Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat graces the westernmost end of the Indian subcontinent, against the lashing waves of the Arabian Sea. Gujarat tourism is all about exploring the birthplace of civilization, a land steeped in deep spirituality and home to some of the most endangered animal species. It is a haven for all living beings alike. With a massive shoreline, it also houses one of the largest salt marshes in the world called the Rann of Kutch. From Gir national park to Marine national park, Gujarat is a dream come true for every traveler.
This erstwhile kingdom of Lord Krishna is studded with places of spiritual interest like Somnath Mahadev Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Bhalka Tirth, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and many more. It is a must-visit for spiritual seekers to adventure enthusiasts.
Gujarat tour packages will make you feel closer to nature. Go on Jeep Safari at Gir National Park, get Darshan at Somnath Mahadev Temple, and explore the lost city of Beyt Dwarka Island. With ecstatically varied geographical features, one can guarantee a memorable time in this state. To feel Gujarati culture deeply, Rann Utsav is there for you. This annual festival takes place during the winter months when the white salt desert of Rann turns into a stage for Rann Utsav. People from all over the world make it a point to visit Gujarat at least once a lifetime. Avail Gujarat packages for a more wholesome family experience with your family and loved ones.
Gir National Park
For animal lovers, one of the best places to visit is Gir National Park. Located 43 km (27 miles) north-east of Somnath, the park was established in 1965 and stretches for over 1,400 square kilometers (540 square miles).
The park is famed for being the largest dry deciduous forest in western India and the only place in the world to see the endangered Asiatic lion. Not only can visitors see Asiatic lions, they can also spot over 300 species of resident birds, jackals, crocodiles, leopards, antelopes, and deer Gujarat Attractions.
Travelers can visit the park from mid-October to mid-June. They can also go on jeep safaris around the park, which occurs three times a day, starting from 6:30 a.m.
Perfect for: Animal lovers
Insider tip: Visitors must first obtain an e-permit to visit Gir National Park
Rani ki Vav
The Rani ki Vav, or the Queen’s Stepwell, in Patan is India’s latest entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It is a historic abandoned stepwell built during the Solanki Dynasty in the 11th century.
Rani ki Vav was believed to be constructed by the widowed queen Udaymati to honor the death of her husband, Bhimdev I. It was flooded by the nearby Saraswati River and was only discovered in the 1980s.
This stepwell is designed in the shape of an inverted temple and reflects the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. It is separated into seven levels of stairs with many sculptural panels surrounding it. The panels contain more than 500 principal sculptures and over 1,000 inferior ones.
Perfect for: History lovers
Insider tip: The best time to visit Rani ki Vav is during the morning.
Statue of Unity
Being 597 feet tall (182 meters) and twice the size of the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Unity in Kevadia is the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an Indian freedom fighter Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He was nicknamed “the Founding Father of the Republic of India”, as he was instrumental in bringing the 562 princely states of the country together.
This bronze statue, spread across 20,000 square meters, was completed in 2018. It is surrounded by a 12-km (7 mi) artificial lake. For the convenience of visitors, the statue is well connected via expressways, enhanced rail systems, and helipads.
Apart from the statue itself, travelers can also enjoy a sound and laser show, a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, an Ayurvedic wellness center, and many other attractions in the surrounding area.
Perfect for: History lovers and families on vacation
Insider tip: There are many luxury tents, hotels, and local homestays in the surrounding area.
Somnath
Somnath, also known as Prabhas Patan or Somnath Patan, is an ancient city located 7 hours away from Ahmedabad. It is a popular pilgrimage destination surrounded by many temples, museums, beaches, and other attractions.
The city’s most prized attraction is the Somnath Temple. It is believed to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas (devotional representation) of Lord Shiva in India. The temple is considered a great example of Chalukya architecture with intricate carvings on its sandstone structure Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
After visiting the Somnath Temple, one can stroll around the Somnath Beach on which the temple is located. Travelers can relax here after a long day with the beautiful sea views accompanied by some fresh coconut water and corn.
Perfect for: Families on vacation
Insider tip: Swimming is not recommended at Somnath Beach.
Dwarka
The city of Dwarka is famous for being one of the char dham, the four sacred pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, and one of the seven most religious cities in India. Popularly known as the “ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna”, Dwarka is believed to have been the first capital of Gujarat.
The Dwarkadhish Temple is Dwarka’s best-known attraction. Also known as the Jagat Mandir, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and features the Chalukya style of architecture. Aside from Lord Krishna, the temple also houses shrines to other deities like Subhadra, Balarama, and Revathy Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Dwarka is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or devotional representation of Lord Shiva, which is located in the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The main attraction here is the 25 m (82 feet) tall statue of Lord Shiva, which never fails to mesmerize visitors and pilgrims.
Perfect for: People interested in culture
Insider tip: Travelers are advised to wear conservative clothing when visiting these places of worship.
Modhera
Modhera is an ancient town located on the bank of Pushpavati River. It is believed to be the site where Lord Rama performed a yagna (sacrifice) to cleanse himself of his sin of killing Ravana, the great king of Lanka.
Modhera is best known for housing the Sun Temple. It was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The temple’s premises are divided into three main parts: the Gudhamandapa (main shrine), Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), and Kunda (stepped tank) Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
After visiting the Sun Temple, one can also visit Modheshwari Mata Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Modheshwari, an avatar (incarnation) of Goddess Parvati who defeated the demon Kanar. The idol inside the temple portrays the deity as having 18 arms, each bearing a weapon.
Perfect for: History lovers
Insider tip: Visit the Sun Temple in January around the festival of Makar Sankranti, when a dance festival called “Uttarardha Mahotsav” is held.
Gandhinagar
Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 23 km (14 miles) north of Ahmadabad, Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat. Dubbed the cleanest city in Asia, Gandhinagar offers a rich cultural heritage and a peaceful environment for its visitors.
The city’s most famous attraction is the Akshardham Temple. Built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple is one of the biggest in India and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple holds 97 carved pillars, 17 ornamental domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams, and 264 sculpted figures.
Located around 3–4 km (approx. 2 miles) south-west of Gandhinagar, Adalaj Stepwell is also a place you must not miss. The structure was built in 1498 to provide access to groundwater. It is an architectural marvel due to its strength, layout, and intricate carvings Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Perfect for: People interested in architecture
Insider tip: When visiting the Adalaj Stepwell, travelers are advised to wear a hat and carry enough water to keep hydrated.
Porbandar
Porbandar is a city located in the western part of the Kathiawar Peninsula, on the Arabian Sea coast. This beautiful beach town filled with temples and dams is most famous for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna.
The Kirti Mandir is a temple which was the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. The architecture is a combination of Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian styles. Here, travelers can walk through the corridors and see oil paintings as well as black and white paintings of the Founding Father of India.
The Nehru Planetarium, also known as Tara Mandir, is one of the two planetariums established by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Here, travelers can learn about the planets, stars, and celestial bodies present in the solar system Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Perfect for: Families on vacation
Insider tip: Shoes are not allowed inside the Kirti Mandir.
Ahmedabad
Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad was the former capital of Gujarat for many centuries and was declared India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017. This historic city has rapidly grown into a tourist destination, an industrial hub, and an educational hotspot Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Ahmedabad is home to many temples, the most famous one being the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir. This temple is an architectural marvel with the central gateway combining local, Marathi, Rajasthani, and British designs, and the pavilion depicting Mughal architecture. The idols inside are decorated with bright accessories and rich fabrics.
Travelers may also visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. Located 5 km (3.1 miles) north of Ahmedabad’s center, this was where Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt March for the Indian Independence Movement. There is also a Gandhi Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn more about the Father of the Nation.
Perfect for: History lovers
Insider tip: Travelers should dress conservatively when visiting the Shree Swaminarayan Temple.
Vadodara
Vadodara, previously known as Baroda, is a cosmopolitan city located about 111 km (69 miles) southeast of Ahmedabad. Built across the banks of Vishwamitri River, it is known for being an industrial center for cotton textiles, homespun cloth, chemicals, matches, machinery, and furniture.
Travelers come to Vadodara to visit the Laxmi Vilas Palace. This expansive palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and is the largest private residence in India. Travelers can visit the Coronation Room, the Gaddi Hall, which contains the throne of past kings, the Darbar Hall, and the Royal Armory inside Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Gujarat.
Another popular attraction is the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery. Here, travelers can look at artifacts, such as Indian musical instruments and Mughal miniatures. The museum also houses a few of Maharaja Sayajirao III’s collection pieces and a Persian version of the Mahabharata, which was specially commissioned by Emperor Akbar.
Perfect for: History lovers
Insider tip: The attractions inside the Laxmi Vilas Palace are open on all days except on Mondays.