When it comes to travelling in India, Gujarat is a must-visit. It is a living evidence of history dating back to the Sat Yug. Gracing the bank of the Arabian Sea, the state is studded with national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, powerful temples, and more. With an expansive coastline of 1600 km, Gujarat is rich in biodiversity and pristine beaches. From Rann of Kutch to Laxmi Niwas Palace, Gujarat Tour Packages are a blend of geographical wonders, heritage, and spirituality. Not even a single day spent here will go wasted. Planning a visit to Gujarat? These are the top 10 Gujarat tourist places to visit. Make your holiday in Gujarat as wholesome as you can.

List of the 10 Famous Gujarat Tourist Places with Images

• Somnath Mahadev Jyotirling
• Statue Of Unity
• Rani Ki Vav
• Laxmi Vilas Palace
• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Gir National Park
• Great Rann of Kutch
• Palitana Group of Jain Temples
• Kankaria Lake
• Saputara

1. Somnath Mahadev Jyotirling

Built on the shore of the Arabian Sea, Somnath Mahadev Jyotirling is a prominent temple of Shiva worship. Somnath literally translates into the lord of the moon to whom the temple is dedicated. A crucial part of Gujarat Tourism, the temple is a stunning representation of the Maru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture. During the temple’s early years, the idol of the presiding deity was placed close to the ocean’s waves. Every day it was the moon’s duty to wash over the Jyotirlinga with the help of the ocean. Hence the moon was perpetually occupied to bathe and serve the idol. The temple has been through a rough history of destruction and rebuilding 17 times. Every inch of the temple is covered in intricate designs and carvings, amplifying its beauty.

• Address: Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Gujarat 362268
• Timing: 6am-10pm
• Opened: May 1951
• Architectural styles: Hindu temple architecture, Māru-Gurjara architecture
• District: Gir Somnath district
• Creator: (Many reconstructions)
• Affiliation: Hinduism Wikimedia Foundation
• Function: Hindu Temple
• Deity: Shiva

2. Statue Of Unity

Standing tall at 597 feet, the statue of unity in Kevadia is the tallest statue in the world. Dedicated to the ‘iron man of India’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue overlooks the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River the SOU complex is the pride of India. Ever since its opening in 2018, the statue has occupied a centre stage in drawing tourism to Gujarat. Along with the statue, the complex also consists of other interesting elements. These include the Valley of Flowers, Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Yoga Garden, Garden of Ayurved and herbs along with others. A visit to the museum will provide a lot of information regarding the importance and relevance of this statue. The statue is a perfect homage to the contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in binding India together.

• Address: Sardar Sarovar Dam, RPQ9+5MJ Sardar Sarovar Dam, Statue of Unity Rd, Kevadia, Gujarat 393155
• Timing: 8am-6pm
• Artist: Ram V. Sutar
• Height: 182 m
• Architect: Ram V. Sutar
• Opened: 31 October 2018
• Created: 31 October 2013–October 2018
• Materials: Reinforced concrete, Bronze
• Subject: Vallabhbhai Patel

3. Rani Ki Vav

Gujarat used to experience severe famine and drought situations. It was during the widespread famine of the 11th century that steps were taken to resolve it. Building elaborate stepwells to preserve water seemed like the only logical solution. Built during the 11th century, Rani Ki Vav is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was unearthed by archeologists in 1940 and restored to its earlier glory by 1980. The Stepwell architecture of Gujarat is remarkable. It is designed and built in the form of an inverted temple. This represents the sanctity of water in people’s life. Every inch of the Stepwell is carved out using the Maru Gurjara style of architecture. The carvings are intricate representations of gods, goddesses and apsaras.

• Address: Mohan Nagar Society, Mohan Nagar Socity, Patan, Gujarat 384265
• Timing: 8:30am-7pm
• UNESCO Site Id: 922
• Area: 4.68 ha (11.6 acres)
• Inscription: 2014 (38th Session)

4. Laxmi Vilas Palace

Covering a whopping area of 500 acres, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is a grand representation of Gujarati royalty. Located in Vadodara, the palace is an iconic structure. 4 times larger than Buckingham palace, it is one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace was built by the prominent Gaekwad family in 1890. Built using the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace was one of the most modern palaces during its time. It consisted of peak, lavish European-styled interiors, with large ceilings, elaborate designs and intricate carvings. The palace is a sight to behold and is one of the most impressive raj-era palaces in Gujarat. The interiors are elaborate with well-maintained mosaics, chandeliers, weaponry, expensive artworks and more. Currently, a part of the palace has been turned into an exotic hotel. People can stay the royal way at the Laxmi Vilas Palace.

• Address: J N Marg, Moti Baug, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001
• Timing: 9am-5pm
• Architect: Robert Chisholm
• Architectural style: Indo-Saracenic architecture
• Opened: 1890

5. Dwarkadhish Temple

Gujarat’s tourism is deeply steeped in its history. The Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the most famous Gujarat tourist places. Also referred as Jagat Mandir, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. He is worshipped here as the lord and king of Dwarka. Located in the heart of the city the temple is frequented by people on the Char Dham pilgrimage other than Krishna devotees. The temple is 5 stories tall whose ceilings are supported by 72 pillars. It was originally built in 2,000 CE by Krishna’s grandson named Vajranabha. It was built on a piece of land that was once the residence for Lord Krishna himself.  Later on, during the 15th-16th century the temple was rebuilt and enlarged. Adi Shankaracharya included the temple for the All India Char Dham Yatra during the 8th century.

• Address: Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
• Timing: 08:35 PM to 09:00 PM
• Function: Hindu Temple
• Style: Māru-Gurjara architecture
• Deity: Krishna

6. Gir National Park

Occupying an area of 1412 sq. km. Gir national park is the final refuge of the endangered Asiatic lions. The park is spread across the area between Veraval and Junagadh. Going on jeep safari rides, indulging in lion spotting and bird watching are a few of the tourist’s favorite tourist activities. The sanctuary was set up in 1965. During the 1960s, lion numbers started dwindling to dangerous levels as a result of relentless hunting activities. In order to protect the lion population the sanctuary was set up. Currently, it ranks as one of the best national parks in India for its management and preservation. The national park boasts of over 300 bird species and a spectacular fauna collection. These include antelopes, deer, gazelles, chital, crocodiles and leopards.

• Address: Gujarat
• Timing: 6am-5pm
• Area: 1,412 km²
• Established: 1965

7. Great Rann of Kutch

The great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt marshes in the world. Spread out over an area of 7,500 sq. km. It is inhabited by the local Kutchi people. It is a massive expanse of white cracked earth with nothing to see for miles. It shares a border with Pakistan hence being there is an exhilarating experience. Although a massive barren land, is lifeless, it is still an oasis for exotic birds. Dotted with small water bodies, it is host to pink flamingos, wild asses and a variety of fauna and birds collection. Due to its fragile ecosystem, chunks of the region have been preserved as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. These are: the Little Rann of Kutch, the wild ass sanctuary, etc. The great Rann of Kutch is also host to the annual Rann Utsav festival. Every year from November to February Rann of Kutch swarms with tourists looking to experience the culture of Gujarat.

• Area: 27,454 km2 (10,600 sq mi)
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Places to Near: Kalo Dungar, Topansar Lake, Mandvi Beach & Kutch Museum
• Places to Stay: The Fern Royal Farm Resort, Rann Home Stay Resort & White Rann Resort

8. Palitana Group of Jain Temples

The Palitana group of temples is a large group of Jain temples. Situated on the Shatrunjaya Hills in Bhavnagar, there are over 1000 big and small shrines. Built during the 11th century, it is said that 23 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras had attained nirvana here. This makes the spot a crucial part of Jain pilgrimages. The temple complexes towards the top are known as Tonks. The pilgrims are required to climb 3,500 steps to reach the top. Pilgrimages are an important part of Jain culture. They believe that visiting the Palitana group of temples must be visited once in a lifetime for salvation. Every temple is built in the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture but is still distinct from each other. They contain elaborate carvings, engravings, sculptures and designs. The view from the top of the holy hill is absolutely spectacular.

• Location: Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India
• Affiliation: Jainism
• Deity: Rishabhanatha
• Festivals: Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Kartik Purnima & Falgun Feri
• Governing Body: Anandji Kalyanji Trust
• Temple(s): 863
• Monument(s): 2700
• Elevation: 603 m (1,978 ft)

9. Kankaria Lake

Kankaria is the 2nd largest lake in Ahmedabad. This manmade lake was built during the reign of Ahmad shah 2 in 1451. The lakefront is developed into a boardwalk with food stalls and entertainment points. These include, water rides, a small zoo, train rides, tethered balloon ride, kid’s city and more. It also serves as a site for several cultural events and social activities. The lake construction was done by some of the finest Mughal engineers and architects. Remnants of the old lake can still be seen in the form of elaborate arches, cuttings and designs. A polygonal reservoir occupies the centre stage of the lake. It is connected to the bank of the lake with the help of a bridge. Although the original origin of the term Kankaria is unknown there are a couple of stories behind it. The most commonly accepted history is that during the time the lake was being dug, huge quantities of limestone were quarried.

• Area: 31 ha
• Length: 560 m
• Catchment area: 64 ha
• Shore length: 2.25 km
• Location: Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Average depth: 6 m (20 ft)
• Cities: Ahmedabad

[ Also Read: Ahmedabad Places to See ]

10. Saputara

Situated in the dang district of Gujarat, Saputara is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats region. Since hill stations are a rarity in the state, this place is a huge crowd-puller. It rises up to a comfortable elevation of just 900 metres above sea level. The quaint hill station is known for its gentle, lush green slopes covered in forests and waterfalls. Bored of the same old sightseeing places in Gujarat? Head on to this scenic charming little hill station. The most famous place here is Saputara Lake. Just 4 km away from the Maharashtra border, the term Saputara literally means the home of snakes. The tribal population residing on these hills worship the snakes here, especially during Holi.

• Elevation: 900 m
• Weather: 26 °C, Wind E at 11 km/h, 27% Humidity weather.com
• District: Dang District
• Population: 2,968 (2011)
• Area code: +02631
• Local time: Wednesday, 11:37 am
• Vehicle registration: GJ-30

Conclusions:

Gujarat tourist places are extremely distinct from one another. From being a spiritual hub to its incredible national parks, there is so much to see and do. Every day spent in this westernmost state of India is memorable.