Gujarat.. Jewel of the West

Aaao Padharo, these will be the words that will ring in your ears when you visit Gujarat, a state of India, which literally means welcome in the language of Gujarat. Because it is here that these words find their meaning as the guest is ‘God’ and people of Gujarat are extremely friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again!!

The State took its name from the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s. Gujarat the state of India is located on the country’s western coast on the Arabian sea with the coastline of 1666 kms long. Gujarat the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. Tourism finds its meaning here, you cannot just justify the visit unless you understand the essence of culture and heritage and the lives of people, you definitely have to be on a long vacation. Gujarat is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur which are truly gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals yet another beauties of state. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced and houses the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
The state, rightly called as the ‘Jewel of the West’ has a lot to offer to everyone. You will find various tourist spots to suit your needs here. This is where you will find the true meaning of Tourism.

Kankaria Lake is one of the biggest lakes in the city & was constructed by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din in the year 1451. This lake has a lot to offer for all the ages. Parks, recreational centre, boat club, zoo and a museum are the top attractions here. Kankaria Zoo is spread over a massive 21-acre land and houses various animals like tigers, elephants, anaconda, python and a lot more. The children’s park has various entertainments such as boathouse, mirror house, planetarium and toy house. Toy trains are available to take you around the lake. Balloon safari near Kankaria Lake attracts tourists in great numbers.

It certainly is a challenge to compile all the attractions of Gujarat in one piece of paper. However, the visit definitely should include Gir National park and Wildlife sanctuary, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Great Rann of Kutch that measures over 16000 sq. kms and is the largest salt desert in the world. The sunrise and sunset here is a feast to an eye. You will than realise the Earth and Sky do meet.

Some of other attractions such as India Bridge, Kala Dunger, Mandavi Beach, Lakhpat port, Narayan Sarovar, Dhaulavira, Narara Marine National Park, Junagarh Fort, Somnath Temple, Diu (a peaceful island), Alang- a largest ship breaking industry of world, Champaner pavagarh – a UNESCO world heritage site, Lothal-Indus valley excavation site, Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj vav- a beautiful 5 storey deep water body, Modhera- an ancient Sun Temple.

Gujarat just seem not to end here. Take a tour and experience yourself what happens when a world meets the true culture.