tallest statue in the world that is visible from the space making it one of the must-visit places to visit in Gujarat! Visitors are allowed to go up to the viewing gallery that is located near the chest height of the statue located at around 500 ft. for close views of the statue and the surrounding Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
Highlights of the place: There is a museum here that has over 2000 pictures from the life of Sardar Patel. Visit the Valley of Flowers, which is a 17-kilometre long patch of flowers. Don’t miss to attend the sound and light laser show, conducted 7 pm each day that bathes the statue in millions of colours. Enjoy a 10-minute helicopter ride and a boat ride in the Narmada River to enjoy stunning views of the statue.
Location: Sardar Sarovar Dam, Statue of Unity Road, Kevadia, Gujarat.
Visitors have the whole place to themselves, as the only people living here are the forest guards, the lighthouse staff, and the shrine servers. The Marine Park, the country’s first such park, is dotted with rare corals, thick mangroves, and stunning sandy beaches. The shallow-beach island can be reached by a boat only during high tide.
Highlights of the place: A haven for bird-watchers, the island is the home to seagulls, black-headed gulls, waders, etc. The waters have a rich marine life including dolphins, sea anemones, pufferfish, octopus, etc. Other must-visit places here include the centuries-old lighthouse and the shrine of Khwaja Khijer Ramatullahalaiah.
Location: Marine National Park, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
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Gujarat Things To Do FAQs
What are some of the best things to do in Gujarat?
There are various things to do in Gujarat. Some of them are as follows:
· Visit the Great Rann of Kutch at the time of Rann Utsav
· Visit Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad
· Explore the famous Kirti Stambh of Hutheesing Jain Temple
· Visit the Dwarkadhish Temple
· Camp under the open sky
· Explore the Dholavira part of The Indus Valley Civilisation
· Visit and adore the main shrine of the Girnar Jain temples
· Adore the beauty of Samovsaran Mandir, Palitana
· Witness the Modhera Dance Festival at Sun Temple in Modhera
· Visit the Vasai Jain Temple
· Go for some wildlife photography in Gir National Park
· Visit Jama Mosque situated in Champaner
· Visit the Sun Temple of Modhera
· Trek in one of the exotic locations
· Admire the Gira falls of Saputara
· Visit Rani ki vav, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site
· Admire the Hutheesing Jain Temple
· Explore Pavagadh
What are must do adventure activities in Gujarat?
The various adventure activities to enjoy in Gujarat are as follows:
- Take a Camel Safari in The Little Rann of Gujarat
- Surfing at Chorwad Beach as well as Dumas Beach
- Water Skiing at Mandvi Beach
- Ropeway Cable Car ride in Saputara
- Water scooter ride at Mandvi Beach
- Paragliding at Mandvi Beach
- Rock climbing at Pawagadh, Junagadh, as well as Taranga
- Snorkeling at Mandvi Beach, Nagoa Beach, Goghala Beach and others
- Underwater diving at Mandvi Beach and others
- Trekking as well as camping in the beautiful grasslands of Gujarat
- Jeep Safari ride in the national parks
Which are must visit places in Gujarat during sightseeing trip?
Famous places in Gujarat for an accomplished sightseeing tour are as follows:
· Rani Ki Vav, Patan
· Dwarkadhish Temple
· Somnath Temple
· Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
· Marine National Park, Jamnagar
· Dholavira
· Palitana Jain Temple, Bhavnagar
· Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar
· Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple, Ambaji, Banaskantha
· Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch
· Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi
· Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups
· Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Kutch
· Gir National Park, Junagadh
· White Desert – Great Rann of Kutch
· Polo Monument and Vijaynagar Forest
· Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
· Saputara
· Lothal
· Sun Temple, Modhera
· Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
· Pols of Ahmedabad
· Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Bhavnagar
· Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
· Adalaj Vav/Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad
Where can I go for wildlife safari in Gujarat?
While touring Gujarat you can take a wildlife safari at the following places:
· Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: February and July
· Gir National Park - Ideal time to visit: Amidst December and mid of June
· Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst October and March
· Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst October and March
· Pania Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst October and June
· Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and April
· Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst October and May
· Porbandar Bird Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst October and January
· Vansda National Park - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Wild Ass Sanctuary – Little Rann - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Monsoons
· Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst July and February
· Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Between November and mid-June
· Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst March and August
· Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst September and January
· Purna Wildlife Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and March
· Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary - Ideal time to visit: Amidst November and February
· Velavadar Blackbuck National Park - Ideal time to visit: Amidst July and March
Where can I go for paragliding in Gujarat?
Satpura is a popular hill station in Gujarat that holds Paragliding festival each year in the form of a carnival. This hill station is dotted with mountains as well as forests. This is the best place to experience paragliding as well as parasailing in Gujarat.
· Cost for Paragliding - Rs.1800 or 27.81 USD to Rs.2500 or 38.63 USD
· Cost for Parasailing - Rs.500 or 7.72 USD to Rs.1000 or 15.45 USD
What all things can be done in Rann of Kutch? When is the Kutch festival take place?
Rann of Kutch festival takes place from November to February. This is a festival that is highly remarkable and people wait for an entire year to be a part of this festivity. It has a wide range of activities to offer. Some of the many attractions of the Kutch Festival are as follows:
- Paragliding
- Archery
- Para Motoring
- ATV riding
- Chess
- Watching the Flamingos
- Camel-riding
- Pool
- Go around in a Golf cart
- Rifle shooting
- Take your kids to the kid's section
- Trek to Kala Dungar
- Bungee run basketball
- Take a Spa
- Take a meditation session
- Stargazing
- Visit the Datatreya Temple
- Ride a Trikke around the camps
What is the best time for Gir National Park wildlife safari? What is the cost?
The ideal time to visit Gir National park is within December to mid-June although the park keeps open from mid of October till mid of June.
The ideal time to spot lions is dawn as well as dusk and one can take a jeep safari to witness the same. Jeep Safaris here are the perfect way to explore the beauty of the park. To take a ride one needs to avail permission from Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. You can also hire guides along.
- Morning Time Safaris - 6 am to 9 am and 9 am to 12 Noon
- Evening Time Safari - 3 pm to 6 pm
Cost - One safari jeep accommodating 6 people charges around:
- Rs.5300 or 81.91 USD (for Indians) (approx.)
- Rs.12800 or 197.82 USD (for foreigners) (approx.)
Which places are famous places camping in Gujarat?
While touring Gujarat you can take the following camping tours:
- Kevdi Eco Campsite, Vadodara
- Sagai-Malsamot Eco Campsite
- Zarwani Eco Campsite
- Kilad
- Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite
- Mahal
- Kanjeta Eco Campsite
- Padamdungari
- Junaraj Eco Cottage
- Polo Forest
- Kevdi Eco Campsite
- Zarwani Eco Campsite
- Dhanpari Eco Campsite
- Sagai-Malsamot Eco Campsite
- Vadhvana
- Vansda Nature Education Campsite
- Kanjeta
- Padamdungari Eco Camping
- Devinamal
- Kevdi Eco Tourism Site, Mandvi, Surat
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