TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN GUJARAT

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• published: 22 Mar 2016
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It is the Jewel of Western India. The state is bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Maharashtra to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and the Arabian Sea and the Pakistani province of Sindh to the west. Its capital city is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat is home to the Gujarati-speaking people of India. 1) Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Gir is the only natural habitat of world popular Asiatic Lions. coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck etc. 2) Akshardham The complex was built over 13 years and is a tribute to Swaminarayan and his life and teachings.At the center of the 23-acre complex is the Akshardham mandir, which is built from 6,000 metric tons of pink sandstone from Rajasthan. On September 24, 2002, two armed terrorists attacked Akshardham, killing 33 people and wounding 70. The Indian National Security Guard intervened and ended the siege by killing both terrorists. A prayer assembly led by Pramukh Swami was organized on September 29, 2002, with attendees praying for the departed souls and their families and also for communal and sectarian peace. 3) Great Rann Of Kutch The Great Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert. It is about 7,505.22 square kilometres in size and is reputed to be one of the largest salt desert in the world.This is one of the hottest areas of India - with summer temperatures averaging and peaking at 49.5 C. Winter temperatures reduce dramatically and can go below 0 °C. The Government of Gujarat hosts an annual 3 month long festival called the Rann Utsav (festival of the Rann), where tourists can see the various sights of the Rann as well as get a taste of the local culture, cuisine and hospitality. 4) Kankaria Lake It was constructed by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din at Ahmedabad in the year 1451. There is a popular saying that Kankaria lake of Ahmedabad was often visited by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with his wife Empress Noor Jahan. It is a great crowd pulling leisure spot. It is good place to hangout with family or friends. Here you get many modes of entertainment like, toy train, hot air balloon etc. Its really more colourful after evening with all its excellent lighting. 5) Laxmi Vilas Palace The palace is situated in a massive 700 acre of land. The stunning interiors of the palace and the opulent furnishings are awe-inspiring. It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built till date and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the Royal Family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda. 6) Somnath Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal". This legendary temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by Islamic kings and Hindu kings respectively. Most recently it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the integration of Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration.The temple is open daily from 6AM to 9PM. There are 3 aarti daily; in the morning at 07:00, at 12:00 and in the evening at 19:00. It is also believed that this is the place where Krishna ended his lila on earth and left for his heavenly abode. 7) Jhulta Minara The Sidi Bashir Mosque is located in the city of Ahmedaba, due to its unique construction, the mosque is also called Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets.The mosque is located opposite the Ahmedabad Railway station and is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Ahmedabad. Entry to the shaking minaret was prohibited following an incident at Qutb Minar in Delhi, where a stampede resulted in many children being crushed. 8) Sabarmati Ashram / Mahatma Gandhi's Home Timings: 8:30am - 6:00pm This Ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi on a quiet stretch of the Sabarmati river in 1917, it is a very calm and soothing place. Gandhi Ashram is the most popular tourist place in the city. It is mostly visited by tourists due to its importance. It was from here, in 1930, that Mahatma began his famous "Dandi March" to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. The ashram houses a museum, library, auditorium and photo galleries. 9) Dumas Beach This beach is believed to be one of the most haunted places of India.Apart from the beach, places of interest at Dumas including the Dariya Ganesh Temple located adjacent to the main beach. 10) Rani ki vav It is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in the town of Patan. It is located on the banks of Saraswati River. Rani ki vav was built as a memorial to an 11th century AD king. It was added to the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites on 22 June 2014.