Heritage, folklore, culture, and traditions conjure up a paradise for tourists in the state of Gujarat. Gujarat Tourism is a thriving industry in the state that has almost everything to offer to a tourist right from historical grandeur to religious ethos to wildlife heritage. The natural beauty and landscapes in the state are remarkably diverse and thus utterly enticing for tourists. Exploring Gujarat is an experience in itself. If you have Gujarat Tourism plans in mind, this following Gujarat tourist guide is likely to help you. Read on to learn more-
History
The history of Gujarat dates back to the period of 1000 to 750 BC. The historical evidences of trade and commerce are clearly found. Gujarat was ruled by Aryan, Greeks, Guptas and Solankis.
In the 9th century, the state witnessed the rise of the Muslims. Then the rules of Mughals continued for two centuries and was ended by the Marathas in the 18th century. The British Raj achieved a toehold in the area in 1803. That was the time when the first British outpost took place at Surat.
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Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit the state is between months October and March. Temperatures are bearable thereby making your journey comfortable. Daytime temperatures during that time hover around 29-degree centigrade on an average and nighttime temperatures are around 12 degrees centigrade on an average. It is advisable for tourists to avoid the summers that are scorching hot and monsoons that are uncomfortably humid.
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How to Reach Gujarat
Gujarat can be reached by means of air transport, rail transport, and road transport.
By Air Transport:
Flights for Gujarat are available from different parts/cities of the country. The state houses domestic airports precisely 10 airports in number which is why traveling to Gujarat by the airway is not much of an issue. Traveling to Gujarat from different corners of the globe is also not a problem as well as Gujarat has an international airport at the Ahmadabad city. The domestic airlines functioning out of the state are GoAir, Spicejet, Kingfisher airlines etc while the international ones are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Air Malaysia, Air India etc.
By Rail Transport:
The rail network in the state is strong enough. Trains regularly run between major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Also, major cities within the state such as Surat, Ahmadabad, and Vadodara are linked to all other cities of Gujarat through strong broad gauge railway network.
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By Road Transport:
The state boasts of a robust road network and it is indeed much better when compared to the other states of the country. 78, 397kms is the net road length that the state houses. Out of that total length 1572kms comprises the various National Highways. GSTC and many other private transport services operate buses across all the major cities regularly and frequently. Also, inter-state bus services connect Gujarat to various cities of the neighboring states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra etc.
Gujarat Tourism
Top tourist places in Gujarat
Gujarat Tourism is dotted with destinations which may be categorized as follows-
Historical Places, Gujarat
The rich cultural and historical tradition of Gujarat is not an unknown fact. Thus, the state houses many fascinating historical places such as Laxmi villas palace, Adalaj stepwell, Lakhota Fort, Dholavira, Vijay villas palace, Sidi Saiyed mosque, Jhula minar etc.
Religious places, Gujarat
Gujarat Tourism abounds in religious places. Thus, all those who are spiritually inclined must visit places like Dwarkadheesh temple, Somnath temple, Swami Narayan Akshardham temple, Modhera sun temple, Bala Hanuman temple etc when at Gujarat.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries/National Parks
The rich biodiversity in the state of Gujarat supports the thriving of many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Some of the most famed ones are Khijadiya National Park, Marine National Park, Gir national park, Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary, Jessore sloth bear sanctuary, Gaga wildlife sanctuary, Barda hills wildlife sanctuary, Kutch Bastard sanctuary, Nalsarovar bird sanctuary, Vansda national park and many more.
Places of natural beauty
Saputara, Kankaria Lake, Rann of Kutch, Porbandar beach are some of the major tourist attractions of Gujarat Tourism steeped in natural beauty.
What to shop in Gujarat
Rich handloom, handicrafts, and textiles are a tradition that the state of Gujarat Tourism boasts of. When at Gujarat you can pick the following items as souvenirs for your loved ones- patola sarees, bandhani dress materials and ghagra-cholis, lacquer furniture, appliqué quilts, embroidered footwear, gorgeous marriage attires, wall hangings, cloth toys and cradle cloths.
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Cuisine
Unlike other Indian cuisine, Gujarati cuisine boasts of a harmonious blending of sweet and salty. Almost vegetarian, the popular Gujarati delicacies are Khaman Dhokla, Paunk, Kadi, Undhyoo and Shrikhand.
Where to stay in Gujarat
Gujarat has myriad options to put up. Right from Luxury hotels to medium range hotels to budget hotels, Gujarat can accommodate almost every type of tourist. Some of the top hotels in the state are Cambey sapphire, Novotel, Four points, Shanku’s water park and resort etc.
