The western state of Gujarat is relatively the wealthiest in India with important temple cities, forts and palaces - rich in unique crafts, vivid costumes, dances and typical music. This state has remained little affected by modern influences and still retains much of its traditional aspects in etiquette and ambience.

This is the state that gave India its 'Father of the Nation'- Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati displays the Mahatma's letters and other possessions and collection of photographs of his years of India's freedom struggle. Porbundar, the ancient international port is associated with the family of Mahatma Gandhi- this is where this great man was born.

The architectural diversity in Gujarat reflects the influences of different ruling dynasties. The Buddhist Mauryas, Hindu Rajas and the Muslim emperors constructed remarkable palaces, temples, tombs and mosques. The Kathiawar region- also known as Saurashtra is abundant with temples, mosques, palaces and forts, which present different architectural highlights. The coastal temple at Somnath and the Krishna temple at Dwarka present their unique splendour. Junagadh still houses the two thousand year old architectural remains of the fort and inscriptions from the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The well known shaking minarets are located at Ahmedabad and the Jain Temples at Palitana which are on every visitor's map to Gujarat.


A must see at Gujarat is the Gir National Park, the natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. Another famous geographical feature which rates high on the travel chart is the wide spread Rann of Kutch, known for the rare specie of wild ass. Kutch stands guardian to strong folk tradition that is still represented in popular craft, clothing and jewellery design

Must sees at Gujarat: Ahmedabad - Bhadra, the mosque, Ahmed Shah's mosque, Sidi Sayyid's mosque, Alif Shah's mosque, Jami Masjid all built in Indo- Islamic style of architecture. The shaking minarets - built on a foundation of flexible sand stone. Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Gandhinagar. Lothal- with its remains of Harappan (Indus Valley) civilization dating back to 2400 BC. Modhera in northern part of the state which houses the eleventh century sun temple built on the Solanki temple architecture. Rann of Kutch - famous for Kutch handicrafts- leather embroidery, woodcarvings, paint terracotta, silver engravings and the typical bandhani cloth. Jamnagar for architectural marvels, Dwarka for the famous Krishna temple. Sasangir - entry point to the Gir National Park.

 

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