Gujarat Tours - A Potpourri Of Culture, Heritage And Spirituality

By Author: Noshir Lavangia
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Gujarat, also known as the 'Jewel in the West' is one of the most colourful states in India owing to its picturesque landscapes, rich architectural heritage, spiritual temples, diverse wildlife and long stretches of the coast. Be it medieval monuments, architectural feats, revered temples and colourful fairs and festivals, when travelling Gujarat you can opt for vacation packages that make your holidays all the more enchanting. Tourists from all around the globe visit here to explore its alluring beauty and vibrant culture. People of this state welcome its guests with unfeigned enthusiasm and utmost warmth.

Mentioned below are some of the salient features of Gujarat that are found to be most popular:

Heritage and Culture

This western state is studded with some of the best heritage monuments which are fine specimens of architectural brilliance. Ahmedabad, the capital city alone is home to around 458 sites of historical importance. The historical city was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah around 600 years ago houses scores of resplendent forts, magnificent palaces, intricately built mosques, gateways, mausoleums, ...
... temples and imposing havelis.
It is not surprising that even UNESCO has added Ahmadabad in its tentative World Heritage Sites list. Swami Narayan Mandir, Jama Masjid, Hathee Singh Jain Temple are some famous attractions in Ahmadabad. Besides Ahmadabad, Vadodara, home to Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a favourite jaunt for heritage lovers and tourists alike.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

Just like heritage sites, the diverse wildlife is a prized possession and a major aspect of your holiday in Gujarat. Offering ample opportunities for rendezvous with rich fauna and avifauna species residing in the wilds, this state has the most visited wildlife sanctuary of Gujarat - Girl National Park. Besides being home to the elusive Asiatic Lions, the sanctuary also has Chitals, Nilgais, Chinkaras, Sambhars, Wild Boar and Four-horned Antelope.

The opportunities for bird watching are equally good. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a fabulous place for spotting wetland birds especially in winters when migratory birds such as Rosy Pelicans, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks, Flamingos and Herons take refuge here.

Spirituality

Spiritual tourism has become the most salient feature of any trip to Gujarat. The region is home to some of the most important pilgrimage and revered shrines in India. Dwarka, one of the famous Char Dhams of India is a revered place for Hindu pilgrims owing to its relation with Lord Krishna. Besides Dwarka, the Somnath temple, which is famed as one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is also found in this state. Another major pilgrim site is Ambaji which is visited by around 15 lakh devotees during the BhadarvaPurnima Festival.

To say that vacation packages in Gujarat offer you a peek into the culture, heritage and spirituality of the region, will not be an overstatement. Considering the vast geography of Gujarat, the aforementioned destinations and attractions are just specks in the vast repertoire of things to do in this vibrant state.

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Ninad Chaudhari works as a Web UI Designer / Developer with Cox & Kings. In his spare time, Ninad is an ardent photographer and loves to travel on vacation packages and pursue his passion. His albums are replete with pictures of his recent tours to Gujarat.