Photos of famous places in Gujarat

PORBANDAR

Porbandar, Gujarat

Porbandar, situated at the end of Saurashtra is a seaport on the Arabian Sea having pleasant beaches with beach villas. Porbandar is Birthplace of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is an intermediate seaport on the southwest coast of Saurashtra. To commemorate the birth of Gandhiji, a 79 feet high imposing building has been built in an otherwise simple lane of the city where Bapu was born in 1869 AD. It is also known as "White City" because of its white stone construction. Visitors are also attracted to Bharat Mandir, depicting great men and religious preceptors of India, and to the Chowpaty, which offers a beautiful view of the beachfront. Modern villas have come up lately and there is also a small parlour serving refreshments.

The very name evokes visions of Mahatma Gandhi who was born in this prosperous princely city on October 2, 1869. But the history of Porbandar goes back many centuries to Sudamapuri mentioned in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, as the home of lord Krishna's friend, Sudama, and almost certainly the Paureliva, mentioned in the 9th century inscriptions at Ghumli. Porbandar is a paradise for bird watchers. Great flocks of flamingoes, both greater and lesser, can be seen at a remarkably close range around the coastal marshes.

PALITANA

Palitana, Gujarat

Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. It is 56 kms from Bhavnagar. One of the most famous Jain Temple in Gujarat and also in India.

The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificient temples numbering 863 in all, soaring in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metres climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available.

Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred in all the Jain temples. The most important temple is that of the first Terrthankara. Kuwarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, built the a earliest temple. It has a fabulous collection of jewels. It takes approximatly two hours to cover the 4 kms long ascent. When you are on the top, the Air is clean and the Shetrunjaya River looks glistening like a foil of silver spread on the ground. Pilgrims and even priests are not allowed to stay overnight. Tourists cannot carry any leather item. The Temple town of Palitana has some interesting handicrafts and 2 museums of Jain art - the Stapiya Kala Sangrah and the Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan.

Air: Nearest airport at Bhavnagar is 62 kms away.

Rail: Palitana is on the Western Railway metre gauge line and is well connected to Ahmedabad , 277 kms. by rail and 215 kms. by road.

Road: State Transport & luxury buses ply regularly.

DWARKA

Dwarka, Gujarat

The presiding deity of Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadhish, is an imposing edifice and a superb architectural monument. Temple is spread in the area of 1800 square feet, the temple consists of a shrine that is supported by 60 pillars of granite and sandstone. On the west side of the temple is the seat of Adi Shankaracharya, the great master of Hindu faith who visited the temple in the seventh century. For the scholars, a wall poster depicting the family tree tracing the lineage to Lord Krishna offers an interesting insight into the great Indian epic of Mahabharat.

An interesting history surrounds the idol installed at this temple. It is said that, taking pity on his old devotee Badana, who used to traverse the long distance from Dakor to Dwarka, God in the form of an idol went with him to Dakor. This enraged the priests at Dwarka, who chased Badana to retrieve the idol. Badana persuaded the priests to leave the deity in return of gold, where upon the priests agreed to withdraw. By a miracle, the idol became as light as the nose-ring, which was all that the poor widow could offer. But the Lord did not want to disappoint the priests. He therefore granted them a boon that they will find a replica in Dwarka on a particular day. Unable to resist their curiosity, the priests excavated at the suggested site a little too early, and found yet to grow idol, which is now enshrined at Dwarka.

The present shrine is not likely to be older than the Mughal period. The inscriptions on the pillars and other places do not appear to be older than the 15th century AD. There must have been an older shrine, which was probably destroyed by Mohmud Begada in 1473 AD. The present temple was probably constructed during the period of the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar.

SAPUTARA

Saputara Hills, Gujarat

'Saputara' means the 'abode of serpents' and a snake image on the banks of the river Sarpagana is worshipped by the 'adivasis' (tribals) on festivals like Holi. history of Saputara says that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests. Saputara has a cool bracing climate, the highest temperature even in the summer months not exceeding 28 degrees Centigrade. Saputara is situated 160 kms from Surat

Saputara has been developed as hill resort with hotels, parks, swimming pools theatres and a museum. It has several gardens, picturesque locations and a cool bracing climate even in the hot summer months making it an ideal getaway. The resort is equipped with adventure sports facilities like paragliding. The thick forest around Saputara is dotted with Adivasi tribal, villages and heir unique dance is great interest to visitors. Saputara is situated 1000m Above Sea Level.

Saputara is 160 kms from Surat, Gujarat.

JUNAGARH

Junagarh, Gujarat

Junagadh, is situated in erstwhile Saurashtra, at the foot of Mount Girnar on the northern fringes of the Gir forest . it was the capital of the western region ruled by several dynasties of rulers such as Mauryas, Greeks, Kshtrapas and Guptas.

city of Junagadh derives its name from an old fort called by the same name. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage, it is a wonderful place for nature lovers. It is also one of the few places where lions still roam free as, it is the abode of the majestic Asiatic Lion. Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage and has produced a number of saints in its long histroy. The most famous being the Gujarati saint-poet, Narsimha Mehta.

Junagadh is a veritable treasure trove of ancient temples, museums, palaces and caves. The famous rock edicts of Ashoka and the Girnar Temples are popular attractions.

JAMNAGAR

Jamnagar, Gujarat

Jamnagar was founded in 1540 AD. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent. Built by Jam Raval, a Jadeja Rajput leader who migrated from Kachchh, Jamnagar was the capital for four centuries of the prosperous princely state of Nawanagar Jamnagar is the hometown of the world famous cricketers Ranjit Singh and Duleep Singh after whom the Ranji and Duleep Trophy are named in domestic Indian cricket.

Jamnagar is costal town situated 300 kms west of ahmedabad and 92 kms from Rajkot.

BHAVNAGAR

Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Bhavnagar was founded as a Port in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. It is a sprawling city with distinctly separate old and new sections. It is located in the peninsular part of the state of Gujarat, in the western region of India. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil in 1723 AD on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the creek. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD. It was the time of persistent Maratha raids of the States of Saurashtra. The last princely ruler Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948 on the advice of Gandhiji.

Bhavnagar is an important trading centre for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Today, activities related to the sea near Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which has also Asia's largest ship breaking Yard. It remained a major port For almost two(2) centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zannibar, Singapore and the Persian gulf. The Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships a float in the city's port at low tide. This flourising maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town. Present day Bhavnagar owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). The town planning schemes were designed and implemented under the guidance of progressive rulers of Bhavnagar. During the reign of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital.

Bhavnagar is near the Gulf of Cambay. Bhavnagar is at sea level. Though Bhavnagar is near the coast and experiences coastal climate, yet it has hot summers. Winters are cool. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains. As Bhavnagar is near the coastline, it is generally humid throughout the year. Like most parts of Gujarat, Bhavnagar is also known for its traditional handicrafts, which include embroidery and high quality appliqué work. Locally made tie and dye and block-printed fabrics are also popular. The main shopping center is located in Darbargarh area of the city. Population : 1300,000* Climate : Summers Max - 44°C Min - 24°C* Winters Max - 32°C Min - 15°C *

Bhavnagar is 225 km from Ahmedabad and 690 km from Mumbai (Bombay). It is easily accessible from any part of India besides the other cities of Gujarat. The excellent road network, railway system and the air linking make Bhanvnagar a travel destination. Bhavnagar has an airport, which is southeast of the city center. Gandhinagar, Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar are easily accessible through road.

SURAT

Surat, Gujarat

The East India Company established its first warehouses in Surat in 1612. And it was at Surat that Sir Thomas Roe landed when he came as King James' ambassador to the court of Emperor Jehangir. In Mughal times, Surat was the main port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. Surat is known for silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in spices. Surat has been one of the most prosperous of India's cities in the 17th and 18th century. Surat, the city of commerce was an important port that first attracted the Europeans to the riches of India.

Even today, Surat is a premier industrial city of India. It is a city of riches, of gems and diamonds. Times may have changed but Surat remains and continues to grow. Surat was founded by Parsi refugees in the 12th century, and it emerged as a minor trading post during the 1500s when it was plundered and razed numerous times by the Portuguese. In 1592, after a protracted siege, the town fell to Akbar, under whose patronage, it became one of India's most prosperous mercantile capitals, as well as a key transit point for Muslims heading to Mecca.

Surat is 140 Kms From Vadodara, Gujarat.

BHUJ

Bhuj, Gujarat

Bhuj is the heart town in Kachchh and also the district headquarters. Bhuj was founded in 1548 AD by Rao Khengarji of the Jadeja dynasty, which ruled over Kachchh for more than 400 years.

Bhuj is known by its beautiful Hindu temples, palaces and intricately carved wooden pavilions. It is a heaven for handicraft lovers. The houses here are decorated both from inside as well as outside with linear reliefs made from mud and mirrors. Bhuj is famous for embroidery. The oldest museum of Gujarat is situated in Bhuj.

bandhni (tie and dye) and batik textiles, or the intricate silk embroidery done on leather, each artifact is a labour of love for the craftspersons. The colorful thread embroidery on cloth is done by different castes and communities in their own distinct way. The region was also known for the enamel work done on gold and silver jewelry, lacquered wood, seashell toys and metal bells.

Diu

Diu, Gujarat

Island of Diu lies across Ahmedapur-Mandvi., a fine blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea. Diu is situated 125 kms from Junagadh. This beach is known as one of the finest beach in India. Diu Island is situated across the bridge from Ahmedpur-Mandvi. Lying on the offshore of Gujarat mainland, minutes offshore from the mainland of Gujarat, yet has the feel of being like on a Mediterranean Island.

Diu reflects the Portuguese colonial period architecture like the churches, public buildings, bungalows with pastel shaded walls, truss roofs, terraces, galleries, clean wide roads, neat clean beaches etc. Three Portuguese churches, one out of which has been converted into a museum housing some rare Portuguese artifacts, also dot the island. Another cynosure at Diu is the Fort of Diu, an imposing statement of power.

Diu Beach is 125 Kms From Junagarh, Gujarat.

Kutchh

Kachchh, Gujarat

Kachchh is a essence of Gujarat and your visit is incomplete without going to Kuchchh. The state's biggest district and most sparsely populated one, Kachchh is a sandy, barren area over half of which is desert and marshland. Like so many other regions of Gujarat, Kachchh has its own distinctive character. It has a remarkably heterogeneous population belonging to 18 different tribes, each with its own language and culture.

The Great Rann covers an area of about 7,000 sq miles (18,000 sq kms) and lies almost entirely within the state of Gujarat, along the border with Pakistan. The Little Rann of Kachchh extends northeast from the Gulf of Kachchh and occupies about 2,000 sq miles (5,100 sq kms) in Gujarat state.

Originally an extension of the Arabian Sea, the Rann of Kachchh has been closed off by centuries of silting. During the time of Alexander the Great it was a navigable lake, but it is now an extensive mudflat, inundated during monsoon seasons. Settlement is limited to low, isolated hills.

RAJKOT

Rajkot, Gujarat

Once Rajkot was the capital of the state of Saurashtra. Today, it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a 'Diwan' or Prime Minister to the king of Saurashtra. Even today, their family home here houses a permanent exhibition of Gandhiji's personal belongings.

Rajkot has a fine museum and some old colonial architecture.Handicrafts like silver and textiles are a highlight of Rajkot, which has the National Weaving Institute, which is working to promote traditional weaves. Rajkot is one of the most important commercial and industrial cities of Saurashtra.

The Rajkot city is, situated 246 kms from Ahmedabad.

GANDHINAGAR

Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Gandhinagar, A new capital city of Gujarat, is located on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, about 30 kms north east of Ahmedabad, the commercial and cultural heart of Gujarat. Gandhinagar, named after the father of the Nation. In 1960, when the old Bombay State was bifurcated into the present states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bombay city fell to the share of Maharashtra. It was then decided to build an entirely new capital for Gujarat. It is the second planned city in India after Chandigarh.

Gandhinagar presents the spacious, well-organized look of an architecturally integrated city. All Gujarat Government's major offices are here in Gandhinagar. A Capital city of Gujarat is divided in to 30 sectors around the Central Government Building. Each sector has its own shopping and community centre, primary school, health centre and government and private housing. Apart from this, there is a generous provision for wide-open green parks, extensive planting and a large recreational area along the river giving the city a lush green garden-city atmosphere.

Extensive planting of trees and large recreational areas along the river gives the city a fresh, green garden city atmosphere. The famous "Akshardham" temple of Swaminarayan is also built in Gandhinagar. It has many more travels places in and around of Gandhinagar. Population : 1,32,000* Area : 57 sq kms* Climate : Summers Max - 44°C Min - 24°C* Winters Max - 32°C Min - 15°C *

Nearest Airport is Ahmedabad. Nearest Railway Stations are Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. Road State transport buses connects various centres of Gujarat. It is well connected by trains with other parts of india. It has good road network across India.

BARODA

Baroda, Gujarat

Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums and considered by many as the de-facto cultural capital of Gujarat. Once the capital of the Gaekwads, the former rulers of Vadodara, it is also known as Baroda and rises from the banks of River Vishwamitri. Vadodara is also the industrial capital of Gujarat.

HISTORY Archaeological findings indicate that human habitations existed in the city since prehistoric times. Vadodara passed through the hands of the Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Solankis, the Sultans of Delhi and the Mughals before passing on to the Marathas. It owes its present day grandeur to Maharaja Sayajirao, a great patron of art, architecture and music. Vadodara, originally 'Vadapadraka' means a village amidst the banyan trees. Historical findings take us back to the 9th century where we find reference to a town called Ankottaka, which can be identified as present day Akota. Located on the right bank of the river this place was prone to floods and therefore in the later period Vadapadraka displaced Ankottaka as the administrative headquarters.

Air: Various domestic airlines connecting Ahmedabad , Delhi , Mumbai , Daman, Pune.
Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan . Vadodara is 112 Kms. from Ahmedabad and 420 Kms. from Mumbai. Rail: Vadodara is on the Western Railways, Mumbai, Delhi and Mumbai, Ahmedabad line.

Accomodation

Vadodara's hotels are designed with business visitors in mind. There are several mid-range and up market places, and just a handful of inexpensive lodges. Most of the hotels are grouped in the Sayaji Gunj area just south of the railway station.

Attraction(s) / Must Visit Place(s)

 Lakshmi Vilas Palace ::::::: Historical Places
Vadodara Museum And Picture Gallery ::::::: Museums
Kirti Mandir ::::::: Temples
Shri Bharuch Tirtha ::::::: Jain Tirth Places

AHEMEDABAD

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad, founded in the year 1411 AD is located on the banks of river Sabarmati . Ahmedabad has been named after Sultan Ahmed Shah, who was primarily responsible for building it. Today, this city is known as the 'Manchester of the East'. One of the highly industrialised cities in India, Ahmedabad is also India's Textile City. Ahmedabad, a mass of factories, mosques, temples and high-rise offices, amazes the visitor by its unique mix of ancient and modern, along with the combination of thriving Hindu, Muslim and Jain communities that lend the city an appealing character that can be hard to resist.

A Witness To Indian Freedom Movement Ahmedabad became the base camp for the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji built the Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of the city. From here, he guided India to freedom. During the freedom movement, this city of textiles became the nerve centre of the struggle.

Ahmedabad city is located in the western part of India. The Sabarmati River passes from Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is 460 km north of Mumbai. The climate of Ahmedabad is hot and moist. Winters are cool and pleasant but summers are extremely dry, hot in Ahmedabad and the temperature can be as high as 46°C at times. The city of Ahmedabad experiences good rainfall during the monsoon season during the months from July to September. As the city of Ahmedabad experiences a harsh summer season, and is lashed by the southwestern monsoons.

Ahmedabad is easily accessible from any part of India besides the other cities of Gujarat. The excellent road network, railway system and the air linking make Ahmedabad a popular travel destination of western India. In order to make the travel tour to Ahmedabad even more joyful you need to choose just the right kind of accommodation. You may choose from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad has the star categorized accommodation hotels around the Ahmedabad city.