Gujarat

Gujarat, on the western coast of India, is punctuated with several places to visit and admire. Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Surat, Vadodara, Saputara, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kutch and Bhuj are some of the must visits while you are on a tour to this city.

Bordered by Pakistan, and the states of Rajasthan to the north eastern India, Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south and Madhya Pradesh to the east, the state of Gujarat is one of the major tourist destinations in India. A major seat for folk and classical culture, the state bears a rich legacy of the country’s past.

A trip to the colorful state of Gujarat during your tour to India will leave you totally charmed. You will have more on your platter to explore than you actually thought of. Strolls along the lovely beaches of Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Chorwad Beach, Diu Beach, Gopnath Beach and Kutch Mandvi Beach will offer some of the cherished moments of your life. The Rann of Kutch sprawls over a large area of western Gujarat, and is worldwide famous for its rare ecosystem, fossils, wildlife and terrain.


Gujarat offers some of the excellent tourist destinations in India and you will have to travel through the cities of Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Godhra, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Kheda, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. These cities are home to some of the excellent tourist attractions in India - the temples of Gujarat. For example, the Dwarkanath Temple, dedicated to lord Krishna, located at Dwarka stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus.

The complex of Palitana Temples is situated at a distance of 51 km to the south west of Bhavnagar. You will find 863 temples from foot to the top of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located.

Sited in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlings (golden lingas) or symbols of the God Shiva. All known as ‘the Shrine Eternal’, the temple has been tore down six times, but was rebuilt on each occasion.

Modhera Sun Temple, another of the tourist attractions in India, is dedicated to the Sun God. The main temple is intricately carved and designed, with several beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Shankheshwar Jain Temples near Ahmedabad are devoted to the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath. Legend has it that this idol was revealed by Lord Krishna himself, through the preachings of Arisht Nemi, the 22nd Tirthanakra.

The 84 magnificent Jain Temples at Patan were built by Samrat Kumarpal, who was a disciple of Hemchandracharya, a Jain priest.

Girnar is an embodiment of communal harmony and fraternity among Jains & Hindus. This high-rising steep hill houses shrines of both major religions. One of them is dedicated to Neminath or Arisht Nemi, the 22nd tirthankara, where he is believed to attain nirvana and the other is devoted to Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu deity.

Apart from the temples that deserve a visit, Gujarat offers several cultural art forms like the Garba dance and Dandiya Raas that attract the interests of several tourists around the world. Treat your palate with the delicious Gujarati Thali consisting of the authentic Gujarati dishes.

Log on to harshitastourism.blogspotcom which gives online information about Gujarat, the tourist attractions on your tour to Gujarat, booking for India travel tours, and tour packages on your tour to India.

Introduction

Gujarat Dariya Mandir, Gujarat Cultural Tours, Tourist Places in Gujarat, Places to see in Gujarat There is no denying the fact that people all over the world have an irresistible urge to know about Gujarat - its history and culture. Enclosed by Pakistan and the states of Rajasthan to the north eastern part of the country, Madhya Pradesh to the east and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south, Gujarat is one of the prime tourist destinations in India. A seat for deep seated folk and classical cultures, the state reflects a rich heritage of the country’s past.

Trying to know more and more about Gujarat will lead you to explore avenues more than you actually expected. Walks along the beautiful Diu Beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, or visits to the various temples which are some of the finest tourist attractions in India will offer some of the memorable moments of your life. The Rann of Kutch which occupies a large area of western Gujarat is famous for its rare ecosystem, wildlife, fossils, and terrain.

Fast Facts

Area 1,96,024 sq km
Population 41,309,582
Religion Hinduism (89.48%), Islam (8.73%), Others (1.79%)
Maximum Temperature 42°C
Minimum Temperature 14°C
Capital Gandhinagar
Languages Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit October to March

History


History

Having derived its name from Gujjaratta, meaning the land of the Gujjars, a tribe which migrated to India around the 5th century AD, Gujarat has its history dating back to many Indus Valley and Harappan centers that have been discovered in the states like Rangpur, Lothal, Lakhabaval, Dholavira, Amri, and Rozdi. Gradually with the advent of the Yadava tribe led by Lord Krishna, some 3,500 years ago, Gujarat reached its most glorious days.


History about Gujarat says that Ashoka, the Mauryan king extended his kingdom to Gujarat. The downfall of the Maurya Empire subsequently led the smaller kingdoms to establish their authority in this state. The state prospered greatly during the time of Solankis from the 9th century. In the 12th century AD, Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi defeated the Waghela king of Gujarat and a long era of Muslims started. Power changed hands to the Marathas and ended the Muslim rule in the 18th century only to be further transferred to the British in the early 19th century. The East India Company set up its first center in Surat.

Gujarat was initially a part of Mumbai state till 1960; and Gujarat’s people decided to have their state divided on the basis of language and culture. This led to creation of the two new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.


Best Season, Climate and Clothing

Gujarat principally has a tropical climate with scorching summers and chilly winters. The summer months in Gujarat range from April to June with temperatures varying from 27 degrees to 42 degrees. Winters in Gujarat are more pleasant with the temperature ranging from 14 degrees to 29 degrees. Monsoons hit the state in June and continue till September. Thus, the best season to visit Gujarat is between the months of October and March.

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Gujarat