Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truly and the guest is ‘God’ and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.
Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable.
Other Facts to be Known
State Capital: Gandhinagar
Primarily spoken languages: Gujarati, Hindi
Biggest City: Ahmedabad
Climate: Max temperature: 45 °C in summers and Minimum temperature: 15 °C in winters.
Places to Visit
- Somnath: A temple town situated in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat.
- Ahmedabad: The largest city and also the former capital of Gujarat.
- Dwarka: One of the most significant pilgrimage sites near Rajkot, popularly known as the ‘home of Lord Krishna’.
- Rann of Kutch: Rann of Kutch is a spellbinding marvel of sand and salt.
- Gir National Park: Known as Sasan Gir, is one of the renowned national parks in India.
- Vadodara: A beautiful city in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
- Junagadh: The seventh-largest city in Gujarat.
- Saputara: The only hill stations in Gujarat.
- Patan: An ancient fortified city located on the banks of Saraswati River in Gujarat.
- Bhuj: Often called the Jaisalmer of Gujarat, Bhuj is one of the places to visit in Gujarat.
- Rajkot: The City of Princes, is the former princely capital of the Saurashtra region.
- Kevadiya: Kevadiya is a census town in the Narmada district of Gujarat where Statue of Unity is located.
Things to do while in Guwahati
- Visit the Adalaj Stepwell.
- Make your own Gujarati dish.
- Explore the Calico Museum of Textiles.
- Pay the visit to Sabarmati Ashram.
- See ancient sanctuaries at Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park.
- Admire the vintage architectre of Modhera Sun Temple.
- Hike the Polo Forest.