Tourist Places in Gujarat

If there’s charm amidst chaos, it is in Gujarat. While it might be a part of some well-beaten tourist trail, Gujarat has this undeniable beauty that couldn’t be forgotten. It holds the country’s most beautiful treasures, including weavers, embroider and some of the country’s finest textiles. The pristine parks in the region are best known for those walks and the state’s special affinity to Mahatma Gandhi makes it a prominent destination. These are the places that you should visit in Gujarat!

Saurashtra- Seek to visit the hectic industrial cities of a bygone era? Then this is the place to be. Crowded with small-scale commerce, Saurashtra combined 200 odd princely state and offers a glimpse into the world before independence. The crowded area is perfect for exploring smaller villages, fields and forests. It is here where you will see men dressed head to toe in white, while women don colorful regional outfits.

Laxmi Vilas Palace- Spread over 700 acres, this palace is four times bigger than the Buckingham Palace and every bit as beautiful. One of the larest palaces in the world, this place is best known for its large, European styled country house fittings that includes all modern amenities and comforts. The present residence of royalty of Baroda, this palace was constructed in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. The place features a park and museum as well.

Somnath Temple- A place that shouldn’t be missed. One of the most revered destinations for Hindus, Somnath temple is a must visit place. Being the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, the temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal.” The place is considered pious. The temple has been destroyed on several occasions in the past but because of its popularity, the place has been restored time and again. Some legends suggest that it is also the place where Lord Krishna left for his divine abode.

Dwarkadhish Temple- A place of simple importance. The temple is best known as a place of worship for Lord Krishna, a famous Hindu deity. It has a 5-storied Pushtimarg temple, which follows the principles of Shree Vallabhacharya and Shree Vitheleshnathji. Originally believed to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s grandson, this temple is considered to be a part of the Hindu Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple stands sturdy on its seventy-two pillars and its iconic flag bears the symbol of the sun and the moon.

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary- There is no point of having a vacation in Gujarat and missing Gir Forest National Park! It is the only place in the world where you will find Asiatic Lions. The place is home to 523 Asiatic lion, so spotting the king of the jungle is easy. Located to the southeast of Junagadh, this national park covers 1,412 sq.km area and consists of a diverse range of flora and fauna. This forest reserve was declared as protected back in 1900 under the administration of Nawab Sir Muhammad Rasul Khanji Babi.