Gujarat
The state of Gujarat lies in the westernmost part of the Indian subcontinent and is filled with immense natural beauty, rich heritage and historical significance.
Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2024/25, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
The state of Gujarat lies in the westernmost part of the Indian subcontinent and is filled with immense natural beauty, rich heritage and historical significance.
With its stunning temples, heritage buildings, abundant wildlife, picturesque landscapes, colourful festivals, serene beaches, thrilling adventures and bustling towns, Gujarat is a preferred destination for vacationers as it offers a wide range of tourism opportunities to enjoy in the land of Gujarat.
Wildlife tourism in Gujarat offers the chance to discover the area's natural beauty and see a wide range of animal species living and roaming in their habitat. With its national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, the state of Gujarat offers a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a sanctuary for forest lovers, nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. There are four national parks and twenty-one wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat that satisfy the adventure cravings of passionate nature enthusiasts. The rich biodiversity of the state consists of around 500 varieties of mammals, over 2000 varieties of birds, numerous insects, reptiles, amphibians and many more.
Gujarat's pride is reflected by the vigorous species of Asiatic lions that are spotted at the Gir National Park. The beauty and regal quality of Asiatic lions and other species attract a large number of tourists from several parts of the globe. The national parks, wildlife and bird sanctuaries are managed by the Forest Department of the Government of Gujarat to promote ecological balance and conservation techniques. A journey into Gujarat's grasslands, forests, mountain streams, waterfalls and rivers can transform one's life and visiting these national parks is one the best things to do during the Gujarat tour.
The state of Gujarat in the western part of India is a treasure trove of historical and cultural legacy as it is home to numerous architectural masterpieces, ancient royal residences, old ruins and archaeological sites. The forts, palaces, tombs, buildings and monuments proudly stand as a testament to the golden ages of dynasties. Since ancient times, the land of Gujarat has been ruled by different monarchs, invaders and British officials. For those who are interested in the ancient past of western India, the state is a desirable spot due to its dedication to conserving its cultural history.
Heritage tourism in Gujarat attracts visitors with an interest in art, history, and culture. Major tourist attractions in Gujarat that let travellers learn about its history and tales include thousand-year-old forts, iconic landmarks, UNESCO Heritage sites, erotic sculptures, Buddhist relics and stunning caves that depict India's western part. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Rani ki Vav and Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park are significant landmarks of the state that showcase traditions and elegance that honour human existence and cultural legacy. The land of Gujarat has traces of several monarchs, including the Gupta, Rajput, Mughal and Britishers.
The Gujarat tour will offer a distinctive fusion of spiritual discovery and cultural richness through pilgrimage destinations and sacred sites of the region. The state of Gujarat includes many temples which are visited by tourists from all across the world during their holiday. In Gujarat, Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the Bada Char Dham in Dwarka city and is highly recognised by the Hindu devotees. Other religious centres are Somnath Temple, one 12 Jyotirlingas, Dwarka Puri, one of the Saptapuri, Aadi Shakti Peeth of Ambaji and several others which hold the beliefs of dedication and spirituality along with traditions and culture.
Pilgrimage tourism in Gujarat not only provides spiritual experiences but also allows visitors to discover the rich cultural and architectural history associated with all of the state's famous holy sites. Travellers from a broad variety of backgrounds come to the state because of its diverse religious atmosphere to experience and learn about spirituality, history, and art. Many poets, sages, and devotees are dedicated to the everlasting spiritual essence of the state throughout history, where religion plays an essential part in daily life.
Every moment and each day is an opportunity to celebrate a festival in the state of Gujarat as the people and festivals of the region are full of grace and energy. Be it the garba dance of Navaratri or the joyous occasion of Rann Utsav, all these occasions feature music shows, folk dances, craft displays, local food cuisine and many other things. The vibrant culture and festivities not only teach the importance of these events to people but also make them experience every happiness and essence of life.
Cultural Festival Tourism in Gujarat has managed to draw millions of tourists every year from distinct parts of the country as the festivals of the region are vivid, colourful and graceful. Tourists visiting the state can engage in heritage festivals such as the Modhera Dance Festival at the Sun Temple, Uttarayan, International Kite Festival, Dang Darbar Fair and many other festivals. Each of these festivals of Gujarat has a tale of its own and is celebrated throughout the state with full enthusiasm.
The state of Gujarat is widely known for its legendary shoreline and amazing water adventure sports which led the state to become one of the great travel destinations in the country. The shoreline of Gujarat makes it one of the longest seaside shores in India as the state touches the waterline of the vast Arabian Sea. Gujarat's shoreline stretches around 1600 kilometres which is dotted with amazing beaches and seaside temples. Somnath Temple and Koteshwar Temple are the famous temples of the region which lie close to the seashore and attract pilgrims from all over the country.
Gujarat is a great place for exploration as it is home to the first National Marine Park in India in the Jamnagar coastal region which gives a chance to experience the aqua tour. The beaches of the Gujarat state also arrange for numerous water sports such as swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating, surfing and many other activities making it an ideal destination for beach holidays in the summer. The time of October to May is said to be the ideal time to explore the white and yellowish sand beaches of the region which include Mandvi Beach, Dwarka Beach, Gopnath Beach, Madhavpur Beach, Nagoa Beach and Diu Beach among many others. Diu is a small island with a Portuguese colony and among the union territories of the country is a popular gateway for short beach trips.
International as well as national tourists visit the state of Gujarat to experience the opportunity of indulging in adventurous sports, safari rides and water activities in the hilly areas, forests and seaside regions. The land of Gujarat has something to offer for everyone with different tastes. The remarkable hills of the state include Wilson Hills, Palitana, Satpura as well as Pavagadh which offer amazing sceneries along with sightseeing options and adventurous recreations such as camping, trekking, paragliding, zorbing, rock climbing and many other activities.
Apart from adventurous activities in the hilly region of the state, tourists get the chance to get involved in water sports as Gujarat is home to many beaches and islands. Water sports in the region include river rafting, water skiing, boating, surfing and many other activities. Tourists travelling the state of Gujarat also get to witness the exquisite Asiatic Lions and other wildlife species through jungle safaris and nature walks. Adventure tourism in Gujarat tends to satisfy the inner craving of trying thrilling activities and sports with full energy.
Even though historic records suggest the beginning of Gujarat with the Mauryan Dynasty around the 3rd century BCE, human settlement in the region is said to have begun as far back as the Indus Valley Civilization, which later also saw the rule of many different dynasties over the centuries, from the Guptas, Marathas, Sultans, as well as the British and Portuguese. Though it was after being independent from British rule that the present-day region of Gujarat came under the Bombay state due to the State Recognition Act, 1956, which categorized states based on similar languages. This led to the Gujarati speaking people demanding a state of their own under the Mahagujarat movement. A number of protests and uproar from the people eventually led the state of Bombay to be split into the present-day states of Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1. 1960.
An occasion to honor the desert culture of Gujarat's Kutch, the Rann Utsav is celebrated in the heart of the Thar, in the Great Rann of Kutch. The festival takes place over a period of three months and begins from the month of November. Vibrant colors, traditional art forms, and exquisite handicrafts among the white desert, Rann Utsav is a true spectacle to behold.
Marking the occasion of Makar Sankranti, or Uttarayan in Gujarat, the International Kite Festival is when the blue skies of Gujarat come alive adorned with colorful kites of various kinds. An important festival held in the city of Ahmedabad, the festival sees tourists from all over the world, who come together to witness the fierce and colorful battle of the flying kites.
The Tarnetar Fair or the Tarnetar Mela is held in Tarnetar Village's Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple and is an important festival for those looking for a prospective partner. A fair that began just a couple of centuries ago, it is based around celebrating the swayamwar ceremony of Draupadi from the Hindu epic of Mahabharata, and sees numerous traditional music and dance performances on the occasion.
A tribal festival celebrated in the Ahwa district, the Dang Darbar is an amazing way to know about the culture and lifestyle of the tribal people of the region. The festival is a way to honor the kings of the five royal families who ruled the region, and sees a performance of music, dance, and art as a means of showcasing the tribal culture.
Discover the incredible beauty of Gujarat as we take you to explore its best parts with us, striving to give you the most seamless travel experience. Choose from our Gujarat tourism packages and cater them according to your specific requirements, all at the best prices. Spend your holidays in Gujarat with us, as we bring to you the opportunity to explore the state's regal and enchanting architecture, vibrant culture and rich wildlife, all wrapped up in a blanket of warm hospitality. Plan your next vacation to the mesmerizing state of Gujarat with us and witness its beauty for yourself.
A massive statue with a height of around 600 feet, the Statue of Unity has been built in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his contribution in uniting the 562 princely states to form the Union of India as it stands today. Made using tonnes of iron, the statue is a popular tourist attraction that stands overlooking the Narmada River.
Dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna, Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat forms an important part of the bigger Chardham religious circuit. Been in existence for more than 2,500 years, the temple is believed to have been built by the grandson of Lord Krishna himself, and is known for intricate carvings all around the temple complex, showcasing different holy myths and legends.
Home to the majestic Asiatic Lion, Gir National Park is among the popular tourist attractions of Gujarat, for being the place where you can spot the big cat in its natural habitat on a jungle safari through its forests. Along with the Asiatic Lion, the park is also home to leopards, hyenas, wild boar, crocodile, jackals, langurs, and chital deer, among many others.
Located within the Uparkot Fort in Gujarat's Junagadh, Adi Kadi Vav is a stepwell built in the 15th century. Carved completely out of a single rock, the stepwell has a total of 120 steps leading to the water source. With legends, and stories attached to its existence, Adi Kadi Vav forms a popular tourist attraction.
A popular temple, the Somnath Temple is among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva across the country. Among the popular pilgrimage sites, the temple is located at the confluence of three rivers namely, Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. Though a beautiful structure, the current temple is a work of numerous restorations after the destruction caused by enemy invaders.
Atal Bridge in Gujarat is a beautiful bridge that is meant to connect the riverfronts of the Sabarmati River. With its design said to have been inspired by the colorful kites that dot Gujarat's skyline, visiting the bridge is a fascinating experience. Due to being a pedestrian bridge, one can easily spend some time surrounded by the beauty of the Sabarmati River, without disturbance.
With its highest point reaching more than 2,600 feet in height, Pavagadh Hill is a mesmerizing hill station of Gujarat. A fun excursion, Pavagadh Hill has numerous places for you to explore, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Mahakali Temple, Manchi Fort, Navlakha Kothar, Jami Masjid, and the Jain Temples.
Built at the end of the 15th century, Adalaj Ki Vav is a traditional step well located in the Adalaj village, although what sets it apart from others in the region is its construction, offering a blend of Indo and Islamic styles of architecture. A fascinating story of its existence, Adalaj Ki Vav is adorned with intricately carved pillars, arches, and walls.
Located amidst the Thar Desert, Gujarat's Great Rann of Kutch is among the largest salt deserts in the world, and is home to flamingoes and wild asses, for which it is the perfect habitat. Visiting the tribal villages in the region, exploring the desert at night, and participating in the Rann Utsav are the best ways to discover the beauty of Kutch.
Situated on top of the Bhujia Hill in Gujarat, Smritivan is a popular tourist destination. Built in 2022, Smritivan is a memorial-cum-museum that pays respects to the victims of the 2001 earthquake of Gujarat. The museum has separate sections that tell the tale of the disaster in different ways, using different mediums of art and has galleries named Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive and Renew.
Popular as the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat is a place visited by numerous tourists. Located in the city of Ahmedabad, the ashram is situated along the Sabarmati River. Along with the many structures that dot the ashram, the museum at the ashram is an important one, containing many of Gandhi's personal letters and artifacts that are up for display.
One of the major Shakti Peetha temples in the country dedicated to Goddess Sati, Ambaji Temple in Gujarat is a popular pilgrimage site. The main deity at the temple, though, is Goddess Amba, another name for Goddess Durga, an incarnation of Goddess Sati herself. A temple that you must visit atleast once, the walls depicts stories from Hindu mythology using numerous carvings and sculptures.
The state of Gujarat is a treasure land filled with wonders such as the jungles of Girnar, the white salt desert of Kutch, the seaports of Jamnagar and the diamond centres of Surat that amazes its guests and leaves them surprised. The state offers diverse weather conditions across its regions and seasons, making it an ideal travel destination throughout the year.
Winter Season : Gujarat tourist places are best visited during the winter months as they offer optimal sightings and comfort to enjoy the exotic Asiatic lions and Blackbucks in their natural habitat, beautiful beaches, heritage sites, vibrant festivals and tasteful Gujarati delicacies. The months of October to February are the ideal time to enjoy the playful festival of Navratri and Rann Utsav in Gujarat.
Monsoon Season : During monsoon, the state becomes lush and vibrant which showcases the beauty of the region. Visiting the Satpura and Western Ghats during the monsoon season is quite mesmerising as it brings its natural beauty to the forefront. Teej and Janmashtami are also celebrated in the monsoon months.
Summer Season : The early months of summer are great to witness the beauty of Gujarat as it remains less crowded and becomes budget friendly. Visiting the coastal regions and beaches during the months of April and May provides a cool breeze and adventurous sports to enjoy. Rath Yatra of Ahmedabad and Bhavnath Mahadev Fair are also celebrated in the months of June and March.
Some Popular FAQ's About Gujarat Tourism
Get In TouchThe land of Gujarat is famous for its stunning temples, UNESCO heritage sites, abundant wildlife, picturesque landscapes, colourful festivals, serene beaches, thrilling adventures, tasteful cuisines, handicrafts, hill stations and bustling towns.
The top must visit attractions in the state of Gujarat include the Gir National Park, the Great Rann of Kutch, Rani ki Vav, Dwarkadhish Temple, National Marine Park, Satpura Hills and many others.
The top tourism cities in Gujarat include Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Rajkot, Kutch, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Surat, Bhavnagar and several others because of their sightseeing attractions, cuisines, festivals, handicrafts and commercial businesses.
Some of the best places to visit and enjoy road trips with family in Gujarat are Kumbhalgarh, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Abu, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Polo Forests, Saputara Hills, Diu Island and several others destinations.
The best time to visit the land of Gujarat is in the winter months as the weather remains cool and pleasant. Moreover, the festivals of Navratri and Rann Utsav are also celebrated in the months of October to February.
The must-see tourism festivals in Gujarat include the Navratri Festival, International Kite Festival, Rann Utsav, Bhavnath Fair, Modhera Dance FestivalKavant Fair, Dangs Darbar Festival, Tarnetar Festival, Ravechi Fair and many others.
The popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore in Gujarat include Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Rani ni Vav and the historic cities of Dholavira and Ahmedabad.
In Gujarat, the popular religious & pilgrimage sites are Swaminarayan Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Somnath Temple, Dwarka Puri and Aadi Shakti Peeth of Ambaji along with several other pilgrimage sites of Muslims, Jains and Buddhists.
The beaches that are worth visiting in Gujarat are Mandvi Beach, Dwarka Beach, Gopnath Beach, Madhavpur Beach, Nagoa Beach and Diu Beach among many others.
Gujarat is given the title of the 'Lands of Legends' as the state showcases the beauty of the colonial past and the sense of warm hospitality runs throughout the state. The state boasts the longest coastline stretches over 1600 kilometres and is home to one of the largest salt deserts in the world, the Rann of Kutch. Gujarat tourism flourished over the years as it is visited by millions of tourists every year for its beaches, deserts, hills, national parks, temples, handicrafts, festivals and foods.
Gujarat is a fantastic destination for travellers, with its magnificent beaches in Diu, historical treasures in Lothal and Porbandar, Asiatic lions and Blackbucks in Saurashtra, and stunning temples in Vadodara. Apart from visiting the heritage sites, Gujarat state is also famous for its local delicacies such as khandvi, methi muthiya, lilva kachori, fafda-jalebi and several other namkeen. The culturally rich state is majorly known for its festive ambience and traditional dances, be it the Dandiya Raas during the Navratri festival or the Garba, the folk dance of Gujarat. The state of Gujarat has a unique charm of its own, which can only be fully appreciated after a sightseeing tour and unfolding the secrets of the city.
Apart from pilgrimage centres, festivals, heritage sites, adventurous activities, wildlife attractions and beaches, Gujarat tends to offer many other tourism and holiday opportunities to enjoy during the Gujarat tourism season.
The land of Gujarat is richly endowed with traditions, culture, heritage, history and legends. To explore the historic tales and ruins of the colonial past and dynasties, museums of the state have a lot to offer. Gujarat is filled with several museums and art galleries which attract history buffs, archeologists and tourists to experience the iconic tales of the past. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad displays the crafts and history of the tribals. Other museums include the Baroda Museum and Art Gallery in Vadodara which showcase stunning European oil paintings, different gallery sections for miniature models and artworks and other major artefacts.
Gujarat is dotted with several sports complexes and entertainment centres which include golf courses, cricket stadiums, gymnasiums and sports clubs. To enjoy the golf sport in the lush green fields, golf enthusiasts and sports fans visit the region to enjoy the game and world class facilities within the golf estates. Cambay Spa & Golf Resort, Gulmohar Greens Golf & Country Club, Kensville Golf and Country Club, The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club and The Belvedere Golf & Country Club are some of the other golf courses in the state of Gujarat. With night and virtual golfing, Gujarat is becoming a well-liked destination for golf players in the country.
Art and handicrafts culture in the Gujarat region is quite famous throughout the nation which include Bandhani work, Zari work, Kathi embroidery, leather items, pottery craft, textile making and many more. The Gujarati people have made handicraft culture an integral part of their lives as they reflect the diversity of the state through its art and crafts collection. Each region of the state specialises in different art forms ranging from tie-dye to wooden antiques. The handicraft pieces come in different colours, stitches, patterns and embroidery and are made by renowned artisans and craftsmen of Gujarat. Artworks such as Warli paintings, Pithora paintings and Rogan Paintings are some of the exquisite artworks made by the tribals of the state and are displayed in the Bhujodi Crafts Festival and the Siddhpur Heritage Walk.
The authenticity of Gujarati cuisine is quite flavourful and is said to be the oldest culinary treasure of India. The food delicacies offer a variety of items that are highly induced in sugar, tomatoes and lemon which are high in nutrition and keep the body hydrated in Gujarat weather conditions. The Gujarat cuisine is divided according to different regions of the state because of different climate conditions which are North Gujarat, Kathiawad, Kutch and South Gujarat.
Hill stations in Gujarat are the hidden gems of the state and provide relief from the regular routine of daily life. The diverse topography of the land has a handful of hill stations with cool temperatures, spiralled roads, cloudy skies and plenty of sightseeing attractions that provide relief from the scorching heat waves in summer. The Satpura ranges are said to be one of the best hill stations in Gujarat because it lies at an altitude of about 1000 metres and provides a refreshing climate throughout the year. Other hill stations are Wilson Hills named after Lord Wilson, Don Hills, Girnar Hills, Polo One, Mount Abu and Pavagadh which provide respite from the heat.
Apart from pilgrimage centres of Hindu, Muslim and Jains, the state of Gujarat also plays a huge role in Buddhist pilgrimages as the land has traces of Saurashtra where Buddhism spread when Lord Buddha was alive. The Gujarat land is covered with numerous Buddhist caves where travellers get to see the perfect combination of history, spirituality and meditation. Many prominent Gujarati cities, like Vadnagar, Devnimori, and Junagadh, are home to numerous Buddhist monasteries, stupas, pillars, temples, and hills. The excavations and carvings on these structures are a true testament to the presence of Buddhism in Gujarat.
The state of Gujarat has an extensive road network, numerous International and domestic airports, crucial train terminals and bus routes which makes the journey easily accessible from all over the world.
