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15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Gujarat [Updated]

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

Updated/Edited on 27th June, 2024:  This is one of the most-read blogs on my website. Thank you for showing so much love to this post. I feel grateful (Joining Hands Indian Style). I am an independent SEO writer, best-selling author, and personal branding expert who helps entrepreneurs and startups nurture their online/digital presence. Guaranteed results in SERP (Search Engine Results Page). Lead Generator via LinkedIn. See my portfolio here and follow me on socials: www.linktr.ee/sarkhedibhavik Thank you. Keep reading informational blogs. Reach out to me for any feedbacks and suggestions 🙂 🙂

Situated along the western border and coast of India, this is the state of art & culture, dance & drama, food & fun and all things fine. Gujarat is considered as one of most developed states of the country. With advanced and infallible infrastructure and rapidly growing industrial sector on its grounds, Gujarat seems to be a package deal for everything good.

The land of the Gurjars

Gujarat gets its name from the Sanskrit word, Gurjardesa or the land of the Gurjars. Before the invasion by the Mughals, the state was ruled by the Gurjars for centuries. And hence, has many historically rich cities such as Lothal, Dholavira and Gola Dhora which were part ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Art & culture can be found in the veins of gujarat

So deep is its love for art that students from across the world come here to learn and get acquainted with its culture. Maharaja Sayajirao University is considered as one of the top institutes for fine arts. Let us not forget about the museums of Vadodara having royal artifacts and rich collection of arts from artist such as Raja Ravi Verma.

Gujarat loves its food

Remember the food missiles from the movie “3 Idiots”? Yes, we are talking about the dhokla, fafda, handva and thepla. The authenticity of Gujarati cuisines lies in the love with which these items are prepared. These people love their food and what they love more is making you eat with them. Even the list of desserts is much longer with Ghari, Sutarfeni, Shrikhand and Doodhpaak as favourites.

They got their beat right

What one can never miss out when one talks about Gujarat is its Navratri. The festival of 9 nights is so high-spirited that a crowd of a hundred thousand people can be seen dancing rhythmically to the beats of Garba. The aura is such that just the spectacular of it makes you forget the worries and enjoy.

Their temples tell the story of dedication

Indians have always taken their religious dedication seriously and have even gone an extra mile to protect their faith. Gujarat is no different. Be it hindu, muslim or jain, Gujarat serves as pilgrimage for all. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad is an architectural marvel with its jali designs. Akshardham temple, Somnath temple, Dwarkadhish temple, Palitana temple are some of the must visit spots of Gujarat.

Name the industry and they have it here

Gujarat has advancements and ease of doing business that you can find almost all industries here. Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bharuch, Surat, Rajkot, Jamnagar all are industrial hubs bringing more and more development and business to the state.

The state that has it all

You talk about desert; Gujarat gives you a large expanse of white Rann of Kutch. You talk about sea shore; Gujarat has the longest coastal line of all states of India. You talk about mountain range; Gujarat has Pavagadh, Girnar and Saputara. You talk about rivers; Gujarat has Narmada and Tapi. This landscape never fails to astonish with its natural beauty.

Gujarat is equally dedicated to the education

Be it engineering, designing, architecture or management, Gujarat has got your back. With a no. of reputed institutes on its soils, such as IIM, NIT, NID, CEPT, NIFT and many more, Gujarat can also be called an education hub.

Gujarat knows how to protect its wildlife

With more than 20 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on its soil, Gujarat very well understands the importance of its natural habitants. Along with the Asiatic Lions, the state is the shelter for many endangered and rare species such as Indian wild ass, Nilgai, Blackbuck and migratory birds. The most popular one, Gir Nation Park allows you to have a safari into the wilderness.

The blood of the freedom fighters flows through its nerves

The leader of the “Quit India Movement” was born on the holy soil of this state. Not just Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat has given many great leaders to India such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dayanand Saraswati and many more. And to honor this soil, the “Statue of Unity” is being constructed near Narmada Dam which is proposed to be the tallest statue.

They take their finances seriously

Gujarat International Financial Tec-City or GIFT-city is a central business centre with high-tech infrastructure to welcome the finance and technology firms to relocate here. It is under construction and is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It is such an infrastructural marvel that a visit will surely leave you admiring.

Gujarati lets your vision linger into the sky

If you are visiting the state in January, then are here at the right time for “International Kite Festival”. Known as Uttarayan in local language, the festival is celebrated on 14th of January and is characterized by eating Undhyu and Jalebi. The event which takes place in Ahmedabad where you can witness the sky filled with variety of colorful kites.

The city synonymous to bridges

Though Gujarat is full of bridges as rivers pass through many of its cities, Surat is one which is identified by the web of its flyovers and bridges. With Tapi river flowing through the middle of the city, Surat has 98 bidges with one being at every 2.88 kms. The city is a beautiful vision at night with all its bridges lit.

Gujarat believes in making travels free of travails

The development of Gujarat can be credited to its excellent infrastructure. The well-maintained roads and properly maintained transportation services not only aides the tourism but also encourage business. The beauty of great infrastructure can be witnessed at Central Bus Stands of Vadodara & Ahmedabad.

Gujarat shows you that desert can be beautiful too

Located in the expanse of Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch shows you the beauty of white desert. It is the seasonal salt marsh which comes into view in the winters. The state organizes an awe-inspiring festival around this period from November to February known as Rann Utsav. Along with the picturesque beauty, you can enjoy the cultural events.

 

Cheapest Destinations to go Backpacking in Gujarat [Updated]

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

It is said that the true essence of Gujarat lies in its food and people. And this is nothing but the truth. As you enter the lands of Gujarat, you can feel the soil embracing you into its culture. Every person you meet is willing to go an extra mile to make your journey comfortable and your stay unforgettable.

Being a solo traveler, there are some things which always have to be kept in mind. The conveyance, accommodation, safety, destinations to be covered, budget, food and the list goes on. This is where you will realize that Gujarat is the state that offers the convenience to your backpacking experience. With amazing infrastructure of perfect roads and well-maintained transport facilities, your travel won’t turn into travail. Affordable accommodation and the variety of authentic Gujarati food you get to taste is just the cherry on the top.

However, what also helps while backpacking is the list of places to be visited and the pre-acquired knowledge about them. So here are some of the cheapest destinations to go while you are on your excursion through Gujarat.

Kutch – Bhuj

Almost reduced to sands during the 2001 earthquake, the area has resurrected itself beautifully. As you walk through the streets of the city, you come across the rebuilt structures and some buildings having cracks telling the story of its past struggles.

Kutch is area of Gujarat famously known for its white desert and its winter festival Rann Utsav. Bhuj, being the major city in the area is the place you want to land first. The city treats with its magnificent culture and traditions. Aina Mahal built in typical Kutchi style gives you the glimpse of varied paintings and embroidery pieces. The highlight of the palace is the Hall of Mirrors which a blend of Indian & European artistry. The architecture with marbles, glasses, mirrors and candelabra blossoms a sight of pure bliss.

Other areas worth the visit include Wild Ass Sanctuary, Dholavira Stadium, Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, Ramkund Stepwell and Swaminarayan Temple. However, the main attraction of the area is the Great Rann of Kutch. Spread across the huge expanse of 10,000 sq meters, the White Desert gives you an ecstatic feeling. Walking on the beds of salt crystals and seeing it merge with blue sky is one of the magical moments of life.

With cheap hotels and available transportation facility in the city, Kutch-Bhuj qualifies for the list of backpacking destinations.

Dwarka

Located towards the south-western corner of the state, Dwarka is considered as one of the main pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. If lore is to be believed, Dwarka was built by Lord Krishna and is called the city of gold. The city is surrounded by a number of shrines with beautiful history and story.

Rent a vehicle and get into your travelling shoes. Or actually don’t, first visit the Dwarkadheesh temple and Rukshamanee temple which are the must visit if you are here. The beauty of the architecture takes to an era beyond our times. Move ahead towards the exterior of the town. You will find the Shivrajpura beach which is famous for its lighthouse and Becktel beach where you will find aquarium and turtle breeding reserves. Visit Gopi talav and hear the story of its significance. Take a ferry to Beyt Dwarka and witness the swarm of pilgrims in all their devotional glory.

Within 25 kms of Dwarka is the land for salt production. Tata Chemicals has converted the area into its very own white desert. You will find salt panes spread over wide areas in the vicinity of seashores. Okhamadhi is one such beach.

Being a solo traveller, Dwarka takes you all the way into the mythology with its temples and brings you back to present with its industries, beaches, reserves and advancements.

Veraval

Situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, Veraval is one of the major fishing ports. You ought to explore shorelines, full of chaos, smell of fish hanging in the air, fishing boats covering the backdrop, yet so full of hope and life.

Just 6 kms from Veraval is the Somnath temple which tells the tale of beautiful construction in gold, silver and wood by the Gods. Before its reconstruction for the seventh time in year 1951, the temple was invaded a number of times by foreign invaders. The architecture of temple is so beautiful that you can spend whole day admiring it.

Kissing the shores of Veraval is the Arabian sea. Be the spectator of the beauty of the Sun submitting itself in the embrace of the large ocean. Play with its waves and loose yourself into its serenity.

Veraval gives you the glimpse into the lives of fishermen, boat builders and the rural India

So get your backpack ready and take the voyage into the land of Gujarat.

The Best Places to go Shopping in Ahmedabad 2024

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

If you are a shopaholic and searching for the shopping destinations in Ahmedabad, then piece is just right amount of information you need. However, if you are not a shopaholic, then I am glad to say that you might actually become one after reading this. The walled city of Ahmedabad, being the largest city of Gujarat offers varied and extensive shopping experience.

Be it textile, handicrafts, books, art pieces, sweets & snacks, Ahmedabad has it all. What you need is the right place to spend your good money on good stuff.

Lal Darwaza

Welcoming you with open arms into its swarm of shoppers, Lal Darwaza is the busiest and most popular shopping market in Ahmedabad. Although the stuff is already cheap, you can practice your bargain skills to get the best price. The market offers gents & children garments, sarees & dresses, chaniya choli, shoes, books, accessories, handicrafts and what not. However, make sure you are satisfied with the quality of product before buying it and also beware of the pickpockets.

Law Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Law Garden is famous for handicraft stalls. Streets are found filled on both sides with local handicrafts vendors flaunting and selling beautiful handcrafted items such as jutis, jhumke, chaniya choli, etc. There are also a no. of shopping malls and handloom stores in the locality making an ideal shopping destination.

Fernandes Bridge

If you are a bibliophile and are always searching for books to add to your library, then Fernandes Bridge is your ally. Along with large variety of academia, books on art, design, management, you may also find first editions, out of print books and even some rare collectibles. The vendors are spread under & around the bridge selling books at cheap and affordable prices. Stroll around and you will witness large collection of magazines and journals.

Manik Chowk

Famous among the residents as late night food street, Manek Chowk is a vegetable market in morning hours, followed by being jewellery market from noon to evening. It is surrounded by some historical monuments which makes it a sight to behold. Offering all varieties of food, Manek Chowk should be on your list if you are a foodie.

CG Road

If you are not a street wanderer and prefer buying trendy branded stuff, then Chimanlal Girdharlal Road is your calling. With almost all the brand showrooms and popular malls in the area, you can shop the latest fashion here. CG Road is so high class that it is ranked as the costliest retail market in the city.

Rani No Haziro

Also known as Mughalai Bibi’s Tomb, this is the popular tomb complex showcasing the traditions. The market offers a wide variety of women’s clothing, accessories, chaniya choli, jewellery and much more. You can also find vendors selling mukhwas, authentic mouth freshners nearby Rani No Haziro.

Ramakda Market

Gujarat is said to be the home of wood artisans. Ramakda Market is famous for offering beautiful wooden artifacts, fine wood toys, painted dandiyas and lovely handcrafted wooden decorations. If you are into interior / festival decorations and want to add the touch of culture to the setting, then Ramakda Market is the right place for you.

Raipur Gate

If you are looking for authentic Gujarati snacks and sweets, then do visit Raipur Gate. The area offers wide range of farsaans like muthia, gathiya, fafda jalebi, dhokla, khakhra, khaman, patra and many more. Savor the dishes there or you can just pack them and take with you on your excursions.

10 Must Visit Places in India for Food Lovers [Curated]

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

If there ever was such a thing as a food paradise, it is right here on Indian soil. The warmth and love of Indian hospitality can truly be felt with the heartwarming food that is made in its kitchens. The magic that is spun from the hands of India is sure to make every foodie’s mouth water. If you live to eat, head on over to any of these food havens in India and discover the joy of eating.

  1. Hyderabad

Photo by Dheerajk88, CC BY-SA 4.0

The city of Nizams, Hyderabad is every food lover’s dream. The city is a delicious salad of Mughal, Turkish and Andhra cuisine giving the most delectable choices to everyone’s palate. The city’s name is almost synonymous to biryani with the Hyderabadi dum biryani a favorite in every part of the country. Other delicious choices offered by this cuty are Dum Pukht, Boti kebab, Malai korma and Maghaz masala (spicy and fried lamb’s brain.) 1

  1. Delhi

Photo by Alpha, CC BY-SA 2.0

Let the (food) capital of India entice your taste buds with its spicy and flavorsome street foods. Savor in the North Indian cuisine with some lip-smacking paranthas from Paranthe waali gali in Chandni Chowk, the chaats from the street food shops, and some mouthwatering jalebis and gajar ka halwa to celebrate your happy moments.2

  1. Lucknow

Photo by Kaveh, CC BY 2.0

Staying true to its regal past, the city of Nawabs has the best in store to satisfy your hunger. Relish the aromatic Galoti kebabs and Nahara kulcha. The Lucknow biryani is also a must try for its beautiful taste and fragrance. Eat like the Nawabs in this city offering legendary food for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.3

  1. Kolkata

Photo by Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0

You can count on the Bengalis to prepare succulent and appetizing cuisine for you to devour. Try the puchkas and yummy rolls from the street corners or enjoy the various varieties of hearty fish curies. Other delicacies to try in this food heaven include Alu Posto and Sorshe Ilish (Ilish fish cooked with mustard paste.) Satisfy your sweet tooth by indulging in misti doi, Kaalakand and the evergreen Rasogulla.4

  1. Darjeeling

Photo by Tavallai, CC BY-ND 2.0

Get captivated by the colonial charm of Darjeeling’s food. If you want to have a bite of the most authentic Mediterranean food, head on over to this quaint hill station. Indulge in some soft waffles, yummy pancakes and bacon, all with a North-East Indian twist.5

  1. Amritsar

Photo by jasleen_kaur, CC BY-SA 2.0

The birthplace of dhabas and ghee-laden paranthas, Amritsar’s spicy, heavy and thoroughly tasteful delicacies are sure to linger on your taste buds long after your trip. The huge kulchas with the famous Amritsari chole, Amritsari fish, and Paneer Bhurji are going to make every kilo you gain absolutely worth it.6

  1. Goa

Photo by Extempore, CC BY-ND 2.0

Goa, the perfect combination of revitalizing beaches and delectable seafood, is a must-visit for those whose love for food is bigger than their stomachs. Be sure to treat yourself to varieties of prawn, crab, squid and fish preparations. Accompany your seafood platter composed of Crab XecXec Curry and Ambot Tik Sour with the famous Feni, a strong, aromatic alcoholic drink.7

  1. Kochi

The potpourri of flavors offered by Kerala are and will remain unmatched with the world. Kochi is sure to offer you a variety of choices in terms of authentic South Indian food, including the wholesome Kerala beef roast. Dive into the aromatic flavors of Kochi and eat monstrously to your heart’s content!8

Photo by Challiyil Eswaramangalath, CC BY-SA 2.0

  1. Pondicherry

Photo by SEN, CC BY-SA 2.09

Pondicherry invites you to the exquisite blend of French and Indian cuisine. The little France of India serves not only the very best of the world-famous French cuisine but also some great traditional dishes. Transport yourself to a little French café and savor Salad Niçoise, Quiche and Coq au vin. The traditional delicacies at Auroville Asharam would bring you back to the Indian soil.

  1. Kashmir

Photo by Colin Tsoi, CC BY-ND 2.010

India’s own heaven, Kashmir is gorgeous not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its divine dishes. The unique flavors of Kashmiri dum aloo, Gogji Nadir and haakh are going to make you savor every ounce of these preparations. And if you’re in the mood for some royal treatment, enjoy the multi-course Kashmiri cuisine called Wazwan.

With so many varieties to choose from, your thirst for food is never going to run out of options in India. At every nook and corner, be sure to make your taste buds dance on a different rhythm at these 10 food hubs.