The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, India is not just any statue. It's a giant symbol of unity and peace, standing tall at 182 meters, making it the tallest statue in the world. Unveiled on October 31, 2018, it honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key leader in India's fight for freedom and the unity of its princely states.
Ahemdabad is undeniably one of the most important cities in Gujarat. It is a rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city with a magnificent past that has made it a fast-growing tourist destination.
The Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) in Dwarka is undoubtedly the main attraction for tourists visiting the city. Its rich history dates back more than 2500 years when it is believed to have been established by Lord Krishna's great-grandson, Vajranabh.
Bhuj, a municipality in the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a city with a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms and empires. From the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, and the Gujarat Sultans to the British Raj, Bhuj has seen it all. With its numerous temples, small streets, and traditional handicrafts, Bhuj is a unique historical site in India.
Junagadh, once the capital of Junagadh Princely State, is a place of immense historical significance, offering a plethora of monuments to behold. In addition, it is conveniently located near the Girnar Hills and the world-famous Gir National Park.
Travelling to Gujarat by airways is the fastest way to reach Gujarat. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and Surat International Airport are the major airport of Gujarat that connects Gujarat with major cities of India and the rest of the world.
With more than 450 railway stations located in the different parts of the state, Gujarat can be accessed through rail routes. Some of the major railway stations are Vadora Junction, Bilimora Junction and Ankleshwar Junction.
Gujarat can be easily accessed by roadways through various modes of road transport. 43 national highways pass from the state allowing easy access from the other states of the country.
One of the most advanced states of India; Gujarat is gifted with natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Once used to be the prominent part of the Indus Valley Civilization, the state possesses three destinations which include Lothal, Surkotada and Dholavira which were the major sites of the civilization. This attracts archaeologists from all over the world. The state of Gujarat also holds records for being home to the largest statue in the world, the Statue of Unity standing tall at a height of 182 m.
Apart from scenic beauty and historical sites, the state is also widely known for being home to numerous wildlife species found in major national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat. Some of the common animals found in the jungle of Gujarat include Asiatic Lion, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Marsh Crocodile, Indian Grey Wolf, Great flamingo and many more. Beaches are also a major attraction point of the state that offers a wide range of water sports and activities. From exploring historic sites to indulging in adventurous activities Gujarat is one of the must-visit places of West India.
Being one of the diverse states in India, Gujarat is well known for its rich cultural practices. The state boasts its culture with vibrant art forms, clothing, architecture and a variety of musical and dance forms. Dandiya and Garba are some of the popular dance forms that are popular worldwide. Gujarati and Sanskrit are the most spoken language along with several other dialects used in various parts of the city.
When it comes to relishing the top dishes of Indian cuisines, Gujarat is a popular name known for its rich cuisines and sweets that are heaven for food lovers. The cuisine of Gujarat offers a unique blend of spicy and sweet that can be found in most of the foods. Thali is a typical Gujarati meal that includes a combination of foods served on a steel plate along with desserts and beverages. Some of the common foods of Gujarati cuisines are Dhokla, Thepla, Khandvi, Jalebi, Khichdi and many more.
Popular for its rich culture and scenic beauty, the state showcases its real beauty during the time of festivals. Watching people wearing vibrant clothes and grooving with the thumping beat of traditional folk music is a unique experience on its own. Some of the popular festivals of Gujarat are Navaratri, Rann Utsav, Rath Yatra, Uttarayan and many more.