The state of Gujarat is made up of three main areas. The eastern region includes the major cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara (Baroda). The Kathiawar peninsula, also known as Saurashtra, is the coastal plain that is divided from the mainland by the Gulf of Cambay. The Kutch area, separated from Saurashtra by the Gulf of Kutch is an island, that is cut off from the rest of Gujarat Cities to the east and Pakistan to the north by the low lying deserts. In the north west, during the summers, the seasonal island of Kutch trickles into hardened slat plains and local artisans weave the finest textiles in India and battle the unforgiving elements of the Little Rann, habitat of the wild ass and flocks of flamingoes. The walled town of Bhuj is the major town of Kutch and a delightful heaven off the beaten tourist track.
Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad is the second largest city of west India and the largest city in Gujarat. Ahmedabad was also the former state capital of Gujarat. Ahmed Shah I founded this city on the banks of the Sabarmati river in 1411 and thus named as Ahmedabad.
Somnath - this beautiful beach destination in Gujarat is best known for its shore temple. The temple is a magnificent structure that enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Though not as renowned as this temple, Somnath is home to numerous other.
Bhuj was the capital of the former princely state of Kutch till 1947 AD. The Rajput rulers of Kutch came from Sindh in the late 15th century and settled at Bhuj. Rao Khengarji I chose the strategic location at the base of Bhujiyo Dungar and founded the city of Bhuj in 1548 AD.
Daman is the tiny union territory which was the Portuguese enclave and situated on the southern side of the Gulf of Cambay. Geographically, Daman and Diu are the part of the state of Gujarat and connected.
The city of Dwaraka has a very large and old traditional history. Dwaraka was the capital of the western coast of Saurashtra. Dwaraka was a large, well fortified and the prosperous city due to the sea trade which prevailed in this city.
Jamnagar is a small 16th century pearl fishing town. Jamnagar was the capital of the former princely state of Nawanagar and was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, who ruled the princely states of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Gondal.
Porbandar was the last capital of the Jethwa Rajputs, who ruled this area for about 1200 years. Porbandar was a prosperous town due to the maritime trade and was a thriving port in the Mughal period. It was attacked by the Portuguese.
Surat is associated with the name Saurashtra, 'The Good Land', the regions covering the peninsula of Gujarat. It is situated on the banks of the Tapti river and owes its development to its early and sustained importance as a trading centre.
Vadodara, also known as Baroda is a cultured, harmonious university town, situated about 100 kms. southeast of Ahmedabad. Before independence, Vadodara was the capital of the one of the most powerful princely states of Baroda.