Gujarat is a vibrant land with a historical and cultural tradition. Verdant jungles, blushing sunsets, mighty Gir lions, old palaces, marble temples, water parks, colorful fairs and festivals and exquisite handicrafts characterise Gujarat. It is also home to various archeological sites and historical monuments. Nature has bestowed on Gujarat some of the most breathtaking locations & scenic landscapes.

Capital : Gandhinagar
Language : Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, English
Temperature : Winter 10 C- 36 C, Summer 23 C- 41 C
Tourist season : Oct-March
Airports : Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surat, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Porbander, Bhuj
Mode Transport : Well connected through rail, road and air routes.

Gujarat may not sound like one of the conventional tourist destinations in India, but rest assured it has some of the most interesting places full of culture and colour which will give you the true essence of real India. Gujarat is the north-western state on borders of Pakistan, to the north of Gujarat is Rajasthan and towards the Northeast, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra, its coastline is on the Arabian Sea.

A BRIEF HISTORY
Gujarat has a history dating back 2000 years. This north-western region has been under the rule of many dynasties such as the Mauryans, Guptas, Pratiharas, Chalukyas and the Marathas. Gujarat being a coastal state has also been subjected to many foreign invasions, the Persians, Portuguese and the British, have all resided and ruled over this region. Prior to Independence, Gujarat was a part of the Bombay Presidency. Gujarat was a home Mahatma Gandhi making it one of the important states in Indian history. Gujarat was formed in 1968, it has since, grown and is respected as one of the most industrialized states in the country.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN GUJARAT

Gandhi Nagar is the capital of Gujarat. It is situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. Shamlaji and Akshardham are the places of tourist interest in this region.

Rajkot: The Rajput ruler Kunwar Vibhuji founded Rajkot in the sixteenth century.

Aji Dam, Mahatma Gandhi's home, Lal Pari Lake and Renderda, Sardar Smriti Bhawan, Watson Museums and Jubilee Gardens are some of the tourist places in Rajkot

Jamnagar: Famous for Handicrafts like silken and zari embroidery and tie and dye fabrics.

Dwarka: One of the most holy Pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. There are many temples here - Dwarkadish Temple, Bhadkeshwar Temple and Rukmani Temple are the important ones. The other tourist spots are Sunset Point, Shri Jagalguru Shankaracharya Math, Ved Havan, Lighthouse and Shardapath Math Museum.

Porbandar: Mahatma Gandhi was born in this place. Today, it has been developed into a sea side resort. The various places to see here are the Arya Kanya, Gurukul, Bharat Mandir, Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir and the Planetarium

Somnath Veraval (Prabhas Patan): the Somnath Temple has one of the 12 jyotirlingas (Shiva Shrines). Holy sites here are the Somnath Temple, Triveni Ghat, Ahilyabai temple, Junagadh Gate, Bhalka Tirth, Dehotsarga and Manipur Masjid.

Sasan Gir: the Gir Forest is the natural habitat of the Last Asiatic Lion. The forest is also a home to other animals like the Sambar, Chittal, Nilgai etc.

Junagadh (Old Fort) The places to see in Junagadh are the Uparkot fort, Shrine of Narsi Metha, Ashoka's Eddicts, Mahabat Maqbara, Damodar Kund, Girnar Hills and Temple, Willingdon Dam, Darbarhall Museum, Sakkarbag Museum and Sakkarbag Zoo.

Wildlife
The Rann of Kutch Wildlife sanctuary
The Sasan Gir National Park