7 Most Beautiful Cities In Gujarat

Gujarat in western India is perhaps best known for the Asiatic lions and massive salt deserts it harbours. However, there is much more to Gujarat than just those. There are many cities and towns dotting the state that are brimming with historical, cultural, and natural attractions waiting to be explored by the intrepid traveller. From Asia's longest ropeway in Junagadh to crocodiles in Vadodara to ancient forts and temples of Bhuj, here are seven places in Gujarat you must visit on your next vacation to this state.

Junagadh

Damodar Kund at the foothills of Girnar hills near Junagadh in Gujarat. Image credit: Snehrashmi via Wikimedia Commons.

Junagadh has borne witness to thousands of years of rich Indian history. It came to prominence during the rule of the Mauryan dynasty, with the great king Chandragupta Maurya building the Uperkot Fort in 319 BC. The city gets its name Junagadh, meaning "old fort" from the ancient Uperkot Fort. Later, the grandson of Chandragupta, King Ashoka, also left his mark by inscribing edicts on a boulder near the fort. During the Muslim rule in the area centuries later, the rulers built many magnificent mosques. Many of these historical and architectural wonders survived the test of time and can be visited today. Another famous attraction in Junagadh is Girnar, a sacred hill that can be reached by the longest ropeway system in Asia. Numerous beautiful Hindu and Jain temples are sprinkled along the slopes of this hill and attract pilgrims from far and wide. Junagadh is well connected by roads to major Gujarat cities. The nearest airports are in Rajkot and Porbandar.

Surat

Tapi River in Surat. Image credit: Pravega, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Did you know that 90% of the world's diamonds are cut and processed in this city? Not only that, Surat is also famous for its thriving textile industry. The city's prosperity is not just a new phenomenon but has been so for centuries. Surat's strategic location on the banks of the Tapi River near its confluence with the Arabian Sea allowed it to develop as a thriving seaport for the export-import industry. No wonder the city was invaded many times by different ruling powers who wanted to control its trade.

Today, Surat is known for its many attractions and, above all, its food. Try out traditional dishes like locho, ponk, kavsa, dhokla, ghari, and more made here. Also, visit the New Textile Market area of the city to witness its textile industry at work. The Surat Castle is a major historical attraction that was built in the 1500s to protect the city from invading Portuguese colonists. The Heritage Square and British and Dutch cemeteries are other attractions that speak volumes about the various colonial powers that once ruled over the city. For those who want to be close to nature, Surat offers beaches like Dumas Beach and the Ukai Dam, where you can enjoy the fresh breeze and soothing sites. Other attractions like the Tapi Riverfront, several temples, libraries, etc., will also keep you busy when visiting Surat, which is also one of the country's cleanest cities.

Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Image credit: Tarun802 via Wikimedia Commons

Of course, this list is incomplete without the mention of Gujarat's most known city and most populous one, Ahmedabad. It is a bustling industrial and commercial hub of the state, with the world's largest stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium. While Ahmedabad's present seems to be quite a happening one, its past is no less glorious. The seat of many dynasties, the city has a layered history that is visible in its many historical and cultural attractions. The many gates, poles, mosques, tombs, museums, step-wells, and temples in the city that were built over thousands of years are ready to charm you with their impressive architecture and breathtaking designs. Outdoor lovers will also not be disappointed. There is the Sabarmati River Waterfront and Kankaria Lake, as well as the nearby Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park. 

You must also try out the delectable Gujarati cuisine, including the famous thali of Ahmedabad. Many festivals are celebrated here with great pomp, and if you are visiting during Navratri celebrations, join a Garba performance and dance away to the tune of Gujarati folk songs. 

Vadodara

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara. Image credit: Mocha drrd via Wikimedia Commons.

Vadodara is not just dotted with numerous banyan trees (from where it gets its name with "Vad" meaning banyan) but also with many historical and cultural attractions. Prominent among them is the gorgeous Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was once the abode of the royals of the Gaekwad Dynasty who ruled over the state of Baroda. The Sayaji Baug is another beautiful historical attraction. It is Western India's largest garden and is great for evening strolls. The city also has many ancient temples and museums, such as the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which tell the story of the Baroda state and its royal history. Then there is the mugger crocodile-loaded Vishwamitri River flowing through the city, which gives the city the nickname of "Crocodile City." During heavy rains, crocodiles can be seen popping up at different locations in the city as the river overflows its banks!

Saputara

Aerial view of Saputara, Gujarat. Image credit: Sumeet photography via Wikimedia Commons.

A gem of a hill station, Saputara is nestled in the Western Ghats ranges as they extend to their northernmost limits in Gujarat. The town is full of natural and cultural sites that will keep you busy during your visit. Boating in the Saputara Lake while enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains is a relaxing activity. The nearby Vansda National Park is a perfect place for those who love wildlife-watching. The park is home to many species like dholes, leopards, pythons, Indian giant squirrels, and more. There are many scenic viewpoints in Saputara, such as Table Point, Echo Point, Sunset and Sunrise Points, and stunning waterfalls like the Gira Falls.

Bhuj

Bhujang Naga Temple in Bhuj, Gujarat. Image credit: Nizil Shah via Wikimedia Commons.

The capital of Kutch District, Bhuj, has a history that dates back to 1510 when a local chieftain, Rao Hamir, founded it at the base of the Bhujia Hills. The city has a tumultuous past of invasions and earthquakes. As a visitor to Bhuj, you must take a tour of the Bhujia Fort on the Bhujia Hills, the walls of which tell the story of British invasions and the capture of the fort. The Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal are two beautiful palaces that can also be visited, although large parts of these places are in ruins today due to the devastating earthquake that rocked the city in 2001. The Kutch Museum is where you can learn about the rich history of Bhuj. Nature lovers can flock to the Hamirsar Lake, especially in winter, to watch the many bird species there. The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a popular pilgrimage site in the city. Of course, Bhuj also has the nearest airport to Gujarat's major attraction, the Rann of Kutch.

Dwarka

 The Dwarka lighthouse is a 43 meter tower constructed in 1962. Image credit: Venkygrams via Wikimedia Commons.

If you are a Krishna devotee or one who wants a peek into rich Indian culture and religion associated with Lord Krishna, Dwarka is the place to be. It is one of India's seven ancient religious cities and the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city is considered to be extremely holy and is part of the Chardham yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage journey. The temple itself is extremely beautiful, with intricate designs that inspire awe. Dwarka is also located on the right bank of the Gomti River at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch. As such, the city comes with coastal attractions like beaches, islands, and even a lighthouse. The Bet Dwarka is an island off the coast of the city, which is believed to have been the abode of Lord Krishna himself. Another great news. The Gujarat government will soon launch submarine tourism in Dwarka, where tourists can go down several metres below the sea to witness the marine environment from within a submarine.

Dholavira

 Circular houses with central support are characteristic of Dholavira. Image credit: Prof Ranga Sai via Wikimedia Commons.

For the last entry on this list, let us travel from the 21st century to around 2650 BC to an Indus Valley Civilisation-era city - Dholavira. Located in the Kutch district, this archaeological site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the nearest village of Dholavira, this ancient city was discovered in the 1960s by a resident of the village. The journey to Dholavira itself is full of pleasant sites of massive salt plains with wildlife like chinkaras, nilgais, many species of birds, and others roaming about. Flamingo watching is a particularly popular activity here. Once at the site, prepare to be awed by the remarkable city planning of ancient times, with the city divided into layers with reservoirs, good drainage facilities and rain harvesting systems. The plant fossils of the nearby Dholavira Fossil Park are another major tourist attraction in the area.