Compared to other major Indian states, this beautiful coastal location only recently came to the limelight of tourists. Gujarat is India’s westernmost state known for its architectural marvels, vivacious culture, spectacular landscapes, rich heritage, and delicious cuisine. It is popularly known as The Land of Legends owing to its perfect combination of art, music, history, and culture. The state is the ideal destination for nature lovers with its scenic beauty that spans across the Great Rann of Kutch all the way to the hills of Satpura. It sees thousands of tourists every ear flocking to see the pure Asiatic Lions found only in the Gir National Park of Gujarat. You will also find many UNESCO World Heritage places here, including a whole city, museums, galleries, monuments, and more. Plus, there are great accommodations to stay. The diet here, however, is mostly vegetarian, and alcoholic drinks are also scarce.
If you’re planning a visit to this diverse destination, check out these best things to do in Gujarat, India, below!
Good to know:
- Gujarat has its own tourism website, Gujarat Tourism, which tourists can use to find out everything there is to know about the state and its most popular cities.
- For helpful tips before you travel, check out Gujarat Tourism's suggestions and information about emergency numbers, transport, temperatures, and more here.
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Heritage Highlights: Discover the rich history and culture of Gujarat
Gujarat is steeped in rich heritage, with numerous historical sites and cultural experiences for you to explore. From visiting age-old structures to indulging in authentic Gujarati cuisine, there’s lots to do for history and culture buffs!
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. 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
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. 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)
5. 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
6. 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
7. Marvel at 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
8. 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
9. Soak in the old- and new-world charm of Rajkot City
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.
Traveler's tips
While in Rajkot, don't miss out on the delicious ice cream at Maganlal Ice Cream. It is a popular ice cream shop located on the famous Race Course Road. This shop is family-owned and passed from one generation of the Maganlal family to the next. It offers signature flavors consisting of dry fruits, some of the must-try are Ginger, Dry fruit Delight, and Maganlal Mix ice cream. The shop serves dry fruit shakes, too. However, if you are allergic to nuts, you can choose from a variety of different options that will leave you satiated on a hot day.
Book Tours : Rajkot City Full-Day Private Tour
10. Tour the historic city of Ahmedabad
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.
Book Tours : Ahmedabad City Day Trip in India - Klook
11. Make your own Gujarati dish
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!
12. 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
Outdoor escapades: Get up close with nature and wildlife in Gujarat
Gujarat has stunning landscapes replete with rich flora and fauna. You can discover that in the many sanctuaries and forests in the state. If you’re a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, the following activities will be ideal for you!
13. 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
14. 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
15. Watch lions and leopards at Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary or Mitiyala Grasslands spans across 18.22 square kilometres (7.03 miles) with undulating hill tracks that are engulfed by tall wild grasses. The sanctuary is built on royal estate of Bhavnagar. The sanctuary often called an offshoot of Gir, is one of the best places to see lions and leopards. The Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to various endangered species like the spotted deer and nilgai. One can also find wild boars meandering around in groups.
Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Mitiyala, Gujarat 364522
Website: Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
16. Spot a sloth bear at Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The sanctuary is known for the endangered sloth bear. The two species - Indian sloth bear and the Sri Lankan sloth bear are protected by this sanctuary. Other species found in this sanctuary include the blue bull, wild boar, leopard, sambar and porcupine. Visitors can also see the are civet, caracal, wolf, jungle cat and the hyena. The rarest python of the country can also be seen near ‘Muni Ji ki kutia’. The sanctuary also has a large number of land and water birds.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Address: SH 54, Banaskantha District, Iqbalgadh, Gujarat 385505
Website: Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
17. Visit the renowned Gir National Park
Gir National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is the only natural habitat of the endangered species of Asiatic Lions. Visitors can opt for a Jeep Safari - an adventurous ride through the wild forest where you can spot over 523 Lions, 300 Leopards, 200 species of birds and 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. The visitors can only see the rare species of the white-backed, long-billed vultures. Russell’s viper, krait, saw-scaled viper and the king cobra.
Gir National Park
Address: Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli Districts, Gujarat, India
Website: Gir National Park
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Jeep safari - Indian: 5300 INR; foreigner: 13800 INR (186 USD)
18. Go on a jeep tour through Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary was originally a part of the Gir Forest. However economic activities and urbanization led to the separation of the two. Locally, these forests go by the name of Dungar. In this sanctuary, the tourists can find 179 birds species, climbers species, creeper species, 30 mammals, 33 reptiles species along with species of twiner plants. The commonly spotted birds and animals include grey nightjar, hanuman langur, plum headed parakeet and the mottled wood owl. Visitors can also opt for jeep tours with local guides.
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Junagadh, Gujarat 36231
Website: Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Safari - Indian: 2500 INR; Foreigner: 4000 INR (54 USD)
19. Soak in the natural beauty of Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary located in the Kalyanpur taluka in the district of Devbhumi Dwarka. The best time to visit this sanctuary is the period between autumn to spring. Visitors can find a wolf, jackals, bluebull, demoiselle cranes, large pelicans, spot-billed ducks and flamingoes. The sanctuary is defined by its high tidal zone, pastoral fields, lush green patches of grasses and a unique variety of shrubs.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Kalyanpur, Gujarat 361320
Website: Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
20. Discover the hidden waterfall at Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the western Satpura Range which is south of the Narmada River. This sanctuary includes a variety of forest areas including dry deciduous forest, riverine forests, the moist teak forest along with two water reservoirs and agricultural lands. The sanctuary also has a pristine waterfall named Zarwani located deep inside the forest. The birds and animals spotted here include Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Brooke’s house gecko, Bengal monitor, Indian rock python, Indian giant squirrel, tiger, Indian softshell turtle, Indian flap shell turtle and the ornate narrow-mouthed frog.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 57, Pandya Bridge, Near Pandey Hotel, Nizampura, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002
Website: Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily )
Price: Small vehicle - 200 INR (3 USD); big vehicle - 1750 INR (24 USD)
21. Enjoy a scenic hike at Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Jambughoda Tehsil and the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests’ ecoregion. The sanctuary is built on the early princely state of Jambughoda. The region has picturesque hiking locations with lush forests of teak, mahuda trees and bamboo. You can also find a beautiful rest house for visitors located on the banks of an irrigation reservoir. The region also has a camping site near the tribal habitats. Here one can find the famous barking deer, four-horned antelope, venomous snakes and the ungulates.
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Mota Raska, Zand Hanuman Road, Jambughoda, Panchmahal, Gujarat 391761
Website: Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 50 INR (1 USD approx.)
22. Spot the rare Macqueen's bustards at Blackbuck National Park
Blackbuck National Park is situated in the Bhavnagar district in Gujarat. The park spans across 34.08 square km (21.1 miles) with 5.05 square km (3.13 miles) of Prosopis shrubland. The park can be toured through a private vehicle or through a walk along the grassland lanes. Visitors can hire a local guide or bring along a private one for detailed insights. The park is known for the rare population of Macqueen’s bustards and sandgrouse. Other local animals like hyenas, jackals and wolves can also be spotted.
Blackbuck National Park
Address: Velavadar bhal, Velavadar, Gujarat 364313
Website: Blackbuck National Park
Opening hours: 7am - 1pm, 3pm - 7pm (daily)
Price: Indian vehicle: 20 INR; foreigner vehicle: 20 USD; single entry: 5 USD; photography: 5 USD
Embark on an unforgettable tour
With the many natural wonders, vintage, and internationally recognized places, museums, temples, and much more, the charm of Gujarat is unmatched. Let nothing stand in the way of a memorable adventure as you try these top things to do in Gujarat, India!
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