Visit Gujarat: A culturally diverse state in India

Gujarat, also known as Pratichya and Varuna, is an Indian state on the Arabian Sea’s western coast, well known for Mahatama Gandhi and cultural variety. Every nook and cranny of this state contributes significantly to India’s visual appeal. Be it, absolute ingenuity, throbbing art and architecture, or tradition entrenched beneath layers of ancientness and ethnic diversity! Gujarat is also home to many important sites from the pre-partition era. These include those associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Ancient ruins like Dholavira, Gola Dhoro, and Lothal draw the greatest number of visitors from all walks of life. Unlike Gola Dhoro, which was discovered recently, Dholavira is one of the most extensive and well-known archaeological sites in the world that is associated with the Indus Valley Civilization. In Lothal, the first-Indian-Port was established during this time.

Foundation of Gujarat

Gujarat was founded under Chandragupta Maurya’s imperial reign when he conquered several provinces that currently make up the state. Manuscripts from the 16th century mention a King Gondophares trader arriving in Gujarat with Apostle Thomas and being ripped apart by a lion. The word lion is used to designate the port city of Gujarat, which is home to the endangered Asiatic lions. 

Saka monarchs had a powerful influence in defining Gujarat’s history for almost 300 years beginning in the first century CE. Gandhinagar, 20 kilometres from Ahmedabad, is the state capital since 1970 and is named after Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The Akshardham temple is the most prominent attraction in this little town.

Gujarat – Music, Art and Culture

Gujarat is one of the most dynamic Indian states I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re interested in architecture, culture, music, handicrafts, or animals, this state will captivate you with a diverse mosaic of absolute beauty. Incredibly fascinating are Gujarat’s handcrafted items; which showcase the state’s rich artistic heritage in exquisite detail. 

Embroidered clothing, furniture of all kinds, jewellery, leather, metal, and mirror work all feature some of the state’s most traditional designs. Gujarat also has a thriving music and dance scene. Sugam Sangeet is Gujarati folk music, and Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi, and Padhar are some of the prominent dance genres.

This list includes some of the best cities in Gujarat that I have personally visited and highly recommend to all of my readers as well.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, commonly known as Amdavad, is Gujarat’s most populated city, with a rich culture and legacy that will wow you. Ahmedabad is the twin city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat’s official capital, and is located near the Sabarmati River. These two cities are only 25 kilometres apart. Ahmedabad, on the other hand, has carved out its own identity as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city, as well as the country’s second-largest cotton producer and significant commercial and industrial powerhouse.

Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, is Gujarat’s most populous city that will leave you impressed with its rich culture and heritage. Established near the shores of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is the twin city of Gandhinagar, the official capital of Gujarat. The distance between these two cities is merely 25 km. Ahmedabad, however, has carved its own identity, not just as the first UNESCO World Heritage city of India but also as the second-largest cotton producer and the influential economic and industrial hub of the nation.

During my excursions to Ahmedabad, I was exposed to a vast array of architectural styles, most of which can be seen in the small lanes of the old city. Then there are the ancient temples, step-wells, mosques, and pioneering designs like the Narendra Modi Stadium and SVP Sports Enclave, as well as some excellent museums, restaurants, and a trail of buzzing skyscrapers. Add in Ahmedabad’s street-food scene, which is completely worth the trip! The House of MG is a great place to stay.

Gandhinagar

Gujarat’s formal capital, Gandhinagar, is located roughly 30-minutes from Ahmedabad. In addition to being a symbol of national togetherness, it is a planned city in Gujarat, the state of Mahatma Gandhi.

As a Hindu pilgrimage destination, Gandhinagar is a popular stop because of the Akshardham temple, dedicated to perpetual peace, literacy, and alliance. A homage to Shree Swaminarayan and other Hindu philosophers, this mandir is made of pink sandstone weighing 6000 tonnes.

Saputara

Saputara, the only hill station in Gujarat that provides some of the best views of the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, is shrouded in mists and drifting clouds. Saputara, in Gujarat’s Dang district, is a popular tourist destination all year round because of the area’s numerous attractions, including majestic waterfalls and centuries-old temples. 

If you’re interested in learning more about what to do in and around Saputara, check out my list of the top ten things to see and do at this hill station.

Rajkot

Rajkot is another populous jewel in the crown of Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, following Ahmedabad and Vadodara. Rajkot, which has been named one of India’s cleanest cities, is now more than ready to dazzle you with its administrative headquarters on the banks of the rivers Aji and Nyari. This city is notable since it was once home to Mahatma Gandhi, who was instrumental in the Indian freedom fight. It was also the capital of Saurashtra from 1948 to 1956, until being absorbed into Gujarat state in 1960. Even in current times, Rajkot has a vibrant culture, which you can learn about at places like the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Watson Museum, Aji Dam, and Jubilee Garden.

Porbandar

Located in Gujarat, Porbandar is well known for being the birthplace of world-famous politician Mahatma Gandhi. As the birthplace of Sudama, Lord Krishna’s best buddy, Porbandar is also known as Sudamapuri. However, with Mahatma Gandhi’s role in the independence movement, the ancient capital of the Porbandar kingdom became a major tourist destination. Over time, the neighbourhood around Gandhi’s house evolved into a peace temple. For most visitors to Porbandar, Chowpati (shoreline) and the Kirti Mandir (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial), as well as the relics of the Harappan settlement, are must-sees.

What to eat in Gujarat?

I had always linked Gujarat with Dhokla and Khakhra before my first trip there. Gujarat, on the other hand, has a lot more to offer in terms of culinary diversity, with each of its areas giving a distinct flavour profile to Gujarati cuisine. Gujarati cuisine is one of India’s oldest culinary treasures. Even though it is primarily vegetarian, it allows you to sample a wide range of flavours, including Farsans (snacks), pickles, and nutritious main courses. But if you really want to get to know Gujarat, try a traditional Gujarati Thali, a delectable blend of sweet and salty flavours.

A typical Gujarati Thali consists of the well-known Gujarati Kadhi, Chaas, Dal, Roti, Thepla, Poori, Rice, various vegetables, Dhokla, and, on occasion, Fafda, Khandvi, Undhiyu, Handvo, and Wada, all of which are served with sweets after. In coastal Gujarat, where the temperature is hot and dry, Gujaratis have a sweet craving, and hence every meal has a sweet touch to it. However, the ingredients utilised are typically ones that keep you hydrated in a dry climate.

What to buy in Gujarat?

Gujarat is known for its exquisite souvenirs, ranging from Patola silk to Gharchola’s Zari woven sarees. When visiting Kutch or the surrounding areas, purchase Abhas, a traditional costume, or silver Pachchikam jewellery. Chania Cholis are a regional favourite that can be found in every city. 

Kediya outfits are available for men to purchase. Aside from clothing, you may buy things such as bamboo handicrafts, handmade food, and intricately carved furniture.

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