About Gujarat Information
The
state of Gujarat has a worldwide repute on account of its monumental
treasures. The state takes pride in its 4 national parks and 11 sanctuaries.
The architectural opulence is rightly reflected in all the temples and
monuments that the state abounds in. The state has been conferred upon a
very rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Innumerable festivals are held in
honour of Lord Krishna. About two-thirds of the population of the state is
engaged in agriculture. The wildlife sanctuaries, the hill resorts and the
many pilgrimage centres invite myriad of tourists and visitors from far and
wide.
Major Tourist Attractions of Gujarat
» Gandhinagar - Named after Mahatama Gandhi, the
father of nation, the city of Gandhinagar stands on the banks of the
Sabarmati river. This capital city of Gujarat is a 32-km distance from
Ahmedabad.
» Akshardham Temple - Built in pink sandstone the
Akshardham Temple magnetises devotees and tourists from all around. The
temple complex is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan sect is the
richest sect in the world. The intricate carvings are a wonderful piece of
art.
» Ahmedabad - With a population of around five
million, the city of Ahmedabad happens to be the largest city of Gujarat.
The city is aptly termed as the Manchester of the East on account of its
flourishing textile industry. Ahmedabad was also the former capital of
Gujarat state from 1960 to 1970.
» Sabarmati Ashram - Sabarmati Ashram was set up
by Mahatama Gandhi. The ashram is located on the western banks of the
Sabarmati river. The ashram was the site of many Indian Independence
Movement. The ashram is also famous as Gandhi Ashram or Satyagraha Ashram.
» Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Shree Swaminarayan Temple was built
in the year 1875 on the instructions of Lord Swaminarayan. The temple is the
world's first Swaminarayan temple and attracts a huge number of devotees and
tourists.
» The ISKCON Temple - The ISKCON temple is a newly
built structure on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway. Devotees of Lord Krishna
offer prayers here and the Maha Arti is attended by thousands of devotees.
» Rani ni Vav - Rani ni Vav was built by the
mother of Karnadeva in the 11th century. It is considered to be the
masterpiece of the artisans of the Solanki era.
» Surat - During the 17th and 18th century, Surat
was one of the most prosperous cities in India. The famous port attracted
the Europeans to India. No wonder, even today the city is a chief commercial
and industrial centre of the country.
» Dandi - Dandi is the site of the "Dandi
March Salt Satyagraha"which was spearheaded by Mahatama Gandhi in
March, 1930.
» The Textile Market - Surat's textile market is
known to the whole world. On account of its booming textile industry Surat
has acquired an important place both in India and abroad.
» Hajira Beach - Located at a distance of 28 km
from Surat, the Hajira Beach is an idyllic resort for the holiday-makers and
the visitors. Feathery Casurina trees beautifully fringe the beach.
» Dumas - Dumas is a seaside health resort and
offers a salubrious climate for the holiday-makers and the picnickers. It is
located at a distance of 16 km from the city of Surat.
» Junagadh - The town of Junagadh is situated at
the base of the Girnar Hill. The town is also the departing point for the
visitors to Gir Forest.
» Uparkot Fort - The fort stands on the eastern
part of the town of Junagadh. The walls of the fort soar up to a height of
20 metres and the entrance is richly decorated.
» Jami Masjid and the Tomb of Nuri Shah -
Inside
the fort are situated the Jami Masjid and Nuri Shah's tomb. And there two
step wells as well, namely Adi Chadi and the Naughan.
» Girnar Hill - The hill is 1118 metres in
altitude and there are 10000 stone steps to take you up the hill. Atop the
hill is a Jain Temple. There are a few other temples near the summit. The
temples are a regular haunt of the saints and hermits.
» Somnath - Also known as the Prabhas Patan, the
city of Somnath is one of the holiest places of the state of Gujarat. The
Swaminath Temple is an important pilgrimage centre of the Hindus.
» Somnath Temple - The Somnath Temple is one of
the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in the country. The doorways are richly
carved and there are sculptured representations of Nandi, Shiva's bull,
goddesses and their female attendants.
» Triveni Ghat and Ahilyabai Temple - The Triveni
Ghat and the Ahilyabai Temple are the other attractions of the town. The
Ghat is believed to be the cremation ground of Lord Krishna.
» Porbandar - Porbandar was a thriving port in the
Mughal era. What is most fascinating about Porbandar is the city's planning
and the buildings with phenomenal facades lining the street on either side.
The city is the birth place of Mahatama Gandhi.
» Kirti Mandir - The temple stands next to the
birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi. There is even a Gandhian library and a prayer
hall here. Lacs of tourists pour into the town to visit the temple.
» Bharat Mandir and Sudama Mandir - Bharat temple
and Sudama temple are another popular attractions of the town. Porbandar is
favourite haunt of the tourists.
» Dwarka - Situated on the Gujarat coast, Dwarka
is one of the holiest centres of the country. Thousands of devotees arrive
here to offer their prayers and to seek blessings from their deities.
» Dwarkadish Temple - Dwarkadish Temple is a highly revered place
for the Hindus. The temple shows some brilliant architecture. It's
regrettable that non-Hindus are not allowed inside.
» Bhadreshwar Temple - The Bhadreshwar Temple is
another holy site of the Hindus. The temple is held in high esteem by the
Jains. It also has shrines and mosques.
» Ved Havan andLight House - One can also visit
the Ved Havan and the Light House in the town of Dwarka. These are no less
important to the visitors.
» Palitana - Palitana lies at the foot of the
Shatrunjaya Hill. The town of Palitana is located at a distance of 56
kilometers from Bhavnagar.
» The Jain Temples - The Jain Temples are the key
attractions of Palitana. The temples are located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills.
Climb up the 863 steps to get to the top of the hill and explore the
exquisite temples.
» Wildlife - Gujarat's varied landforms are home
to an exotic variety of wildlife. The landforms include the deciduous
forests, sprawling grasslands and vast landscapes. The Asiatic lion can be
seen only in the Gir forests. The wild ass is found only in the Runn of
Kutch. The Gir National Park, the Marine National Park and the Blackbuck
National Park are the popular and fascinating national parks in Gujarat. The
sanctuaries include Wild Ass Sanctuary, Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar
Bird Sanctuary, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary etc.
Reaching
» Air - Ahmedabad is an international airport and
there are about ten domestic airports in the state of Gujarat.
» Railway - Gujarat is excellently connected by rail
to all the major parts of the country.
» Road - The Gujarat State Transport Corporation
plies regular buses connecting all the major destinations of the state.
