FAST FACTS ABOUT GUJARAT
Area : 196077 sq. km. Population : 60383628 (AS PER 2011) Capital : Gandhinagar Language : Gujarati Currency : Indian Rupee Climate : Wet in the southern districts and Desertic in the north-west region Winter : November to February (12 - 29 Celsius) Summer : March to May (29 - 41 Celsius) Monsoon : June to October (27 - 35 Celsius)
HISTORY:
The history of Gujarat encompasses the Indus Valley civilization. The Dravidian tribes were the original inhabitants of the region. The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial activities. The history of Gujarat saw an Aryan invasion followed by a brief period of Greek rule. There were a succession of Hindu kingdoms including the era of the Guptas and culminating in the reign of the Solankis. The 9th century history of Gujarat saw the emergence of the Muslims in the political arena of the state. The Mughals established and consolidated their rule from Delhi The rule of the Mughals lasted for two centuries before it was ended by the Marathas in the 18th century.
HERITAGE
Champaner Indus Civilization sites like Lothal and Dholavera Ancient Buddhist sites
RECREATIONAL AND ECO
Nal Sarovar Gandhinagar Dunny Point
HEALTH
Ahmedabad Nadiad Karamsad Vadodara Gandhinagar, Mehsana
CITIES FAMOUS FOR
SPIRITUAL
Jyotirlingas at Somnath Temple Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka (Jamnagar district) Pavagadh Mount Girnar at Junagadh
NATURE
Asiatic Lions in Gir forest Wild Ass in Rann of Kutchh Indian bustards in bird reserves Dugong is found in Okha
ADVENTURE
Aero Sports Saputara, Pavagadh, Junagadh Water Sports Ahmedpur Mandvi, Ubhraat, Dwarka, Nargol, Tithal, Chorwad
TRADITION, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE :
Gujarat is blessed with rich and vibrant tradition of Handicrafts. It is widely differing in its proportions of its patterns to the element of wonderful exquisite Artifacts in various forms. It stands unique with diverse arts and crafts a mixed combination with aesthetic appeal. Needlework Pottery Tie and dye Bandhani Woodwork Bead work Textile culture Patola Zari Temple culture Jewellery Furnishings
As Gujarat stands as Heart of India, Multiculturalism is traced in Gujarat. Originally known as Gurjars, Gujaratis are influenced by the waves from the past that inherit values of arts, culture and traditions. For costumes, traditional outfits like chania choli by women and kedia dress is worn by men in rural areas or during cultural festivals. A traditional Gujarati Thali consisting of dal (lentils), roti, rice and vegetables apart from salads, farsan and sweet dish followed by chaas, forms the morning meal. A variety of Cuisine sub-ordinates like pickles, chutney, papad, yoghurt, etc serve as fillings on main menu.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti, January)
Global Garba (OctoberNovember)
Rann Utsav (NovemberDecember)
Tarnetar Fair (August)
Modhera Dance Festival (3rd week January)
Kankaria Carnival (2531 December)
Eight tourism hubs have been created for convenience of tourists visiting Gujarat:
Ahmedabad Metro Ahmedabad Rural (North Gujarat) Surat (South Gujarat) Vadodara (Central Gujarat) Rajkot Junagadh Jamnagar (Saurashtra) Bhuj (Kutch)
These hubs are well equipped with the modern infrastructure, facilities and services in the areas of commerce, communication, connectivity, hospitality, transportation, medical facilities etc.
AHMEDABAD
Hathee-singh Jain Temple Modhera Sun Temple
Founded in the 15th century, Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. The city is a vibrant business district and rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries. Divided in two - the old city and the new city; Ahmedabad enjoys a thriving cultural tradition, being the centre of Gujarati cultural activities. Popular celebrations and observances include Uttarayan an annual kite-flying day on 14 January and the nine nights of Navratri - celebrated with people performing Garba - the folk dance of Gujarat - at venues across the city.
AHMEDABAD METROPOLITAN
Religious Sites Hathee-singh Jain Temple Swaminarayan Temple Akshardham
Akshardham
the new city
Forests & Natural Ecosystems Sundarvan Indora Nature Park Heritage Monuments Jhulta Minara Others Ravivar (Sunday) Market Vishala
Swami Narayan Mandir Jhulta Minara
AHMEDABAD RURAL
Religious Sites Modhera Sun Temple Ambaji Temple Koteshwar Forests & Natural Ecosystems Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Gardens & Lakes Mangalya Van Others Sahasralinga Talav Buddhist Caves Kumbhariya
Ambaji Temple
the old city
Buddhist Caves
SURAT (South Gujarat)
Surat is Gujarat's second largest city, and India's 8th most populated city Surat gained fame and recognition for being the '2nd Cleanest City in India' awarded by INTACH during 1995-1996 Religious Sites Mughalsarai Vir Narmad Saraswati Mandir Gopi Talav Heritage Monuments & Structures European tombs Surat Castle
Mughalsarai
European tombs
Museums & Learning Spaces Sardar V Patel museum and Planetorium
Beaches & Coastal Sites Nargol Dandi Dumas Suvali Tithal Others Textile market Diamond industry Dandi
Dandi Beach
Textile market Gopi Talav
VADODARA (Central Gujarat)
Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda, is the third largest and most populated city in Gujarat Heritage Monuments & Structures Palaces Dabhoi Chhota Udepur Forests & Natural Ecosystems Vadhvana Wetland & Eco campsite Others Vadodra Museum Kadia Dungar caves
Kadia Dungar caves
RAJKOT
Rajkot has many historical landmarks and places to visit. The Jubilee Garden is a large, open park in the center of the city featuring many monuments from colonial times Heritage Monuments & Structures Wankaner Gondal Forests & Natural Ecosystems Rampara Widlife Sanvtuary Bajana
Khambhalida caves
Wankaner
Others Khambhalida caves
JUNAGADH
Religious Sites Jama Masjid Buddhist Caves Satguru Rohidass Ashram
Archaeological & Architectures Ashokas Edicts Junagadh Caves Forests & Natural Ecosystems Mt. Girnar Pania Widlife Sanctuary Beaches & Coastal Sites Sarkheswar Beach Madhavpur beach Mt. Girnar
Junagadh Caves
SOMNATH TEMPLE
The Somnath Temple located near Veraval in Saushtra, on the western coast of Gujarat It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of (the) Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed sixteen times by Muslim invaders.
GIR FOREST
The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activities and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh.
JAMNAGAR
The pearl city is formed over the ages. Layer after layer has been laid on what used to be a tiny fishing settlement:pearl fishing; bandhani, the traditional fabric dyeing technique; a series of Jams or rulers, who brought prosperity, glory in the world of cricket and a crumbling old city full of stories. Forests & Natural Ecosystems Ranjitsagar Dam Peter scott Nature Park Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Lakhota Talav
Others Old City Chandi Bazaar Lakhota Talav
Beaches & Coastal Sites Rozi port and Bedi port
BHUJ (KUTCH)
Bhuj is a city in Kutch district. Bhuj connects you to a range of civilizations and important events in South Asian history through prehistoric archaeological finds, remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, places associated with the Mahabharata. Religious Sites Swaminarayan Temple
Heritage Monuments & Museums Aina Mahal Prag Mahal Kutch Museum Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan
Aina Mahal
How to reach Gujarat: By Air: The state of Gujarat has 10 domestic airports and an international airport in the state capital Gandhinagar . All major airlines of India like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, etc have regular operations
By Road: Total 68,900kms of roadways comprising of National Highways, State Highways and other roads run through the state connecting the major cities of the state with the rest of the country. By Rail: Extensive railways network runs through the state of Gujarat. The state is served by several important trains
Ports: Major Kandla Minor Mandvi, Mundra, Sikka, Okha, Porbandar, Veraval, Bhavnagar, Salaya, Pipavav, Mahuva, Jafrabad, Hazira
DOS AND DONTS
DOS Read culture of Gujarat i.e. about their traditions and perception Know about the temperature prevailing at the time of visit Proper planning is to be done to avoid wastage of time Check about photography permission / video filming at any monument Keep valuables in hotel locker / safe deposit vaults and get receipt DONTS Dont travel without tickets in public transports Don't encourage beggars. Don't accept food or drink from strangers. Smoking and drinking is not allowed in public places
