Gujarat 
Ahmedabad | Rajkot | Jamnagar | Dwarka | Porbandar | Somnath Veraval | Junagadh
The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmedabad. The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens. Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions, Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.
Palitana, 215 km away, is a hilltop place of pilgrimage for Jains. 863 temples of all sizes crowd the hilll which has to be approached on foot. Stone and marble spires with their rich detail of carving make for Palitana’s very special appeal. Portuguese rule in India included the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu, the last two lying within the state of Gujarat.
Gujarat’s loveliest beach – and the state is well endowed with them – is Ahmedpur Mandvi whose chief attraction is the ethnic beach resort. Cottages modelled on rural Gujarati architecture look out onto a secluded beach, one of the state’s chief centres for water sports.
Udaipur and its environs, easily accessible by air and road from Mumbai (Bombay), are another facet of Rajasthan. Far from being surrounded by flat arid desert, Udaipur is situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravalli hills. Three lakes form an attraction of the city whose focal point is the towering cluster of honey coloured palaces that go to make up the complex of the City Palace and other palatial apartments.
Ahmedabad blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant present. The city's prosperous and eventful past and present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture, rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit Ahmedabad throughout the year.
How to get there
Air: I.A. connect Ahmedabad with Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai (Madras), Jaipur, Indore, and Lolkata (Calcutta). East West Airlines also connects Ahmedabad with Bombay.
Rail: Ahmedabad is directly connected to Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Lokata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Trivandrum, Varanasi etc.
Road: Ahmedabad to : Baroda (Vadodara) 113 km, Mt. Abu 228 km, Udaipur 252 km, Jaipur 657 km, Mumbai (Bombay) 545 km, Delhi 1076 km, Gandhinagar 25 km, Modhera 110 km, Nal Sarovar 71 km and Lothal 80 km.
Local Transport: Taxis, Auto rickshaws, City buses available.
Places of Interest
- Ahmed Shah's Mosque
- Balvatika (4 kms)
- Teen Darwaza and Bhadra Fort
- Daria Khan's Ghummat (3 kms)
- Siddi Sayyad's Mosque
- Gita Mandir (3 kms)
- Swami Narayan Temple (2 kms)
- Hathisinh Mandir (2 kms)
- Jhulta Minar (3 kms)
- Jumma Masjid (0.5 kms)
- Kankaria Lake (4 kms)
- Rani Sipri's Mosque and Tomb (2 kms)
- Rani Roopmati Mosque (0.5 kms)
- Rauza of Shah Alam (3 kms)
- Sabarmati Ashram (6 kms)
- Siddhi Sayyad Mosque (0.5 kms)
- Dada Hari Vav (4 kms)
Excursions
- Adalaj Vav (19 kms)
- Lothal (80 kms)
- Patan (113 kms)
- Nal Sarovar (71 kms)
- Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram (6 kms)
- Gandhi Nagar (25 kms)
- Modhera (Sun Temple, 106 kms)
- Museums & Art Galleries
- (Closed days are within the bracket)
- Calico Museum of Textiles, Calico Mills (Wed. and bank holidays)
- Shreyas Folk Art Museum. (Mondays & school vacations)
- Gandhi Smarak Sanghrahalaya, Gandhi Ashram Sabarmati (Mondays)
- L.D. Institute of Indology, Navarangpura (Mondays)
- National Institution of Design
- Tribal Research & trg. Museum, Ashram Rd (Sun. & bank holidays)
- N.C. Mehta Art Gallery, Sanskar Kendra, Paldi (Mondays)
- Kite Museum, Sanskar Kendra (Mondays)
- Veechar Utensil Mumseum, Vasna Tolnaka (Sundays)
- Natural History Museum, Kankaria
Rajkot, the former Capital of the princely state of Saurashtra was founded by the Rajput Chief Kunwar Vibhuji in the 16th century, Rajkot is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patch work, bead work and silk embroidery.
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: I. A. connects Rajkot with Mumbai (Bombay) and Vayudoot connects Rajkot with Mumbai (Bombay) and Kandla. East West Airlines also operate flight from Bombay-Rajkot.
Rail: Rajkot is a junction on the Western Railway broad gauge line.
Road: Rajkot to : Mumbai (Bombay) 798 km, Ahmedabad 218 km, Junagadh 98 km, Jamnagar 86 km, Dwarka 238 km, Porbandar 178 km,Bhavnagar 165 km,Sasangir 155 km. Gujarat State Transport bus connect Rajkot to all major cities of state.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, Auto rickshaws, Tongas and few private cars.
Places of Interest
- Aji Dam (8 kms)
- Mahatma Gandhi's Home (Kaba Gandhino Delo)
- Lal Pari Lake & Renderda (4.8 kms)
- Sardar Smriti Bhavan
- Watson Museums & Jubliee Gardens
Excursions
- Jadeshwar (60 kms)
- Virpur (64 kms)
- Bhid Bhanjan (60 kms)
- Manas Mandir (14 kms)
- Gondal (38 kms)
- Wankaner (50 kms)
Jamnagar is known for its tie-&-dye work on fabrics, silken & gold embroidery. Tourists can visit Jamnagar throughout the year.
How to get there
Air: Indian Airlines service connects Jamnagar with Mumbai (Bombay) and Bhuj.
Rail: Jamnagar is directly connected with Ahmedabad and Bombay. Hapa Jn.(9 km) from Jamnagar is another convenient railhead on the broad guage terminus.
Road: Jamnagar to Palitana 246 km, Rajkot 86 km, Ahmedabad 304 km, Somnath 257 km, Dwarka 148 km. Gujrat State Transport services connect Jamnagar with Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Somnath.
Local Transport: Unmetered Taxis, Autorickshaws tongas and city bus available.
Situated on the Gujarat Coast. Dwarka is one of the holiest centres of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Best Season: November to March
How to get there
Air: Jamnagar (148 km) is the nearest airport linked to Mumbai (Bombay) & Bhuj by India Airlines
Rail: Dwarka is directly connected to Jamnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Bombay.
Road: Dwarka to Ahmedabad 438 kms, Rajkot 234 kms, Jamnagar 148 kms, Junagadh 332 kms, Porbandar 120 kms, Somnath 249 kms, Bhavnagar 399 kms, Mumbai (Bombay) 929 kms, Okha 32 kms. GSTRC buses connect Dwarka with the above places.
Local Transport: Private Taxis, Autorickshaws, Tongas available.
Places of Interest
- Dwarkadish Temple
- Bhadkeshwar Temple
- Rukmani Temple
- Sunset Point
- Shri Jagatguru Shankaracharya Math
- Ved Havan
- Light House
- Shardapith Math Museum
Excursions
- Bet Dwarka (2 kms from Okha. Ferry Service from Okha Port)
- Vasai (12 kms)
- Pindhara (72 kms)
- Harshad Mata Temple (58 kms)
- Nageshwar (16 kms)
- Shri Vallabhacharya 's Baithak
- Okha (32 kms)
Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is a picturesque little seaside resort on the west coast of Gujarat.
Best Season: November to March
How to get there
Air: Vayudoot has a daily flight from Porbandar to Mumbai (Bombay) and Rajkot.
Rail: Porbandar is directly connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai (Bombay) Via Viramgam.
Road: Porbandar to Ahmedabad 394 kms, Bhavnagar 300 kms, Junagadh 107 kms, Rajkot 178 kms, Somnath 118 kms. State Transport Buses connect Porbandar with Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Junagadh, Keshod, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Palitana, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Somnath, Diu.
Local Transport: Taxi, Auto Rickshaw, Chhakda & City Bus plies within the city.
Places of Interest
- Arya Kanya Gurukul
- Bharat Mandir
- Kirti Mandir
- Sudama Mandir
- Planetarium
Excursions
- Harshad Mata Temple (38.6 kms)
- Madhapur Temple (64.3 kms)
- Mul-Dwarka (28.8 kms)
Somnath also known as Prabhas Patan has religious and historical significance. The Somnath Temple has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or Shiva shrines and is one of the most important pilgrim centres for Hindus.
Season: November to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Keshod (55 kms) is linked to Mumbai (Bombay) by Vayudoot services.
Rail: Nearest railhead Veraval (7 kms) is connected by train to Ahmedabad.
Road: By road Somnath to Veraval 7 kms, Mumbai (Bombay) 889 kms, Ahmedabad 400 kms, Bhavnagar 266 kms, Junagadh 85 kms, Porbandar 122 kms.
Local Transport: Private taxi, Auto-Rickshaw, Chhakada and City bus available.
Places of Interest
- Somnath Temple
- Triveni Ghat
- Ahilyabai Temple
- Junagadh Gate
- Bhalka Tirth
- Dehotsarga
- Manipur Masjid
- Museum
Excursions
- Chorwad (26 kms)
- Sasan Gir (43 kms)
Stippled with hills, Junagadh derives its name from an 'old fort'.
Best Season: October to April
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Keshod 37 km & Rajkot 99 km. Rajkot is connected to Mumbai (Bombay) by I.A. & Vayudoot. While Keshod is connected to Mumbai (Bombay) by Vayudoot.
Rail: Junagadh is connected by train to Ahmedabad.
Road: Junagadh to Mumbai 802 km, Rajkot 99 km, Ahmedabad 315 km, Keshod 37 km, Sasangir 58 kms, Somnath 92 kms, Porbandar 107 kms, Palitana 213 kms, Jamnagar 184 kms. G.S.R.T.C. bus services connect Junagadh with Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Gir, Rajkot, Bhuj, Dwarka, Somnath, Palitana, Surat, Vadodara, Porbandar.
Local Transport: Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, Tongas & City Bus services available.
Places of Interest
- Ashoka's Edicts
- Uparkot Fort
- Shrine of Narsi Mehta
- Willingdon Dam
- Mahabat Maqbara
- Damodar Kund
- Girnar Hills & Temple (8 km.Situated at a height of about 610 metres one has to climb nearly 2000 steps to see the magnificent Jain Temples)
- Darbar Hall Museum (Diwan Chowk)
- Sakkarbag Museum
- Sakkarbag Zoo
Excursions
- Chorwad (66 kms)
- Prabhas Patan (92 kms)
- Sasangir (58 kms)
- Tulsi Shyam Hot Springs (160 kms)
