Gujarat is situated at the western end of India, next to the Arabian Sea. The state is the seventh largest in the country and boasts of an extensive coastline. Gujarat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It’s scenic beauty is well assorted and varies from the Great Rann of Kutch to the Satpura Hills. The state is the only place in the world where you can spot Asiatic lions. The architecture of the city belongs to the Indo-Saracenic school which was developed during the Sultanate reign by combining Hindu craftsmanship with Islamic structure. Gujarat occupies an important spot in the national history of India, being the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi, both of whom were iconic figures in the movement for India’s independence. The rate of tourism in the state has experienced a 14 per cent increase per annum after it developed the “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign with Gujarat Tourism brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Indian actor. Business tourism in the state has developed at an amazing rate since it happens to be one of the most industrialized regions in India. But Gujarat has still managed to preserve its cultural integrity and heritage. There are a large number of mosques, palaces, historic forts and temples in the state. Heritage tourism has emerged as a growing industry in Gujarat through the conversion of several forts and palaces into heritage hotels. The rich culture of this state is also evident through its folk arts.
Fairtrip offers most exciting packages in combination of various tourist spots of the state. The brief detail of some most important tourist spots in Gujrat are as given below.
Bhuj
If you love Indian handicrafts, don't miss spending some time in and around Bhuj, the capital of the Kutch region. It offers an eclectic combination of bazaars and historic buildings with atmospheric architecture dating back to the 17th century. Sadly, an earthquake caused widespread destruction in Bhuj in 2001 though. You'll find textile dealers lining Shroff Bazaar, just east of the Darbargadh. Also take side trips to Bhujodi (a village of weavers, seven kilometers from Bhuj) and Ajrakhpur (a village of block printers, 15 kilometers from Bhuj) to meet artisans, see demonstrations, and buy handicrafts.
Great Rann of Kutch
The remarkable Great Rann of Kutch is the world's largest salt desert, measuring over 16,000 square kilometers. What makes it even more amazing is that it's underwater during the main monsoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Full moon nights are the best time to see it, and cultural programs are usually held at Dhordo then. A moonlight Rann camel safari is magical. The tourist season runs until March.
Gir National Park
Gir National Park, one of the Top 5 Parks to See Wildlife in India, is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion can now be found. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have been increasing. Gir is considered to be the largest dry deciduous forest in western India. There's plenty of other wildlife there, including around 300 types of birds. You'll have the best chance of spotting a lion if you go during March until May, although to most comfortable time to visit the park is from December until March. Safaris run daily.
Somnath
An important pilgrimage destination, Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlinga(shrines of Lord Shiva, where he's worshiped as a linga of light) in India. Its seaside location is powerful, the intricate carvings on its sandstone architecture are superb, and its history is fascinating. The temple was ransacked by Islamic invaders and rebuilt numerous times, with the final reconstruction taking place after India achieved Independence.Mahashivratri is celebrated in a big way there. A colorful religious fair is also held every year on Kartik Purnima (full moon night, usually in November), complete with small children dressed up as Lord Shiva and plenty of bhaang.
Dwarka
One of the four most sacred char dham Hindu pilgrimage sites and seven most ancient sapta puri religious cities in India, Dwarka is considered to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna and the first capital of Gujarat. The Krishna Janmashtami festival is a major event there. Of special importance are Dwarakadheesh Temple, built around 200 BC, and Jagat Mandir. Head down to Gomti Ghat, at the holy water's edge, for a spectacle of decorated camels, tea stalls, and seashell jewelery sellers.
Palitana
Palitana, a principal pilgrim center for Jains, has accumulated nearly 900 temples and more are being constructed. Climb in excess of 3,000 steps to the top of the hill and you'll find an astonishing Jain temple complex with sensational views. Do note that the hill is considered to be.
Gandhi's Ashram
Here's a novel new concept in spiritual tourism in India. For 1,000 rupees a night, you can now "Live Like Gandhi for a While". Kochrab Ashram, which was the first ashram set up by Gandhi in Gujarat in 1915, became open for visitors who wish to stay there and experience Gandhi's way of life on October 2, 2013.
