Top 21 Places to Visit in Gujarat

Winter is on the door and it is the peak season of tourism. The holiday season is celebrated all across the globe and travelers from other countries visit India to explore the country's richness and cultural heritage. Gujarat is one such location in India that is famous for its Runn Utsav, Archaeological Park, Ancient temple and architecture, and many more. There are several reasons why a person should visit Gujarat. Gujarat has everything from the fossil fuels of Dinosaurs to the home of Asiatic lions.

It attracts millions of tourists every year from every corner of the world. The scenic beauty, ancient historical monuments, ramparts of the world’s oldest civilization, and the mesmerizing beaches of Gujarat create an image that is hard to break. Travelers also enjoy the local folk dance and mouth-watering cuisine of the state which is famous all over the world. There are several places to visit in Gujarat, and each one contained charm and history in itself.

Best Places to Visit in Gujarat

Scratching your head this winter season that where to go on a vacation? Well, A trip to Gujarat is the answer. This state is one of the largest states in India and it will surely make you fall in love with its culture and people if you have planned the trip smartly. We have done half the work of yours by shortlisting the major tourist attraction of the state. Check them and make sure not to miss out on any of them when you vacation in Gujarat. From Parks to temples, there are several best places to visit in Gujarat that you can explore. Have a close look at the destination.

Tarnetar


Tarnetar is a famous tourist destination of Gujarat which is mainly known for its Tarenetar festival. You will find yourself amid colors, music, and romance whenever you will be here. This fair has its root in Draupadi Swayamvara. Young tribals male and female choose this fair to look for a partner for them. When you are here make sure to watch the performance of Rabari women who performed the Rahado dance. Magical shows. photographer stalls and marry go round rides are organized in the fair to attract visitors from a far land.

Places to visit: Tarnetar Fair, Dholidaja dam, Chamundi mata temple, Trimandir Location: Tarnetar Gujarat

How to reach: Than junction is the nearest railway station at a distance of 12 km from tarnetar while Rajkot airport is the nearest airport to this location at a distance of 90 km.

Best time to visit: November to February

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Vadodara


Also known by name of the Cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara is one of the best places to visit in the state. This city was established by Gaekwads who were the feudatories of Marathas. This city offers a fusion of past and present. Vadodara flourished and modernized under the rule of Maharaja Sayajirao II and this city enjoy great patronage even during the British Rule in India. Kadia Dunger Caves, Lakshmi Vilas Palace, and Makarpura Palace are famous tourist attractions of this city.

Places to visit: Museum

Location: Vadodara Gujarat

How to reach: Vadodara is connected with major cities of India through air and rail transportation.

Things to do: Explore the palace.

Best time to visit: October to December

Also Read- Top 20 Tallest Statues in the World

Kevadiya


Situated in the Narmada district of Gujarat, Kevadiya is a new emerging tourist destination that is one of the best places to visit in the state. Located at a distance of 85 km from Vadodara, this place is merely famous for the World’s largest statue that is the Statue of Unity. This place is nestled between Satpura and Vindhya mountains and it is a tribal village.

Places to visit: Statue of Unity

Location: Kevadiya Gujarat

How to reach: Vadodara is the nearest city at a distance of 85 km from Kevadiya while Ahmedabad is 189km away from here.

Things to do: Explore the tribal village.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year.

Ahmedabad

The fifth largest city in India and the main commercial hub of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is one of the best places to explore in the state. This city is well known for its deep-rooted culture, mesmerizing architecture, and mouth-watering food. The ancient name of this city was Karnawati as it was founded by King Karandev during the 11th century but after the invasion of Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411, the name of this city was changed to Ahmedabad.


Ahmedabad organizes International Kite Festival every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti which makes the blue sky of this city colorful. Akshardham temple, and Sabarmati Ashram, are major tourist destinations in this city. You can get a special Gujarati thali and other dishes such as Khakhra, Dhokla, fried chilies, etc. If you don’t have much time, still you can cover famous places in Ahmedabad within 2 to 3 days of your Gujarat visit.

Places to visit: Akshardham temple, Sabarmati Ashram

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by flight as well as train from major cities of India.

Things to do: Feel the silence at Sabarmati Ashram, Law Garden, and Victoria Garden to feel the vibe.

Best time to visit: November to February

Porbandar


In recent times, Porbandar has emerged to be a major trading hub of Gujarat and it is among the most beautiful city of Gujarat to visit. This beach town is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi who is the father of the nation. Temple and the dams in the locality added more beauty to the place and the wildlife spots available here make this place a fun-packed holiday destination

Places to visit: Mahatma Gandhi birth house, Bird sanctuary

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: You can reach Porbandar by air, rail, and road transportation as this place is well connected with all ways of transportation.

The thing to do: Sightseeing, Local food.

Best time to visit: October to March

Junagadh


Junagadh means Old Fort. The step of this fortified city will take you into the glorious history of India. Junagadh was ruled by Babi Nawabs till the eve of India’s Independence. Though he wants to join Pakistan after the partition but due to the Hindu majority population in the state, Junagadh ended up joining the Indian side. Junagadh is mainly looked at as a base camp for Gir National Park, but this city itself has some beautiful historical monuments. Ashokan rock pillar and Mahabat ka Maqbara are examples of it. This city is great for the history buff and has plenty of monuments that are unexplored yet.

Places to visit: Uperkot Fort, Buddhist caves, Wellington Dam

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Rajkot and Porbandar is the nearest airport to Junagadh. From there you have to take a bus or taxi which will take you to Junagadh.

Things to do: Shopping, Historical tour.

Best time to visit: October to January

Champaner-Pavagadh park


Located in the close vicinity of Vadodara, Champaner is famous for its Archaeological Park. This city has ruins of the ancient city which can be dated back to the 8th century and in the year 2004, this city got a place in UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jama Masjid which was built here during the reign of Mahmud Begada is a mixture of both Islamic and Hindu designs of architecture. This park is surely a sight to behold and is counted among the top places to visit in Gujarat. If you are here, make sure you didn’t skip this location.

Places to visit: Pavagadh hills & temple and Jami Masjid

Location: Champaner Gujarat

How to reach: Vadodara is the nearest railway station which is located at a distance of 48 km from the park. Also, Vadodara is the nearest airport to this location. You have to hire a private cab or taxi for the rest of the journey.

Things to do: Explore the historic site and Photography

Best time to visit: October to February

Dwarka


Situated on the Gomti Creek of Gujarat, Dwarkadhish Temple is one of India's finest temples, which holds a great place in Hinduism. Legend state that this temple was built by the Grandson of Lord Krishna. This place is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna who settled here with his Yadava clan. Dwarka has plenty of options for its guest. From the last few years, a new type of tourism that emerged here is Scuba Diving where a team of experienced Divers takes you into the deep sea. Arabian coast is running alongside the Dwarka temple and the beaches here give a glimpse of sea turtles, octopuses, and starfish.

If you are planning to make a visit to Dwarka, make sure to visit during Krishna Janmashtami, as you will witness the temple covered in garlands of flowers and fairy lights.

Places to visit: Scuba Diving. Dwarka temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Jamnagar is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 45 km from Dwarka temple. From there you can easily get a shared cab or government bus.

Things to do: Watch the unique practices at the temple, Gomti river – where you can have a camel ride.

Best time to visit: November to February

Gir National Park


The only place in the whole of Asia where you can spot Asiatic lions in Gir National Park which is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. This National Park is home to different species such as black bucks, Asiatic lions, fish owls, and many more. Spread over an area of 1412 sq km, it is believed that this is the only national park in India where a community lives inside the perimeters of the park and that’s too in complete harmony with animals. You will surely get an eerie feeling of anticipation while you will be on an open jeep ride looking for a lion. This place is must visit place if you are in Gujarat.

Places to Visit: Jungle trail, Safari Park

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Junagadh is the nearest railway station to Gir. You can hire a private taxi or cab to reach your destination.

Things to Do: Bird watching, Jungle safari

Best time to visit: September to February

Rani ki Vav


One of the rare monuments of Gujarat which was built by a queen in memory of his beloved King, Rani ka vav is a mesmerizing step well. As soon as the work of this vav was complete this place got submerged into flood due to the Saraswati river. It was the 1980s when this place was excavated by an Archaeological Survey of India. Built-in the year 1063 by Rani Udaymati in memory of his husband Raja Bhimdev I, this vav is well preserved even after thousand years. UNESCO World Heritage site Rani ka vav is a famous tourist attraction of Gujarat.

Places to visit: Rani ka Vav

Location: Patan Gujarat

How to reach: Ahmedabad is the nearest airport to this location. From there you have to take a bus to Patan which will take 3.5 hours to cover the distance.

Things to do: Explore the historic site

Best time to visit: Any time of the year

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Modhera


Famous for its sun temple, Modhera is another city in Gujarat that is famous for its spiritual vibes. This scenic village is also known for its beautiful structure, legend, and relics of the medieval period which leave an impact on the mind of travelers who visit here. Plan your trip in such a way that you didn’t miss the various festivals organized in Modhera such as Kuchipudi, Garba, and Bharatnaytyam on the premise of Sun Temple.

Places to visit: Sun Temple, Surya Kund, Modeshwari Mata temple.

Location: Modhera Gujarat

How to reach: Ahmedabad is the nearest airport to Modhera. Afterward, you have to hire a taxi or you can get a bus to Modhera which is located in the Mehsana district.

The thing to do: Experience the serenity of Mazar-e-Noorani, Visit Windfarm Beach

Best time to visit: October to March

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Somnath Temple


First and the most sacred among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath temple is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. This temple is lying on the shore of the Arabian sea and it is a thing of wonder. In the ancient past, this temple has been destroyed by invaders several times and it was rebuilt by the local rulers several s times. Legend state that it was once built by Lord soma in gold and once by Ravana in Silver, Once by Lord Krishna in wood, and once by King Bhimadeva in stone. The stone architecture of the temple stands to date and it attracts millions of devotees every year from every corner of the world.

Places to visit: Junagarh gate, Somnath temple, Suraj temple, Triveni ghat

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Diu is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 65 km from the Somnath temple or you can take a train to Veraval railway station which is at a distance of 6 km from the temple. Afterward, you can hire a local cab or taxi to reach your destination.

Things to do: Make a visit to Suraj temple, visit Laxmi Narayan temple, visit Somnath temple,

Best time to visit: October to March

Rann of Kutch


There is a famous proverb that says " Kutch Nahin Dekha to Kuch Nahin Dekha", which means "if you have not seen Kutch, you have not seen anything". This place is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat and especially during Rann Mahotsav. What makes Kutch more surreal is that this place remains submerged in the water during monsoon and remaining eight months, it is a gigantic stretch of white salt which look like a white desert. If you are here on a full moon night, you can witness the desert shines bright as a diamond and it brings a surreal sense of calmness to it.

For the last few years, Gujarat tourism has started organizing cultural programs here o gull moon night, and tents are pitched in the wondrous land for the stays of visitors. This place is one of the most mesmerizing beauties of Gujarat and also one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. Home to the migratory bird flamingo this place is their home and they came here all the way from Siberia.

Places to visit: Kandla port, Rann of Kutch, Dholavira (Indus valley civilization site)

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Bhuj is the nearest airport as well as the railway station to Kutch, from there you have to take a local cab or taxi for the rest of your journey.

Things to do: Cultural festival, Taste local cuisine, Attend ran Mahotsav.

Best time to visit: October to February

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Diu 


A small island of Gujarat, Diu is a place that refreshes its, visitors, with the splash of waves. If you wish to traverse through powdery-white sand and feel the closeness with the nature and sea, Diu is the perfect location for that. One of the main advantages that why you should visit Diu is that alcohol is legal here. But important of all, don’t forget to explore the amazing architectural work of the Portuguese who made Diu their home during the 17th You can feel the essence of Portuguese art in the atmosphere of Diu. Diu is considered to be the best place to visit in Gujarat.

Places to visit: Naida caves, Diu Fort, Mahadev Temple, INS Khukri museum, Church.

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Una is the nearest railway station to Diu which is located at a distance of 12 km from Diu. Una is connected with Ahmedabad and Mumbai railway stations.

Things to do: Walk on the beach, Visit Museum.

Best time to visit: August to February


Bhuj


Though this city was damaged severely in the year 2001 due to Earthquake over the year this place has grown as one of the most famous and major tourist attractions of Gujarat. The roots of this city can be traced back to the 16th century when Bhuj was an independent state. This city is the home to ancient monuments Cenotaphs Complex which is the houses tomb of the royal family of Bhuj. Prag Mahal, which is a magnificent palace is another place to visit in Bhuj. The Aaina Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum, and Hamirsar Lake are other locations that are famous tourist attractions which make Bhuj one of the best places to visit in Gujarat.

Places to visit: Mandvi Beach, Sharad Baug Palace,

Location: Bhuj Gujarat

How to reach: Bhuj is connected with the major city of India through air and rail transportation.

Things to do: Shopping center, Ancient monuments.

Best time to visit: November to March

Saputara


The only hill station in Gujarat that fills you with fresh air otherwise this state is having hot and humid climate is Saputara. Saputara is a hot and new tourist destination in Gujarat which is sprawled beautifully on a forested plateau. You can see a huge gigantic lake which is surrounded by beautiful resorts on its side. The climate here remains pleasant throughout the year but the monsoon is the best time to visit Saputara when the mist which came out of the lake covers the area nearby.

The boat club, a local artisan village, a tribal museum, and a cable car are famous tourist attractions of this place. This place is considered t be one of the best places to visit in Gujarat and also the most romantic place to visit in Gujarat. This place could turn out to be a perfect location for relaxation from the hectic schedule.

Places to visit: Saputara Lake, Artist village, Hatgadh village.

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Bilimora is the nearest railway station to Saputara which is at a distance of 50 km from this hill station. This railway station is connected with major cities of India and you can easily get a shared cab or taxi.

Thing to do: Visit Gira falls and Vansda National park.

Best time to visit: October to February

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Lothal


One of the prominent sites of Indus Valley Civilisation, Lothal is something that will excite you if you are a history lover. You can also see a small museum that is home to ancient cooking utensils, jewelry, gemstones, and apparel of our ancestors, who use to live atinhis place some 5000 years back.

Places to visit: Lothal Dockyard

Location: Lothal Gujarat

How to reach: Bhurkhi is the nearest railway station which is on the railway line of Ahmedabad to the Bhavnagar railway line. From here you can get a local bus which will take you to Lothal.

Things to do: Explore historic sites and photography

Best time to visit: August to March

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Surat


Surat was the first city in India where Britishers got Farman from the Mughal ruler to establish their industry in 1605. Also known by the name of cithe ty of flyovers this place is among the best places to visit in Gujarat. This city offers you a variety of delicacies that you can relish on your next trip to Surat. This place is a commercial hub of textile and diamond business and there are several tourist spots in Surat. It was an industrial hub during the British period and Dutch, and English made this city their important center of trade. You can still witness several evidence of British India.

Places to visit: Dutch Garden, Tithal Beach, Science Centre

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Surat is well connected with road rail and air transportation from major cities of India.

Things to do: Shopping center, local sightseeing, Local cuisine.

Best time to visit: October to February

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Dholavira


Dholavira is the site of the Indus valley civilization which was one of the ancient civilizations of the world. This place was once a flourished city some 4500 years back and it had its charm and uniqueness. This place has an extraordinary touch of history and wildlife and if you are someone who is deeply into ancient history, then you must visit here. If you are in Dholavira, make sure to visit Kutch desert wildlife sanctuary.

Places to visit: Kutch wildlife sanctuary, Dholavira site

Location: Gujarat

How to reach: Bhuj is the nearest railhead in the locality. You can take a road trip from Bhuj to Dholavira

The thing to do: Photography, explore the historic city

Best time to visit: October to March

Rajkot


Rajkot is commonly known as the city of Princes as it was formed in the year 1620 by Jadejas and it was under their rule till 1947. If you are someone who is interested in the history of India and wants a first-hand experience, this city has the perfect place. Rajkot was the former capital of Saurashtra and the 22nd fastest-growing city in the world.

Places to visit: Watson Museum, Jubilee Garden, Lal Pari lake

Location: Rajkot Gujarat

How to reach: Rajkot has a domestic airport which is located at a distance of 2.5 km from the city center. This place is also connected with rail transportation from the major city of India.

The thing to do: Gujarati Cuisine, Mayur Patola Art, Fun world.

Best time to visit: October to March

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Daman


Daman is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat, as it has its modern vibes and old charm which is unique in itself. This is undoubtedly one of the locations in Gujarat which will leave a mark on your memories. This small and beautiful Union territory of India has a bustling street, an ancient stone wall, and the vast sea, which all combine and make this spot a perfect destination for holidays.

Places to visit: Jampore beach, Daman fort, Amusement Park

Location: Southern part of Gujarat

How to reach: Vapi is the nearest railway station to Daman which is located at a distance of 12 km from Daman, From there you can hire an auto-rickshaw that will take you to Daman.

The thing to do: Walk on the beach, Dine at some popular restaurants, Take a spiritual tour, Water Park

Best time to visit: October to May

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