Tourism in Gujarat – Things to do in Gujarat

Mandavi beach, Gujarat

Been listening to Amitabh Bachchan’s urgings for ‘Kuch din toh guzariye Gujarat mein’ and wondering what exactly to do in Gujarat during your vacation? Well, we have prepared a concise guide that would tell you what you ought to do while in the culturally rich terrains of Gujarat.

Explore Wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts have a lot to explore in the many National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. In fact, its four National Parks and twenty-three wildlife sanctuaries occupy 8.7% of its geographical area. This is more than double the national average! The first thing that comes to mind when wildlife exploration is mentioned of Gujarat state are the state’s status as the sole home of Asiatic lions in the world. Let the thickets of Gir National Park reveal their hidden dwellers, expect to spot wide array of animals and birds in a wildlife safari.


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Get to know the ocean’s family better at India’s first Marine National Park in Gulf of Kutch. Blackbuck National Park, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife, Thol Lake Bird sanctuary and Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary are some other must-visit destinations in this state remarkably rich in biodiversity. Talking of wildlife exploration, don’t forget to include the pleasures of witnessing the race of elegant Asian wild asses against salt flats in your itinerary. You might try to join in the race and try your chances as well!

Get lost in the white expanses of Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

This milky white stretch of 7,505 sq km is a true geographical wonder! Yes, the surreal sense evoked by the beautiful pictures of Rann of Kutch is true of the actual site as well. If you happen to be in Gujarat during November, do not miss to witness the famed Rann Utsav. Breathing in the serene environ of Rann of Kutch under the shimmering glow of full moon is a treat to your senses. The ethereal beauty of the arid salt marsh is beautifully complemented by the ethnic hues brought in by its native population.

Follow the trails of its long coastline

Did you know that Gujarat has the longest coastline in the entire country? A visit to Gujarat is incomplete without letting its beaches let you feast on the undulating rhythms of the sea. Diu beach, Nargol beach, Tithal beach, Dwaraka beach and Jamnagar beach are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, let their magical shores relax and rewind your senses.

Soak up The Tribal Charm of Saputara

Gira Waterfalls, Gujarat
Gira Waterfalls, Gujarat

The only hill station in this predominantly arid land, Saputara translates to ‘abode of snakes’. Enter its nature’s womb, let the lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls feed the arid regions of your soul. One of its chief attractions is the 75 m drop of Gira Falls amidst spectacular greenery. Explore its cold and misty environ upon foot. One ought to learn about the rich ethnic culture of its native tribal population as well, visit their shrines for serpent gods upon the beautiful banks of Sarpaganga river.

Experience Gandhiji’s essence at Sabarmati Ashram        

Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat
Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat

Sabarmati Ashram, nestling upon the serene banks of river Sabarmati, had served as the home for Mahatma Gandhi during a crucial period of his illustrious political life. Get to know more about his life and philosophy through the many exhibitions, archives, galleries and relics at the museum in Ashram. Visitors can let the 90 min guided walking tour across the precincts of the ashram educate one further about this great son of India’s soil. Let its austere premises help you experience the remnants of his essence that still live in this land.

Arise upon the wings of hot air balloon over Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake, Gujarat
Kankaria Lake, Gujarat

Think lakes, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind are images of boating. But Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad lets you rise high in the air as well. Indulge in the pleasures of a hot air balloon whilst visiting Kankaria Lake.

Worship at Ancient Shrines

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka

Join in the thousands who flock to the state for Darshan at the holiest of Shrines- Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarkadhish Temple and Shri Arasuri Ambaji Temple. Let their sacred essence nourish your spiritual longings as well!


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Modhera Dance Festival- Explore the Rich Culture of Gujarat

Modhera Dance Festival- Explore the Rich Culture of Gujarat

India is such a diverse country, full of festivals and known for its rich culture. One of the major ways to express its diversity is through its dance. There are umpteen numbers of dance forms are in India differ from state to state.

However, Modhera Dance Festival is one of its kinds. This dance form is originated from Gujarat.

Modhera Dance Festival

Vibrant Gujarat is popular for its colorful dance form and different festivals held there each year. Modhera Dance Festival is a three-day festival of Indian classical dance. One can enjoy these dance forms in the setting in which they were originally performed. Gujarat is known as the land of festivals and cultures. This festival is the best place to explore the traditional and exclusive Gujarati dance and songs. The Ravechi Fair held each September takes place at the Ravechi Mata temple. It is estimated that over 30,000 visitors arrive in Gujarat just to attend the Ravechi Fair. This exclusive dance festival will be happening from 19- 21 January 2018.

Night View at Modhera Dance Festival
Night View at Modhera Dance Festival
Image credit-Flickr

The sun temple at Modhera creates an exuberant atmosphere at night and the festival flaunts the glory of that era. This unique place highlights the traditional dance form of the place significantly. This dance form brings the traditional culture of the place together. This place is famous for its fantastic festivals. Modhera is the temple of the sun and the space of the temple acts as a grandiose for the dance performance. The performers bring the rich culture of the place through their dance. The dancers bring life to the place and the three-day festival is organized by the Gujarat tourism.

Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat
Image credit Flickr

This dance festival is dedicated to Lord Surya and the main aim of the dance form is to bring the classical dance form to the limelight. This famous festival is held every year in the month of January. The sun temple of Modhera is an amazing temple, specially designed such a way that the first rays of the sun illuminate the deity in the temple. This temple embellishes with all kinds of lights and displays as the backdrop during the classical dance festival. Find the marvelous Modhera dance festival this year in Gujarat and attaining the festival you will know more about the rich culture of the place. This festival attracts international and national vacationers every year and the alluring dance festival is becoming more popular day by day.

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Rajiv Seharawat

Rajiv Seharawat is a man who wears many feathers on his hat. He is a one-man army and runs the whole show. He is in his Diet Clinic Health Care Pvt. Ltd. He is visiting his Franchise outlets and happily giving time to his friends and others and motivating everyone to do the best in their life.

Where to go this Valentine Weekend ?

If you are still pondering on where you can go this Valentine weekend, then do check this offbeat destination –

Bedecked camels, colourful turbans and tents that accommodate thousands of tourists who throng this extravaganza in the spectacular landscape of white salt-encrusted desert plains of Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Warm hospitality, excellent food is what you shall get at Rann Utsav.

How to reach Rann Utsav– It is organised in a small village called Dhordo. Dhordo can be approached via Bhuj.

At the Rann Utsav– You get an occasion to observe the creative skill of the artisans and craftspeople, mixed collection of folk music and performances, mixed representation of culture and communities, along with a vast diversity in ecology.

– Rann Utsav, Gujarat

The colourful fair which is held near the banks of a lake swings with the spirit of festivity, fervour and flamboyance. You could be part of the organised tour around Kutch which allows you to experience the zeal and uniqueness of the people through a celebration of life.

Below is the programme schedule for 2 Night – 3 Day stay at Premium AC tents

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Itinerary: Day 1

12.30 PM: Welcome and Check-in

12.30 PM to 02.00 PM: Lunch at Dinning Area

02.00 PM to 04.30 PM: Fun and Entertainment Activities at White Rann Resort/Rann Utsav

04.30 PM to 05.00 PM: Evening High Tea

05.00 PM to 07.30 PM: Visit White Rann

08.00 PM to 09.30 PM: Dinner at Dinning Area

09.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Cultural Activities at White Rann Resort

Itinerary: Day 2

07.30 AM to 09.00 AM: Breakfast at Dinning Area

09.00 AM to 12.30 PM: Fun and Entertainment Activities at White Rann Resort /Rann Utsav.

12.30 PM to 02.00 PM: Lunch at Dinning Area

02.00 PM to 08.00 PM: Complimentary Tour to Kalo Dungar and Gandhi nu Gam

08.00 PM to 09.30 PM: Dinner at Dinning Area

09.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Cultural Activities at White Rann Resort

Itinerary: Day 3

07.30 AM to 09.00 AM: Breakfast at Dinning Area

09.30 AM: Check out

10.00 AM: Departure for Bhuj with Complimentary Sightseeing of Bhujodi, Swaminarayan Temple and Aina Mahal

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Transfers:

Arrival: Transfer from Bhuj to White Rann Resort, Dhordo (Approx. 85 km 2 Hr drive)

08.45 AM: From Bhuj Railways Station/Bhuj Airport

10.30 AM: From Bhuj Railways Station

02.30 PM: From Bhuj Railways Station

Departure:

10.00 AM: From White Rann Resort, Dhordo To Bhuj

Sports and recreation Image courtesy-rannutsav.org
Sports and recreation
Image courtesy-rannutsav.org

Adventure activities: There are adventure activities like Parasailing, Artificial  wall climbing, high rope course, Zip line, Bungy trampoline, Jeep riding, Snooker/ Pool, Table tennis, Badminton, Air hockey, battery car, shooting games, bull ride and rocket parachute.

So, if all of the above excites you be at the Rann Utsav this Valentine weekend.

 Wishing all a very Happy Valentine Weekend in advance.

References:  An initiative of Gujarat Tourism

Rann Utsav

Compass Tourism

The International Kite Festival

With the onset of January, there are many festivals to look forward to. According to the Indian calendar, the day when winter begins to turn into summer and the farmer gets ready for the harvest season it is called Makara Sankranti or Uttarayan. It is a bright sunny day with brisk breezes ideal for the kites to soar in the skies. It is celebrated every year on 14th January.

The International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Gujarat, India. The kites are manufactured months before this festival at Patang Bazaar, the special kite market where you can get kites and kite supplies. The kite makers prepare a strong kite with springy bamboo frames and kite paper. This is then attached with a spool of manja (a kite-string that is coated with the mixture of glass and glue so that you could cut strings of rival kites.

Manja (the string with which kite is flown) Maker, Meena Kadri - http://www.flickr.com/photos/meanestindian/357930034/
Manja (the string with which kite is flown) Maker

 The International Kite Event takes place in Ahmedabad. The event is organised by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. You could enjoy this festival at its best from Sabarmati Riverfront where the sky is filled with thousands of kites. This festival is on 10th and 11th January. It is one of the most colourful festivals to be celebrated on the national and international level. There is fervor of humanity, celebration, vigor and excitement. It is a platform that allows people from all walks of life to come together and display their skills in flying.

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Kites are made from different materials like paper and cloth. There is an amazing collection on display from simple and fancy kites in all shapes and sizes. Kites also have social messages, awareness information in unique patterns and designs. Each kite is unique. Kites with geometric designs are a common sight. Kite flyers experiment with various things like string, kite shapes, sizes, and materials like paper, khadi, silk, fibre glass and polyester film.

International-Kite-Festival-2016-in-AHmedabad

Schedule of the event across Gujarat, India is as follows:

8th Jan 2016 – Surat, Rajkot

9th Jan 2016- Vadodara and Bhavnagar

10 and 11th – Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad

12th– Bhuj and Porbandar

13th -Modhera and Khambhat

14th– Pol, Ahmedabad

International Kite Flying -2016 will have around 100 participants from various countries like UK, Germany, Austria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, USA, Canada, Thailand, Italy, Estonia, Cambodia, Netherland, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine, Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, China, Turkey, Brazil, Belgium, France, Nigeria, Poland and South Korea.

800px-International_Kite_Festival,India

Kite Masters and flyers from around the world showcase their unique creations and wow the crowds with their unusual kites. A few years back, kite makers from Malaysia brought their wau-balang kites, giant banner kites were bought by kite innovators of USA and Japanese rokkaku fighting kites shared space in the sky with sculptural kites from Italy and flying dragons from China.

If you are in Gujarat, India, in the month of January then do not miss out this festival.

Happy-Uttarayan-2013-500x500

*/ PS. The above schedule is subject to change. /*

Image sources: indiatvnews.com

news.maffat.com

Meena Kadri