Popularly known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad’s buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan , Doshi and Correa.

It is from here that Mahatma Gandhi launched his famous Dandi March, as a protest against the Salt Tax and gave human race one of its most remarkable ways to fight oppression – non-violence.

Set upon the Sabarmati riverside the city is filled with a delightful range of tourist attractions. Split into the old quarter and the new urban spaces Ahmedabad offers visitors a variety of holiday experiences that are at once entertaining and culturally enriching. Wander the bustling bazaars, explore old mosques, museums and ancient step wells. Check out the landmarks of India’s history before taking on a cultural performance at one of the performing arts centres.

Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra. Once the capital of a princely state Bhavnagar is home to several lakes and temples.

For the tourist, Bhavnagar serves as a convenient base to visit the Jain temples of Palitana on the Shatrunjaya hills and the Velvadar Sanctuary, the home of the famous Indian Black buck.

Bhavnagar was found in 1743 A.D. by Bhavsinhji Gohil, near the small village of Vadva. It was once a flourishing port but today the only activity related to the port is at Alang and Ghogha. Alang is well known for the largest ship breaking yard in Asia.

Junagadh also known as ‘Sorath’ is an ancient fortified city, situated at the foot of the Girnar Hills. Junagadh literally translated means the “old fort”. The city was built in 319 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya. The fort which circles the medieval town is popular for its Buddhist caves and 2 step wells known as “Adi Kadi ni vaav” and “Navghan kuvo”. It was besieged 16 times in 800 years and one of the unsuccessful sieges lasted for 12 years.

The journey to the top of Girnar Hills is considered holy by the Jains and Hindus. ‘Girnar’ has 5 major peaks and 9999 steps to reach the top. The history of Mount Girnar dates back to the awesome empire of Ashoka, one of India’s greatest emperors. Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts on a huge boulder during his journey to the Mt. Girnar Peak. The inscription was in Brahmi script and using the ancient language of Pali dating around 250 BCE.

Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. km., the wildlife sanctuary of Sasangir is home to the endangered Asiatic Lion. The dry and deciduous forest has a rich ecosystem endowed with flora and fauna. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. Gir forest is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. A safari in this forest can be one of the rare and delightful moments of life, as one can spot the Lion in all its majesty.

Located in the Saurashtran peninsula by the Arabian Sea, Dwarka is mentioned as the Golden city in ancient Hindu texts like the Gita and the Puranas. Steeped in legends associated with Lord Krishna, Dwarka is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

The Dwarkadhish temple (also known as Jagat Mandir) along the Ghats is the most famous landmark in the city. The five-storeyed temple stands on 60 pillars and its ‘Sikhar’ rises to 170 feet. The other temples in Dwarka are the Trikamji temple, Kalyanrai temple, the Patrani temple, Durvas temple, etc. It is believed that Dwarka was submerged into the sea six times and the modern day Dwarka is the seventh one.

Apart from its historical places, a sunset cruise to Bet Dwarka is a serene and peaceful experience

A large city of Saurashtra, Rajkot was an important city of the British Raj and a major princely state capital. The city has a number of impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions. It is famous for its Watson museum and association with Mahatma Gandhi who spent much of his childhood here. The city is also well known for its silver jewellery, woolen and cotton textiles, silk embroidery and bandhnis (tie & dye work).

Mandvi, founded in 1581 A.D. is an ancient seaport. Mandvi is also known as a 400 year old shipbuilding centre and one can see the small boats being constructed in the traditional techniques by master carpenters even today.

The Vijay Vilas Palace and Rukhmavati Bridge are the main attractions of Mandvi. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and it is set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The Rukmavati bridge is the longest stone bridge in India, built in 1883 A.D.

The private beach of Maharao is the perfect place, in case you are looking for peace and solitude. It has beautiful white sand, serene locales and enchanting sunset views.

Bhuj is the administrative city of Kutch. The city has a unique heritage and culture with its small, meandering streets, palaces and temples. It has many villages around it that are famous for their traditional handicrafts and embroidery. Geographically Bhuj is near the Gulf of Kutch, a part of the Arabian Sea with low hills overlooking the city.

Bhuj is known for its palaces built in the traditional Kutchi architectural styles. Among them, the Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors is the most famous and one of its main highlights. The palace is surrounded by a small, fortified courtyard built in the 18th century and is located in the old part of the city. It also has a museum within it, Prag Mahal, which was built in the latter half of the 19th century. The Hall of Mirrors and the Pleasure Pool are highlights within the palace.

Hodka, the cultural village is situated in the Banni Grassland in the Kutch District, Gujarat. It is on the edge of the great salt desert – the Rann. The village is a cluster of houses situated close to each other where around 7 to 8 families live together.

The village is famous for its crafts like decorative mirrors, lamps, hand fans, letter boxes, wall hangings, leather and clay items, wood works, metal works and mud works. The village is also famous for its exquisite silver jewellery. The artisans sell their goods directly from their artistic huts which are popularly known as ‘Bhungas’.

Dholavira is an ancient town situated in the state of Gujarat. The ruins of the settlement found here are believed to be more than 5000 years old. These excavation sites are one of the largest Harappan sites in India. If you are interested in knowing about the ancient history and the primordial civilization of the country then Dholavira is the perfect place for you.

The excavations done here have revealed many ancient artifacts, like seals, beads, animal bones, gold, silver, terracotta ornaments and vessels. Some of these items are linked to Mesopotamia, which proves that it was a major port and trading center of those times. The most interesting discovery of Dholavira is the large inscription, comprising of ten letters in the Indus script, each letter engraved on slices of crystalline material.

Little Rann of Kutch, famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary is situated near Dasada.
In this region you can feel the magic of Kathiyawadi life, still untouched by the outer world. An interaction over a cup of tea with the pastoral communities like Vadiara Rabaris, the Bharwads, nomadic/semi-nomadic groups like the Mirs and Bajanias living in this area makes your journey very interesting and realistic.

The desert safari is an enjoyable experience. You have the unique opportunity to see the Wild Ass in its natural habitat. The drive to the desert is delightful as you have the chance to spot rare migratory birds. More than 300 species of birds have been identified in this region. Along the way you can also watch the Koli tribals working at salt pannels.

Balaram is a holy place with considerable importance as a Hindu pilgrimage. Situated in scenic forest areas, Balaram is an ideal spot for a day picnic from Ahmedabad. Among the many temples here are the Gaumukh, with a natural stream flowing from the mouth of a cow.

A river flows through the region and the mountains rise in beautiful formations on every side. Explore the famous Jessor Bear Sanctuary and Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary and spot sloth bear in its natural habitat. Visit the finest clusters of Jain Temples of Taranga and the holy temple of Ambaji. The architectural excellence of the Sun Temple at Modhera is sure to leave you spellbound.

Take an excursion to Patan, which is famous across the world for its textiles and ancient monuments and above all, witness the wonders of tribal lifestyles. Take part in colourful fairs and festivals of Balaram and experience the summits of fun and frolic.

Popularly known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad’s buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan , Doshi and Correa.

It is from here that Mahatma Gandhi launched his famous Dandi March, as a protest against the Salt Tax and gave human race one of its most remarkable ways to fight oppression – non-violence.

Set upon the Sabarmati riverside the city is filled with a delightful range of tourist attractions. Split into the old quarter and the new urban spaces Ahmedabad offers visitors a variety of holiday experiences that are at once entertaining and culturally enriching. Wander the bustling bazaars, explore old mosques, museums and ancient step wells. Check out the landmarks of India’s history before taking on a cultural performance at one of the performing arts centres.