 |
|
|
|
|
|
Goa | Mumbai | Gujarat |
|
 Gujarat |
|
Gujarat, one of the most industrialized states in India is situated on the west coast of India between 20o-6' N to 24o-42' N north latitude and 68o-10'E to 74o-28'E east longitude. It came into existence as a separate State on 1st May 1960. Gujarat is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the West, by the States of Rajasthan in the North and Northeast, by Madhya Pradesh in the East and by Maharashtra in the South and South East. The State has an international border and has a common frontier with the Pakistan at the northwestern fringe. Ganghinagar, located near Ahmedabad is its capital. At present, Gujarat comprises of 25 districts. The official and primary language spoken is Gujarati. |
|
|
|
Tourist Attractions in Gujarat |
|
|
|
 Gujarat, the 'Jewel of the West,' is a tourist destination that offers something for every visitor. A journey through Gujarat unfolds a religious, cultural and historical panorama. The state with the longest coast line (1290km) in the country is renowned for its beaches, holy temples, historic capitals replete with immense architectural assets, wildlife sanctuaries and hill resorts.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the leading city of Gujarat was the state capital until 1970; later on the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar. This fascinating city is a silent witness of the traditional culture and history of Gujarat. The city stands on both banks of the river Sabarmati and is christened by Ahmed Shah - the medieval ruler of Gujarat. This bustling industrial and commercial centre also has some of the magnificent sites to rediscover.
Surat
Surat, the second largest city in Gujarat has a chequered history -plundered and destroyed by the Portuguese in 1512 and having passed into the hands of the Mughals, came to be known as the 'gateway to Mecca'. The East India Company established its first factory in Surat. Shivaji sacked Surat twice within a period of eight years. The last Navab of the city died in 1842, when it finally passed into the hands of the British. Surat is known for its Jari and Brocade industry.
Jamnagar
Jamnagar is an industrial city located in the state of Gujarat. It was founded by Jam Raval in 1540 AD, who chose it to be the capital of his kingdom. The initial name of the city, located on the confluence of the two rivers Nagmati and Rangmati, was Nawanagar. Most of the construction in the city was done by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji in 1920s. The famous cricketer Jam Ranjitsinhji also belonged to the royal family and was the Prince of the region.
Rajkot
There are many smallscale industries in Rajkot. Mirror-work, jewellery market, Bandhani Sarees, patch work, bead work, silk embroidery and watch parts are specialty of Rajkot. Jubillee Park, Watson Museum, Aaji Dam, Ishwariya, SwamiNarayan Temple and Dolls Museum are some of the places that you should visit.
Velavadar Black Buck Park
Black Buck N.P. Velavadhar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra. The only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park, Velavadar National Park is a 36 km patch of Savannah type grasslands and thorn scrub. The park is set between two rivers, a few miles from the Gulf of Cambay sea coast. The rich soil is believed to have origins in the sea. The principal attraction of the park is the massive population of blackbuck, the handsome Indian antelope, seen here in numbers running into thousands. The blackbuck is endemic to India and is rated among the most elegant antelopes and the fastest animals over a long distance.
Somnath Temple
The Tower of Silence, the open grounds where the parsis leave their dead bodies to be eaten by vultures attract a number of visitors from world over.
Pratap Vilas Palace
The Hanging Gardens or Ferozeshah Mehta Garden and Kamla Nehru Park are located opposite each other. Both the gardens provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The latter has the famous "Old Woman's Shoe" that is a delight to all children.
Porbandar
Porbandar is the administrative center of the Porbandar district of Gujarat and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. It even finds mention in Skanda Puran as Sudamapuri and Ashmavati. According to Hindu mythology, Porbandar is the place associated with the friendship of Lord Krishna and Sudama. The present day city was established by Rana Sartanji in 1785 AD, who made it his capital. This confirms the fact that Porbandar was initially a fortified town of India. In 1888, under the orders of Colonel Lally, it lost its fortification
Junagadh
A fort that has remained unconquered till date is an apple of eye for this city. This fort was built by one of the generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
Sun Temple
The Sun temple of Gujarat is situated at Modhera. It is akin to the Sun Temple at Konark and is dedicated to the Sun God, Lord Surya. Though the temple has lost its glory of the yore, it is still an architectural and art master piece. The temple serves as the venue for the Dance Festival held in January each year. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
