Places You Cannot Miss Out on During Your Visit to Gujarat

There are numerous must-visit places in Gujarat. Check out these Places You Cannot Miss Out on during Your Visit to Gujarat. Include these in your list now.

Located in the westernmost end of the Indian subcontinent, Gujarat ranks among one of the top tourist destinations in India. This ‘jewel of the west’ welcomes all types of visitors with open arms and has something or the other to offer them. This majestic place is home to a variety of sightseeing and visitation options which range from the holy site of Somnath to the enigmatic wildlife of Gir National Park. There is no dearth of places to visit in Gujarat and the entire landscape is replete with mesmerizing and unique avenues like the stunning salt desert of Rann of Kutch and the islands of Daman and Diu. Adorned with opulent palaces and intricate temples Gujarat is an ideal destination for everyone.

Here are some of the places to visit in Gujarat which cannot be missed out on during your visit there:

1. Somnath Temple

Situated in the holy town of Prabhas Patan in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, Somnath holds a special place in the hearts of devout Hindus. It is believed to be the very first temple in the collection of 12 Jyotirlinga which pan across India. This iconic temple is built with incredible love, care, and a defined style. The temple has a rough history of being destroyed and reconstructed over a period of time. Somnath represents and perfectly symbolizes the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine the temple also houses a number of different entertainment options including a sound and light show.

Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm.

2. Girnar Jain Temples

Dedicated to the Jain population, this collection of 866 Hindu and Jain temples is located in the Junagadh district and are important sites of pilgrimage for Jains. This sacred hill site is believed to be the spot where Neminatha - the 22nd Tirthankara - had achieved the life of an ascetic. He had decided to lead a life of complete asceticism after having witnessed the slaughtering of animals for consumption on the day of his wedding. It is named after its location on the very first plateau of Mount Girnar after climbing almost 3,800 steps.

Temple Timings: 6 am to 5 pm

3. Gir National Park

Popularly known as Sasan Gir, Gir National Park is famed for being the only home available for the majestic population of Asiatic lions. Established in the 19th century with the aim of protecting the wildlife of Gujarat, this national park has been ranked among one of the most popular tourist places in India. Covered in a dry deciduous forest, this ecoregion of Gujarat offers glimpses into the lives of some of the most unique and vibrant biodiversity cultures. You can opt for a thrilling and fun-filled jeep safari ride to this national park and experience nature in a more personal manner.

National Park Safari Timings: 6 am to 9 am / 8:30 am to 11:30 am / 3 pm to 6 pm 

4. Sabarmati Ashram

Located in the suburbs of Ahmedabad, Sabarmati ashram is of huge importance to nationalist sentiments. The father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi is believed to have stayed here for 12 whole years with his better half Kasturba Gandhi. A distinguishing feature of this ashram is the fact that every day Bhagavad Gita used to be recited here strictly. This place is also an important part of Indian history since this was the spot from where Mahatma Gandhi is said to have commenced his Dandi March in 1930 which had shaken the British Raj from within.

Ashram Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm

5. Dwarkadhish Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna this Hindu temple is one of the most iconic holy sites of India. Celebrating the ‘King of Dwarka’, Dwarkadhish is of incredible importance to Hindus. Located in Dwarka this 5-storied holy shrine is supported with the help of 72 magnificent pillars. It is a vital pillar in the all-India Char Dham Yatra along with Puri, Rameswaram, and Badrinath. Each wall at this temple is intricately adorned with fine decorations and impressive artifacts. Archeological findings suggest that this temple can be dated back to 2,200 - 2,000 years and during the 15th / 16th century, it was enlarged. 

Temple Timings: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm

6. Adalaj Stepwell

This fine work of Indian architectural masterpiece is located in the Gandhinagar district and is one of the most prominent sites of tourist attractions in Gujarat. Built in the year 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty this Stepwell is one of the most artistically glorious representations of art and architecture in Gujarat. The walls of this Stepwell are filled with intricately drawn representations from the holy Hindu books. Built by utilizing the Solanki architectural styles this Stepwell seems like it has been frozen in time. The impeccable architecture blended with a touch of serenity is what makes this place special.

Stepwell Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

7. Laxmi Vilas Palace

Situated in the heritage city of Vadodara, Lakshmi Vilas Palace is an iconic sign of Gujarati royalty. Constructed by the prominent Gaekwad family the palace is known for being 4 times bigger than Buckingham Palace. It is also listed as the largest private residential home in the world. The palace is an architectural marvel to behold. It displays the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and was built in 1890. A part of the palace has been turned into a heritage royal hotel with its own private beach. A visit here will shed some light on the royal life of Gujarat.

Visit Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

8. The Great Rann of Kutch

The Great Rann of Kutch is a 7,500 sq. km. large white salt marsh in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is also famous as one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Inhabited by the Kutcha people, Kutch also hosts the annual Rann Utsav. The area which is now a desolate salt march was once a vast shallow shore of the Arabian Sea. After some geographical phenomenon and tectonic movement, the Rann of Kutch was formed. People can go there for a jeep safari experience which will make them come face to face with the unending and wide salt desert for as far as the eyes can see.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

9. Marine National Park

Situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch, the Marine National Park occupies the district of Devbhoomi Dwarka. The Marine National Park is one of the first national parks in Asia dedicated to marine life. The national park was established in 1980 and spans an area of 110 sq. km. Home to a variety of reefs, corals, sponges, starfish, and more, the Marine National Park is sure a treat for all nature and adventure lovers. The marine national park is a combination of 42 different islands with Pirotan being the most famous one. Jetties are available for visitation purposes that tourists can easily go ahead and hire.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

10. Statue of Unity

Standing tall at an astounding height of 597 feet, a Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world. Situated next to the Narmada River and overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue complex contains museums, exhibition centers, Arogya Garden, Valley of Flowers, and more. A visit here is a must if you wish to see this iconic statue in Gujarat. Located in the district of Kevadiya, the statue offers a glimpse into the efforts and hard work that the esteemed deputy prime minister of India had put into uniting India under one umbrella.

Visit Timings: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conclusion:

Gujarat is a wonderful holiday destination that can be visited any time of the year with your loved ones. These are some of the places that should not be missed out on and are often included in tour packages for Gujarat.