Top Tourist Destinations In Gujarat

July 23, 2024September 20, 2024 Avir Choudhary

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This state has the top tourist destinations including the natural beauty of Rann of Kutch, architectural marvels and a mix of history.

Gujarat is one of the most popular states which always entices a lot of tourists every year. Its scenery reaches from The Great Rann of Kutch to the hills of Saputara. This state is popular for the things like habitat of Asiatic lions, ancient Buddhist caves, Marine national park and many more. Presently Amitabh Bachchan, a well-known personality of the country, is the brand ambassador of tourism in Gujarat.

Gujarat has experienced immense economic growth over the past years, establishing itself as a highly industrialized state. The state shows its rich culture through its folk arts and handicrafts. People in Gujarat enthusiastically celebrate unique festivals like Navratri garba, Makar Sankranti, and Rann Utsav.

Here are top tourist destinations of Gujarat

1. Saputara

It is a hill station located in Sahyadris. It is about 164km from Surat, 1000m above from sea level on Maharashtra-Gujarat border. Usually, best time to visit here is winter. Blessed with natural beauty, tourists enjoy its cool climate throughout the year. It is one of the best tourist destinations in Gujarat. Moreover, it is popular for lush green forests, mountains, waterfalls, landscapes, famous gardens. It is beautiful place which is also a habitat of snakes and the tribal people there. Some religious places are located here like Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, Jain Temple, and Swaminarayan Temple. Saputara Lake is one of the fascinating places offers boating there. Here, villagers are very welcoming nature for all the visitors. Main job of the tribal communities living there is Agriculture. In addition, Saputara museum presents a variety of clothes, traditional artifacts, lifestyles.

2. Gir National Park

Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is a wildlife sanctuary and forest located at Talala Gir in Gujarat, which was established in 1965 as part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecosystem. The park is famously home to the Asiatic lions, which were on the brink of extinction in the 1800s, with only a dozen left in India. As a result, conservation efforts shifted the remaining Asiatic lions to the Gir forest, protecting them from extinction. Although poaching and natural calamities still threaten their population, conservation efforts continue to safeguard the lions, making Gir National Park a safe haven for these majestic creatures.

3. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

This magnificent temple is located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is one of the biggest temples in India, devoted to Lord Swaminarayan, built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Besides, Akshardham acts as cultural center which is very spiritual location in the country. In fact, it spreads the ideology of Lord Swaminarayan across the world. Recently, they set up a laser water show which is unavoidable. Wheelchair, lost and found, parking facilities are also available there.

4. Rani Ki Vav

In Patan, a town in Gujarat, Queen Udayamati built the Queen’s Step Well, also known as Rani Ki Vav, on the banks of the Sarasvati River in the 11th century. As the wife of Bhimdev, a Chaulukya monarch, she constructed one of the oldest and finest step wells in Gujarat, which is remarkably well-preserved. Since 2014, UNESCO has recognized it as one of India’s world heritage sites. The step well features seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels, showcasing over 500 primary sculptures and more than 1000 minor ones that combine religious, mythological, secular, and symbolic imagery, referencing literary works. Its appearance shows that the entire universe is occupied by celestial powers, creatures, men and women, birds, plants etc.

5. Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Somnath temple is a Hindu temple located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites, Tirtha Kshetra, for Hindus and is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. In the 11th century, Mahmud Ghazni launched attacks, and later, Muslim invaders repeatedly destroyed the temple. However, devotees and rulers restored it several times, showcasing their resilience and dedication to preserving the temple’s significance. Generally, best time to get a tour of this sacred temple is in the months of October to February. Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima are celebrated with immense fervor in this region. Besides, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Gujarat, millions of tourists visit the temple every year. It is not just a temple, but other tourist attractions like Somnath Museum, Somnath beach, Junagadh Gate also attracts visitors.

6. Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, with a height of 182 meters, situated near Kevadia in Gujarat. It was built as a tribute for the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, independent India’s 1^st deputy prime minister and home minister and a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. It was inaugurated on 31^st October 2018. The statue is divided into 5 zones, but only 3 zones are accessible by people. In its 11 days of its opening, more than 128000 tourists visited the statue and now in 5 years after inauguration, 15 million visitors were attracted by the statue.

7. Alpha One Mall

Alpha One Mall is the largest mall of Ahmedabad. It is located in Vastrapur and close to Vastrapur lake. However, it was built by renowned architects at ARCOP unveiling impressive framework and designs. This is very stylish and luxurious place in the city where you can have the best shopping experience. Furthermore, it is an outstanding combination of clothing, footwear, jewellery, electronics, home decor and many departmental stores, fine dining with variety of cuisines and beverages and desserts. Additionally, it also has Cinepolis multiplex and game zone for entertainment and fun. This mall offers a terrific experience and surely an ideal destination to plan a day out with family and friends.

8. Dwarkadhish Temple

The temple is located at the Gomati coast, also known as Jagat Mandir, devoted to Lord Krishna. Every year, it attracts thousands of worshipers from various parts of the country. It is believed that the temple was constructed 2500 years ago by great-grandson of Lord Krishna, Vajranabh. In ancient times, temple was renovated several times subsequently in 15^th-16^th century. The original structure of the temple was destroyed by Mehmud Begada in 1473. It is claimed that Dwarka was drowned 6 times under the sea and now is its 7^th incarnation or avatar. Most recommended time to visit the destination is between October to March, especially during Janmashtami which is celebrated like a grand festival there.

9. Kankaria Lake

It is the largest lake in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. However, it is one of the best tourist destinations where people usually visit to have fun, to feel relaxed and enjoying the pristine nature. In fact, it is 550 years old lake which was constructed by Sultan Qutbuddin in 15^th century. At that time, lake was used for bathing, washing and other activities by Sultan’s family. Kankaria riverfront offers many attractions for public like Nagina Wadi, Balloon Ride, Kankaria Zoo, Tree Walk, Kankaria Carnival, Mini Golf, Butterfly Park, Desert Safari, Mirror Maze, Dadu Dayal temple, Natural History Museum, aquarium, football ground, water sports and rides, and open-air theatre. This is a magical place to visit with your family and friends.

10. Gujarat Science City

The government of Gujarat had taken an initiative by increasing the public awareness about science with a combination of skillful knowledge and entertainment. It was established in 2001 and expanded in 2021. In addition, it covers more than 107 hectares area. In this place, it has many activity corners which are live demonstrated to make it easily understandable for the visitors. Gujarat Science City offers facilities like ticket counters, parking, information centers, restrooms, food courts, elevators, parking spaces for disabled individuals There are many attractions like IMAX 3D Theatre, Plant Earth, Hall of Space and Science, Energy Education Park, Life Science Park, Aquatic Gallery, Robotics Gallery, Nature Park, Amphitheatre. It is famous place for motivational programs, commercials for T.V, documentaries showing its innovation and technology.