One of the most culturally vibrant states in India, there are many things to do in Gujarat. Known for its history, heritage, festivals, wildlife, and spirituality, Gujarat offers so much to visitors. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Gujarat!
Explore the Rann of Kutch
Situated in the Thar Desert in Kutch, the Great Rann of Kutch is an extensive marshland of salt flats spread over 10,000 square kilometers, a white desert that will leave you in awe. One of the largest salt deserts in the world, it looks the most surreal during the winter months under the moonlight in the night sky.
The main attraction here is the Rann Utsav, a wonderful cultural event that takes place in winter and celebrates the culture of the region through dance, music, and other events. Other activities to do in Rann of Kutch include watching the sunset and moonrise, staying in a traditional mud hut, and shopping for local souvenirs.
Wildlife and Birding
Wildlife lovers and birding enthusiasts have many reasons to visit Gujarat. Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat, along with leopards, deer, hyenas, crocodiles, and more than 300 species of birds! The Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar is known for the large number of blackbucks along with hyenas, wolves, and nilgai, while the Little Rann of Kutch is home to the endangered Indian wild ass and many bird species.
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, and Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary are a few other renowned sanctuaries in Gujarat. The Marine National Park is the first marine sanctuary in India where you can spot octopus, jellyfish, sea turtles, and dolphins!
Visit the Statue of Unity
The tallest statue in the world, Statue of Unity stands at 182 meters on an island in the River Narmada near Vadodara. The statue was built in 5 years as a tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The place has a viewing gallery, museum, and a light and sound show showcasing the life of Sardar Patel and the Indian freedom struggle. There is also a small zoo, a jungle safari, a butterfly garden, and activities like river cruise, river rafting, and more.
Explore the Stepwells
Gujarat has some of the most magnificent stepwells in India. Nothing short of architectural wonders, the stepwells were more than just sources of water. Rani ki Vav is a 7-leveled stepwell with intricately carved sculptures of entities from Indian mythology. Built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stepwells of Junagadh are located in the Uperkot Fort, carved from a single stone! Adalaj Stepwell, Navlakhi Vav, the Surya Kund in Modhera’s Sun Temple, Ramkund, and Dada Harir ni Vav are a few other examples of stunning stepwells you must visit in Gujarat.
Witness ancient civilization
Go back in time to the Indus Valley civilization, the remains of which can be found in Dholavira and Lothal, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating back to 3000 BCE.
Excavated in 1954, ruins of Harappan civilization are found in Lothal. Lothal is one of the earliest dockyards in the world, a port city built with advanced architecture. The city now has an archeological museum that displays artefacts and a miniature model of the city.
Dholavira is one of the five largest Harappan cities in the world. Excellent urban planning, smart water management system for its time with stepwells and reservoirs, and the first evidence of a public signboard in the Indus script make this archaeological site worth visiting.
Temple-hopping
Gujarat is home to many stunning temples. The Somnath temple is one of the most ancient temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 7th century. The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, also dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Modhera Sun Temple, built in the 11th century, is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya. The Surya Kund stepwell in the temple complex and the Modhera Dance Festival that takes place every January are the main highlights of the temple.
Another fine example of intricate architecture is the Akshardham Temple. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple was built in 1822 and is known for its light and water shows. The Dwarkadhish Temple is also one of the best built temples in India, looking like it arose right out of the Arabian Sea.
Explore Ahmedabad
The first UNESCO World Heritage City in India, Ahmedabad has gently preserved history in its streets and alleys. Intricately carved buildings, havelis, temples, “pols”, and bazaars line Old Ahmedabad, perfect for a heritage walk. Learn history at Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, majestic stepwells, and grand museums. Stroll along the Kankaria Lake and the Sabarmati Riverfront and shop at Law Garden and Teen Darwaza markets. Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious street food like pav bhaji, dhokla, sandwiches, and more!
Read more: Things to do in Gujarat
Visit museums and palaces
There are many museums in Gujarat that preserve the rich past of the country and the state. The Calico Museum of Textiles is one of the best textile museums in the world, showcasing regional textiles, tribal embroidery, and miniature paintings. The Kutch Museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat with a collection of Kutchi coins, art, and inscriptions. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum has more than 100 cars in its collection, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, and Cadillacs, a must visit for car enthusiasts. Sabarmati Ashram, Lothal Archaeological Museum, Gujarat Science City, and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum are a few others you can visit.
The heritage of Gujarat is also preserved in its magnificent palaces. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the largest private residences in the world featuring a museum with Raja Ravi Varma paintings. The Aina Mahal, literally meaning “Palace of Mirrors” , has mirror-lined walls built in beautiful Indo-European style. Some other stunning palaces in Gujarat include the Vijay Vilas Palace, Uparkot Palace and Fort, Nilambag Palace, and more.
Attend a cultural event
Gujarat celebrates its festivals and events with great gusto. Celebrate nine nights of dance and music during Navratri, witness skies filled with kites of all shapes and sizes at the International Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti, experience the local heritage of Kutch at the Rann Utsav, and celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth during Janmashtami. Some other festivals like Diwali, Modhera Dance Festival, and Mahashivratri Festival are also worth attending.
Gujarat celebrates events throughout the year and you need to experience at least one to understand the culture of the state and country.
Adventure activities
Gujarat offers many outdoor activities and adventurous experiences. White water rafting in the Narmada River, paragliding in Saputara, Pavangarh, and Junagadh, and water skiing at Mandvi Beach are just a few adventure activities you can enjoy. Gujarat is also a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Trek through the trails of Saputara, Bhujia Hill, Sahyadri, and Polo forests. Trekking in the Girnar mountain ranges ends at a beautiful temple visited by thousands of pilgrims.
Shopping
Shopping in Gujarat is a fun experience. The vibrant local markets and bazaars are full of shops selling handicrafts, different types of textiles and fabrics, oxidised jewelry, handmade shawls and scarves, and so much more.
Buy bandhani and Patola sarees, Kutchi bags or cushion covers, and Ajrakh kurtas or scarves, all made out of unique fabrics produced locally in Gujarat. Manek Chowk, Lal Darwaja Market, Sindhi Market, and Law Garden are some of the most popular markets in Gujarat.
Indulge in the food
Gujarat celebrates vegetarian food in the best way possible. The scrumptious street food of Gujarat includes dishes like dhokla, gathiya, fafda-jalebi, handvo, unghiyo, and khandvi. Try the Gujarati thali which is a full meal of roti or thepla, dal, kadhi, shaak, rice, and sweets along with some snacks and drinks. Sweets in Gujarat are a rich affair: you must try dishes like shrikhand, basundi, and sutarfeni.
So, what will you be doing first in Gujarat? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your requirements and preferences. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
