My Two Week Travel Itinerary to Gujarat

Tripoto
15th Nov 2012
Photo of My Two Week Travel Itinerary to Gujarat 1/4 by Vartika Sharma
Somnath Temple during a sound and light show
Photo of My Two Week Travel Itinerary to Gujarat 2/4 by Vartika Sharma
The Rare Asiatic Lion
Photo of My Two Week Travel Itinerary to Gujarat 3/4 by Vartika Sharma
During the Rann Utsav
Photo of My Two Week Travel Itinerary to Gujarat 4/4 by Vartika Sharma
Kankaria Lake in Ahemdabad.

Inhabited largely by businessmen and entrepreneurs, Gujarat is a wealthy and resourceful state. Winter is the best time to travel in Gujarat. With the Sardar Sarovar Dam adding to the glory of the state, it is frequented by a score of people. The geographic diversity and strategic location have made Gujarat home to an incredible diversity of people. Gujarat has only one international airport in Ahmedabad, but many domestic airports in various cities. A picturesque State delighting all its visitors, it is known for its picture perfect hill stations, golden beaches, enchanting temples, exotic wildlife, many sacred shrines and places of worship. The State also stands out for its rich heritage, history, vibrant culture and scrumptious cuisines!! Gujarat is heaven for vegetarians. Approximately 80% people of Gujarat eat vegetarian foods only. It is very famous for a variety of vegetarian and quality food.

Kutch was definitely the most special of the many destinations I covered. The area was a surprise package, absolutely unbelievable. The crafts and tribes of Kutch are so diversified and unique that only a research letter may do justice in explaining the diversity. All these tribes have a strong sense of community and are quite a gorgeous collection in their daily lives and especially during their traditional festivals. It is a delight to see vast open barren land spread kilometers together. The desert looks splendid in moonlight. It also boasts a vast colony of flamingos, pelicans, and Avocets. Gujarat has some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Visit Gujarat to see the last of the Asiatic Lions in Sasan Gir National Park. Several important Hindu pilgrim centers like Dwarkadish and Somnath disseminate the ideology of Hinduism. One of the central attractions in Ahmedabad is the Kankaria Lake.

Gujarat is amusing, shocking, enlightening and everything!! Its rustic beauty, its culture and its people will enchant you. Given a shot, it can blow you off. To make your visit to Gujarat, truly memorable you could pick up excellent textiles & handicrafts for yourself.

Considered a jewel of the Gujarat's ecological resources, Gir National Park is a hilly tract of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub, evergreen and semi-evergreen flora and grasslands, which subsist on rivers and streams. Among the many water-bodies in the reserve is the Kamleshwar Dam, known for its large crocodile population. According to official census figures, Gir has about 300 Lions and 300 Leopards, making it one of the major big-cat concentrations in India. The experience here is one of a kind!

Photo of Gir National Park, SH 26, Bhojde, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Gir National Park, SH 26, Bhojde, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma

This temple, like most Hindu temples, is large and magnificent with a rich history. It has an impressive Nandi idol and the central Shiva Linga. In the vast courtyard is the main shrine. Through a side door the sea is visible shimmering in the sunlight. Try slipping out to gaze at the roaring waves below, which, though not safe for swimming, present an exhilarating spectacle. A truly enriching and peaceful experience, one can't miss this temple when in Gujarat.

Photo of Somnath Temple, Kodinar, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Somnath Temple, Kodinar, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma

Hopping from one temple to another, Dwarkadish is a splendid temple with full of lighting arraignments. The ‘Shayan Aarti’ takes place at 08:30 PM & the temple closes at 09:00 PM. A panditji arranges a velvet bed with 3 pillows on either side. The temple resounds with the chanting of “Hare Krishna, Jai Jai Krishna” It is also known as the Jagat Mandir.

Photo of Dwarkadish Temple, Malan, Mansa, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Dwarkadish Temple, Malan, Mansa, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma

Situated at a short distance from Dwarka, Bet Dwarka is a small island with several ancient temples. The ride to Bet Dwarka from Dwarka is fun-filled and full of excitement as one can reach the place either through motor boat or rowing boat. Take your camera along to catch a glimpse of rare and beautiful birds while sailing through the sea. The east end of the island has an excellent beach with extensive water plants and animals. The beach is not much visited, and is, therefore, an excellent place to get away from the bustle of the city life.

Photo of Bet Dwarka, Beyt, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Bet Dwarka, Beyt, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma

The perfect host for anyone's next vacation. If you love heritage & traditional value, if you are a nature admirer, if heartening arts and crafts interest you, if captivating nomadic lifestyle appeals you, this is the place of your dream destination. Splendid vistas, intriguing history, lively people, abundance of tradition, color and fascination. The Rann Mahotsav of Kutch is also gaining a lot of popularity, it is a month-long carnival organized by the Gujarat state government to showcase the unique culture, traditions, local arts and crafts of the region. There are lots of options to buy and shop here. The festival is organized around the full moon nights of winter. The Rann of Utsav for this year would be organized during the period of 15 Dec, 2013 to 31st January, 2014.

Photo of Rann of Kutch, Kutch, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Rann of Kutch, Kutch, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma

The biggest lake in Ahemdabad and one of the most favorite picnic spots of the people of Ahmedabad. The pleasing view of the lake, the humming and chirping of birds and the greenery bordering the lake will make you fall in love with this place. Boating facility and open buses to ride around the lake are also available. Kankaria Lake provides a beautiful view of the sunset. There is also a zoo and children's park located nearby the lake.

Photo of Kankaria Lake, Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma
Photo of Kankaria Lake, Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Vartika Sharma