Top 5 Places in Gujarat

There are many reasons to visit Gujarat, the coastal state located in the western part of India. Its
home to the Asiatic Lion, witnessed in all their glory at Gir National Park. With a history dating
back thousands of years, it’s dotted with temples, mosques and other historical monuments that
transport you back in time and shed light on its glorious heritage. Gujarat is also home to several
natural wonders like the Rann of Kutch, the largest salt desert in the world.

If the remnants from the past leave you captivated, wait till you see the wildlife of Gujarat. The
roar of the Asiatic Lion rings through your ears, while the sight of the feisty Blackbuck is a sheer
delight. If you haven’t yet visited Gujarat, you are missing out on an incredible experience. Here
are some of the amazing tourist attractions and places to visit in Gujarat.

1. Somnath

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.

2. Gir National Park

Gir National Park, one of the Top 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.

3. Kutch Region

The Kutch region of Gujarat is sometimes described as India's "wild west". This immense stretch
of largely barren and harsh desert landscape apparently spans more than 40,000 square
kilometers, and is one of the country's largest districts. Its name, Kutch (or Kachchh), refers to
the fact that it alternates between wet (submerged during the monsoon season) and dry.

Other attractions in the Kutch region include historic Bhuj, villages and traditional handicrafts,
the ship building in the port town of Mandvi, and the Dholavira ruins of an ancient Indus Valley
Civilization/Harappan city. Find out more in this Kutch Travel Guide.
4. 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 Dwarkadhish
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.

5. Ahmedabad Old City

Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat for many centuries, was declared to be India's first UNESCO
World Heritage City in 2017, beating both Delhi and Mumbai. Its walled Old City was founded by
Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century, and is home to diverse Hindu, Islamic and Jain
communities.

The Old City is divided into numerous pols (historic residential neighborhoods with winding lanes
and carved wooden homes). Plus, it has some of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture
and Hindu Muslim art in India. Explore the area on this fascinating Ahmedabad Heritage Walk.