15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Gujarat [Updated]

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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.

 

The Best Places to go Shopping in Ahmedabad 2024

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.