Gujarat

It won't be totally wrong to call Gujarat a traveller's paradise. World's largest white desert, India's longest coastline, shore temples, the habitat of Asiatic lions, countries first marine national park, ancient Buddhist caves, Harappan citadels more than 4,000 years old and handicrafts and handlooms trail, the attractions are self explanatory as to why Gujarat is one of the major travel destinations of India. Attracting lovers of art, culture, history and wildlife, Gujarat is a beautiful blend of diverse vistas.

Gujarat is home to astounding traditional artisans residing in tribal villages and showcasing their skills in weaving, embroidering, printing, etc. Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Patan, Pavagadh are known for their own unique charms, attracting travellers to Gujarat all year long.

People & Culture in Gujarat
Blanketed with extensive modernization, Gujarat still holds its cultural roots close to its heart. The locals strongly believe in practicing their cultures and traditions. Housing rich art and architecture mirroring in the day to day lifestyle, the locals of Gujarat are known as Gujaratis renowned for their colourful dresses, unmatched simplicity and warm hospitality.

Attractions
Gujarat is blessed with numerous attractions that attract tourists all year long. Gandhi's Ashram is a famous historical lure here that lets you experience Gandhi's way of life. The architecture admirers can visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts abundance of historical, architectural and archaeological treasures displaying both Hindu and Muslim traditions.

No traveller visiting Gujarat can ever miss a chance to visit Dwarka, one of the four most sacred Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage sites. The best time to visit the temple is during the Krishna Janmashtami Festival. Another famous temple is the Sun Temple which is dedicated to Surya the ‘Sun God’ and features a carved stepped tank, an assembly hall, and a main shrine.

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Gir National Park, which is the only home to the Asiatic Lions in the world. The park also houses over 300 types of birds. One can also plan a trip to the Marine National Park which consists of 42 islands, housing diverse marine and bird life.

Major destinations
Kutch Renowned for its mud architecture, a medley of craft traditions and exquisite apparel, this culturally rich land has a very authentic feel. Stretching along the Tropic of Cancer, from Rajasthan to the edge of Pakistan and the Arabian Sea, Kutch is geographically one of India's largest and most distinctive districts.

Porbandar - Best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is the place which is also associated with the friendship of Lord Krishna and Sudama. Some of the famous places here are Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Huzoor Palace, Sudama Temple, Porbandar Bird Sanctuary etc.

Best time to visit Gujarat
The best time to visit Gujarat is the winter season (November to February) when the states enjoys pleasant climate with cool breeze. Summers (April to May) in Gujarat are often dry, humid and sunny, making it difficult for the travellers to step out. Monsoon season here is between (June - September).

How to Reach Gujarat
By Air - The Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad is the international airport of the state welcoming flights from all over the world. Apart from this, travellers can also take daily domestic flights from Surat, Bhagvanagar, Junagarh, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhuj and many other destinations in Gujarat.

By Train - Those travelling by train can land at the Vadodara Railway Station, lying on the Mumbai - Delhi Mainline. Other important railway stations of Gujarat include Surat Railway Station, Ahmedabad Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station.

By Road - Gujarat is well connected to all states of India by road.