Vibrant Gujarat
9 day trip to Gujarat
Gujarat is a state located on the western coast of India and is one of the country's most prosperous and industrialized regions. It has a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse geography. It features a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, the arid Rann of Kutch, lush forests in the Dangs region, and fertile plains in the central and eastern parts. The state has a variety of ecosystems, including deserts, wetlands, and hilly areas. Gujarat has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. The state has also been home to various ancient civilizations and dynasties, including the Indus Valley Civilization and the Mauryan Empire. The state is famous for its folk dances like Garba and Raas, as well as its exquisite handwoven textiles and handicrafts. We went on a 9-day trip to Gujarat and here is the list of places visited.
Days
Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad and sight seeing
Ahmedabad sight seeing
Ahmedabad is a vibrant and historic city located in the western part of India, in the state of Gujarat. It is the largest city in Gujarat and serves as its cultural and economic hub. Ahmedabad has a rich historical heritage, dating back to the 11th century when it was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah. It played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and was the center of Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent resistance campaigns. Ahmedabad is a major economic and industrial center in India. It is known for its textile and garment industry, as well as its thriving business sector. We arrived at Ahmedabad, checked into our hotel and began our sightseeing. The first stop was Hutheesing Jain temple. This is a is a prominent Jain temple dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, who is the fifteenth Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) in Jainism. The temple was constructed in 1848 by Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh, a wealthy Jain merchant, in memory of his wife Shethani Harkunvar. It is often referred to as the Hutheesing Temple in her honor. The Hutheesing Jain Temple stands as a remarkable example of Jain temple architecture and is a testament to the artistic and architectural heritage of Gujarat. The next stop was an authentic Gujarati lunch at Gopi Dinner home. After a sumptuous meal, we continued to our next spot, the Sabarmati Ashram. The Sabarmati Ashram or the Gandhi Ashram is a historic and iconic place located in Ahmedabad. The Sabarmati Ashram was established on June 17, 1917, by Mahatma Gandhi, the prominent leader of India's independence movement. It was founded as a center for activities related to the nonviolent civil disobedience and Satyagraha movements led by Gandhi. The ashram is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, providing a serene and contemplative environment for its residents and visitors. It was from here that Mahatma Gandhi initiated several important movements, including the famous Dandi March (Salt March) in 1930, which had a significant impact on the struggle for freedom. The Sabarmati Ashram stands as a symbol of peace, simplicity, and the enduring spirit of the Indian independence movement. Moving on, our next stop was the Adalaj step well. The Adalaj Stepwell, also known as Adalaj ni Vav, is a stunning and historically significant stepwell located in Adalaj village. Stepwells, or "vavs," are unique structures that were built to store water and provide relief from the scorching Indian heat. The stepwell was built in the late 15th century, in 1499, during the reign of Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty. It was primarily designed to provide a source of water and a place for travelers and pilgrims to rest. The stepwell is a five-story deep structure, consisting of a series of steps leading down to the well at the bottom. The walls, pillars, and ceilings of the stepwell are adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes, flowers, and various motifs. According to local legend, the stepwell was built in honor of Rana Veer Singh's wife, Rani Roopba, who committed self-immolation to avoid being married to an invader. The carvings are said to represent the love story and the sacrifice of the queen. The stepwell is part of a nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. The last stop of the day was the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar. Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple complex and cultural center dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is one of the most prominent and revered pilgrimage sites in India, known for its architectural grandeur, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings. The temple complex is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and aims to promote spiritual and cultural values. The temple is renowned for its stunning architectural design. It follows the traditional Vastu Shastra principles and features intricate carvings, ornate domes, and beautiful stonework. The pink sandstone and white marble used in the construction add to its grandeur. Visitors to the Akshardham Temple can explore the temple, its exhibitions, and the lush gardens. Photography and cell phones are not allowed inside the complex. After a hot and a long day, a well needed rest was due. Before that, we stopped at Mahalaxmi Bhajipav place for a delicious pav bhaji. This place is not to be missed when in Ahmedabad.
Visit
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
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Hutheesing Jain Temple
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Sabarmati Ashram
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Adalaj ni vav
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BAPS Akshardham Temple | Gandhinagar
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Eat
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Gopi Dining Hall
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Mahalaxmi Bhaji Pav-Pulav
Stay
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Hotel Le Grande Residency
Photos
Day 2: Travel to Dwarka
Travel to Dwarka (via Jamnagar)
Today was a day with a long journey to Dwarka. Dwarka is about 440kms from Ahmedabad. We stopped for a lunch at Rajkot and another stop at Jamnagar. We visited the Bala Hanuman temple. This temple is known for chanting of Ram dhun – 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', 24x7. The chanting started in 1964 and still continues till day and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Just opposite to the temple is the Lakotha Lake. This has a fort and a palace on a small island in the middle of the lake. Late evening, we reached Dwarka and soon visited the Dwarkadish temple. This temple is one of the Char Dham (four pilgrimage sites) for Hindus and holds great religious and mythological importance. The Dwarkadish Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is revered as the king of Dwarka and is also known as Dwarkadhish. It is said that Lord Krishna established Dwarka as his capital city and ruled here. The temple is regarded as the place where Lord Krishna lived and performed various divine acts. The Dwarkadish Temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical and cultural landmark, with a rich history and strong connections to the life and legends of Lord Krishna. After a long journey, we had a good dinner and checked in for a good rest.
Visit
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Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
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Bala Hanuman Temple
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Lakhota Lake
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Eat
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GOKUL RESTAURANT BARADIA DEV BHUMI DWARKA
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TGM - The Grand Murlidhar
Stay
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Madhuvan Suites By Blues Hotels
Photos
Day 3: Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar
Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar
We continued to stay in Dwarka as there are a lot of places to visit here. We began with a stop to Nageshwar Jyotirling. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as the Aundha Nagnath Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly his manifestation as the "Lord of Snakes" or "Nageshwar." This temple is located near Dwarka in the state of Gujarat, India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that Lord Krishna himself used to visit the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple to offer his prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple has strong mythological associations. It is said that a demon named Daruka once terrorized the region and captured a Shiva devotee named Supriya. In response to the prayers of Supriya and other devotees, Lord Shiva appeared at this location as Nageshwar and defeated the demon. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is not only a place of religious significance but also a site of historical and cultural importance. Next we visited the Bet Dwarka. Bet Dwarka, also known as Beyt Dwarka or simply Bet, is an island located off the coast of the Gujarat peninsula. It is just a short boat ride away from the main town of Dwarka. The name 'Bet' means gift. It is said the Lord Krishna met his friend Sudam here and he gifted this land to Sudam. The temple is believed to be the site where Lord Krishna ruled over his kingdom from the island of Dwarka. The archaeological site on Bet Dwarka has revealed remnants of ancient settlements, pottery, and structures, supporting the belief that this area may have been inhabited in ancient times. Visitors typically reach Bet Dwarka by taking a short boat ride from the main Dwarka town. A bridge is now being built across to the island. We came back to the main land and stopped at the Rukmini temple. The Rukmini Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna's marriage to Rukmini took place at this very site, making it a spiritually significant place for devotees. The temple is located approximately 2 kilometers away from the main town of Dwarka. After another round of visit to the Dwarkadish temple, we were back for a good night's rest.
Visit
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Dwarkadhish Temple
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Bet Dwarka
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Nageshwar Jyotirling
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Rukmini Devi Mandir
Eat
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GOKUL RESTAURANT BARADIA DEV BHUMI DWARKA
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Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba
Stay
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Goverdhan Green Resort
Photos
Day 4: Porbandar and Somnath
Porbandar and Somnath
We left Dwarka towards Porbandar, which is about 105kms from Dwarka. On the way, we stopped at Jambuvan caves, which is about 14kms from Porbandar. This cave was the resting place of the warrior Jambuvan, who had his own special role in both the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna and Jambuvan fought for the Syamantaka jewel for 28 days. Jambuvan Cave has over 50 Shivalingas which are formed naturally. The main shivalinga is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the linga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle. Inside the cave, there is an exact spot where Jambuvan gave Syamantaka jewel and gifted his daughter Jambavati for marriage to Lord Krishna. Also, there are two tunnels inside the cave where one leads to Dwarka and other leads to Junagadh. Next we left to Porbandar, to Mahatma Gandhi's place of birth, the Kirti Mandir. Porbandar is the birthplace of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who later became Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Mandir is located near the house where Gandhi was born in 1869. The monument stands as a symbol of his legacy and the ideals he stood for. Inside Kirti Mandir, there is a memorial area that houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi. It serves as a museum dedicated to Gandhi's life and work, offering visitors a glimpse into his journey and philosophy. From Porbandar, we left towards Somnath about 80kms away. Here, the first stop was the Gita Mandir. The Gita Mandir in Somnath, Gujarat, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is known for its unique architectural design and its connection to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Inside the temple, visitors can find beautifully sculpted images and depictions of Lord Krishna delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. It is also believed that Lord Krishna left to spiritual abode from this place. His footprint here marks his journey. On way here, is the Triveni Sangam or the place where 3 rivers meet, namely the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati. The last stop was the Somnath Jyotirling temple. The Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred and revered Hindu temples. The Somnath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees. It is believed that visiting the temple and offering prayers here is highly auspicious and can help one attain salvation. The Somnath Temple is located on the Arabian Sea coast, providing a picturesque backdrop to the temple. The serene location by the sea adds to the spiritual and natural beauty of the site. Soma, the Moon god, is believed to have lost his lustre due to a curse, and he bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain it. The result is said to be the waxing and waning of the moon. The name of the town, Prabhas, meaning lustre, as well as the alternative names Someshvar and Somnath ("the lord of the moon" or "the moon god"), arise from this tradition. In 1026, during the reign of Bhima I, the Turkic Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided (his 17th and the only successful raid) and plundered the Somnath temple, broke its jyotirlinga. He took away a booty of 20 million dinars. The temple was re-constructed after independence. It attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world who come to seek blessings and experience the spiritual aura of this ancient and revered temple.
Visit
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Jambuvan Caves
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Kirti Mandir (Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Place)
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Somnath Jyotirling Temple
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Gita Mandir
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TRIVENI SANGAM ATITHIGRUH
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Eat
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Swad Sagar Restaurant
Stay
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VITS The Somnath Gateway
Photos
Day 5: Diu
Diu
Today, we started our journey to Diu, a union territory about 85kms from Somnath. Diu is a beautiful island town in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is known for its picturesque beaches, historical sites, Portuguese architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere. It is part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The place is famous for its pristine beaches. Nagoa Beach, Ghoghla Beach, Jallandhar Beach, and Chakratirth Beach are some of the popular beach destinations. Diu has a rich historical legacy, with Portuguese colonial influence evident in its architecture and culture. The Diu Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is a prominent historical site. St. Paul's Church and the Se Cathedral are other architectural gems reflecting the Portuguese era. Diu is also known for its mesmerizing sunset views. Many tourists gather at the waterfront to witness the breathtaking sunset. We visited the Diu fort and the Nagoa beach. The beach is pristine and devoid of much visitors. The place is very calm. Opposite to the beach is a food area where all types of cuisines are available. Diu was my personal favorite place in the trip. This day was more of relaxing and we indeed relaxed here.
Visit
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Diu Fort View Point
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Nagoa Beach
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Eat
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The Nagoa Food Zone
Stay
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Krishna Beach Resorts
Photos
Day 6: Bhavnagar
Nishkalank Mahadev Mandir
From Diu, we continued towards Bhavnagar, about 150kms. The first stop was the Nishkalank Mahadev Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the village of Koliyak in the Bhavnagar district. Located about a kilometer into the sea, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has 5 distinct swayambhu Shiva lingams on a square platform and each is having a Nandi statue facing it. This temple is submerged during high tides in the sea and emerges during low tides to reveal itself majestically, promising its devotees to wash away all sins. During the high tide, the idol of the lord is submerged and all that can be seen are the flag and a pillar. The temple was built with special care to withstand high tides and it truly remains an unsolved mystery to modern engineers and technology experts. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War. Legend says that after killing all the Kauravas, Pandavas began to feel guilty for their sins. To discover reclamation for their sins, Pandavas consulted Krishna who handed them a black flag and a black cow and asked them to trail and said when both the flag and the cow turn white, they will all be forgiven. Lord Krishna also asked them to apologize to Lord Shiva after that. They followed the cow everywhere it took them and acknowledged the flag for many years to various places, yet the shades did not change. Finally, when they reached the Koliyak Beach, both turned white and soon the Pandavas meditated on Lord Shiva and apologized for the sins committed by them. Lord Shiva impressed by their prayers, showed up in lingam form to each brother. Hence, they named it as Nishkalank Mahadev which means being spotless, clean, and innocent. Kindly note the schedule of high tides and low tides of the sea before visiting the shrine as the entire visit of the Mandir depends on it. After a sumptuous lunch at Bhavnagar, we continued a further 200kms to reach Vadodra for a well needed rest.
Visit
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Nishkalank Mahadev Temple
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Eat
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Ghee Gud Bhavnagar
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Hotel Clarks Collection Vadodara
Stay
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Hotel Clarks Collection Vadodara
Photos
Day 7: Kevadia
Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity, a colossal statue, is a tribute to the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue is a significant landmark and a symbol of national pride. It is situated in the Narmada district, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. It stands on an island in the Narmada River, facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The statue is the tallest in the world, with a total height of 182 meters (597 feet), including the base. This height was chosen to represent the 182 princely states that were integrated into India during Sardar Patel's leadership. It is made of bronze. It depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wearing a traditional Indian attire. The statue stands on a pedestal, which includes an exhibition hall and a museum showcasing the life and accomplishments of Sardar Patel. Visitors can learn about his role in the unification of India and his contributions to the nation. The Statue of Unity has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across India and around the world. Tourists can explore the museum, the statue's surroundings, and the observation deck for panoramic views of the Narmada Valley. The statue complex offers a nightly light and sound show that narrates the story of Sardar Patel's life and India's journey to unity. There are so many activities and places to visit here. Jungle Safari, Dino Trail, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Rafting point, Boating point, Butterfly Park, Valley of Flowers, Maze garden are a few activities that can be visited. One can board a bus (tickets included with the entry fee) or hire an auto to roam around and visit these places. There are a lot of resorts around here for accommodation. Tent house stay is a common accommodation here. It is a different experience and it is worth a try.
Visit
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Statue Of Unity
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Sardar Sarovar Dam
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Valley of Flowers
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Dino Trail Park
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Eat
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Unity Village Resort
Stay
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Unity Village Resort
Photos
Day 8: Modhera and Rani ki Vav
Modhera and Rani ki Vav
This was another day of long journey. However, it was required to visit two of my bucket list places. About 290 kms from Kevadia (via Ahmedabad), our first stop was Modhera. The Modhera Sun Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is located in the village of Modhera in the Mehsana district. The village is the first solar powered village in India. The Modhera Sun Temple was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. It is an exquisite example of ancient Indian temple architecture. The temple follows the Maru-Gurjara style, characterized by intricate carvings, finely sculpted pillars, and a stepwell-like structure. The Sun God is depicted as the central deity within the temple, and the temple is designed to facilitate the observation of the solstices. The Surya Kund or the stepped tank is known for its 108 exquisitely carved miniature shrines and beautiful stepwell architecture. The temple's architecture is such that during the equinoxes and solstices, the first rays of the sun illuminate the idol of Lord Surya in the sanctum sanctorum. The Tropic of Cancer passes very close to this place. This place is truly a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. About 30kms from here, is a place called Patan. Here is another UNESCO heritage site, the Rani ki Vav. Rani ki Vav or the Queen's Stepwell, is a magnificent stepwell, a type of traditional Indian water storage and irrigation structure, and is celebrated for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Rani ki Vav was built during the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her deceased husband, King Bhimdev I, who was a ruler of the Solanki dynasty. The stepwell served as a functional water resource, as well as a place of spiritual and ritual significance. The stepwell exemplifies Maru-Gurjara architecture, which is known for its ornate and elaborate designs. Rani ki Vav is designed in seven levels of deep steps, showcasing intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative elements. The step well was discovered in 1960. Prior to this, only the outer part of the well was seen. Later excavations revealed this beautiful place. This place is also inscribed on the anterior side of the 100 rupee note. Rani ki Vav is a testament to the architectural and artistic excellence of ancient India and is truly called the 'Queen of step wells'. This is a must-visit destination for those interested in India's rich cultural and historical heritage. This was the penultimate day in the trip and we returned back to Ahmedabad.
Visit
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Modhera Sun Temple
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Rani Ki Vav
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Eat
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Mahalaxmi Bhaji Pav-Pulav
Stay
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Hotel Le Grande Residency
Photos
Day 9: Departure to Bangalore
Departure from Gujarat
After collecting a lot of memories and fulfilling dreams of visiting bucket list places, it was time to depart. Before that, we did some shopping at Ratanpole, Lal Darwaza. This is a shopping paradise for all clothes. SInce we did not have much time, we had to leave the place ia hurry. Mohanthal is a traditional Gujarati sweet made with besan, sugar and ghee. Do not miss to buy this in Gujarat. Gujarat is a must visit state in India. The state is diverse and unique. It has very prominent temples, history, religious, wildlife as well as some pristine beaches. Some part of Gujarat I too have missed, the Rann of Kutch and the Gir Forest. If you are planning, please include these places as well. Note the timings as to when these places are open.
Visit
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
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Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR)
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