Gujarat
Gujarat- A coastal State in the northern extremity of the western seaboard, Gujarat is encompassed by a 1650 km long sea coast. Gujarat has a distinct identity – a modern State highly industriesed and technologically advanced on the one hand ; on the other the State is renowned for its beaches, wild life sanctuaries, its holy temple towns, rich in antiquity and history as it is in lores and lagends. Gujarat has an architectural heritage dating back thousands of year. It was in Lothal that archaeological remains of the Indus Valley civilsations had been excavated, a highly complex urban civilization that flourished about 3500 years ago. The influence of Muslim rulers is very strong here. Indo Saracenic architecture really blossomed in Gujarat, gifting the stage with exquisite mosques and mausolea. The State is the home of a large number of Jains. The profusely carved Jain temple in Gujarat are simply incredible for their extraordinary beauty. Gujarat was also the home of Mahatma Gandhi, the 20th century apostle of peace whose philosophy has had a profound effect on the Gujarati psyche. The State is endowed with forests and sandy deserts, river valleys and miles of golden coastline. The Asiatic lion, black buck, wild ass and the brilliantly hued flamingoes can be seen here. The Gujarati’s love for colour and artistry has touched every aspect of their lifestyle and the state is rich in some of India’s most beautiful crafts.
Tourist Places in Gujrat
Ahmedabad – A Maor textile and commercial centre on the Sabarmati river, Founded by Ahmed shah I, Muslim influence and architecture is everywhere . Not to be missed is the vechaar museum where pots and pans of every possible shape, size and design collected from over Gujarat are displayed. Calico Museum, shreyas folk Museum, Tribal Museum, Hridey Kunj where Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked for years in the Sabarmati Ashram there, a national monument now. Around Ahmedabad there are the step wells Gujarat is so famous for and Patan known for Jain temple and Patola sarees. Airport: Ahmedabad.
Vadodara (Baroda) – Modern industrial city with a traditional ambience, has many excellent museums and art collections. Airport: Vadodara.
Junagadh – an old township, it is full of mosques, mausolea and museums. Ashoka’s 1 4th edict and the Shiva temple at somnath are nearby. Airport: Keshod.
Lothal – a port city of Harappan era Excavated remains of a very well planned city with an underground drainage system, houses, baths, etc. Airport: Ahmedabad.
Modhere- a well preserved 1000 year old sun temple with beautiful sculpture.
Palitana – on top of shatrunjay Hill, an unbelievable collection of 863 Jain temples, the oldest of which s 1000 years old. The gossamer delicate beauty of these temples create a fairytale aura. Airport: Bhavnagar
Dwaraka – the ancient partially submerged port city around which so much of Krishna legend is woven. The Dwaraka temple’s inner sanctum is believed to be 2500 years old. Airport: porbader/ Jamnagar.
Porbander – Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace. His ancestral house and Kirti Mandir, a museum of the Mahatma. Airport: Porbander.
Surat – for centuries a trading centre for ivory, silk and spices. Home of Tanchoi and Gajee silk and Modern textile industry. It is also the first English settlement In India. The Factory House dating back to 1612 still stands. Airport: Vadodara.
Sasan Gir, Rann of Kutch, Velavadar -wildlife sanctuaries for Asiatic lion, wild ass and black buck.
Chorwad, Admedpur Mandvi, Hajira, Tithal- beach resorts.