Gujarat, the land of the legends, Birthplace of numerous freedom fighters is a home to some of the greatest historical and archaeological monuments. It’s astounding journey from roots to wings is timeless with the legends it still echoes of.
Offering unparallel insights into the sights of the Harapan civilization, beautiful specimens of Indo Saracenic architecture, Jain temples, Buddhist Caves and the majestic Flora and Fauna, Gujarat is among the top travel destinations in India.
Offering a myriad of experiences, Gujarat is a mesmerizing blend of colorful rituals, delightful cultures, captivating legends, picturesque vistas showcasing the real splendor of the majestic India.
Be it the birthplace of a revolution that changed the history of India or the blinding glory of the temples in Gujarat, it never fails to bring out the historian in every traveler. It is both unimaginable and astonishing to learn about the walls that stand where once history was being made.
Here are some of the most bewitching places in Gujarat, calling every traveler to listen to the last song of their bygone eras.
The birthplace of the satyagraha movement, the Sabarmati ashram is a sanctuary for the peaceful aura bought upon by the unique ambience it has. Gandhi selected this place because of its close proximity to the saint dadheechis’s temple as well as from the Jain and crematorium as he believed it was the right place to carry out the search for truth and to develop fearlessness for on one side are the iron bolts of the foreigners and on the other, thunderbolts of mother nature.
A visit to this ashram will truly take you back to the audacious time of Mahatma Gandhi.
Home to the legend of lord Dattereya , Kalo Dungar is one of the most mystical and beautiful places in Gujarat. The three headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is said to have stopped at this hill while walking on earth. Upon noticing many hungry jackals, he offered them his body to eat, and while the jackals ate him, his body automatically regenerated.
Feeding the jackals is still practiced by the priests of the temple.
The bhojnalaya there brings people from all walks of life to eat together, at no cost. Because of its close proximity to the Pakistan border, there is an army post at the top of the Kalo Dungar. Tourists can admire a different perspective of the great Runn of Kutch from there.
A mausoleum standing like a silent witness to the chaos of the political and cultural disturbances since 1878, Mahabat Maqbara is built on the lines of Gothic, Hindu and Islamic Architecture. One of India’s least known yet jaw dropping architectural oddities, it is like a well-kept secret.
Culminated in elaborate carvings on the buildings’ inner and outer façades, fine arches, French-style windows, columns and shining silver doorways, this monuments beauty tries to show off the perplexing mix and complex history that gave birth to it.
Sasan Gir is the only place, besides Africa, where you can admire the beauty of the majestic lion free in the wild , in all its glory.
Species extinct in other parts of Asia, The Asiatic Lions were Indiscriminately hunted by the people of Junagarh once as well until the kind effort of Nawabs of Junagarh protected the queen royalty in his own private hunting grounds.
Covering a total of 1412 square Kilometres, this Natural Park gives us all an opportunity to witness the glorious wilderness of Gujarat.
This intricately carved honey coloured Somnath temple is one of the 12 holy jyotilingas – where lord shiva is to be believed to appear as a fiery column of light.
It is said to be primarily built by Somraj (the moon god), rebuilt by ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood and bhimdev in stone.
The fine sculptures, traditional designs and the large black shivalingham at its heart had supposedly mesmerized an Arab traveller who wrote a description so glorious it attracted the attention of the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni who stripped the temple of its wealth and destroyed it, beginning a pattern of destruction and rebuilding that continued for centuries. Tourists from all over the world visit this serene and gorgeous place.
Commemorating Lord Krishna’s Queen, The Rukmini Mata Temple is said to be 2500 years old. Carvings of gods and goddess embellish the exteriors and the main idol of Rukmini is housed in the sanctum with carved Naratharas (human figures) and Gajatharas (elephants) adorning the panels at the base of the platform.
According to the legend, Sage Duravassa once requested Lord Krishna and Rukmini to pull a chariot and take him to their house for a meal at this site. On the way Sage Durvassa felt insulted when Rukmini forgot to ask Sage if he wanted to quench his thirst, while drinking water from the river Ganges. Sage Durvassa then cursed her to a life without her husband.
An ode to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Statue of Unity is the World’s largest statue. Against the backdrop of the dramatic Vindhyachal and satpura hills in kevadia, this 182-metre statue is dedicated to the first home minister of Independent India who put people’s welfare first.
This impressive monument overlooks the huge surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada river and the sprawling sardar Sarovar dam.
Located just about 29.6 km from Surat Railway station via Hazia Road , Suvali Beach is a sight to behold. Snuggled away from the chaos of the city, Suvali Beach offers Charcoal black sand basked with crystal clear waters.
The mural-like vista is the perfect place for a dip in the ocean or for gazing at the exquisite and blissfull scenery with your Family/ friends.
Dedicated to the solar deity Surya, the sun temple was built after 1026-27 CE during the Chaulukya dynasty. This artistic and ingenious beauty has 3 componentes – Gudhamandapa (the shrine hall); Sabhamandapa (the assembly hall) and Kunda (the reservoir).
The relics of the natural elements with the myriad manifestations of the Vedic gods deck the walls of this monument. Savour your journey through the magnificent eons of the Golden period as you get greeted by the life like icons, narrating lores and the bravery etched in the walls of Modhera!
After witnessing and traveling across time with these places , one gains a time defying understanding of the dynasties and struggles before. Be it the age when Gods walked the earth or the times of brave men falling upon their sword to save the nation , these monuments are priceless because of their connection to the times gone. Makes every traveler wonder how marvelous history really was. But if the Harrappan minds and their immortal memoir through the, once cherished, walls of the ruins intrigue you , the places listed further will be better than any historical book.
Certified UNESCO sites, these places have been inviting people from all over the world to learn about the time that once was.
