India Travel Guide

Places to Visit In India

Category : Gujarat

Gujarat Fair & Festival

Makar Sakranti:

Kite flying is a special event in Ahmedabad Held on Makar Sakranti day. In the month of 14th January every year. The sky is filled with a symphony of colours. The festival has become so popular that now it has turned in to an international kite festival where in popular from all over the worlds come to fly exotic kites.

Navratri:

This festival is celebrated in the month of October with much fanfare and gaiety for nine days, ending on Dussehra & is dedicated to the goddess Amba girls and boys enjoy garba and dandiya rash (dance) the whole night.

Rath Yatra:

This festival is celebrated in the month of July. A massive procession is taken out from the Jagannath Temple amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns with the idols of Hindu deities – Lord Krishna, Balaram & Subhadra placed in the main temple chariot.

Somenath

The shore temple of somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located in Veraval, it offers a holy pilgrimage, beach holiday and a number of places of historic importance. Sardar Patel commissioned the present incarnation of the temple in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture and a beautiful sight facing the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. A short distance from Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was said to have been struck by the stray of a Bhil Tribal.

Getting There:

Rail: There are trains from Ahmedabad to Veraval.

Road: Somnath is 405 km from Ahmedabad. Private Luxury buses and Gujarat State Transport Service buses are available from Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat.

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Lothal

The ruins of a complete township of the Indus Valley Civilization have been excavated about 80 Kms from Ahmedabad and 6 km from Lothal-Bhurkhi Railway Station on the Ahmedabad Bhavnagar meter gauge section of the Western Railway. It is well connected by an all weather road with Bhurkhi. Ahmedabad, Dholka and other major towns such as Bhavnagar and Rajkot. Nearest airport is Ahmedabad. While planning the town, Lothal engineers accorded high priority to two other needs.The fulfillment of which depended the economic prosperity of the inhabitants. The first one was a dock for berthing ships and the second a warehouse for storing and examining cargo. The dock built on the eastern flank of the town is an engineering feat of the highest order. Its very location away from the main current avoided silting but at the same time ships could have access to the dock in high tide. The second need, namely the warehouse, arose from the large volume of cargo that Lothal had to handle. Hence, a warehouse was built close to the acropolis on a 3.5 m high podium of mud-bricks to serve as a clearinghouse for incoming and outgoing cargo.

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Dholavira

Harappan civilization in Gujarat of Ahmedabad district is known as Indus valley civilization. Around 2500 BC, the Harappans probably started infiltrating into Kutch and settled down there with an amazing speed and strength. Of all the Harappan sites the site of Dholavira locally known as Kotada, in the Khadir island of Kutch, stands apart. It is a small village situated near the northwestern extremity of Khadir, which is a large island in the great Rann of Kutch. The village is approachable from Bhuj via. Rappar by a good road on which plies a regular buys service. It is remarkable for its magnificent planning and enormity of area and deposit.On the present showing, it is one of the two largest settlements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent.No wonder, if it was the metropolis of the entire Kutch or even a larger area. Dholavira enjoys the unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten large signs of the Harappan script: indeed the oldest sign-board of the world, A variety of funerary structures is yet another feature of exceeding importance throwing new light on the socio-religious beliefs, thereby indicating the presence of composite ethnic groups in the Indus population of Dholavira.

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Surkotada

Around 2300 BC, the Harappans came to Surkotada and built a fortified citadel and residential annexed, made of mud brick, mud lumps and rubble containing houses with bathrooms and drains.They had painted pottery with Indus alphabet painted on the pots, chart blades and copper objects, a typical Harappan seal has also been found. Other interesting finds are clay lingam like objects evidently of cult significance. A piece of charred rope adds to the variety of the finds. Bones of the Equus from the earliest levels are the other important discovery in that they show the Harappans knew the animal. Some important finds are a typical Harappan terracotta seal, a heavy copper chisel, a hoard of copper beads and bangles and terracotta toys, tanks and beads besides animal skeletal remains of the horse, camel, Elephant and sheep. The excavations have revealed that the Harappans lived here along with an antecedent culture with all their typical modes of habitations and cultural assemblage and continued even after the mature phase was over.Surkotada is approachable from Bhuj by road and a regular bus service is available. Nearest Airport is Bhuj. Distance from Bhuj to Surkotada is 85 Km approx.

Pavagadh

Pavagadh hill is sacred due to Godeess Mahakali, generally known as Kalika Mata, residing on its highest peak. Village Champaner at the foot of Mount Pavagadh is about 49 kms away from Vadodara, which is connected from Mumbai and Ahmedabad by Air, Railway and Road. Thousands of pilgrims visit Pavagadh every year. Pavagadh hill, which is 2,500 feet high, covers about 42 Sq kms. The distance from the foot of the hill to the Kalika Mata’s temple on its highest peak is about 5 kms. On a small peak of the mountain there is a temple of Bhadrakali Mata whose idol resembles that of Kalika. There is the image of Kalika Mata in the centre of the temple. It is not a full image, but only the mukhwato or the head of the Goddess with the face painted in red colour with large eyes. On the left on the same platform is a full idol of Mahakali and at the right, the yantra engraved on marble is kept before the image of Kalika Mata and worshiped. Mangala Arti is performed at the temple in the early morning after ceremonial worship. At noon, Naivedya is offered to the goddess. Sandhya Arti is performed in the evening. The Udan Khatola – cable car makes the climb very easy and fast and a ride in the cable car gives a thrilling experience.

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Dwaraka

Dwaraka is one of the four major Hindu shrines in India. The city of Dwarka was built 2500 years ago as the capital of Lord Krishna’s Empire as per Hindu mythology. The 150 ft. high lighthouse of Dwaraka is also famous all over Asia. One of the four Shaktipiths, established by Shree Shankarcharya is based at Dwarka. About 30 kms away from Dwarka is Okha port from where one can catch a ferryboat to reach Bet-Dwaraka. Mahaprabhuo’s Bethak, Gomti Ghat, Shankh Talav and Nageshwar are important places for tourists.

Getting There:

Air: Jamnagar airport is 148 kms away from Dwarka. Flight for Jamnagar is available from Mumbai.

Rail: There are trains for Okha(Dwarka) from Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Road: Dwarka is 453 kms from Ahmedabad. Private Luxury Buses and Gujarat State Transport Service Buses are available from Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat.

Map Of Dwaraka, Gujarat :


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Ahmedabad

General Information:

Area : 205 sq.km.

Temperature : In summer,  temperature between 47degree Celntigrade(max) and 25degree centigrade(min). Summer are very hot. May is the hottest month in a year. In winter, temperature is very pleasant, cool  and good for all tourist activities.

Best Season : October to March.

Modhera SunTemple

Modhera SunTemple

Introduction:

Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad was founded by the Muslim ruler, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 AD. This city is also called as “Manchester of the East:” because of its thriving textile industry. The old walled city with its intriguing labyrinth of balance called pols and the exquisitely carved wooden mansions, or havelis. This is a city of architectural delights, home to the Indo-Saracenic style, a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural ideals. The newer part of the city is dotted with architecture of more contemporary design. Apart from being a vibrant and prosperous business centre. Ahmedabad has a great deal more to offer to visitors.

Getting There:

Air: International and Domestic airlines connect Ahmedabad to Bombay, Delhi and major cities of India. The city is also linked to Muscat, London and New York.

Rail:Ahmedabad is linked to Bombay, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and other major cities in India by rail.

Road:NH 8 & 88 and State Highways connect Ahmedabad to major cities in India.

Tourist Attraction:

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake

Teen Darwaja

Teen Darwaja

Hatheesing Jain Temple

Hatheesing Jain Temple













Kankaria Lake: Constructed by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din, this lake is a popular recreational spot for people of Ahmedabad. Landscaped gardens, terraced slopes, and zoo surround the lake, Aquarium and Balvatika.

Teen Darwaja: This triple arched gateway was originally meant to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or Royal Square.

Hatheesing Jain Temple: This temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain apostle – Dharamnath. It is built of pure white marble and embellished with intricate carving.

Sarkhej Roza

Sarkhej Roza

Shaking Minarets

Shaking Minarets

Sidi Saiyad Mosque

Sidi Saiyad Mosque













Sarkhej Roza: Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes or Ahmedabad; the buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises.

Shaking Minarets:The Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir’s Mosque has generated tremendous curiosity. The two minarets are designed such that if one is shaken, the other trembles as well.

Sidi Saiyad Mosque:Ahmedabad has a large number of mosques. One of the most famous is Sidi Saiyad Mosque built in 1571 AD, which is acclaimed for it’s splendid filigree screen, framed in the ten semicircular windows .

Dada Hari Vav

Dada Hari Vav

Jumma Masjid

Jumma Masjid

Rani Sipri Mosque

Rani Sipri Mosque













Dada Hari Vav: This step-well manifests a unique architectural feature of Gujarat. Step-wells were built to provide travellers with water and cool resting place.

Jumma Masjid:It is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in western India. This mosque, built in 1423 AD, is outstanding for its grand scale, superb proportions and exquisite workmanship.

Rani Sipri Mosque: A small, exquisite mosque built in 1514 by a queen of Mehmud Shah Begda, The queen herself lies buried here.

Gandhi Ashram

Gandhi Ashram

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple

Adalaj Vav

Adalaj Vav













Gandhi Ashram: The Gandhi Ashram along the Sabarmati River was once Gandhiji’s nerve-centre for the Indian Freedom Movement. The Gandhi Memorial Centre, Library and much more can be seen at the Ashram.

Pols: Pols are an integral part of old Ahmedabad. It nurtures in its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture.

Akshardham Temple: This temple in Gandhinagar is built in the memory of Lord Swaminarayan. Built of pink sandstone, Akshardham is a unique and majestic cultural complex, housing exhibitions and multimedia shows.

Adalaj Vav: It is the best-preserved well of its kind to Gujarat. It was built in 1499. The three-stepped entrance descends into an open court from where a single arched heavily decorated entrance leads to a corridor. The corridor has four pavilion constructions and is five storiesunderground upto the well.

Patan: This city is famous for its architectural wonders built during the Solanki dynasty. Patan is an important weaving centre for geometrically patterned Patola Sarees.

Modhera: The Sun Temple at Modhera, built between 1026-27, is positioned in such a manner that the rising sun’s rays illuminate the deity in the inner most sanctum sanctorum through the main entrance. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The stone sculptures here, are similar to those found at Konarak and Khajuraho temples.

Showcasing Culture:The museums definitely worth a visit are the Calico Museum with an impressive collection of old textiles with associated machinery and tools, t he Tribal Museum which depicts the history, culture and lifestyle of the numerous tribes in Gujarat and The Shrey as Polk Art Museum, which houses a collection of traditional folk arts, crafts, costumes and jewellery of various communities from the state.

Map Of Ahmedabad, Gujrat :


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Gujarat

General Information:

Area : 1,96,024 sq km.

Capital : Gandhinagar

Languages : Gujarati, Hindi, English & others.

Temperature : Min temperature 14°C.

Population : 41,309,582

Religion : Hindu, Muslim, Christian & other.

Best Season : October to March.

Dwaraka

Dwaraka

Introduction:

Situated in the west of India. Rajasthan in the northeast, Arabian Sea on the west, Madhya Pradesh in the southeast and Maharashtra in the south of the state. Around 2500 BC Harappan civilization (also known as Indus valley civilization) established in Kutch of Gujarat. On the basis of general evidence comming up from Kutch and parts of Gujarat it appears that the Harappan brought there full blown culture and lived almost the full life before their culture declined. The state is also rich in crafts, ruins and natural beauty. Gujarat has relatively little forest cover left. In these area more than 40 species of animals-including the rare Asiatic Lion, wild ass and blackbuck, birds and reptiles resides peacefully.. The state is the birth place of Great Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi. Best time to visit this place is between October and March.

Getting There:

Air: International airport at Ahmedabad and other domestic airport in Gujrat.

Rail: Gujarat is well connected with other State in India.

Road: National highway network connects Gujarat to rest of the country and State highway connects to the all tourists spot of the state.

Tourist Attraction:

Travel Spot: Ahmedabad,Dwaraka,Pavagadh, Dholavira, Surkotada, Lothal, Somenath.

Other:

Fair & Festival

Map Of Gujarat, India :


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