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Tag: Satute of Unity

  • Top Tourist Attractions and Pilgrimage Places in Gujarat

    Gujarat a culturally rich state of India has many Tourist destinations and pilgrimage centres along with heritage sites, wildlife, and coastal beauty. The sacred Somnath Temple Somnath Temple (one of 12 Jyotirlingas), Dwarkadhish Temple, iconic Statue of Unity are big attractions for tourists and every district offers something unique.

    District-wise Tourist Attractions/Destinations and Pilgrimage Places in Gujarat are:

    Ahmedabad:

    Ahmedabad, a major industrial centre, is famous for textile heritage, Sabarmati Ashram and combination of historic architecture with modern development. Key attractions in Ahmedabad are:

    • Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi’s residence on the bank of Sabarmati River which remained centre of India’s freedom struggle.
    • Adalaj Stepwell:  Also called Rudabai Stepwell, located in a nearby small town, is Intricately carved historic stepwell. It is a popular tourist attraction.
    • Kankaria Lake: This large lake in Ahmedabad city is a popular family recreation spot.

    Gandhinagar:

    Gandhinagar, capital of Gujrat located near Ahmedabad, is a planned green city having modern infrastructure. Key attractions in Gandhinagar are:

    • Akshardham Temple: Hindu spiritual complex with showcases and gardens.
    • Indroda Nature Park: Also known as Jurassic Park of India with fossil exhibits is in a nature park in large area with dinosaur and small zoo.

    Narmada:

    This district having its headquarters at Rajpipla town, City of Royals, is tribal area along Narmada River. Key attractions in Narmada are:

    • Statue of Unity: World’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel (Known as Iron man) on bank of Narmada River facing Sardar Saroval. This is a most attractive tourist destination.
    • Sardar Sarovar Dam: This big dam on Naramda River near Kevadia with scenic viewpoints is a major tourist spot in Gujrat.

    Devbhoomi Dwarka:

     Devbhoomi Dwrka city, a sacred pilgrimage centre in Saurashtra, located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Kutch is headquarter of district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attraction in Devbhoomi Dawarka are:

    • Dwarkadhish Temple: A five-story stunning architecture and 2500 years old most famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is one of sacred Char Dham sites.
    • Dwarka Beaches:
    • Shivrajpur Beach: Famous for water sports and clear water at 12 Kms.
    • Dwarka Beach: A spiritual coastal spot near town.
    • Beyt Dwarka Beach: A spot visited during trips to Beyt Dwarka temple, an island believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishana.

    Gir Somnath:

    Gir Somnath is a costal district having ita headquarter in Veraval city. This district is famous tourist and pilgrimage attraction due to famous Somnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas) and having parts of Gir National Park and beaches around Veraval. Key tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Gir Somnath are:

    • Somnath Temple: Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval. Its architecture and spiritual significance being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas makes it must visit site for tourists as well as for pilgrimage. See blog on 12 Jyotirlingas’ for more details.
    • Bhalka Tirth: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s last moments in Somnath city.
    • Beaches:
    • Somnath Beach: Located near Somnath Temple, relaxing point after visiting temple.
    • Triveni Sangam Beach: Located near the confluence of the Kapila, Saraswati and Hiran rivers offers a calm atmosphere.
    • Veraval Beach: Offering glimpse of coastal life being near fishing port.
    • Simbor Beach: A scenic spot near Una.

    Junagadh:

    This district is located at the foothills of ancient sacred mountains of Girnar and having headquarter in Junagarh city. Junagadh is famous for ancient Buddhist caves, Jain temples and historical monuments in Saurashtra. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions are:

    • Girnar Hills: Sacred trekking and pilgrimage destinations in these hills are:
    • Girnar Parikrama: Week-long annual journey by large numbers of devotees.
    • Jain Temples of Neminath: Complex of many jain temples including Tirthankar Neminath and Mallinath Temple.
    • Bhavnath Temple: Dedicated Lord Shiva Mahadev at foot of Girnar hill, annual fare is organised here on Shivratri, known for spiritual favour.
    • Amba Mata Temple: An extremely visited temple on a peak near tope of ropeway.
    • Girnar Rope way: Asia’s longest rope way offering panoramic view in way to Amba Mata Temple.
    • Dattatreya Temple: Dedicated to three face Lord Vishnu and located on highest and challenging peak.
    • Gorakhnath Mandir: Located on a high peak.
    • Kalika Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Kali on a vertical peak.
    • Jatashankar Mahadev Temple: Peaceful templeof Lord Shiva located in valley.
    • Hanuman Dhara: A beautiful watercourse and Lord Hanuman ji temple.
    • Ashoka Edicts: These ancient inscriptions must visit site in way to hills.
    • Uparkot Fort: Ancient fort with caves build in 319 BC by Chandragupt a Mauryan emperor.
    • Gir National Park : Only sole natural habitat of Asiatic lions, also spread in Amreli and Gir Somnath districts. Facilities of Jungle Safari, Gypsy Safari, Bus Safari,  Nature Safari etc available by online booking.

    Porbandar:

    Porbandar city, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is headquarter of this coastal Saurashtra district. Tourist attractions and pilgrimage site in Porbandar are:      

    • Harshiddhi Mata Mandir: An ancient temple in Miyani on a hill near scenic beach at 30 Kms from Porbander is a significant pilgrimage site.
    •  Kirti Mandir: Ancestral home and birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
    • Porbandar Beach & Chowpatty: Much liked picnic spot of scenic coastal view.
    • Huzoor Place: A picturesque palace built by last ruler.
    • Jambavan Cave: Ancient cave linked to Ramayana.
    • Sudama Temple: Dedicated to Sudama, A childhood friend of Lord Krishana.

    Banaskantha:

    This district with Palanpur city as its headquarters is an agricultural area. Key attraction of Banaskantha is:

    • Ambaji Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to Maa Amba, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, believed that heart of Goddess Sati was fallen here. Hence it is much visited famous pilgrimage place.

    Bhavnagar:

    Bhavnagar, important coastal city known for its shipbreaking and diamond processing, is headquarter of this district. Key attractions in Bhavnagar are:

    • Palitana Temples: Largest Jain Temples Complex dedicated to Lord Adinath on Shatrunjaya Hill is a major Jain pilgrimage site with more than 800 temples.
    • Gopnath Mahadev Temple: This 700 years old temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and know for its connection to a sant Narsinh Mehta. It is located at scenic site of rocky beaches at about 75 Kms from Bhavnagar.
    • Velavadar National Park: Famous for massive population of blackbucks.

    Surat :

    Surat city known as ‘diamond and textile capital of Gujrat’ is district headquarter. Surat, a major commercial port, is a fastest growing city on the Tapi River. Key tourist attractions in Surat are:

    • Dumas Beach: A rural beach at about 21 kms from Surat city, known for black sand and coastal views dotted with palm trees.
    • Ambika Niketan Temple: Popular religious place on the bank of Tapti River dedicated to Maa Ambika.
    • Surat Caste (Old Fort) : Historic site along Tapti River.
    • Science Center: A planetarium, museum and art gallery.
    • Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium: Under water aquarium.
    • Sarthana Nature Park: A large Zoo.
    • Textile Market (Ring Road): A major textile hub on Ring Road area.
    • VR Mall: A popular shopping and entertainment destination.
    • ISKCON Temple: A beautiful temple on the bank of Tapti River.
    • Sawaminarayan Temple: known for architecture located in Adajan.

    Dang:

    Dang is a lush forested tribal area ideal for eco-tourism and unique biodiversity around Ahwa city (district head quarter). Tourist attractions in Dang district are:

    • Saputara : A popular scenic hill station nested in Sahyadri range of Western Ghat, its attractions are:
      • Saputara lake.
      • Gira Waterfalls.
      • Rope way.
      • Sunset point & Table point.
      • Artist Village.

    Jamnagar:

    Jamnagar city is district headquarter known for oil refineries, coastal attractions, Bandhani textiles, and historic sites. Key tourist attractions in Jamnagar are:

    • Marine National Park: This marine park with coral reefs is a must visit scenic site to know “Marine biodiversity” and “Interconnected ecosystem”.
    • Lakhota Lake: Also called ‘Ranmal Lake’ is a scenic lake with fort and museum in its middle.

    Patan:

    This historic city district is famous for Rani ki Vav stepwell, a UNESCO listed architecture, Patola Saree (time intensive silk saree) and ancient temples. Key tourists’ attractions in Patan are:

    • Rani ki Vav:  A UNESCO listed stepwell masterwork.
    • Patola Saree Museum:  Showing ancient art of double ikat patola weaving.
    • Panchasara Jain Temple: Located in middle of town.

    Vadodara:

    Vadodara (Baroda) city,cultural and educational hub, is famous for its “Laxmi Vilas Palace”. This Place, big tourist attraction, is the largest private residences of a prominent Royal Maratha family in about 500 acre and having key attractions as a lavish Darbar Hall, Museum, golf course and gardens.

    Panchmahal:

    Panchmahal district is known for its hills, rivers, and historic forts around Godhra. This district blends tribal culture with agricultural and mineral resources. Key attractions in Panchmahal district are:

    • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site having Historic Forts, Hindu-Jain Temples and Mosques.
    • Pavagadh Hill: It is a sacred pilgrimage site of Kalika Mata Temple of Mahakali Mata on the top of hill.

    Mehsana:

    This district having headquarter in Mehsana city is famous for Sun temple at Modhera village:

    • Sun Temple Modhera: An ancient temple dedicated to Sun God with stunning architecture located in Modhera village.

    Kutch (Kachchh):

    Kutch is a much large district by area having its headquarter at Bhuj city.Kutch is recognized for its vast ‘white Rann salt desert’. Key tourist attractions in Kutch are:

    • Rann of Kutch: Vast salt desert of about 7500 sq kms known for strange landscapes best for photography.
    • Dholavira:  A UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

    Mandvi Beach: Located at historic Mandvi port at 60 Kms from Bhuj is a scenic white sand, clean and peaceful destinatio

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