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Introduction
Gujarat, on India's western coast, is one of the country's most vibrant coastal states, rich in crafts, culture, and natural beauty. The word 'Gujaratta' means 'Land of the Gurjars,' referring to the Gurjars who passed through Punjab and settled in Western India. They were Hun subtribes who dominated the region in the eighth and ninth centuries AD. Gujarat's history is fascinating.
 
Gujarat, also known as 'The Land of Legends,' offers a diverse selection of spectacular attractions. It is a perfect mix of art, history, music, and culture.
 
Lord Krishna is said to have fled Mathura and founded Dwarka on the west coast of Saurashtra as his new capital. Gujarat, as the only habitat of pure Asiatic Lions, also offers spectacular views of scenic beauty ranging from the Great Rann of Kutch to the Satpura Hills.
 
Gujarat is known for its ancient temples, virgin beaches, historic capitals brimming with immense architectural assets, wildlife sanctuaries, and hill resorts, and it has the country's longest coastline (1290 kilometres). Gujarat also has some beautiful ancient cave paintings, historic murals, holy temples, historic capitals, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts, and fascinating handicrafts to offer its visitors, in addition to the picturesque landscapes.
 
The origin of the state that gave birth to the nation's founder, Mahatma Gandhi, can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Various dynasties and empires ruled the area, including the Mauryas, Kshaharatas, Satavahanas, Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Palas, and Gurjara-Pratiharas.
 
Gujarat is one of India's most popular tourist destinations, with its classical temples, sublime beaches, stunning buildings, wildlife sanctuaries, and resorts. You will fall in love with its fascinating artwork, delectable food, festivals, historic buildings, and vibrant lifestyle as a tourist.
 
04 Nights / 05 Days

Triangle Tour of Gujarat with Gir

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Destination Wedding in Gujarat

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Gujarat Wildlife and Cultural Tour

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Holy Gujarat

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Enchanting Gujarat Tour Package

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Enchanting Gujarat with Gir

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Explore Gujarat with Gir

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Cultural Golden Triangle of Gujarat

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Enchanting Gujarat Tour Package

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Glory of Gujarat Tour

Traditions and Culture
Gujarat has its own culture and tradition, which is evident in people's day-to-day activities. Gujarat's fairs and festivals are well-known, and the state hosts over 1000 festivals each year. Gujarat has its own wedding customs; their weddings are conducted according to the Vedas, which include Sanskrit prayers, invocations, and vows.
 
Gujarat's population is made up of people from a variety of castes, faiths, and cultures. As a result, people speak a variety of languages, with Gujarati being the state's official language and the state's 26th most commonly spoken language. There are eleven distinct dialects of this language spoken in different parts of India. Since Gujarat is bordered by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, only a small percentage of the population in these areas speaks Hindi, Marwari, or Marathi. People who speak Urdu and Sindhi are also present. Kuchchi is the mother tongue of people who live in the Kutch region, and it is an important language in the region.
 
Gujarati has a distinct cultural identity. Men wear Chorno and Kediyu, while women wear Chaniyo and Choli. Both males and females wear the jewellery. Gujarati outfits are also embellished with thread work, beads, astragals, and small patches, all of which contribute to the dress's imagination.
 
Gujarati folk music is known as Sugam Sangeet and is well-known around the world. The turi, manjira, ektaro, jantar, zanz pot drum, prabhati, dhol, and ravan hattha are among the musical instruments used in Gujarati folk music. Bhajans are used in their folk songs as well. Another important style of folk Gujarati music is the bardic tradition. Gujarati people are known for their enthusiasm and friendliness, so they have a variety of traditional dance styles. Dandiya Raas, Garba, Padhar, and Garbi are the four main dance styles.
 
Despite the effects of modernisation, the people of Gujarat have maintained their customs and traditions. With their varied ethnic backgrounds and traditions, they form an ethnically diverse group.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat:

Gujarat's most popular festivals will get you dancing while showcasing the state's age-old rituals and vibrant culture. All Gujarati festivals have something unique to offer, from dahi handi breaking competitions to livestock decoration. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Navratri: Gujarat's most famous festival is also celebrated joyfully in other parts of India. Navratri is described by three things: dandiya, garba, and a lot of fun. Navratri is a nine-night festival in which Goddess Durga, who has been worshipped for the previous nine days, is submerged in holy water after performing a pooja on the tenth day. During Navratri in Gujarat, you can encounter loud music, thrilling races, flea markets and exhibits, delectable delicacies, and huge crowds dressed in the most stunning, most vibrant clothing.
  • International Kite Festival: People schedule months in advance for one of Gujarat's most important festivals. Every year on the 14th of January, this festival marks the end of winter and the start of summer, when the sun shines and it's harvest time. The International Kite Festival has been held in Ahmedabad since 1989 at the Sardar Patel Stadium as part of the state's official celebrations.
  • Rann Utsav: The ravanahatha's rhythmic strums, Gujarati men with famous moustaches and pagris, and the sparkling white sand– the desert of Rann takes on a cheery persona right when fall arrives. The Kutch celebration of Gujarat puts Gujarat's extraordinary heritage front and centre. It's the much-anticipated time of year when people from all over the world gather for a lavish experience of the most luxurious kind.
  • Modhera Dance Festival: Bhimdev I commissioned the richly carved Sun Temple in Modhera, which was completed in 1027 AD. It serves as the backdrop to a dance festival organised by Gujarat Tourism every year shortly after Makar Sankranti. A number of well-known performers from across the country are expected to attend the three-day festival.
  • Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra is one of Gujarat's and India's most anticipated festivals, and it takes place primarily in four locations, including Jagannath in Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The procession, which is led by an ornate chariot, is the main attraction of this sacred annual festival. Prior to the Pahind Vidhi, the procession begins. The chariot and procession then proceed to various parts of the citadel.
  • Bhadra Purnima Fair: The Bhadra Purnima Fair is a Gujarati festival held on the full moon of Bhadrapad at the goddess Ambaji's temple in the city of Ambaji. On this day, people, especially farmers, flock to the temple for a better view of the goddess and to hear the Sapatashati, or seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess, read aloud. The Bhavai and Garba dances are held in the evening.
  • Janmashtami: The festival of Janmashtami, which commemorates Lord Krishna's birth, is widely observed in Gujarat. The faithful usually fast the day before and keep a vigil through the night until Krishna is said to be born. Then, on a decorated crib, a baby Krishna idol is installed and worshipped. The fast is broken the next day as people give their prayers to the idol. It's also the day on which ‘dahi handi’ practice is held.
  • Shyamal Mela: The Hindu festival of Kartik Poornima, which is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, is held in November. The Shymalaji Melo is a Gujarati festival held on the banks of the Meshwo River near the well-known Shyamlaji temple. Thousands of people from all over the world attend this three-week fair. Many people arrive on foot or in camel-drawn carts, singing God's praises.
  • Bhavnath Mahadev Fair: Mahadev Fair is a five-day festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, during which it is said that he himself visits the city. The start of the fair is marked by sages riding elephants blowing shells and leading processions. During this energising celebration, dance, music, petitions, and offerings are performed. People perform parikrama around the Girnar Hillside before visiting the shrine.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Gujarat:

Gujarat's incredible sights have solidified the state's position on the world map as a destination for the "extraordinary." The options are infinite, whether it's the world's tallest statue, the 10th-century stepwell of Rani ki Vav, the magnificent Somnath Temple, or the 4000-year-old erstwhile Harappan city of Dholavira. These top tourist attractions in Gujarat are not to be missed:

  1. Ahmedabad- Ahmedabad is an excellent example of how a city can maintain all of its old-world charm while rapidly advancing on the path of globalisation. Home to a multitude of impressive temples such as Swaminarayan Temple, interesting museums, and classy markets, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is an excellent example of how a city can retain all of its old-world charm while rapidly progressing on the path of globalisation. Ahmedabad's ancient city, or the old part of the city, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Gir- Gir National Park is the best place to see Asiatic Lions since it is their only natural habitat. Gir is home to a host of other endangered wild animals, including hyenas, fish owls, black bucks, and many others, making it one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. This is India's only national park with a population residing within its borders, covering nearly 1412 square kilometres.
  3. Rann of Kutch- The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is one of India's largest white salt deserts and is a must-see simply for the stunning views it provides. It is one of the best places in Gujarat to visit in the summer. The day will end with a spectacular sunset and finding decent lodging in the nearby villages of Hodka and Dhordo will add an authentic touch to your journey.
  4. Gandhinagar- Gandhinagar was founded as Gujarat's capital and is home to many beautiful temples. This city, which is home to a variety of prestigious universities, is a perfect blend of science and culture. Don't miss Akshardham, which is made of 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone and houses a seven-foot-tall statue of Lord Swaminarayan, as well as the Hanuman Temple's saffron idol.
  5. Somnath- The town of Somnath is known for the Somnath Temple, which is considered one of India's most revered and holy shrines. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of Gujarat's oldest pilgrimage sites and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Somnath is known for its beaches, museums, and other attractions in addition to the temple.
  6. Statue of Unity- In 2018, the world's tallest statue was unveiled, honouring Indian independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950). It's twice the size of the Statue of Liberty, standing at 182 metres tall. Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, and he is well-known for his role in uniting India's 562 princely states.
  7. Bhuj- The ancient city of Bhuj has seen many wars and local disputes, and bears the scars of them all. The Bhujia Fort, Hamirsar Lake, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal, and Sharadbaug Palace are all worth seeing while in Bhuj. These locations will pique your interest, particularly if you want to learn about the history of Rajputana and India's Mughal rulers.
  8. Dwarka- According to legend, the area was once surrounded by the sea, and recent excavations have shown that there was once a city here. Dwarka is derived from the words dwar, which means "door," and ka, which means "moksha," which means "salvation." Dwarka, also known as Devbhoomi Dwarka, is the only city that is a part of both the Char Dham (four major holy places) and the Sapta Puris (seven sacred cities). Dwarka was once a part of Krishna's ancient empire, and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  9. Champaner & Pavagadh- Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Champaner district, amidst the beautiful Pavagadh hills. Various archaeological gems of great historical significance belonging to both Hindu and Islamic variants of designs can be found in the park. The Pavagadh hills were also said to be a part of a chunk of Himalayas that was taken by Lord Hanuman to Lanka.
  10. Patan & Modhera- Both of these towns are conveniently accessible from Ahmedabad and can be visited in a few hours. The Anhilwad Patan is yet another example of Solanki era architecture. It's also known for its patola sarees and the Rani-ki-Vav, one of India's most beautiful step wells. Further south, in the small town of Modhera, is one of Gujarat's best-kept secrets: a Sun Temple that rivals the more popular Sun Temple of Konark. 
 
Cuisine
Gujarati cuisine is predominantly vegetarian and is one of India's oldest culinary gems. It offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, each with its own cooking style, as well as various pickles, farsans, chutneys, and foods with high nutritional value.
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Dal Dhokli: To begin, make tempered pigeon pea dal. Then a flat bread made of wheat flour is rolled out, cut into diamond-shaped pieces, and dipped into the dal. To make this delectable, but plain, dish even more indulgent, it's served with pure ghee.
  • Dhokla: This is Gujarat's most popular food item, which almost every Indian is familiar with. For breakfast or as a snack, Dhokla is a common Gujarati dish. The key ingredients in this dish are fermented rice and chickpeas. The dish is very fluffy as a result of the steaming. The fried mustard seeds, green chilies, cumin seeds, and grated coconut are then sprinkled over the Dhokla. Dhokla is a popular dish in India.
  • Thepla: These flatbreads are made with gram flour, whole wheat flour, fresh fenugreek leaves, and spices, and have a long shelf life. They make filling meals when served hot with fresh curd, pickles, or chundo. They also make a delicious breakfast or snack during the monsoon when served with a cup of steaming hot tea.
  • Khandvi: Khandvi, also known as Patuli or Dahivadi, is a popular Gujarati snack made with gram flour. In Maharashtrian cuisine, khandvi is a common snack. With coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, this rolled, bright snack is a delight to serve with tea.
  • Shrikhand: This dairy-based dessert is soft and light, and it's served cold. It's made with hung curd and sugar. For added flavour, it may also include dried fruits, saffron, or cardamom powder.
  • Khakra: Gujaratis consume this roti-shaped wheat cracker as part of their breakfast. Every household has its own recipe for making handmade khakra. Different spices and ingredients, such as methi, pudina, and jeera, give the Khakras a variety of flavours.
  • Muthiya: A mixture of chickpea flour, bottle gourd, and spices is steamed, pan-fried, and seasoned to make these. It becomes a perfect meal for health-conscious people if you miss the pan-frying. Spinach, fenugreek, amaranth, and bitter gourd are some of the other options. No one can ever say no to a bowl of muta hiya, which is juicy and fluffy on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside.
  • Undhiyu: This Gujarati vegetable curry is filling and nutritious. This dish is traditionally served in earthen pots and is made with a mix of winter vegetables such as brinjals, surti papdi, potatoes, coconut, bananas, and methi.
  • Gujarati Kadhi: Kadhi is a Gujarati word that refers to a dish made with buttermilk, gram flour, and sugar that has been tempered and flavoured with ginger and chilli. Gujaratis are known to add radish and even bananas to this slightly sweet curry to make it more flavorful.
  • Fafda: Another snack-based dish familiar to almost everyone in India. Fafda is also crunchy and makes a nice tea companion. This snack, like many others, is made with besan or gramme flour as the base. The flour, carom seeds, black pepper, and salt are used to make the dough. After that, we must roll it out and fry it in hot oil.
  • Handvo: Handvo is a savoury cake that is traditionally cooked over charcoal or in a pressure cooker. Handvo is made from a batter of lentils and rice that is fermented overnight before being baked. They can also be pan-fried to make them crispy and golden, and the sesame seed seasoning makes them delicious! These healthy pan-fried or baked lentil cakes are common in every Gujarati household.
 
FAQ’s

Gujarat is best visited during the winter, which lasts from November to February, when the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities. If that isn't possible, October is also a great month to visit Gujarat.

 

Some of Gujarat's well-known tourist attractions include: Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Patan, Surat, Vadodara, Somnath Mandvi Beach, Bhuj, Satpura, Porbandar, Beyt Island, Rann of Kutch, Lothal and Gandhinagar.

 

Gujarat can be explored in 6-7 days. The amount of days will vary depending on where tourists choose to travel. Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Kutch, Vadodra, Saputara, Dwarka, Bhuj, Diu, Porbandar, Surat, Rajkot, and more tourist destinations are accessible. Additionally, the ideal time of year to visit Gujurat is in the winter. Gir Sanctuary, Rann of Kutch, Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Craftsmen Village, Trimandir, Somnath, etc. are some of the top Gujarati tourist attractions.

 

Daman and Diu are not a state; they are a union territory in western India. The two regions border Gujarat on both sides.



 

In Gujarat, renowned places of worship include: Swaminarayan Temple in Ahmedabad, Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka Rukmani Temple, Dwarka Somnath Temple, Somnath Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Surya Mandir in Vadodara, and  Jain temples, Kalika Mata Temple in Pavagadh Champaner.

 

Gujarat is home to many historical sites, temples, and mosques due to its rich heritage, culture, and history. The Rann of Kutch, the world's largest salt desert, is another popular destination. Gujarat is also well-known for the Rann Utsav festival, the Gir Sanctuary, handicrafts, the Statue of Unity, traditional dances, and mouthwatering cuisine. These are a few of Gujarat's main attractions.
 

Yes, Gujarat is a very safe destination for female tourists.

 

One of Gujarat's most well-known festivals is Rann Utsav. It takes place in Kutch, the salt desert of Gujarat, from November to February. Gujrati men perform in colourful Pagri (Tarbun) while sporting their fabled moustaches on the glittering desert. The best spot in Gujarat to experience traditional dance, eat traditional food, and shop for local crafts is here.



 

 Gujarat is indeed a dry state. According to The Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949, alcohol is prohibited here.

 Gujarat is regarded as the cultural centre of India, and throughout the year, a variety of vibrant festivals are held here. Gujarat's well-known holidays include: Rann Utsav, Kavant Fair, International Kite Festival, Modhera Dance Festival, Bhavnath Mahadev Fair, Chitra Vichitra Mela, Rath Yatra in Madhavrai, Janmashtami, Shamlaji Mela, Navratri and of course Holi, Diwali and Uttarayan.
 

Gujarat has a fair share of coastline alongside the Arabian Sea. Manvi, Somnath, Dwarka, Diu, Dandi and Tithal are some of the places where you can have a beach break during the Gujarat Tour.


 

Gujarat has a fair share of coastline alongside the Arabian Sea. Manvi, Somnath, Dwarka, Diu, Dandi and Tithal are some of the places where you can have a beach break during the Gujarat Tour.
In Gujarat, there are two Jyotirlinga. These two Jyotirlingas are Somnath and Nageshwar. It is in Somnath where Somnath Jyotirlinga is. Darukavanam is where Nageshwar is situated.

 


The following locations in Gujarat provide wildlife safaris:
-    Bird watching in Vadala
-    Gir National Park
-    Nal Sarvar Bird Sanctuary
-    Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch
-    Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Rann of Kutch
-    Porbandar Bird Sanctuary,
-    Bann Grassland Reserve, and
-    Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

 

The variety of food available in Gujarat is one of the attractions. One of the finest methods to learn about Gujarati cuisine is to eat a typical Gujarati thali. Gujarat's peculiar vegetarian food is flavoured by the typical seasonings of Saurashtra, including cumin, coriander, mustard seed, turmeric, and red chillies that have been ground. Aamraas (Mango Pool) is frequently offered in the summer, whereas Undhiyu, which features roast vegetables and Muthias (veg. kebabs), is typically eaten in January. The Muslim community and tribal communities like the Bohras and Khojas offer specific non-vegetarian food in addition to vegetarian options. Khandvi, Dhokla, Fafda, Jalebi, Dabeli, Khichu, Handvo, Khakhra, Parta, Gathiya,Thepla, Rotlo, Basundi, Shrikhand are common food and snacks which you will find in every corner of the state.
 

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