Cheapest Destinations to go Backpacking in Gujarat [Updated]

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.