10 best cities to visit in Gujarat

Top 10 best Cities and tourist places to visit in Gujarat

Rann of Kutch – It is said that if one does not see Kutch, one does not see anything. Rann Mahotsav is the famous attraction here on the white salt desert of Great Rann of Kutch. It is between the Arabian Sea and the Thar Desert. On full moon nights, the place of salt and sand of endless horizons seems heavenly. During monsoon, it becomes so surreal when the desert is under water. A moon light camel safari is a must thing to do. 

Somnath – It is a beautiful temple on the seashore. The Somnath temple is located in western Gujarat. This is a scared temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the seaside. This temple was destroyed many times by Islam rulers and later rebuilt by Hindu kings. It is also said that Lord Krishna went to heavenly abode from this place. The temple is built in such a way that there is no land in a straight line between the temple and Antarctica.

Bhuj – It has everything from ancient past prehistoric Indus valley civilization to Mahabharata ruins to British architecture to modern India. It has had around 4000 years of inhabitation. Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace), Parag Mahal, Kutch Museum with rare artifacts, ramakunf Step well and Hamirsar lake are some of major attractions. But it is also famous for its textile industry, handmade clothes, jewllery, and block printing etc.

Rani ka Vav, Patan – It was built by the queen for her king. It is a step well in a well preserved condition. Rani Udaymati had it built for her deceased husband Bhimdev in the tenth century. After its completion the step well got flooded from Saraswati river. In 1980’s the archeological survey of India did the desilting. The well leads through stepped corridors to pillared pavilions with ten avatars of God Vishnu accompanied by Sadhus, Brahmins, and Apsaras. There are 400 types of carvings here. In addition, while in Patan, Patola sari workshop is not to be missed. 

Dwarkadesh Temple – It is situated on the banks of Gomti river. The legend says the grandson of Lord Krishna built it. It is made in such a way that it looks like it is rising from the Arabian Sea. It is also a part of Char Dham Yatra of Hindus. According to old legend, Lord Krishna settled in Dwarka with the Yadavs. When he died as his Krishna Avatar, the entire city of Dwarka was submerged under the water. 

Sasan Gir National Park – It is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuary. The majestic Asiatic lion can be seen roaming here in the wild. Many species of animals like hyenas, leopard, marsh crocodiles, antelopes, sambar, and huge number of bird species can be seen here. 

Champaner Pavagarh Archaeological Park – It is a world heritage site under UNESCO and is around 50 kms from Baroda. It is a must see place for those interested in history and ruins and ancient culture. It has military, religious, and agricultural structures. It was abandoned soon after it was built and is the only unchanged pre mughal site. Jama Masjid and Kalika mata temple are not to be missed.

Vadodara/Baroda – It is the most visited tourist places and is the cultural capital of the state. The city has both modern and historical buildings seamlessly imbibed. The city was modernized under the rule of Maharaja Sayaji rao and had great autonomy even under British rule. There are many beautiful places to visit including Kadia Dungar Caves, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaugh Palace, Makarpura Palace, Sursagar Talav, and the amazing Sayaji Baug. The Sayaji Baug is a big 45-hectare garden with planetarium, zoo, toy train, gardens, museums, and flower clock.

Ahmadabad – It is the fifth largest city in India. It is known as business and commercial city of Gujarat. It is a cultural and architectural city. King Karandev formed it in the 11th century. It was called Karnavati until Ahmed Shah invaded the city and named it after himself. Bhadra fort, Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi and Akshardham temple is some attractions.Navratri and Makar Sankranti the kite festival are major festive here. Gujarati thali and delicacies in food is well known all around the world and can be tasted here. A major attraction is an ancient five-storied well-called Adalaj ka Vav. The intricate work on the walls is a must see.

Junagad – It is a beautiful breathtaking historic city. It has many temples, mosques, and monasteries. Junagad means old fort in English. Junagad is very close to Sasan Gir national park and is a base for the sanctuary. Mahabat ka Maqbara, Ashokan Rock Eddict and many Jain temples on top of Girnar Mountains are here to visit.