GUJARAT

Gujarat, located on India’s western coast, offers a compelling blend of history, culture, wildlife, and vibrant traditions. From ancient temple towns to white-salt deserts, and heritage cities to lion-filled forests, the state presents a rich and varied landscape for every traveller. The towering Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands tall at 182 metres and draws visitors from across the world. Gujarat is also the only place where one can spot the rare Asiatic lions in their natural habitat at Gir National Park. Sacred sites like the Somnath Temple and Dwarka, one of Hinduism’s Char Dhams, attract pilgrims year-round, while the spectacular Rann of Kutch transforms into a cultural carnival during the annual Rann Utsav, held between December and February. The state's architectural treasures include the exquisite stepwells of Adalaj, and Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, where heritage walks reveal centuries of Indo-Islamic architecture. Gujarat's cultural spirit thrives during Navratri, when the air reverberates with the rhythm of Garba and Dandiya. Gujarati cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, bursting with flavour and texture — think dhokla, thepla, handvo, and seasonal dishes like undhiyu. Sweet offerings such as jalebi, ghevar, and moong dal halwa complete the feast. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is comfortable and the festive calendar is in full swing. Gujarat’s landscape and spirit together create a colourful, enriching travel experience.