Around Vadodara Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Vadodara

• Ajwa & Nimeta
• Dakor
• Kayavarohan
• Pavagadh
• Suklatirth

Ajwa & Nimeta (20 kms.)

The twin gardens here are designed on the lines of famous Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. There is also an amusement park and resort nearby.

Dakor (80 kms.)

This is the second most sacred town in Gujarat, after Dwarka, for the devotees of Lord Krishna. The nearest railhead is at Kheda 54 kms.

Kayavarohan (29 kms.)

The pilgrim site is associated with Lord Lakulish (Shiva). Main attractions are, the idol of Lakulish, a Shivalinga and pictures showing various yoga forms.

Pavagadh (51 kms.)

The sacred hill of Pavagadh, near Champaner is was Jain temples, a Kali temple and a fort on the hill.

Suklatirth (87 kms.)

It is known for the legendary shrine of Lord Vishnu, on the banks of river Narmada. An annual fair is held in Nov. The nearest railhead is at Bharuch, (16 kms.).

Vadodara Important information

Vadodara

This   graceful   city   of magnificent palaces, museums, splendid temples, lush gardens, shady avenues and world renowned institutions of learning is perhaps the de-facto cultural capital of Gujarat. It served as the capital of princely   Gaekwads,   the   rule   of Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1885 -1920), a great patron of art and learning is said to be the golden era of Vadodara. Today, the city on the banks of river Vishwamitri is a thriving industrial and commercial centre and is also regarded as the 'industrial capital1 of Gujarat'.

Tourist Acctration in Vadodara

• Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery
• Maharaja Sayajirao University
• Sayaji Baug
• Nazarbaugh Palace
• Kirti Mandir
• Dakshinamoorthy Temple

Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery : It was founded by Sayajirao III in 1894 and is one of the finest museums in Asia.

Maharaja Sayajirao University : This prestigious university was set-up by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1840. The campus is noted for its architectural grandeur.

Sayaji Baug : The public garden with an excellent zoo is the heart throb of Vadodara.

Nazarbaugh Palace : It was built in 1721 and is noted for the' Sheesh Mahal' or mirror palace made in old classical style.

Kirti Mandir : It is adorned with murals painted by Nandlal Bose.

Dakshinamoorthy Temple : It was constructed by EME school in the cantonment area. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is set amidst five banyan trees and is unique in concept and design. Some other places of interest are Tambekar Wada, ISCKON Temple, Clock Tower, Khanderao Market, Sursagar Lake, Tapovan Complex etc.

REACHING THERE  

Airport: Linked by air.

Rail & Road: Well connected. Ahmadabad (112 kms.).

Around Surat Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Surat

• Bardoli
• Dumas
• Hajira
• Ubharat

Bardoli (31kms.)

Gandhiji launched a farmers satyagmha in 1921-22, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from here. The Swaraj Ashram has become a site of pilgrimage.

Dumas (16 kms.)

An excellent sea-side resort.

Hajira(28kms.)

It is the 'industrial capital' of South Gujarat and a beautiful beach resort.

Ubharat(40kms.)

The beautiful beach was the summer resortxsf the Gaekwads of Vadodara.

Surat Important information

Surat

This flourishing port city on the banks of river Tapti is one of the oldest trading centres of India. The British East India Company established its first ware houses in Surat in 1612. It is renowned for fine silks, exquisite brocades and diamond business. The main attractions are -14th century Fort; Rangupavan, one of the biggest open air theatres in the country; Sardar Patel Museum and Textile Market etc.

REACHING THERE

Airport : Linked by air.

Rail : Surat lies  on the Mumbai - Delhi - rail line.

Road : Vadodara (129 kms.) and Mumbai (262 kms.)

Around Somnath Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Somnath

• Ahmedpur Mandvi & Diu
• Chorwad 

Ahmedpur Mandvi & Diu (77 kms.)

It is one of the finest beaches in the country. Across Ahmedpur Mandvi is the delightful island of Diu, which can be reached by a ferry or a bridge. The nearest airport is Keshod (140 kms.) and railhead is at Una (12kms.).

Chorwad (30 kms.) : Nagoa Beach, Diu This beautiful coastal town, 70 kms. from Junagadh is the only 'Palace Beach Resort' in India. The summer palace of the Nawabs of Junagadh is now a luxurious resort. The nearest airport is at Keshod (35 kms.) and railhead at Veraval (25kms.).

Somnath Important information

Tourist Acctration in Somnath

• Somnath Temple
• Bhalka Tirth
• Dehotsarg at Triveni Ghat

Somnath Temple

Sornnath, the shrine eternal facing the blue expanse of Arabian Sea is said to be as old as creation. Like a phoenix, it has risen seven times from ashes and depicts a saga of devotion and heroism. The legendary temple is believed to have been built by the Moon God - 'Soma' and enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The present temple structure was commissioned by SardarPatel in 1950's.

Bhalka Tirth 

It is believed to be the site where Lord  Krishna was struck by a stray arrow of a Bhil hunter. reclining statue of the Lord marks the site where he flflJ-/tefld.Veraval(5kms.). breathed his last on the earth.

Dehotsarg at Triveni Ghat 

It is believed to be the site of Krishna's cremation.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Keshod (49 kms.)

Rai & Road: Connecteld by road

Porbandar Important information

Porbandar

This ancient port town is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The present day town was established by Rana Sartanji in 1785.

Tourist Acctration in Porbandar

• Gandhiji's House & Kirti Mandir
• Sudama Mandir

Gandhiji's House & Kirti Mandir : Gandhiji was born in 1869, at his ancestral house over here. Today, it is a national monument and open for public viewing. The adjacent house, called as Kirti Mandir has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall.

Sudama Mandir : It is the only temple of Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna.

Other sites worth visiting are - Nehru Planetarium, Bharat Mandir and Beach.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Keshod (42 kms.)

Rail & Road : Well connected

Around Junagdh Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Junagdh

• Sasan Gir Sanctuary 

Sasan Gir Sanctuary (54 kms.)

Sasan Gir is the famous home of the Lion, the majestic king of the Jungles. It is the only place where the Asiatic lion can be seen in his natural habitat. Other animals inhabiting the Gir forest are - panther, bear, antelope, fox, black buck etc. Arich variety of birdlife can also be seen here.

Junagadh Important information

Junagadh

This ancient fortified city at the foothills of the sacred Girnar hill is resplendent with mythological legends. Its antiquity dates back to pre-Harappan times and was ruled by Mauryas, Kshatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhis, Chudasamas, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawabs.

Tourist Acctration in Junagadh

• Uaqbara Uparkot or Upper Fort
• Maqbaras
• Ashoka's Rock Edict
• Girnar Hill 

Uaqbara Uparkot or Upper Fort : This stronghold of Mauryas and Guptas has survived about 16 sieges in last 1000 years. The fort wall around the town and the fort made Uparkot virtually inaccessible.

Maqbaras : The mausoleums of the Nawabs of Junagadh are a fine representation of Nawabi architecture.

Ashoka's Rock Edict : A huge boulder inscribed with 14 edicts of emperor Ashoka (257-56 B.C) lie on the way to Gimar from Uparkot.

Girnar Hill (7 kms.) : The sacred hill is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus, Jains and Muslims. The first set of Jain temples are at a height of 610 m., and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Neminath. The shrines of Ambaji, Gorakhnath and Guru Dattatraya are further up on the sacred mount. A shrine of Shiva and a Dargah are perched atop the hill. Millions of pilgrims participate    in the fair of Bhavnath Mahadev temple.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Keshod (42kms.).

 Rail : Well connected by rail.

Road . Well connected by road

Around Jamnagar Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Jamnagar

• Rajkot
• Wankaner
• Dwarka
• Dwarkadhish (Jagat Mandir)
• Rukmani Temple

Rajkot (92kms.)

It was founded in the 16th century by Kunvar Vibhoji Jadeja and was the capital of the Princely state of Saurashtra. Some of the attractions are - Karba Gandhi no Delo, the ancestral home of Gandhiji ; Watson Museum & Library ; Jagat Mandir ; Rajkumar College, one of the oldest public schools of India; Lal Pari Lake & Randerda etc.

Wankaner (50 kms.) : Famous for the Wankaner Palace, which has now been converted 'Wo a heritage hotel.

Dwarka (145 kms.)

The abode of Lord Krishna is one of the "Char Dhams" of Hindu pilgrimage. It is said that Lord Krishna settled and established his kingdom here after leaving Mathura.   Archaeological excavations   reveal   that   the present day Dwarka is the sixth city on the site, the other five have probably includes the Dwarawati of the Krishna Leela. It is also a fine beach resort.

Dwarkadhish (Jagat Mandir) : The sacred temple of Lord Krishna is an excellent architectural monument. The shrine consists of Nij Mandir and a multipillared Sabha Griha, that leads to the main sanctum, which is said to be 2,500 years old. A conical spire atop the temple rises upto 157m. that dominates the skyline.

Rukmani Temple : It is dedicated to Lord Krishna's wife. Nageshwar Mahadev (17 kms.) : This important Shiva temple enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiv

Jamnagar Important information

Jamnagar

It was founded by Jam Raval in 1540 and was the capital of the former princely State of Navanagar. Famous cricketer Jam Ranjitsinhji hailed from the city and under his rule new parts of the city were developed as per European town planning principles. The town is also known as "Chhoti Kashi", as it is studded with several Hindu and Jain shrines. Jamnagar is also known for pearl fisheries, a naval base and tie & dye fabrics.

Tourist Acctration in Jamnagar

• Lakhota Palace & Tank
• Solarium or Ranjit Institute of Poly Radio Therapy 

Lakhota Palace & Tank : The fortified palace amidst the lake can be reached by an arched stone bridge. It was built as a famine relief work in 1839 - 45 and has a fine collection of sculptures and pottery from Saurashtra. On the banks of the tank, near Khambhaliya Gate is another bastion like structure called as Bhujiyo Kotho.

Solarium or Ranjit Institute of Poly Radio Therapy : It was set up in 1933, by Jam Ranjitsinhji and was one of the only three such medical centres in the world during that time. TB, skin diseases and rheumatism etc.were cured through solar radiations. A slowly revolving tower provides day long sunlight.

REACHING THERE   

Airport : Jamnagar is linked by air with Mumbai.

Railhead: Well connected.

Road: Well connected

Bhuj Important information

Bhuj

This "Jewel of the Kachchh" was the capital of the princely State of Kachchh. The old walled city can be entered through crenelated gateways and the maze like streets bustling with activity are a good place for buying handicrafts items.

Tourist Acctration in Bhuj

• Aina Mahal
• Prag Mahal
• Kachchh Museum

Aina Mahal : This beautiful palace with European influence was built in 1759, by Rao Lakhpatji.

Prag Mahal : This imposing palace was made by Rao women of Kachchh Paragmalji II. It is built in Italian Gothic style and has a large Darbar Hall, big rooms, wide verandahs and a 45 metres high bell tower.

Kachchh Museum : It is the oldest museum of Gujarat and was established in 1877, by Maharao Khengarji III. Located on the banks of Hamirsar lake, the museum has a rich collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, archaeological finds, arms and artefacts. Other places to see are - Cenotaphs, Snake Temple, SwamiNarayan Temple etc.

REACHING THERE 

Airport: Bhuj is linked by air with Mumbai and Ahmadabad.

Rail: Connected by rail

Road : Ahmadabad (396 kms.), Rajkot(218kms.)

Around Bhavnagar Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Bhavnagar

• Palitana 

Palitana (60 kms.)

It is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres  in  the  country.   On  the   sacred Shatrunjaya hill, 863 exquisite temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years. The temple dedicated to Lord Adishwara, the first Jain tirthankar a is considered to be the most sacred shrine on the hill. Other important temples are of Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Choumukh etc. Near the shrine of Adishwara is a dargah of Angar Pir, where unfertile women offer miniature cradels.

Palitana is well connected by rail and road.