When it comes to planning a trip to Gujarat there are various options available for all types of travellers. Foodies can sample local Gujarati cuisine that includes dhokla, khandvi, thepla, khaman, dabeli, sev, farsan and undhiyon. Nature lovers can take a trip to Gujarat’s only hill station – Saputara – and the historophiles and wildlife enthusiasts can explore the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Rani ki Vav, Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary and Gir National Park amongst many other landmark tourist destinations that are some of the best places to visit in Gujarat.
With India’s longest coastline, rich history and culture, it will take not just one but many trips to truly explore Gujarat. If you are planning an itinerary for your Gujarat trip, this guide will help in narrowing down the places to visit in Gujarat, must-try food, hotels to book and markets for shopping.
Best time to visit
Gujarat can be visited throughout the year, however, October to February are the best months due to the pleasant weather.
Gujarat weather
From October to February, weather in Gujarat ranges between 12 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Exploring Gujarat in the summer months of March to June can be a little tough as the temperature ranges between 29 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius and the days can get really hot.
Best places to visit in Gujarat
1. Ahmedabad
Located near the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is a metropolitan city that is growing rapidly. It is both an industrial hub as well as an educational hotspot. From the bustling streets of Manek Chowk, one of the only places where you can have heaps of butter and cheese on your chocolate sandwich, to the serene walkway of Sabarmati waterfront – this city is a delight to visit!
Major attractions: Law Garden, Sabarmati Ashram, Sabarmati Riverfront, Manek Chowk, Auto World Vintage Car Museum.
How to reach:
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport receives direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
By train: There are a total of nineteen stations with Ahmedabad Junction being the main one and is also known as Kalupur Railway Station.
Book your stay at Hyatt Ahmedabad
Book your stay at ITC, a Luxury Collection Hotel Ahmedabad
2. Kankaria Lake
With too many attractions in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake needs a special mention as one tends to skip visiting this stunning lake due to the lack of time. Your itinerary for Ahmedabad should include one full day to explore this tourist spot with a full-fledged entertainment hub. Located in the southeastern part of the capital, this is the second-largest lake in the city. The lakefront can be visited with family where you can enjoy nature as well as leisure activities like mini golf, desert safari, balloon safari and archery.
Major attractions: Balvatika, adjoining zoo, aquarium and hill garden
How to reach:
By metro: Amraiwadi Station is the closest metro station.
By road: Ramanand Kot is the nearest and it’s another 8-minute walk to the lake.
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Ahmedabad
Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
3. Surat
Surat is one of the most populated cities of Gujarat and also happens to be the commercial hub for diamond merchants. The city has a thriving textile industry and a thriving street food scene that you just cannot miss out on. Here you can find chaat from all parts of India as well as hot dosas and dabeli; the menu has it all. Dumas beach is a must-visit landmark where you can indulge in activities such as camel safari and horse riding while munching on some spicy bhajiya and bhel. There are plenty of fun rides for children as well. Plan your trip on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Major attractions: Dumas beach, Dutch Garden, Tithal Beach, Science Centre.
How to reach:
By air: Surat International Airport is 12 kilometres away from the city centre.
By train: If you are headed to the north of Surat then Utran Railway station is the nearest railhead and for the south side of the city, Udhna Junction is the closest to the city centre.
Book your stay at Surat Marriott Hotel
Book your stay at Park Inn by Radisson Surat
4. Saputara
One of the best places to visit in Gujarat, Saputara is a hill station situated in the Dang district. It makes for a perfect escape from city life for nature and art lovers. Travellers flock here in summer for spectacular views and cool temperatures. Just a few kilometres away from Saputara is the Artist Village where you will find artworks by various renowned artists. You can even pick up a few bamboo artefacts as souvenirs on your way back home.
Major attractions: Artist Village, Lake view restaurant, Saputara Lake.
How to reach:
By air: Surat International Airport is around 163 km from Saputara
By train: Bilimora Junction at Waghai railway station is the closest to Saputara.
The best way to reach Saputara is by road as the airways and railways aren’t directly connected to the Dang district.
Book your stay at Hotel Lake View
Book your stay at Shilpi Hill Resort
5. Statue of Unity
Dedicated to the Indian freedom fighter – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue that stands at 182 metres and is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. The museum at the tourist destination houses over 2000 pictures of the freedom fighter and has an entertainment complex where visitors can attend a sound and light laser show at 7pm every day. There are facilities for a helicopter ride, or a boat ride on the Narmada River to enjoy different views of the statue.
You can easily spend two to three days exploring the butterfly garden and cactus garden, and enjoy water sports, zip-lining and other activities. Accommodations are available in luxury tents, hotels and homestays.
Major attractions: Butterfly Garden, Museum, Ayurvedic wellness centre, observation deck, the valley of flowers.
How to reach:
By air: Vadodara airport is about 90 kilometres away from the Statue of Unity.
By train: Rajpipla Railway Station is the nearest to the Statue of Unity (25 km away) which can be reached by taking the train to Bharuch.
By road: Kevadia is the nearest bus station from where you can take an auto rikshaw to reach the statue.
Book your stay at Hotel Sai Inn
Book your stay at The Grand Unity
6. Bhuj
If you are a history buff then Bhuj is a must-visit for you as the city is home to several ancient monuments such as Cenotaphs Complex, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum and a Shiva Temple in Khera. You must make a pit stop at Shankar Vadao Pao for one of the best vada paos in the city!
Things to do: Mandvi Beach, Sharad Baug Palace, City Shopping
How to reach:
By air: Bhuj Rudra Mata Airport is 5.5 kilometres away from the city centre.
By train: Bhuj Railway Station is the closest to the city centre.
By road: Lal Teri, Ghanshyam Nagar and Sanskar Nagar are the closest bus stands.
Book your stay at Sharad Baug Homestay
Book your stay at The Fern Residency
7. Rann of Kutch
The great Rann of Kutch is an area of salt marshes in the Thar Desert and is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. To witness this white-coloured massive expanse of cracked earth that transports you to another world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every year, from November to February, Rann Utsav is celebrated here where you can enjoy cultural shows and activities like camel and cart rides, spa treatments and rifle shooting. You must try the staple food of khichdi, rotla with green chili pickle and buttermilk when here.
Major attractions: Vibrant culture of Kutch, and unique art and crafts, Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach:
By air: Fly to the Bhuj airport from where you can hire a private cab or an auto Rikshaw.
By train: Bhuj Junction is the closest railway station, around 104 kilometres away from the Rann of Kutch, and it will take two hours approximately to reach.
Book your stay at Ram Rann Resort
Book your stay at Hotel Rann of Kacchchh
8. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Two hours away from Champaner is the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary. This Sanctuary houses the largest population of sloth bears which are considered to be even more dangerous than leopards. Other wildlife that can be spotted here are leopards, cobras, civet cats and four-horned antelopes
Major attractions: River Panam, Kajenta waterfall, close-by tribal towns – Baria and Udepur.
How to reach:
By air: Vadodara is the nearest airport (170 kilometres away).
By train: Piplod Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead and the nearest railway station is Dahod (70 kms).
By road: Devgadh Baria which is 45 kilometres away is the closest bus station.
Book your stay at Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa Jambughoda
9. Rani Ka Vav, Patan
Rani Ka Vav (translates to queen’s stepwell) is located in the town of Patan. Rani Udyamati commissioned this spectacular stepwell in loving memory of her deceased husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in the year 1063. Located on the banks of the Saraswati River, this UNESCO World Heritage site (since 2014) is one-of-a-kind in the entire country, designed as an inverted temple divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels.
Other major attractions: Panchmukhi Hanuman, Sahasralinga Talav
How to reach:
By air: The Ahmedabad airport is the closest to Patan.
By train: Kalol Railway Station is closest and is 75 kilometres away from the city.
Book your stay at The Hotel Grand Piano
Book your stay at Hotel Fountain Fun
10. Dwarkadhish Temple
Take a trip to this Hindu temple that is believed to have been built by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish Temple is known for its magnificently carved structure and is a part of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage yatra called the Char Dham Yatra. The temple has been renovated many times over the centuries, especially leaving imprints of the 16th and 19th centuries, as per the Gujarat Tourism website.
It is perched on a small hill and the visitors have to climb around 50 steps to reach it.
Major attractions: Dwarka Beach, Gomti Ghat, Rukmini Devi Mandir, Sudama Set
How to reach:
By air: Fly to the Jamnagar airport (95 Kilometres away) to reach Dwarka.
By train: Dwarka Railway Station is the closest to the temple, on one kilometre away.
Book your stay at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dwarka
Book your stay at Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn
11. Junagadh
Located in close proximity to Gir National Park, Junagadh has some of the most stunning monuments that are waiting to be explored. This city is famous for its markets, pickles and spices. One must try aloo puri, ghewar and dahi vada here.
Major attractions: Mahabat Maqbara Palace, Uparkot Fort, Junagadh Museum
How to reach:
By air: Nearest airports are Rajkot and Porbandar.
By train: Junagadh Junction is the closest railway station which is 1 kilometre away from the city centre. There are several express and local trains that operate daily from Rajkot to Junagarh.
Book your stay at Bellevue Sarovar Portico
12. Gir National Park
A trip to Gujarat is incomplete without a visit to Gir National Park. Here you can spot the rare Asiatic lions, along with leopards, hyenas, marsh crocodiles, antelopes and many exotic birds. The best time to visit this national park is in the months of April and May.
Major attractions: Kamleshwar Dam, Kankai Mata Temple, Jamzir Waterfall
How to reach:
By air: Keshod airport is the closest to Gir National Park (70 kilometres away).
By train: Junagadh Junction is the closest railway station to the national park.
Book your stay at Woods at Sassan
Book your stay at The Fern Gir Forest Resort
13. Modhera Sun Temple
Located in Modhera village, this Hindu temple is dedicated to the sun god. The Archaeological Survey of India states that this temple was built in 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. As soon as you enter the complex of the temple, you will witness a big rectangular-shaped kund known as the Ramakund. It contains 108 shrines to various gods and demi-gods. The temple is designed in a way that on solar equinox days, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon without casting any shadows.
Major attractions: Modheswari Matangi, Shree Bahuchar Mata Temple Becharaji
How to reach:
By air: The Ahmedabad airport is the closest (95 kilometres away) and it takes about two hours to reach the temple.
By train: Mehsana Junction is the closest railway station (28 kilometres away).
You can travel from Mehsana (26 kilometres away), Gandhinagar (83 kilometres away) and Ahmedabad (99 kilometres away) through the road network.
Book your stay at Hotel Aagman
Book your stay at The Grand Takshak Hotel
14. Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
This temple is the first of the 12 famous jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva and is located at the confluence of the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati Rivers. A holy place of worship for the Hindus, Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is also famous for its architectural beauty making it one of the must-visit places in Gujarat.
Major attractions: Somnath Beach, Prabhas Patan Museum, Surya Mandir
How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport to Somnath is Rajkot (195 kilometres away).
By train: Veraval Railway Station is closest to the temple. The city is well connected with the rest of the country via a number of trains. There are many express and local trains that operate daily and are convenient for travelling from Ahmedabad as well as other cities.
Book your stay at The Bliss Hotel
Book your stay at Hotel Aditya Mansingh Inn
15. Zarwani Waterfalls
Spend a day trekking or just enjoying a picnic near this majestic waterfall situated in the Narmada District. Zarwani waterfalls are located inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its flora and fauna.
Major attractions: Gheer Khadi, Shoolpaneshwar Temple
How to reach:
By air: Vadodara airport is the closest.
By train: Vadodara railway station is the closest to the city centre.
Book your stay at The MoonStay
Book your stay at Hotel Sai Inn
16. Vadodara
Vadodara is the third largest city of Gujarat situated on the banks of the Vishwamistri river. It is known as the cultural capital of the state and is a centre for educational activities. What makes Vadodara one of the must-visit places in Gujarat is its architectural brilliance which can be seen in the city’s palaces and temples.
The city is also famous for the warmest embroidered quilts that you can pick up from one of the markets here.
Major attractions: Kirti Mandir, shopping for Patola silk sarees, Madvi Gate, Laxmi Villas Palace
How to reach:
By air: Vadodara airport is located around 7 km from the city centre.
By train: Vadodara Junction is the closest railway station to the city centre.
Book your stay at Four Points by Sheraton
Book your stay at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels
17. Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace needs a separate mention because you should not miss out on experiencing this enchanting palace when in Vadodara. It was once known to be the largest palace of private dwelling in the world which also happens to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890, the property spans more than 500 acres and houses other buildings like Maharaja Fateh Sing Museum and the Moti Baug Palace. Inside, you can admire the well-maintained mosaics, and chandeliers as well as a huge collection of weaponry and art. The palace remains the residence of the royal family of Vadodara, however, it is open for public visit.
Major attractions: Mandvi Gate, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Sri Aurobindo Ashram
How to reach:
By air: Vadodara airport is around 8 km from the palace.
By train: Vadodara Junction is at a distance of 4 kilometres from the palace.
It is a 10-minute car and cab ride away from Vadodara city centre.
Book your stay at Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace
Book your stay at Sayaji Vadodara
18. Pavagadh Park
Located in the centre of Champaner city on the Pavagadh Hills, Pavagadh Park combines both Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. The park is also famous for the Mahakali Temple which draws thousands of pilgrims every day.
Major attractions: Pavagadh hills, The Jami Masjid, Manchi Fort
How to reach:
By air: Head to Vadodara airport and then hire a cab to Champaner.
By train: Champagner is the closest railway station to reach the park.
Book your stay at Greenland Resort
Book your stay at Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa
19. Dholavira
Dholavira is one of the most prominent archaeological sites of India associated with the Indus Valley civilisation. One must visit this place as it is the only and the largest excavated Harappan site in India open to the public.
Major attractions: Kutch Fossil Park, Purneshwar Temple, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
How to reach:
By air: Bhuj airport is the closest to Dholavira and is approximately 220 kilometres away.
By train: Samakhiali is the closest railway station which is 137 kilometres away.
Book your stay at Dholavira Village Resort
Book your stay at Ram Rann Resort
20. Anand
This is the place where you can enjoy the aroma of freshly made butter as Anand is the milk capital of India. Kathiyawadi cuisine is a speciality of this region so make sure to try lassan aloo and sev tamat here. The city still has a rural touch to it and should be on your list of places to visit in Gujarat if you are a fan of the slow life. There are several temples and museums that can also be visited here.
Major attractions: Manilaxmi Jain Tirth, Kanewal Lake, Sardar Patel and Vithalbhai Patel Memorial Museum
How to reach:
By air: Closest airport is Vadodara airport (42 kilometres away).
By train: Anand railway station is the closest to the city centre.
Book your stay at Hotel Arizona Inn
How to reach Gujarat
The state is well-connected through airports, railway stations and roads. There are public buses that have good connectivity to the remotest areas in Gujarat.
What to shop in Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for Patola silk sarees and bandhani. You also get some of the best ghaghra choli and silver jewellery here. For local shopping, the best places in Gujarat are Sindhi Market, Lal Darwaja Market, Law Garden and Dhalgarwad in Ahmedabad; Rander Road and Rangila Park Shopping Centre in Surat.
Malls in Gujarat
There are many malls in Gujarat and most brands are easily available. Almost every mall has a food court, several coffee shops and plenty of dining options. The biggest mall is Nexus Ahmedabad One in Ahmedabad. Other malls to check out are — Inorbit Mall in Vadodara, VR Surat in Surat and Crystal Mall in Rajkot.
(Hero and feature image credit: Chetan001/Shutterstock)
Related: Offbeat Places To Visit In Gujarat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, is the most beautiful city to visit. Located on the western bank of Sabarmati River, Gandhinagar is the home of the beautiful Akshardham Temple in the country.
Answer: Dwarkadhish Temple, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Modhera Sun Temple, Rani Ki Vav, Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple are some of the famous historical places in Gujarat.
Answer: There are plenty of beaches in cities like Surat, Dwarka and Porbandar. Mandvi Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches.
Answer: Ahmedabad is considered to be the most expensive city in Gujarat in terms of the cost of living.
Answer: Navsari is the cheapest city in Gujarat.
Answer: The biggest mall is Nexus Ahmedabad One in Ahmedabad. Other malls to check out are — Inorbit Mall in Vadodara, VR Surat in Surat and Crystal Mall in Rajkot.
A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to explore a new destination.
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