Gujarat -
Overview
The
west coastal state of Gujarat is not only the most industrialized state of
India, but also one of the popular tourist destinations of the country.
Situated in between Maharashtra and Rajasthan, Gujarat never fails to draw
tourist’s attention. Gujarat is bounded by the state of Maharashtra in
the east, Rajasthan in the north-east, Maharashtra and the Union-territories
of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu in the south. The state shares
international boundary with Pakistan to the north-west. The Arabian Sea
makes up the western coast of the entire state. Gandhi Nagar, the state
capital is a planned city, while former state capital Ahmedabad is now the
commercial capital of Gujarat.
Spread over an area of 196,024 sq. kms, Gujarat has a population of
50,596,992. Around 20 per cent of the state population belong to tribals or
aboriginals locally called as Harijan. Jain religion predominates in the
state and some of its most interesting sights are Jain temple centres like
those at Palitana and Girnar. Apart from the Jain temples, other major
attractions of the state are the Asiatic Lions in the Gir forest and the
fascinating Indo-Saracenic architecture of Ahmedabad. Jains are friendly
people and are big lovers of brutes and beast or wildlife. In fact, whenever
you are out in the street and market of the state you will find them
distributing foods to wild members and birds.
Gujarat - History
Gujarat has a long and varied history, the region was an important part of
Mauryan Empire during 3rd century B.C. Even today you can see the testimony
of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s commandments in the stone inscription of
Junagarh. If you want to go beyond history into the realm of legend, then
the Somnath Temple has witnessed the creation of the Universe. In the
south-coast of the state there are several sites where many of the events
related to Krishna’s life took place.
On more firm historic footing, Gujarat constitutes an
area that housed the site of Harappan and Indus Valley Civilization over
4,000 years ago. Although the main sites from this very ancient culture are
now in Pakistan, but it is believed that Lothal may have survived as the
great cities of the Sindh around 500 years. In Gujarat around 50 Harappan
sites have been explored and excavated, such as Lothal, Rangpur, Rozdi,
Lakhabaval and Amri near Ahmedabad.
Gujarat is said to be the land of the Dravidian tribes, who inhabited here
for long time. It is believed that before the Aryan occupation, Gujarat had
trade relations with Sumer, in about 1000-750 B.C. During the 3rd Century
B.C, Emperor Ashoka extended his domain into the Gujarat and Buddhism
flourished in this region. Apart from spreading Buddhism, the Mauryans also
promoted trade and helped to spread its culture. Around 150 B.C, the Maurya
Empire fell down and the Bactarian Greeks under Meander took control over
the region.
Next the Scythians ruled it from 130 AD to 390 AD. Gujarat went under the
rule of Gupta dynasty around the 4th century and they ruled over it till 460
AD. In between 500 - 700 AD, the Vallabhas ruled over the region. After the
death of King Harshavardhana, the Gujjars occupied the kingdom and ruled
till 746 AD. In the 9th century AD, Gujarat came under the rule of Solanki
dynasty, who ruled till 1143. In the 10th century, Gujarat saw its
modernization in the hand of Chalukya King Mulraj Solanki.
Gujarat was the victim of the first Muslim invasion in 1027 by Mahmood
Ghazni, leading to the downfall of the Solanki dynasty. However, the Muslim
rule held Gujarat in 1299, with the capture of it by Delhi Sultanate King
Allauddin Khilji. The Delhi Sultanate had their influence over Gujarat from
1299 to 1392 AD. In 1411, Altaf Khan declared himself the Sultan of Gujarat
and held the crown as Ahmed Shah. Gujarat went under the Mughal rule for a
brief period in 1534-35, at the time of Emperor Humayun. In 1572, Mughal
Emperor Akbar once again captured Gujarat and ruled for about two centuries.
Next the Marathas uprooted the rule of Mughals in the mid 18th century. In
the year 1817, after their third war with Marathas, British East India
Company held Gujarat. Losing its separate entity, Gujarat became the part of
the then Bombay state. In post-independent India, on 1st May 1960, the state
of Gujarat was formed from the north and west portions of old Bombay state.
Gujarat
- Tourist Destinations
Gujarat, a state known for its flourishing industries attracts tourists for
more reasons than one. This geographically diversified land is dotted with
lush green forests housing wildlife sanctuaries and parks, charming hill
resorts, magical Aravalli ranges with several river and their tributaries
flowing throughout the state. Besides its natural beauty, a number of
exquisite forts and monuments, magnificent temples and pilgrim centres, rich
arts and crafts, the delectable cuisine and colourful lifestyle of the
Gujarati people, add to the splendour of Gujarat. Visit the tourist
destinations of Gujarat to see the wonders of the state. Major tourist
destinations of Gujarat include
Ahmedabad,
Gandhi Nagar,
Surat and
Vadodara
Gujarat - Wildlife
Gujarat’s
forests provide shelter to an amazing diversity of wildlife and are also
home to some of the extremely rare wildlife. Prominent amongst these are the
Asiatic Lions, Wild Ass, world’s only four-horned antelope and one of
the most threatened birds, the great Indian Bustard. Apart from these, you
can see a wide variety of animals and avian species in the wildlife
sanctuaries and parks of Gujarat. Popular wildlife sanctuaries and national
parks are
Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Vansda National Park,
Blackbuck National Park, Marine National Park, Wild Ass Sanctuary,
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, Thol
Wildlife Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary and Porbandar Bird
Sanctuary.
Gujarat - Forts & Monuments
Gujarat has several important historic events linked to it. Amongst the
numerous historic attractions, the forts and monuments of the state draw
large number of tourists from far and near. In fact, Gujarat is one of the
few states, which have forts and monuments constructed with a fine blend of
Hindu, Islamic and European architecture. In addition to excellent
architecture, the provincial wooden furniture used in the forts and
monuments is another charming ingredient. Some of the important forts and
monuments of Gujarat include Pawagadh Fort, Dabhoi Fort, Nazar Bagh Palace,
Uparkot Fort and Kusum Vilas Palace.
Gujarat - Arts & Culture
Gujarat is renowned for its song, dance and drama. In fact, singing and
dancing runs in the blood of Gujaratis. For each and every occasion and
festival, the Gujaratis have special songs and dances. Most popular amongst
them are Ras and Garba and several folk dance forms like Padhar Nritya,
Tippani Nritya, Dangi Nritya and Siddi Dance. In Gujarat famous folk drama
is called as Bhavai. With fantastic handicrafts, the traditional Gujaratis
have retained their rich cultural centuries, which you can see well
exhibited by the art and craft of the state. Gujaratis are master craftsmen
and they transform even a simple object of daily use into a thing of immense
beauty. Major handicrafts works of Gujarat are Patola Silk fabrics and
Sarees, Bandhej (Tie and dye fabric), Pachedi Prints, Zari Work, Mashru
fabric, Lacquer Work, Wood Carving, Furniture, Pottery, Embroidery and
Dhurries.
Gujarat - Cuisine
Gujarat’s varied cuisine is a food-lover’s delight. Gujarati
cuisine is more or less similar to any other Indian cuisine. Although
Gujarati cuisine is almost strictly vegetarian, served on silver platters
with cooked rice and a soft wheat breads, but sea food is favourite in the
coastal regions. While visiting Gujarat, you must savour Gujarati delicacies
like the Dhokla - a steamed cake made of gram flour paste, Kadhi - a curry
made of yogurt, Sev-Ganthia- a variety of spicy snacks, Doodh Pak - a milk
confection, Undhyo- a winter delicacy cooked in earthen pots, Srikhand and
Suter Pheni.
Gujarat - Fairs and Festivals
Gujarat, a land to several culture and traditions, celebrate hundreds of
fairs and festivals throughout the year. Some festivals are related to
various religions, while some are related to a particular region, but all
offers lots of fun and excitement. Popular fairs and festival of Gujarat are
International Kite Festival, Navratari, Janmashtami, Dangs Darbar,
Chitra-Vichitra Fair, The Sun Temple-Dance Festival, Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
and Kutch Mahotsava.
Gujarat - Hill Stations
Saputara, a village in Dangs district is the only best known hill station
in Gujarat. Literally called the ‘abode of serpents’, Saputara is
one of the smallest hill stations in India. Situated at an altitude of 875
metres, the hill station offers a cool and soothing climate and also
provides breathtaking view of lush green Dangs forest. Saputara is located
at a distance of 112 kms from Bilimora railway station of Gujarat, and it
can be easily reached from Mumbai via Nasik, which is about 80 Kms away from
it. As Saputara hill spreads over a small area, so you can cover the entire
hill station on foot. From the Saputara you will get splendid views of the
sunrise and sunset. Major attractions at Saputara are Purna Sanctuary,
Boating, The Ropeway, Vansda National Park and Sunrise Point. Besides, you
can also visit the nearby villages of Malegaon, Jogbari, Linga, Gadvi,
Bhadarpada and Ambapada.
Gujarat - Temples
Temples
are one of the major attractions in the state of Gujarat. Gujarat is home to
several magnificently sculpturesd temples, both old as well as modern. Apart
from their marvellous beauty, the temples of Gujarat are known for their
temple festival and their attached deities. Some of the most revered temples
are
Akshardham Temple,
Dwarka Temple, Rukmini Temple, Dwarakadhisha Temple, Somnath Temple, Sun
Temple, Ajit Nath Temple, Palitana Jain Temples, Bhadreshwar Temple, Ambaji
Temple, Manav Mandir Temple, Saidham Temple, Someshware Temple and
Shankeshwar Temple.
Gujarat - Shopping
Your trip to Gujarat is not complete unless you do some shopping in the
colourful bazaars of the state. Since a long time Gujarat is known all over
the world for its rich tradition of handicrafts. Gujarat has a large number
of Government Emporia and private shop, where you can buy almost everything
from A to Z. Some of the items which you must check out in Gujarat are
Cradle Clothes, Patola Silk Sarees, Embroidered Footwear, Cloth Toys, Wall
Hangings, Marriage Costumes, Bandhnis, Traditional Gagra-Cholis, Embroidered
- Appliquéd Quilts and Lacquer Furniture.
Climate
The climate of Gujarat varies in different regions, it is moist in the
southern region and dry in the northern region. On the other hand, the
Arabian sea and the Gulf of Cambay reduce the temperature and make the
climate more pleasant and refreshing. March to June is the hot season, when
the temperature soars to a high of 43°C. The south-west monsoon arrives
the state by the end of June and stays till September. In Gujarat the
average rainfall varies from 33 cms to 152 cms. Winter starts from November
and end in the month of February. Winter is mild and temperature drops to a
minimum of 14°C.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to visit Gujarat is between October and March.
Gujarat- Transportation
Airlines : Gujarat has an international airport in the
state’s commercial capital, Ahmedabad and 10 domestic airports in major
cities of the state. Flights of major airlines like Indian Airlines, Air
India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, Air Sahara and Kingfisher ply to
Ahmedabad and other domestic airports of the state.
Railways : The state of Gujarat is connected by railways
with important places of the country. Ahmedabad is the major railway station
of the state, the state capital Gandhi Nagar is also a major railhead.
Gujarat is served by a number of express and super fast trains.
Roadways : Extensive network of National Highways, State
Highways and several other roads connect the major cities of the state with
the rest of the country. All the tourist destinations of Gujarat is
well-served by buses run by state government and private operators.
