Must See India -भारत के सबसे अच्छे प्राकृतिक आकर्षण

Sunset on Brahmaputra River

The majestic Brahmaputra river is one of the major river of Northeast India, Originate at Tibet and flows through the great gorges of Arunachal and the Valley of Assam then fall into the Bay of Bengal. During a sun set over the 2,900 km long Brahmaputra river when the dark cloud gather over the sky and rays of sun are playing with river water. Sunset on Brahmaputra River is one of the best attraction of Northeast India and a must captured moment of life.

Frozen Lakes of Himalayas

The Great Himalaya mountain contains hundreds of beautiful Lakes along with its long ranges from Greater Himalaya to Arunachal Himalayas. Himalayan terrain of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim host some of the best frozen lake of India, Frozen lake at Tawang,Gurudongmar Lake of Sikkim and world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. These frozen water bodies are one of the beauty of the Himalayas.

Islands of Lakshadweep

The group of islands of Laccadive or Lakshadweep in the Laccadive Sea are the major attraction of the tiniest Union Territory of India. Island of Lakshadweep are famous for water sports and adventures sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar are the jewels of the Sea.

Natural Beauty of Western Ghats

The Western Ghats is also known as Sahyadri mountain range that runs through the entire west coast of India,from the border of Gujarat till the Kanyakumari. Western Ghats is one of the hottest biodiversity spot and home to a large variety of flora and fauna along with many undiscovered species. Western Ghats is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its natural beauty with highest peaks,several man made lakes and reservoirs, waterfalls and green scenery till the end.

Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest city in India situated along with the banks of the holy river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is considered as the holy city by Hindu’s as well as by Buddhists, Jains and regarded as the temple city of India. The city has number of ghats along with the Ganges river, which are used for bathing and cremation, so also known as burning Ghats of Varanasi. Varanasi Ghats are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

Mangrove Forest of Sundarbans

The mangrove forest of Sundarbans are one of the largest tidal halophytic mangrove in the world,situated at the Sundarbans delta in West Bengal. The Sundarbans region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and densely covered forest and home to a large number of Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarbans means the beautiful forest created by Ganges Delta on the Bay of Bengal.

Shimmers on Ladakh Lakes

Ladakh is home to some of the most spectacular lakes of region situated at a height of 4,350 m. These lakes of Ladakh changes forms at every next hour of the day and appear most beautiful during the evening. Pangong Tso is one of the most beautiful high altitude Lakes of Ladakh along with other Tso Moriri Lake. The blue skies over the lakes along with tremulous light of sun on the the water bodies give a shimmering reflection which looks like stars on earth.

Astonishing Waterfalls in Shillong

Mawsynram is a small village located on the East Khasi Hills of northeast Meghalaya state. The place is known as the wettest place on Earth with an annual rainfall of 11,872 mm. Meghalaya also host another wettest place call Cherrapunji next to the Mawsynram and receives second highest rainfall of the year. This region is surrounded by big hills,lush green mountains and number of famous waterfalls in India.

Wildlife in Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is situated at the heartland of India called Madhya Pradesh. The Tiger Reserve is one of the largest National Park and home to significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian leopards along with Indian wild dogs. Kanha National Park is very rich in wild life and mostly covered with dense bamboo and sal forests. Madhya Pradesh host two most important National Park, another one is the bandhavgarh the most popular national parks of India. Follow the link to see stunning wildlife photography of Kanha National Park.

Night in The Thar Desert

The Great Indian Desert is situated in the Royal state of Rajasthan and surrounded by Aravalli mountain ranges and Great Rann of Kutch. Thar Desert offers one of the wonderful experience, A night among the dunes along with enjoyable camel ride. Bikaner is known as the jewel of the Thar Desert or desert city of India located in the middle of the great Thar desert with extreme climate conditions.

Backwaters of Kerala

The God’s own country offers the best experience to have, roaming on the brackish lagoons and lakes along with the Arabian Sea coast. The Kerala backwaters are created by five large lakes,canals, rivers and cover almost half of the state with water. Kerala backwaters server as National Waterway for backwater cruises to link number of towns, cities and facilitating cargo movement and backwater tourism. The lakes are one of the major attractions of Kerala and home to unique species of aquatic animals and birds live alongside the backwaters lagoons.

Exotic Beaches of Goa

Goa, the smallest state but very rich in tourism and known for its beautiful beaches,world heritage architecture and worship sights. Exotic beaches of Goa are well known in the world for its freedom and unique in its own way. The stunning beaches in Goa are the major attraction of tourist along with the cuisines and culture of the region. Apart from white-sand Beaches, Goa is also famous for owing rich flora and fauna along with the Western Ghats range.

Snow Clad Mountains of Manali

The Snow Covered mountains and glittering lakes of Himachal along with series of valleys with snow clad peaks are adventures travel. Himachal Pradesh offers one of the best snow tour of the country and host some of the most adventures winter sports such as Heli-Ski,Snowboarding and Skiing. The Spiti Valley or the desert mountain valley of Himachal is the most popular snow spot in India to visit.

Forest of North East

The dense and dark forest of North East states occupies 25 percent of India’s total forest and cover the all seven sister states of India. There are 51 types of forest found in the north east region classified as deciduous forests, semi evergreen,wet evergreen forests, alpine forests and temperate forests. These forest offers 7 major National Park and home to 10,000 species of flowering plants and endangered species of animals along with vulnerable species of birds.

Temples of Bhubaneswar City

Bhubaneswar also known as city of Temples or temple city of India for more then 600 number of Hindu temples. The Kalinga Nagari is the capital city of Indian state Orissa and also regarded as one of the cleanest and greenest city of India. Bhubaneswar along with Puri and Konark are home to some of the most famous Indian temples such as Lingaraj temple, Mukteshwar Temple,Duladevi Temple,konark sun temples and Puri jagannath temple. Bhubaneswar is the only city with dedicated temple to the Great Trinity “Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh” those are Brahma Temple Bindusagar, Gandhi Garabadu Precinct Vishnu Temple and The Lingaraj Temple of Great god Lord Siva.

Trek to Valley of Flowers

The valley of flowers is a national park located in the peaks of west Himalaya and well known for its the variety of flora and meadows of alpine flowers. Monsoon season is the best time to visit flowers valley and trek through the mountains to long carpet of flowers.

Tranquil Hills of Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a gift of forest located in Dindigul district in Palani Hills at Tamil Nadu. The hill city is blessed with dense forests, Cascade Waterfall,beautiful meadows and Pillar Rocks. Tranquil hill region is also known as Princess of Hills with beautiful spots of interest like tranquil lake,Dolphin’s Nose,laid garden and giant rock pillars.

Araku Valley on Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats is range of mountains along with the eastern coast of India, from West Bengal state through Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Beautiful Araku valley is a hill station in Andhra Pradesh and home to different tribes. Araku valley is the most beautiful part of valley in the Eastern Ghats famous coffee plantations and most of the place are yet to explore.

Colors of Sea at Kanyakumari

The Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari is situated at the confluence of three great water bodies the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is the precious Jewel of the Oceans and one of the holy site for Hindus due to Kanyakumari Temple one of the 52 Shakti Peetha in India. As per the weather changes and sun location color of these three seas get changes accordingly.

Tea Gardens of Darjeeling

Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills is located at foothills of great the Himalayas in eastern India of the West Bengal state. The large tea plantation region also known as tea gardens of Darjeeling is one of the major attractions of the city along with beautiful flora, adventure sports rafting trekking and hiking. Tea of Darjeeling is well famous for its flavor and quality. Hows these beautiful places ?

There are few more natural attractions in India like Maujli River island of Assam, Munnar tea garden, Shola forest of Karnataka and Great Rann of Kutch. Don’t Forget to share your thoughts.

Maujli River Island

Majuli Island in the Brahmaputra river is the largest river island in the world and also the 1st island district of the India. The island formed by the Brahmaputra river in Assam and one of the must see natural places in India.

Great Rann of Kutch

The Great white Rann is located mostly in Kutch region of the state and a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. Great Rann and little Raan of Kutch are one of the largest salt deserts in the world.

Kudremukh Shola Forest

Shola Forest of Kudremukh mountain range is a valleys of rolling grassland, found in the higher altitude hill regions of the Western Ghats. The shola biome is biodiversity hotspots and home to endangered Nilgiri tahr,muntjac and chevrotain.

Ladakh Mountain Passes

Ladakh is also called as land of passes and the valleys offers breathtaking views of Himalaya. The most famous mountain passes in Ladakh is Khardung La pass and that is also the highest motorable pass in the Leh Ladakh.

Andaman Coral Reefs

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated in the Bay of Bengal and known for best honeymoon destination. The Islands are one of the best place in India to experience underwater world of coral reefs.

Top Ten Places to Visit in Gujarat

4:02 PM BY SIMRAN JOSHI 9 COMMENTS

Winter heralds the peak season of tourism in year. With holiday season celebrated across the globe with great gusto, travelers from overseas rush to India with their family and friend to explore and discover the rich heritage, culture and natural diversity of India. 

One such favored tourist destination for tours to India in winter is Gujarat. With Runn Utsav in offing and salubrious weather condition making it ideal time to explore the immense cultural and archaeological wealth, we bring to you the best places to visit in Gujarat to make the most of your winter holidays in India.

You could travel to Gujarat for a number of reasons. From the fossil fields of indigenous dinosaurs, Gir with the only home to Asiatic Lions outside Africa to the art of the Neolithic cave paintings to the stone masonry of a succession of civilized architecture both modern and ancient.

And from the marvels of Jain architecture, Hindu Temples of Somnath and Dwarka emerging out of the Arabian Sea to the seasonal island of Kutch that trickles into hardened white salt desert come summer and where the local artisans weave the finest textiles in India and combat the inhospitable elements of Little Rann, Gujarat has it all.

With this multiplicity of options available for holidays in Gujarat, we bring to you the list of top 10 places to visit in Gujarat. Please make a note that the best time to visit Gujarat is from October till March when the weather is pleasant.

10. Junagad 

Mahabat ka Maqbara, Junagarh. Photo courtesy 500PX

Literally meaning the “Old Fort”, Junagad is a fortified city steeped in history. Sprinkled with Mosques, temples both Hindu and Buddhist and other historical structures, Junagad was ruled by the Babi Nawabs till India’s independence. Interestingly, the Nawab of Junagad wanted to side with Pakistan after partition but since majority of populace was Hindu, Nawab had to leave his princedom and flee to Pakistan.

Junagad is mostly overlooked by tourist and serves mainly as the base to visit Gir National Park. But this city is home to some marvelous historical monuments. Mahabat ka Maqbara is one such example of exquisite architecture. You can also find a Ashokan Rock Eddict here. Several Jain Temples are also located close to the city build on the tops of Girnar Mountain which could be reached by the flights up stairs.

[Explore Junagad Tour Packages ]

09. Ahmadabad

Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is close to Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the fifth largest city in India, is the commercial hub of Gujarat and also one of the best places to be in Gujarat. The city is renowned for its deep rooted culture, exquisite architecture and exuberant people. Ahmedabad was founded by the King Karnadev in 11th Century and was named after him as Karnawati untill Sultan Ahmed Shah invaded the kingdom in 1411 and renamed the city after himself.

The tourist attractions in Ahmedabad include Bhadra Fort, well laid out historical buildings, mosques and lakes. Mahatma Gandi's ashram, known as Sabarmati Ashram is one of the major draws of the city along with the nearby modern marvel Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar.

Jhoolta Minar or the Shaking Minarets in Ahmadabad

Bhadra Fort, Jhoolta (shaking) Minarets and Teen Darwaza are the historical wonders in the city. Natural beauties include the emerald Kankaria Lake and Vastrapur Lake.

For cultural immersion, visit Ahmedabad during the major festivals that are celebrated in this city. Uttarayan (Makar Sakranti) and Navratri are two most famous festivals here that are celebrated with great zeal and gusto. The International Kite Festival is celebrated here with great gusto and kite flyers from around the world gather and showcasing their kite flying skills.

Other specialty of Ahmedabad is the sumptuous cuisines. The city is renowned for its ice-creams thanks to the white revolution and abundance of dairy products in the state. The local penchant for sweets is renowned as well. Gujarati specialties include Dhokla, Khandvi, Srikhand, Haandvo and Bhajiya amongst others.  For food lovers Khau Galli in Law Garden area and Khan Pan Bazaar in Manekchawk is the place to be for the authentic taste of Gujarati cuisine.

Splurge: Stay in Ginger Hotel or Lemon Tree for a luxurious stay. Hotels to suit the pocket of everyone are available in plenty in Ahmedabad.

Off the Beaten Path Excursion Adalaj ka Vav

Adalaj ka Vav a 5 storey step well located just 18 kilometers from the heart of the city is a must visit place even if you are not into architecture. Adalaj Vav was constructed in 1499 by Muslim king Mehmud Begda for Queen Rani Roopba, widow of Veer Singh, the Vaghela chieftain.

Adalaj ka Vav or the Adlaj Step well

The step well or 'Vav', as it is called in Gujarati, is a spectacular specimen of fusion of Indian and Islamic elements of architecture. This five storey step well is renowned for its intricately carved interiors.

Steeped in history, Adalaj Vav has an interesting legend associated with it. As per the legends the Muslim King Mohammad Begda invaded, defeated and killed Veer Sing who ruled here. It is said that Begda after seeing the beautiful queen was enamored and longed to marry her. The queen promised to oblige him once he constructed the step well.

Begda ordered the construction of the step well which was finished in record time. Open completion Begda pressed the queen to fulfill her promise to marry him. But the queen, who was still devoted to her slain husband decided to end her life by jumping in the same step well. The entire episode is depicted in the walls of the Vav.

[Explore Ahmedabad Tour Packages]

08. Vadodara/Baroda

Laxmi Vilas Palace is the prime attraction in Vadodara

Vododara, referred to as the cultural capital of the state is one of the most visited tourist places in Gujarat. After the waning Mughals were expelled by Marathas the Gaekwads, the local generals of Marathas established Vadodara as their capital. The city offers a seamless fusion of the past and present. The city flourished and modernized under the aegis of Maharaja Sayajirao II and enjoyed great autonomy even during British Rule in India.

When it comes to things to do in Vadodara, you may visit Kadia Dungar Caves, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaugh Palace, Makarpura Palace, Sursagar Talav and the amazing Sayaji Baug.

Sayaji Baug was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879 and is named after him. The Sayaji Baug also called Kamati Baug includes 45 hectares of garden grounds, a flower clock, two museums, a planetarium, a zoo and a toy train.

[Explore Vadodara Tour Packages]

07. Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park

Top of the Pavagarh Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located 50 kilometers East of Baroda City is the Champaner Pavagarh Archaeological Park. This ancient site with its religious structures and ruins dating back to 8th century was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

It is a must visit place for history buffs and those interested in culture and architecture. Complete with its military, religious and agricultural structures, the site was built and expanded between over the period of 600 hundred years. Abandoned soon after briefly becoming capital of Gujarat under the independent Sultan Mehmud Begda, it is the only unchanged pre-Mughal site in existence.

Dargah of Sakar Khan at Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park

The Jama Masjid constructed here during Begda reign is a great example of the Indo-Islamic fusion architecture and later served as a model to build other Friday mosque across India. The ruins of this archaeological site also include residential buildings, military precincts, palaces, agricultural buildings and water-retention installations.

Kalika Mata Temple atop Pavagarh Hill draws a large number of devotees

An important Hindu shrine named Kalika Mata Temple is also located on the top of Pavagarh Hill draws large number of devotees throughout the year.

06. Sasan Gir National Park

A young lion at Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat

The only place in Asia where you could spot the king of jungle prowling in the open wild, Sasan Gir National Park is located in the Junagad District is one of the most visited tourist places in India. The main draw is Asiatic Lions but there is more to this protected area.

Lions of Gir

The park is home to hyenas, leopard, marsh crocodiles, antelopes, sambar and huge number of bird species which makes it an ideal candidate for one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India. Although people come here for lions, birding enthusiasts head to Gir to have one of the finest bird watching experiences in India.

Best time to visit Gir National Park is from November till March but for the best chances to spot lions visit the park in hotter months of April and May.

Check out some more wildlife vacation ideas in India.

[Plan your trip to Sasan Gir National Park]

05. Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadheesh Temple in Gujarat is the most sacred Hindu Temple and a part of Char Dham Yatra

Situated on the Gomti Creek, Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the finest temples in India believed to have been built by the grandson of Lord Krishna himself. Appearing to be rising from the waters of Arabian Sea, the temple is renowned for its exquisitely carved architecture. It is considered the holiest Hindu Temples and part of the Char Dham Yatra, the most sacred of the all Hindu pilgrimages.

According to the legend, Lord Krishna settled down in Dwarka with his Yadava Clan. Upon his death as Krishna avatar, the entire Dwarka Island was submerged in the sea. The recent archaeological excavations have supported these theories that present day Dwarka is one of the 6 ancient cities that existed here.

[Plan your trip to Dwarka with these packages]

04. Rani ka Vav, Patan

Rani ka Vav or Queen's Step well in Patan, Gujarat

One of the rare monuments erected by a queen for her beloved king, Rani Ka Vav is a spectacular step well in very well preserved condition. It was commissioned by Rani Udayamati in memory of her deceased husband King Bhimdev I in the year 1063.

Soon after completion, the step well got flooded by water and silt from the nearby Saraswati River. It was only in 1980s that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated this Vav and desilting was undertaken.

The structure that was uncovered was a majestic specimen of carved sculptures, niches and compartmented pavilions with pillars. Rani ka Vav is one of the largest and finest and unique step wells and is currently in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The sculptures of Apsaras representing 'solah shringar', the different form of make ups

This subterranean step well leads down through stepped corridors which are marked by pillared pavilions. The central motif of the intricately carved sculptures is the Dasavataras, or the 10 incarnations of Hindu god Vishnu. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, brahmins, and apsaras.

The sculpture of apsaras painting their lips and adorning themselves in different style represents the ‘solah shringar' or the 16 ways to make up to look more attractive. In total there are four hundred niches on the walls displaying carvings in this vav.

The intricately carved pillared pavilions are unique feature of Rani ka Vav making it distinct from the other baolis (step wells in India)

Bonus Tips: If you are looking for cultural immersion whilst in Patan don’t miss the opportunity to visit Patola sari workshop. The gracious people working here take great pains to explain the ancient process of textile weaving.

[Explore Patan Tour Packages]

03. Bhuj

One of the top attractions in Bhuj is the Aina Mahal or the Mirror Palace

Perhaps the phrase “steeped in history” was coined to refer exactly to Bhuj. With connection to a range of civilization beginning from prehistoric times, Mahabharata, Indus Valley and the times of Alexander the Great to the regional sultans, British and then modern India, Bhuj with over 4000 years of inhabitation is a cultural potpourri and one of the best places to visit in Gujarat for cultural immersion.

Parag Mahal is yet another things to do in Bhuj

The major draw in Bhuj is the Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace), Parag Mahal, Kutch Museum with rare artifacts, ramakunf Stepwell and Hamirsar Lake. But Bhuj is more than just sightseeing, it’s the cultural interactions be it traditional handmade textiles and crafts, enameled jewelries and cultural excursions to surrounding villages which draws bulk of the international tourists.

One such cultural side trip is Bhujodi. Located 7 kilometers away from Bhuj, Bhujodi is a village of weavers. Yet another village trip is Ajrakhpur, located 15 kilometers from the city, a village of block printers. These trips give you the opportunity to meet artisans, see demonstrations, and buy handicrafts.

[Explore Bhuj Tour Packages]

02. Somnath

Somnath Temple in Gujarat is the most sacred jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Somnath is the first and most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to the legend the Hindu moon god known as Soma built a temple entirely of gold to pay reverence to the lord’s glory and compassion and the temple came to be known as the Somnath Temple. As per the legends the same temple was reconstructed by Ravana in Silver, Krishna in wood, and by King Bhimdev from stone.

Lying on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this temple has been destroyed then reconstructed on number of occasion and finally after India got Independence.Each year millions of devotees seek the blessing of Lord Shiva at Somnath, rated one of the top temples in India when it comes to religious significance.

[Explore Somnath Tour Packages or go for 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra]

01. Rann of Kutch

The White Salt desert of the Great Rann of Kutch

There’s a saying that goes in Gujarat. “Kutch Nahin dekha to kuchh nahin dekha” which translates to “you haven’t seen anything if you haven’t seen Kutch.” Kutch is the deserving top desination to visit in Gujarat especially when the Rann Mahotsav is in full swing.

Wedged between the Arabian Sea and the boundless Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch is mesmerizing symphony of salt and sand. This white symphony reaches its crescendo on a full moon night. What makes Kutch even more surreal is that during the monsoon, it gets submerged in the water.

For the remaining eight months of the year, it's a gigantic stretch of white salt lending it the look of white desert. During full moon nights cultural programs celebrating Gujarat’s rich culture and traditions are usually held at Dhordo. A moon light camel safari is the Rann of a Kutch is one of the must to do things.

[Plan your trip to Rann of Kutch with these tour packages]

A spellbinding vista of  the Rann of Kutch during full moon night

When winter arrives, the Great Flamingoes arrive at the Great Rann of Kutch all the way from Siberia for breeding lending the white desert a pinkish hue. Many other migratory bird species such as the Busturds, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Ceraneous Vulture and Demoiselle Cranes also arrive here in large number.

Great Flamingoes at Rann of Kutch add mesmerizing pinkish hue to the barren white landscape

Yet another thing to do in Kutch is to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Located in Little Rann of Kutch, Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only place in the world where the endangered Indian Wild Ass could be found.

The endangered Indian Wild Ass at the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch

For History buffs Dholvira is yet another must visit archaeological site in Gujarat. It is considered to be one of the modern cities dating back to the period of Indus Valley Civilization. It is situated near Bhachau Taluka of Kutch.

Important Travel Tips: Rann of Kutch is located close to the Indo - Pak border therefore all tourists require prior written permission from the DSP’s office in Bhuj before traveling there. On Saturdays and Sundays DSP office is closed so plan accordingly.

Rann Mahotsav is a 3 Days annual affair held in the Rann of Kutch Courtesy Gujarat Tourism

To experience the Kutch at its most colorful and vibrant, Rann Mahotsav is the time to visit this destination in Gujarat. It is a cornucopia of music, dance and myriad colors & culture of the state. A three day annual razzmatazz, the white desert comes alive with music, dance, live tents, camel safari, arts & crafts on display and cultural performances during the Rann Utsav.

Profusion of color during Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat

Some of you might be wondering where the other names are that should have been featured in this list. But considering we could list only 10, we could only talk about these. With some notable omission like Jamnagar, Balasinor with its Jurassic Park and Saputara, the only hill station in Gujarat; some hackles might rise, but we would appreciate your feedback and more names so that we could have a Part II of the Top 10 Places to visit in Gujarat.