Compared to other important Indian states, this beautiful coastal location only recently came to the limelight of tourists. It took some effort to restore the glory of this place, and it worked perfectly. Today this region welcomes visitors pouring in from across the world to explore its historical sites, pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, vintage architectural pieces, and much more. You will find many UNESCO World Heritage places, including a whole city, museums, galleries, monuments, and more. There are also decent accommodations to stay, too; the diet here, however, is mostly vegetarian, and alcoholic drinks are also scarce. However, the region’s dining scene is just too attractive to ignore. Check out these best things to do in Gujarat, India.
1. Visit the Adalaj Stepwell
The Adalaj Stepwell was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mahmud Begada in the memory of Queen Rudabai who was the wife of then Vaghela chieftain Rana Veer Singh. The structure is five levels high and features intricate ornamental carvings on the walls and pillars that are said to be of Indo-Islamic design.
The stepwell was once filled with water and people from nearby villages used it for both spiritual and practical purposes. Today, people from all over the globe still visit and marvel at this historical and architectural wonder.
The Adalaj Stepwell
Address: Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat 382421, India
Website: The Adalaj Stepwell
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
2. Make your own Gujarati dish (from USD 24.05)
Learn how to cook authentic Gujarati dishes by joining this wonderful cooking and dining experience. Gujarati cuisine is famous for its intricate use of different herbs and spices for a wide array of dishes ranging from appetizers to desserts.
You will learn all of these plus various techniques with the guide of a home chef to achieve aromatic dishes with a subtle yet distinct sweet and spicy taste that the cuisine is known for worldwide. After cooking, what else should you do but enjoy the fruits of your labor, of course!
Cook and Dine Gujarati Style Experience in Ahmedabad, India - Klook
Duration: 3hrsDuration
3. Explore the Calico Museum of Textiles
The Calico Museum of Textiles was founded in 1949 by siblings Gautam Sarabhai and Gira Sarabhai to highlight the then flourishing Ahmedabad textile industry. Since then, the museum has amassed a number of collections ranging from 15th- to 19th-century Mogul court textiles to regional embroideries. Aside from textiles, the museum also exhibits various artworks such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, and crafts that come from different parts of the region. The museum is now under the care of Sarabhai Foundation.
The Calico Museum of Textiles
Address: The Retreat, Airport Rd, Opp. Rani Sati Mandir, Jain Colony, Shahibag, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004, India
Website: The Calico Museum of Textiles
Opening hours: Sun - Sat: 10:30am - 12:30pm (closed on Wed)
Price: Free Admission
4. Pay a visit to Sabarmati Ashram
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
From 1917 to 19390, the Sabarmati Ashram served as one of the homes of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement against British rule. In fact, it was from here that the great man launched his well-known Dandi March, vowing not to return home until India won its independence, which, of course, eventually happened on 15 August 1947. However, Gandhi never got the chance to return to Sabarmati Ashram as he was assassinated in January 1948.
The Sabarmati Ashram is now a museum that features various exhibits paintings, letters, quotations, books, and other relics that highlight the life and works of the great man who once lived under its roof. Various tours, events, and other activities are also offered here.
Sabarmati Ashram
Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027, India
Website: Sabarmati Ashram
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free Admission
5. Have fun with your little ones at Maniar’s Wonderland
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Maniar’s Wonderland is the perfect destination if you’re traveling to the city of Ahmedabad with your kids. It’s a huge 8000-square-foot (743.2-square-meter) amusement park that features the Family Water Park and the Snow Park.
The water park offers a plethora of fun rides including Aqua Roller, Aqua Ball, Aqua Splash, and Buggy Ride. The snow park is a snow-covered zone that also features a wide array of family-friendly attractions. Create a lasting fun memory with your kids at Maniar’s Wonderland!
Maniar’s Wonderland
Address: Highway, Behind Kiran Motors, Sanand - Sarkhej Rd, Sarkhej, Sarkhej-Okaf, Gujarat 382210, India
Opening hours: 10am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD for adults and 5 USD for children
6. See prehistoric relics at Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Discover relics of immense historical importance in this two-story institution, established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1887, to educate his subjects. The dual structure, featuring old European and Maratha architecture is a wonder to behold, and within the structure lies works from India’s prehistoric times and many Islamic and European works in geography, anthropology, and osteology. Also, feed your eyes to a variety of artworks installed in the gallery, including those from British, Dutch, Spanish, and Italian origin. This venue is one of the most renowned places in Baroda (now Vadodara).
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Address: University Rd, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390018, India
Website: Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Opening hours: 10:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 - 3 USD
7. Enjoy family-friendly activities around the Statue of Unity
Standing at a height of 182 meters (597.1 feet), the Statue of Unity is the tallest sculpture in the world. On its grounds, family-friendly attractions and activities abound, such as an Ayurvedic wellness center and a butterfly garden. A monumental statue was completed in 2018 to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent activist during the independence movement of the country. There is a large hall inside the venue housing details about his contribution in bringing together India’s 562 princely states and launching the freedom movement against the British colonial rule in India. If you have time, you can delve deep into the local history through the audio-visual shows on-site. Also, enjoy the beautiful laser projections on the statue and sounds every day, except Monday.
Statue of Unity
Address: Sardar Sarovar Dam, Statue of Unity Rd, Kevadia, Gujarat 393155, India
Website: Statue of Unity
8. See ancient sanctuaries at Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
If you can’t get enough of the breathtaking religious structures in this town, this park is a must-visit. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Sultan Mahmud Begada, features Hindu and Muslim archeological, architectural, and historical wonders, believed to have been constructed between the 8th and 14th centuries. Tour and admire the sanctuaries such as The Jama Masjid, castles, fortresses, magnificent walls, reservoirs, and housing areas spread out in this massive township.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Address: Champaner, Gujarat 389360, India
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 - 7 USD
9. Admire the vintage architecture of Modhera Sun Temple
Discover this cultural gem, set deep in the quaint town of Modhera on the shores of river Pushpavati. It is the most prominent attraction in the area, constructed by Solanki dynasty heads in the 11th century. As you may have guessed, the sanctuary is dedicated to the Sun God, although it is no longer used as a place of worship. This architectural piece is a beauty to behold, comprising elaborate carvings in the main sanctum and the assembly hall, and an intricate rectangular stepwell. The shrine is so positioned that the first rays of the morning sun on the day of equinox shines on it.
Modhera Sun Temple
Address: On, Mehsana - Becharaji Rd, Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1 - 3 USD
10. Check the ancient ruins in Idar Fort
Idar is a historical town located in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, famous for its variety of architectural monuments on the cliffs, temples, and the production of hardwood wooden dolls. Since time immemorial this architectural enigma, situated on the southernmost part of the Aravalli Range, has been guarded by massive rocks. These boulders are known as Idar Fort, and on the top, called Idariyo Gadh, you will discover the ruins of ancient temples and palaces. And before you leave, don’t forget to purchase the wooden toys, a part of the local heritage, as a souvenir.
Idar Fort
Address: Gujarat 383430, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Hike the Polo Forest
Just because we are elaborating on human-made treasures of this city, doesn’t mean that it’s not endowed with God-given wonders. Enjoy picnicking with friends or family, or a scenic hike in the lush Polo Forest situated close to the Abhapur village. The best time to hit this place is during monsoon (September to December) when nature dazzles like emerald and the surrounding hills showcase its panoramic magnificence. If you still have more time, you can explore the nearby Jain temples, Shiv temple, Harnav Dam, and other cultural venues.
Polo Forest
Address: Polo Forest Road, Vijayanagar, Gujarat 383460, India
Website: Polo Forest
12. Admire the beautiful sculptures in Rani Ki Vav - Patan
Established in the 11th century on the banks of RIver Saraswati, witness over a thousand sculptures beautifully arranged across this ancient site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by a widow to honor her late husband, Bhimdev I, the Solanki dynasty’s former ruler. Rani Ki Vav was constructed as an inverted temple with a stepwell in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style. It consists of seven levels, and houses sculptural sections with more than 500 main statues and 1000 minor ones, reflecting secular, mythological, and religious imagery. Even after the majestic stepwell was flooded by the river, its finishings remained intact, waiting to be admired.
Rani Ki Vav - Patan
Address: Mohan Nagar Society, Mohan Nagar Socity, Patan, Gujarat 384265, India
Website: Rani Ki Vav - Patan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 1 - 2 USD
13. See the old- and new-world charm of Rajkot City (from USD 60.0)
Rajkot City dates back to the 17th century when it was established by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja. It was ruled by the Jadeja clan until after independence in 1947 when it merged with the Union of India. The town is now one of the largest in Gujarat and a robust commercial center known for the production of watch parts, gold jewelry, and silk work. Therefore, this place is a mix of the old world charm and modern influences, comprising local markets, narrow streets, and even heavy traffic. Take some time to explore the top attractions, including museums, especially Watson Museum housing artifacts and paintings from the times of British Colonial rule. Also, visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the home where Mahatma Gandhi spent his initial life.
Rajkot City Full-Day Private Tour
Duration: 12 hours
14. Birdwatch at Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Also a must-visit for outdoor lovers and avid bird watchers, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is a thick forest reserve between Maharashtra and southern Gujarat. It covers an area of 160.8 square kilometers (62.1 square miles) comprising a dense green space, beautiful valleys, and villages. It features over 139 species of birds such as woodpeckers and grey jungle fowl and a range of native and nonnative wildlife, including Indian porcupine, Indian civet cat, and leopard. After sunset, you may have the opportunity to hear the sweet drum tunes of the Dangi tribes.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: GJ SH 174, Jamlapada, Gujarat 394716, India
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Tour the historic city of Ahmedabad (from USD 46.49)
A visit to Ahmedabad in Gujarat is a must. The historic city, which has a perfect mix of vintage and modern charm, was the first to be declared UNESCO World Heritage City back in 2017. There are so many things to see and explore, especially for history enthusiasts and curious adventurers, fascinated with India’s quirky heritage. The beautiful location was founded in the 15th century by the then Sultan, and today it’s home to the Jain, Islamic, and Hindu groups. Admire the intricate Indo-Islamic architecture of the grand mosques, temples, museums, night markets, and of course, myriads of dining options.
Ahmedabad City Day Trip in India - Klook
Duration: 12hrsDuration
Embark on an unforgettable tour
With the many natural wonders, vintage, and internationally recognized places, museums, temples, and much more, you will witness the charm of Gujarat. If you love unwinding in the evening over a cup of liquor, you can purchase some in the upscale hotels. Let nothing stand in the way of a memorable adventure as you choose among the top things to do in Gujarat, India.
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