From colonial architecture to historical sites, there are many tourist attractions in Gujarat that tourists can cover on their tour. The cities like Dwarka, Ahmedabad, and Lothal have numerous attractions that keep tourists engaged by taking them back in time. The attractions in Gujarat gained popularity after the campaign by Amitabh Bachhan a few years ago and post the construction of the Statue of Unity. So whether it is the tallest statue in the world, the 10th-century stepwell, the ancient Somnath Temple, or the 4000-year-old Harappan city, the choices for places of interest in Gujarat are endless.
Popular for its legendary forts, grand palaces, national parks, and shrines, Gujarat is one of India's most beautiful and popular states. It allures travelers from all across the globe with its breathtaking attractions. All cities of the state have much to offer when it comes to tourist attractions in Gujarat. The state has all a traveler requires for a perfect holiday in Gujarat. From shrines to sanctuaries, Gujarat houses numerous attractions. All these attractions make Gujarat one of India's most famous tourist destinations.
Gujarat has a reputation for being the best-industrialized landscape, but there is so much more to Gujarat: its medieval history and rich culture. Packed with pilgrims, Dwarka is one of the holiest Char Dham Hindu Pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. White Rann of Kutch is the largest salt desert in the world in the Thar Desert and attracts thousands of tourists. Tourists can experience the best of both worlds in Gujarat by exploring Gujarat's famous tourist attractions.
Other major tourist attractions of Gujarat include Sabarmati Ashram to learn about Gandhigiri. Gir Forest National Park to spot the largest concentration of the Asiatic Lions. Also, the equally famous Blackbuck National Park. Lothal and Dholavira are the two most visited ancient places in Gujarat, representing the state's rich architectural heritage. Come and explore the rich culture and scenic beauty of Gujarat. Take back a memorable experience to cherish for the rest of your life.
Top Tourist Attractions in Gujarat For Every Type of Travelers
Kankaria Lake
Located in the southern front of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake is a beautiful lake where visitors can enjoy the toy train flanking the lake. There is a range of recreational activities and sections in and around Kankaria Lake, including an amusement park, zoo, kids section. Visit Kankaria Lake on your trip to Gujarat, irrespective of the season. The lake gives tourists the feel of the mini Marine Drive of Mumbai upon looking at its aerial view.
- Opening Timings: 4 AM - 8 AM, 9 AM - 10 AM
- Opening Days: Except Monday, it remains open on the rest of the 6 days
- Entry Fee: Free for joggers till 8 AM while ₹ 1 per person for education trips, free for Senior Citizens, ₹ 10 per person for children, and ₹ 25 per person for adults
Sabarmati Ashram / Mahatma Gandhi's Home
Stepping into the shoes of Gandhi Ji is the sign you believe in non-violence. If that is so, visit the Mahatma Gandhi Home in Ahmedabad, where he lived with his wife Kasturba Gandhi from 1917 to 1930. Now it is called Sabarmati Ashram because of its positioning around the Sabarmati River. The Ashram is divided into two sections: Gandhi Ji lived and the modern section commissioned by Charles Correa. Inside the Ashram complex, people meditate amidst a lush green garden.
- Opening Timings: 8 AM – 6.30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free of Cost for all
- Sabarmati Ashram Events That Held Annually: 30th January, Gandhi's Death Anniversary, 26th January - Flag Hoisting for Republic Day
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Located in Vadodara, Laxmi Vilas Palace is 4 times bigger than the Buckingham Palace of England and is no short in grandeur! Commissioned by the royal Gaekwads who ruled Vadodara, Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the largest private residences where the Gakewads still live. A few sections of this grand palace are open for tourists, where visitors can marvel at the maintained mosaics, impressive chandeliers, and intriguing artwork of the royal family with a ticket price.
- Opening Hours of Laxmi Vilas Palace: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (approx.)
- Entry Ticket of Laxmi Vilas Palace: ₹ 225 (approx.) per person for Indians, and ₹ 400 (approx.) per person for foreigners
- Attractions of Laxmi Vilas Palace: Darbar Hall, Elephant Hall/Hathi Hall, NavLakhi Step Well, Italian Patio, Armoury Hall, The Royal Staircase, Royal Gardens, Golf Course.
Statue Of Unity
Statue of Unity is dedicated to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallavbhai Patel, who persuaded the princely state to accede to India. It is the tallest statue in the world, with a height of 182 m, roughly four times bigger than the Statue of Liberty. Statue of Unity is one of the newest tourist attractions of Gujarat tourism. There are sections for the public like a memoria garden, viewing gallery, and a museum, along with an observation deck. Few sections require a ticket.
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday is closed
- Statue of Unity Ticket Price: ₹ 120 (approx.) for adults, ₹ 60 (approx.) for children
- Ideal Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
- Observation Deck Ticket Price: ₹ 300 for adults, ₹ 200 for children
- Helicopter Ride: ₹ 2,900 (approx.) per person for 10 minutes ride
Rani Ki Vav
Located in the Patan town of Gujarat, Rani Ki Vav is a 900 years old stepwell used to store water in the bygone era. The seven-story structure of this stepwell has intricate carvings of the gods and goddesses on the wall. A few of its sections were affected during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, but there is much to see and admire if you are an architecture fan. The new ₹ 100 Indian Currency has the rear side of Rani Ki Vav.
Sabarmati Riverfront
One of the top tourist attractions in Gujarat's Ahmedabad town to visit at night is Sabarmati Riverfront. Although you can visit the riverfront through the day, it is something special at night when the wind blows your mind, and you allow the fresh air to touch your body. Couples find Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad one of the most romantic places in Gujarat. Plus, the garden setting, food vendors selling snacks will be the perfect excuse to extend your strolls on the riverfront.
- Opening Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Boating Timings: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
- Boating Charges: ₹ 20 per person (approx.)
Dwarkadhish Temple
The main shrine of the temple has a five-story building, and its walls are heavily sculptured. Dwarkadhish Temple, also called Jagat Mandir, is dedicated to the King of Dwarka, Lord Krishna, and is a pious sire for Hindus because it is a part of the Bada Char Dham pilgrimage. Such is the divinity of this temple that there is a flag atop Dwarkadhish Temple that indicates the savior Lord Krishna will keep residing at the temple till the moon and the stars continue to exist in the galaxies.
- Darshan Timings: 6:30 AM - 01:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Ideal Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
- Advice: The temple is no photography zone, and electronic gadgets are not allowed
White Desert (Rann of Kutch)
Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh tucked which is formed due to the earthquake. The term white desert refers to the salt marsh that looks different in summers, monsoon, winters. But it is winter that makes Rann of Kutch White Desert the famous tourist attraction in Gujarat because of Rann Utsav. Rann of Kutch is a famous shooting spot of Bollyoowd movies also and is divided into two-part. The Great Rann of Kutch is a vast span of white salt, which is also the largest salt desert, while the Little Rann is famous for birdwatching.
- Rann Mahotsav Month: November till February (Annually)
- Accommodation Type: Tented but modern equipped with state of the art facilities
- Activities at Rann Mahotsav: Hot air balloon, zip-lining, archery, folk dance, cultural celebration, etc.
Somnath Mahadev Temple
As the name suggests, Somnath Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the first amongst the twelve Jyotirlinga Shrines. This sacred Hindu site has legends associated with Lord Krishna, where he ended his Leela at this pious spot before embarking on the heavenly abode. The temple hosts an evening Light, and Sound Show which is a must attend. The Chalukya style of architecture on the temple complex and walls is the highlight.
- Darshan Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM
- Entry Fees: Free for all, but 25 INR (approx.) per person for Sound and Light Show
- Sound and Light Show Timings: 8 PM - 9 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
