Top 10 Tourist Places In Gujarat 2023

Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history and culture. It is home to many historical monuments, natural wonders, and religious sites. Here are the top 10 tourist places in Gujarat

1. Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters (597 feet). It is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy prime minister of India. The statue is located in Kevadiya, Gujarat, on the banks of the Narmada River.

Where is the Statue of Unity located?

The Statue of Unity is located in Kevadiya, Gujarat, on the banks of the Narmada River. It is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of the city of Vadodara.

What is the history of the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity was built by the Government of India as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The construction of the statue began in 2013 and was completed in 2018. The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018.

What are the features of the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity is made of bronze and is hollow. It is supported by a steel frame. The statue has a viewing gallery at the top, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

What are the things to do near the Statue of Unity?

There are a number of things to do near the Statue of Unity. You can visit the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is the world’s 3rd largest dam. You can also visit the Kevadiya Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birds. There are also a number of temples and historical sites in the area.

How to get to the Statue of Unity?

The nearest airport to the Statue of Unity is the Vadodara Airport. You can also take a train to Vadodara and then take a bus or taxi to Kevadiya.

What are the ticket prices for the Statue of Unity?

The ticket prices for the Statue of Unity are as follows:

• Entry Ticket: INR 120 (adults), INR 60 (children)
• Viewing Gallery: INR 350 (adults), INR 200 (children)

What are the opening and closing hours of the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, all days of the week.

Also Read Top 10 Biggest Dam In Gujarat

2. Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is a man-made lake in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The lake is surrounded by gardens, a zoo, and a children’s park. There are also several boating options available on the lake.

History

Kankaria Lake was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. The lake was originally used for irrigation and water supply. However, it was later converted into a recreational area.

Attractions

Kankaria Lake has a number of attractions, including:

• The Kankaria Zoo, which is home to over 3,000 animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes.
• The Nagina Wadi, which is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers and plants.
• The Children’s Park, which has a number of rides and attractions for children.
• The Boating Lake, which offers a variety of boating options, including paddle boats, row boats, and motor boats.
• The Kankaria Carnival, which is a week-long festival held in the last week of December.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Kankaria Lake is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, all days of the week. The ticket prices for the lake are as follows:

• Entry Ticket: INR 25 (adults), INR 10 (children)
• Boating: INR 20 (paddle boat), INR 50 (row boat), INR 100 (motor boat)

How to Get There

Kankaria Lake is located in the Maninagar area of Ahmedabad. The nearest airport is the Ahmedabad Airport. You can also take a train to Ahmedabad and then take a bus or taxi to the lake.

3. Jhulta Minar

Jhulta Minar is a 15th-century tower located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was built during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. The tower is two minarets connected to each other, which are 210 feet (64 m) high. The tower is called Jhulta Minar because it sways a little. It is considered one of Gujarat’s most famous buildings.

The Jhulta Minar is made of red sandstone. The base of the tower is square and has four gates. There is a dome at the top of the tower. The tower is built with stairs inside. A panoramic view of Ahmedabad city can be seen from the top of the tower.

The Jhulta Minar is a historical and cultural heritage. It is the identity of Ahmedabad city. Millions of people come to see the tower every year. The Jhulta Minar has been declared a protected monument by the Gujarat government.

History of Jhulta Minar

The Jhulta Minar was built in 1484 during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. The tower is made of red sandstone. The base of the tower is square and has four gates. There is a dome at the top of the tower. The tower is built with stairs inside. A panoramic view of Ahmedabad city can be seen from the top of the tower.

The Jhulta Minar was built by Ahmed Shah I for his third son, Muhammad Begada. Muhammad Begada succeeded Ahmed Shah I. The Jhulta Minar was built near Muhammad Begada’s residence.

The Jhulta Minar is called the Jhulta Minar because it sways a little. The tilt of the tower is due to an error in the construction of the tower. Red sandstone was used in the construction of the tower. Red sandstone is a soft stone and it breaks easily. Due to the use of red sandstone in the construction of the tower, the tower sways a little.

Architecture of Jhulta Minar

The architecture of Jhulta Minar is unique. The tower is two minarets connected to each other, which are 210 feet (64 m) high. The base of the tower is square and has four gates. There is a dome at the top of the tower. The tower is built with stairs inside. A panoramic view of Ahmedabad city can be seen from the top of the tower.

The Jhulta Minar is made of red sandstone. Red sandstone is a soft stone, but it is also very beautiful. The use of red sandstone in the construction of the Jhulta Minar has given the tower a wonderful appearance.

Significance of Jhulta Minar

The Jhulta Minar is a historical and cultural heritage. It is the identity of Ahmedabad city. Millions of people come to see the tower every year. The Jhulta Minar has been declared a protected monument by the Gujarat government.

The Jhulta Minar is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, all days of the week.

However, there are some exceptions to these timings:

• The tower is closed on Fridays for prayers.
• The tower may be closed for special events or religious festivals.

It is advisable to check the timings with the local authorities before visiting the tower.

4. Lothal

Lothal is an archaeological site in the Bhal region of Gujarat, India, on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It was one of the most important and thriving trade centers in the Indus Valley Civilization, and is famous for the world’s oldest known artificial dock.

The name “Lothal” is derived from the Gujarati words “lot” (mound) and “thal” (plain), and means “mound of the dead“. The site was first excavated in 1954 by the Archaeological Survey of India, and has been continuously excavated since then.

Lothal was built around 2200 BCE, and flourished for about 1,000 years. The city was well-planned, with a grid-like street pattern and a central marketplace. It had a number of specialized features, including a dockyard, a warehouse complex, and a bead factory.

The dockyard at Lothal is the world’s oldest known artificial dock. It was built to facilitate trade with other cultures, and was used to load and unload ships. The dock was made of bricks, and was connected to the Sabarmati River by a canal.

The warehouse complex at Lothal was used to store goods that were imported and exported from the city. The complex consisted of a number of warehouses, which were built of bricks and had sloping roofs.

The bead factory at Lothal was used to make beads from a variety of materials, including semi-precious stones, terracotta, and gold. The factory was well-equipped, and had a number of tools and furnaces that were used to make the beads.

Lothal was abandoned around 1300 BCE, possibly due to a combination of factors, including a decline in trade, flooding, and earthquakes. The site was rediscovered in 1954, and has been excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India since then.

Lothal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination. The site is open to the public, and there is a museum on the premises that exhibits artifacts found at the site.

Here are some of the other important features of Lothal:

• The city was divided into two parts: the upper town and the lower town.
• The upper town was the administrative and religious center of the city.
• The lower town was the commercial and industrial center of the city.
• The city had a well-developed drainage system.
• The city had a number of public buildings, including a granary, a marketplace, and a bathhouse.
• The city was home to a variety of industries, including bead making, metallurgy, and pottery.

Lothal is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the life and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination. If you are interested in ancient history, then Lothal is definitely worth a visit.

Here are some additional facts about Lothal:

• The city was built on a salt marsh, and the dockyard was used to protect ships from the tides.
• The city was home to a population of about 15,000 people.
• The city was well-defended, and had a number of fortifications, including a wall and a moat.
• The city was a major center of trade, and traded with other cultures in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
• The city was a sophisticated urban center, with a well-developed infrastructure, including a drainage system, a marketplace, and a bathhouse.

Lothal is a valuable resource for understanding the Indus Valley Civilization. The site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including seals, pottery, beads, and tools. These artifacts provide insights into the culture, economy, and technology of the Indus Valley people.

Lothal is a fascinating and important archaeological site. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination. If you are interested in ancient history, then Lothal is definitely worth a visit.

There is no entry fee to visit the archaeological site of Lothal. However, there is a small fee to visit the Archaeological Museum at Lothal. The fee for adults is INR 5, and the fee for children up to 15 years of age is free.

The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on public holidays.

5. Gir National Park

• Gir National Park is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli. It was established in 1965 in the erstwhile Nawab of Junagarh’s private hunting area, with a total area of 1,410.30 km2 (544.52 sq mi), of which 258.71 km2 (99.89 sq mi) is fully protected as a national park and 1,151.59 km2 (444.63 sq mi) as wildlife sanctuary. It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

• The park is home to the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), the only wild population of this subspecies left in the world. There are an estimated 674 lions in the park as of 2020.
• The park also supports a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, jackals, foxes, nilgai, chital, sambar, chinkara, and four-horned antelope.
• The park is a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including safaris, bird watching, and hiking.
• The park is open to tourists from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from October to June. It is closed from July to September due to the monsoon season.
• The entry fee for the park is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.

6. Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

The temple was first built in the 12th century by the Solanki ruler, Bhimadeva I. It was destroyed several times by Muslim invaders, but was rebuilt each time. The current temple was built in the 19th century by the British.

The temple is a beautiful example of Gujarati Hindu architecture. It is made of white marble and sandstone, and is decorated with intricate carvings. The temple complex also includes a number of other buildings, including a museum, a library, and a guesthouse.

Somnath Temple is a popular tourist destination, and is visited by millions of people every year. It is also a major pilgrimage site, and is especially popular during the Shivratri festival.

Here are some interesting facts about Somnath Temple:

• The temple is said to have been built by the moon god, Chandra, after he was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha.
• The temple is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two of the most important epics in Hinduism.
• The temple was destroyed several times by Muslim invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE and Alauddin Khilji in 1299 CE.
• The current temple was built in the 19th century by the British.
• Somnath Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Timing: The temple is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on public holidays.
• Darshan Timing: Darshan, or the opportunity to see the deity, is available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are three aartis (prayer ceremonies) held daily: at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
• Fee: The entry fee for the temple is INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when visiting Somnath Temple:

• Dress code: Visitors are required to dress modestly when visiting the temple. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
• Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol are prohibited inside the temple complex.
• Photography: Photography is allowed inside the temple complex, but there are some restrictions. You are not allowed to take photos of the deity or the inner sanctum.
• Pilgrimage: Somnath Temple is a major pilgrimage site, so it can get crowded, especially during festivals. If you are planning to visit during a festival, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.

7. Tarnetar

• Location: Tarnetar is a small town in the Surendranagar district of Gujarat, India. It is located about 200 kilometers from Ahmedabad.
• History: Tarnetar is a very old town, and it is mentioned in the Puranas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. The town is said to have been founded by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata.
• Lake: Tarnetar Lake is the main attraction of the town. The lake is surrounded by hills and forests, and it is a popular place for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is also home to a number of temples, including the Tarnetar Mahadev Temple.
• Temples: Tarnetar is home to a number of temples, including the Tarnetar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and it is especially crowded during the Maha Shivratri festival. Other temples in Tarnetar include the Trinetreshwar Temple, the Brahma Kund, and the Vishnu Kund.
• Festivals: Tarnetar is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of festivals. The most important festival is the Maha Shivratri festival, which is celebrated in February or March. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the power of Lord Shiva.
• Timing and Fee: The lake is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on public holidays. There is no entry fee to visit the lake.

8. Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar is a city in Gujarat, India. It is the capital of Gujarat and is located 21 kilometers south of Ahmedabad. The city was founded in 1960 by the Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and it was named after Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhinagar is a planned city, and it is designed to be a modern and sustainable city. The city has a network of parks and gardens, and it is home to a number of museums, including Gandhi Smriti, which is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work. Gandhinagar is also an important educational center, and the city is home to a number of universities and colleges.

The city is a popular tourist destination, and it is also an important center for education and research. Gandhinagar is a modern and vibrant city with a rich history and culture.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Gandhinagar:

• Gandhi Smriti: A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work.
• Sabarmati Ashram: A former ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked
• Mahatma Mandir: A museum about Gujarat’s history and culture.
• Akshardham Temple: A Hindu temple.
• Science City: A science museum.
• Gandhinagar Zoo: A zoo.
• Gandhinagar Golf Club: A golf course.
• Gandhinagar City Forest: A forest.
• Gandhinagar Lake: A lake

Gandhinagar is a modern and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city is a popular tourist destination, and it is also an important center for education and research.

9. Dumas Beach

Dumas Beach is a beach located in Surat, Gujarat, India. It is one of the most popular beaches in Gujarat and is known for its black sand. The beach is also a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of migratory birds.

Dumas Beach is a long, sandy beach with a calm sea. The sand is black due to the presence of magnetite, a mineral that is found in the area. The beach is also home to a number of mudflats, which are a popular spot for bird watching.

Some of the activities that you can do at Dumas Beach include:

• Swimming
• SunbathingBird watching
• Trekking
• Camping
• Relaxing

Dumas Beach is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially crowded during the weekends and holidays. The best time to visit the beach is during the early morning or late evening, when the crowds are smaller.

Here are some tips for visiting Dumas Beach:

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the sand can be slippery.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
• Bring a water bottle, as there are no facilities on the beach to buy drinks.
• Be respectful of the wildlife, and do not disturb the birds or other animals.
• Leave no trace, and take your trash with you when you leave.

10. Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, and it is also a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

The Rann of Kutch is a seasonal wetland, and it is flooded during the monsoon season. When the water recedes, it leaves behind a vast expanse of white salt flats. The Rann is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other birds.

Kutch is also known for the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival held during the winter months, which showcases the region’s traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and culinary delights. The festival offers tourists a chance to experience the essence of Kutchi culture and witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Rann under the moonlight.

The Rann of Kutch is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially popular during the winter months, when the weather is mild. Some of the activities that you can do at Rann of Kutch include:

• Jeep Safari: One of the most popular activities in Rann of Kutch is to go on a jeep safari. This will take you through the salt flats and give you a chance to see the wildlife.
• Bird Watching: Rann of Kutch is a great place for bird watching. You can see a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and other birds
• Desert Camping: You can also go camping in the Rann of Kutch. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the desert and the wildlife
• Cultural Tours: There are also a number of cultural tours available in Rann of Kutch. These tours will take you to villages and learn about the culture of the people who live in the area.

The best time to visit Rann of Kutch is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is mild and the salt flats are dry.

Here are some tips for visiting Rann of Kutch:

• Dress appropriately: The weather in Rann of Kutch can be cold at night, so it is important to dress appropriately. You should also wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
• Bring water and snacks: There are no facilities in Rann of Kutch, so you should bring your own water and snacks.
• Be respectful of the wildlife: The Rann of Kutch is home to a variety of wildlife, so it is important to be respectful of the animals and their habitat.
• Leave no trace: It is important to leave no trace when you visit Rann of Kutch. This means packing out all of your trash and respecting the environment.

Conclusion

Gujarat is a diverse and captivating destination that offers a blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient temples to the enchanting white desert and vibrant cities, each place has a unique charm that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. A journey through Gujarat is a tapestry of historical legacies, scenic wonders, and cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable travel destination.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)