Hope, we didn’t take Big B seriously, when he said we should spend some time in Gujarat, because it will take a lot more time to truly explore and experience this diverse land of vivid colours, flavours and culture.

Talk about a tourist destination that clubs many things together - adventure, wildlife, architecture, culture and food. When you say ‘Nah, there can’t be one!’ we say ‘Yes, there is and that is Gujarat!’ This state is definitely not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of travelling - forbidden alcohol and the buzz around the father of our nation! But surprisingly, Gujarat has managed to be the state, foremost in gaining from the booming national tourism. They have seamlessly integrated values of the past and ways of the future to make visiting Gujarat, an experience like no other.

Rann Utsav: 1st December 2014 to 5th March 2015

Image Source: Flickr @Kaushik_Patel

One of the most striking places in Gujarat is the Rann Of Kutch- as the tagline of the ‘Khushboo Gujarat ki’ campaign by Amitabh Bachchan, goes ‘Kutch nahi dekha to kuchh nahi dekha’, it totally stands true. Rann of Kutch is a nature’s miracle- this patch is submerged under water during monsoons and turns into a massive salt desert in winters; this place holds so much biodiversity together, it’s unbelievable. The most famous of fairs across India is the Rann Utsav that takes place in winters, here on this breathtaking landscape, every year. The Rann Utsav brings culture, colour and diversity of Gujarat together in a beautiful moonlit setting. The whole place is converted into a tent city, where you can camp, during the festival. A moonlight camel safari will give you a breathtaking view of this white desert that looks like a beautiful kaleidoscope of moonlight, salt and sands.

While you’ve made up your mind to visit the Rann Utsav, at the same time there are lot of reasons you might want to stay a little longer in Gujarat and let it amaze you in so many ways:

Gourmet Galore

If you are visiting Gujarat for only one thing, let it be the food. There’s nothing better than savouring an ice-cream during chilly winter days, while Gujarat being the epicentre of milk revolution offers dairy delights in abundance. Other than that, authentic Gujarati foods can be explored at streets like Khau Galli in Law garden area and Khan Pan Bazaar in Manekchowk, Ahmadabad. Gorge on the lip smacking Dhokla, Khandvi, Srikhand, Haandvo, Bhajiya and many more.

Nature Nirvana

Want to get a feel of the African safari, watching pride of the lions, roaming in huge marshes in open gypsies? Then the closest you can get to this experience is in Gujarat. Winters are also the best time to visit the sanctuary. Right amongst the most ancient Girnagri Mountains lies the Gir sanctuary, the only protected abode of Asiatic lions where the population of these magnificient creatures are increasing every consecutive year. Not just lions, Gujarat also has the last of the wild asses population in India. The biggest breeding grounds for flamingos, other animals to look out for are the blackbucks, leopards, antelope, and hyenas. Is there anything this state doesn’t possess?!

Religious Rhapsody

Ever heard about a temple that is of mythological importance to devotees of two most important Hindu gods in India, this one-of-a-kind rarity is found in Somnath. Also known as the place where the moon God worshipped Lord Shiva; mythological tales also call it the place where Lord Krishna was killed. There are so many folklores associated with the temple that makes the astounding structure truly mystic and divine, this temple has borne the brunt of civilizations by being destroyed and reconstructed several times by different rulers.

Architectural Awe

The Laxmi Vilas palace in Baroda is one of the architectural marvels of India, it stands tall as home to the royal family of Baroda and is known to be four times larger than the Buckingham Palace of England! This palace is the pride of Baroda/Vadodara, one of the finest royal palaces around the world.

Mahatma Memoirs

Image Source: Flickr @pee_vee

Gandhi and Gujarat are inextricably connected and that is what makes Sabarmati Ashram a must see when you are in Gujarat; it’s a monument that is of high national importance. It is the same place from where Mahatma Gandhi led his Dandi march and various Satyagraha activities; the ashram presently consists of a museum exhibiting the important events during Gandhi’s time. The place is the original cottage where Gandhi lived during his lifetime. Various displays of Gandhi’s belongings that offer us a glimpse into his ideology and his works towards the upliftment of society and self-dependence. Well, there’s a lot of Gandhigiri to be learnt here!

Beach Bonhomie

Image Source: Flickr @Kaushik_Patel

Gujarat boasts to have the longest coastline in India, spread over an area of 1600m thus making it a favourable destination amongst those who love to have fun in the sun and sand. A visit to the Ahmedpur- Mandvi beach would explain it all- the crystal blue waters, the picturesque sunset makes it an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, or just lounging at the beach side with friends. Do carry your DSLR and practice your titanic pose!

Textile Treasures

Gujarat is also known as the Manchester of the east because textiles form a major and integral part of the state’s primary industry. Variety of ethnic textiles and ancient prints are created here like Patola silk, Bandhej and Matani. There are various market-places across the state where you can get these fabrics and designs at a good bargain. We know the shopaholic in you just got jumpy! Go, indulge.

Since, Gujarat has been voted as one of the safest places for women travellers, this gives you one more reason to put this destination on priority in your bucket list of holidays. Once, you reach Gujarat just surrender and let the wonders of this state weave magic, and you will keep coming back for more.

Shilpa Ahuja

A young lass, even younger at heart who's into all finer things of life - travel, food, luxury. A PR person by profession, trying to make it big in the field of writing for the love of it.

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