Gujarat Tourism - A Complete Guide for Your Next Family Trip to Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in India that boasts of the country’s longest coastline, and is flanked by the Arabian Sea. But that’s not all the state has to offer. Gujarat is known for its history, culture, and heritage, making it a popular destination for travellers. It is especially famous for the Great Rann of Kutch – one of the largest salt deserts in the world.

Gujarat Tourism promotes the state’s rural culture and tradition and you can witness it across the state. You can check out the state’s palaces and monuments and be transported back in time. Thousands of tourists visit the state each year to see its prolific wildlife as well.

Here’s a quick tourist guide to all the must-visit places in Gujarat and things to do in Gujarat while enjoying a family vacation in this vibrant state:

1. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most important tourist places in Gujarat, Gir is home to the rare Asiatic lion. The park is easy to reach by road and is located 43 km from Somnath. Apart from the lions, you can also spot foxes, hyenas, blackbuck and more. When in Gir, take an open roof safari to get the best views of the 142 sq km sanctuary. It is advisable to book this in advance.

Timings: 6 am to 5 pm, Sunday to Friday

1. Dwarka

Dwarkadhish Temple is a famous place to visit in Gujarat. Over 2,500 years old, it was reputedly built in honour of Lord Krishna by his grandson. Visitors can look forward to admiring some exquisite architecture and a stunning view of the River Gomti. Club Mahindra’s Dwarka Resort makes for an ideal stay option here when visiting with family.

Timings: 7 am to 12: 30 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm, all days

1. Nadiad

Located in Kheda district of Gujarat, Nadiad is known for a number of religious temples. The famous Ranchhodrai Dakor Temple is, again, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and attracts huge crowds throughout the year.

1. Somnath Temple:

The Somnath temple is a sacred Hindu temple and is built in honour of Lord Shiva. Located in Veraval in Saurashtra, it attracts thousands of tourists each year. It is one of the first of twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is said to have been reconstructed a number of times and is built in the Chaulukya style of architecture. It lies at a distance of 410 km from Ahmedabad and can be easily reached by road.

Timings: 6 am to 9 pm, all days.

1. Rann of Kutch:

Perhaps the most famous destination in Gujarat, Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This salt marsh is spread across 7,500 sq km and offers an excellent opportunity to view stunning landscapes and become acquainted with the arts and crafts of the local region. It is divided into two parts- the Great rann of Kutch and Little rann of Kutch. This region is known for its traditional roots and the Rann Utsav or Desert Festival, which is held annually during the winter months. It is best to visit during a full moon night to view the spectacular desert. At a distance of 340 km from Ahmedabad, Rann of Kutch can easily be reached by road.

Things to do in Gujarat

1. Safari

Make the most of your family trip to Gujarat with a wildlife safari at the Gir sanctuary. You can book a guided safari in advance and enjoy the flora and fauna in the park. The sanctuary is an ideal place for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You can book a private guided tour or opt for a group tour that takes 2-3 hours.

1. Nature walk

If you are a nature lover, Gujarat will not disappoint you. Nature walks are usually organised over the weekend in different cities in the state.

1. Heritage walk

The heritage walk in Ahmedabad is a popular activity for tourists. You will be able to explore the walled city and see a completely different side to it. It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a slide show. The walk covers 20 points across the city and reveals the slow-paced life of an otherwise commercial city, taking participants back to the olden days.

How to Reach Gujarat

Gujarat is easy to reach by air, rail, and road.

By air:

Gujarat boasts of 17 domestic airports, making it convenient for travellers to fly in and out. There are daily flights from major cities of the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. The sole international airport is in Ahmedabad.

By rail:

Gujarat is well-connected to the rest of the country through the railway network. It falls under the Western Railway zone and has a number of busy stations. Daily superfast trains connect Ahmedabad with Mumbai and Delhi.

By road:

Gujarat has several two- to four-lane highways that are among the best-maintained in India. Its road network connects to the rest of the country. You can easily reach Gujarat by car or take regular public transport.

Best Time to Visit Gujarat

The best time to visit Gujarat is during winter when the daytime temperature is around 27 °C. In the evening it can drop to 12 °C. In the summer months, the temperature can go as high as 42 °C during the day and 29 °C in the evening. Monsoons bring relief from the heat. Ideally, you should plan your trip to Gujarat during the cool winter months.

Where to Stay in Gujarat

You can experience the best of Gujarat with your family by choosing to stay at a Club Mahindra Gir resort in Gujarat. These resorts offer a comfortable and peaceful stay and are equipped with modern amenities. They are an ideal place for you to relax and spend time with your family.

Apply for a Club Mahindra membership today and enjoy your stay at the best resorts across the state. Go through the numerous Club Mahindra reviews online and you’ll see why a membership makes sense. Book your tickets today and make the most of your Gujarat trip with a comfortable stay at Club Mahindra resorts!