The locals come out in throngs and crowd around terraces. Whizzing kites and their colorful tails from all around the world fly high up in the air! Children and adults alike are in stiff competition to see who outlasts them all! With a dip and a tug, one kite catches another in its death grip… Snap. If you see a kite fall don’t forget to yell, “Kai Poche!”
Gujaratis come out in droves for the good food that is available from roadside stalls to the high-end restaurants. Amidst these is the Vishalla experience. Landing somewhere mid-spectrum, the eco-friendly, outdoor dining experience offers incredibly healthy village food that comes with a bottomless glass of chhas. You’ll be left devouring every last bite on your plate.
Tread the path of royalty that seemingly leads to the bowels of the earth. The Queen’s Well is an immense structure painstakingly carved out of the Earth. Running your fingers over the centuries old intricate carvings is an exquisite feeling. Adalaj and Modhera step-wells are also beguiling additions to the Gujarati landscape.
Standing amidst the crumbling ruins of a civilization that is 5,000 years old, it almost seems like stepping through a time machine. The impeccable planning of the ancient town, the sanitary systems and the remarkable man made dock in this once port town will leave wanderers awestruck at the machinations and resourcefulness of the Harappans.
A place where souls transcend, Akshardham is considered by many as a gift to the world. Built of pink sandstone from neighboring Rajasthan, the many halls have immaculate depictions of the Hindu Gods. In contemporary fashion, the guided audio tours and mini screening halls within exude a ‘New York Art Gallery’ confidence. Stay till nightfall when the lights and water weave in elegant dance; speaking tomes of Gods & myths.
“This is the right place for our activities to carry on the search for truth and develop fearlessness, for on one side are the iron bolts of the foreigners, and on the other the thunderbolts of Mother Nature,” said Gandhi about Sabarmati Ashram (situated between a prison and a cemetery). The headquarters of his movements for Indian Independence and the origin of his exodus, Dandi March, provides a peek into India’s intrepid past.
The Great Rann of Kutch morphs into one of the largest salt flats in the world come winter. This white expanse beckons all ‘perspective shot’ lovers, and nearby Kala Dongmar is also an illustrious vantage point overlooking the Rann. If you look closely enough on a full moon night, you might catch the elusive night lights that may just be urban legend.
There are more CC’s in the Museum’s name than in the vehicles on display. But what the engines lack in speed, they make up in years. The older are wiser, they say. This vintage car museum is a great find for car enthusiasts. What’s more, you can get behind a wheel and take some of the cars out for a spin.
Click for a quick taste of the region!
An incredible maze of hundreds of Jain temples adorns the sides of the Shatrunjaya Hill. Considered to be the most sacred site for Jains, the shrines are all distinct in design and carvings, yet a singular theme threads them together.
Just about an hour from Bhuj, Mandvi is a great place to spend a day! There’s a beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace and a memorial dedicated to one of the unsung heroes in the struggle for Indian Independence.
Hailed as the Diamond Heart of the World, Surat has many workshops dedicated to the cutting and polishing of diamonds. Unsurprisingly, diamonds from around the world are brought here to be polished by the best in the business. Stop by at one of the workshops to take a look at how it’s done.
Centrally located in the Northwestern part of the state, Bhuj transforms into a hotspot every year during the Rann Utsav. The celebration of the expansive salt flats brings local village handicrafts and camel rides with it.
The coastal town of Dwarka is most famous for the Dwarkadish Temple, one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. The place is always teeming with pilgrims and visitors looking to experience the power of the Lord enshrined here. Nearby Somnath is also a must-see place.
The Gir National Park is literally the only place in the world where you can catch a glimpse of the majestic, albeit languid, Asiatic Lion. A trip to Gujarat would be incomplete without a trip to the Gir.
The former capital of Gujarat is a great place to catch all the knick knacks of the state. Ahmedabad is Gujarat in a nutshell. Amdavadi cuisine is scrumptious and healthy, and the place runs on local handicrafts. Besides, there are also heritage sites like the Modhera Sun Temple and Patan nearby, for a quick day outing.
If you take back only memories of beaches and all-night parties from, we’d have to say your experience here was quite l...
Read MoreBeaches, World Heritage Sites and cosmopolitan cities give you a sense of endless possibilities here. The iconic India Ga...
Read MoreIn the home of the Asiatic Lion and Mahatma Gandhi, it is little wonder that the quiet pride of Gujaratis emanates everyw...
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a wholesome experience to satisfy all your curiosities at once, look no further than Central Indi...
Read More