This is Part 9 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 8: Madhya Pradesh.
Gujarat surprises many first-time visitors. It is the only place in the world where you can see wild Asiatic lions, it has India's largest salt desert and it is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the city of Ahmedabad itself.
Best time to visit
November to February is best. The Rann Utsav in Kutch runs through winter, and Navratri (September-October) brings nine nights of garba dancing. Gir National Park is open from mid-October to mid-June. Summers are very hot.
Top places to see
- Ahmedabad: the UNESCO-listed old city with its pols (neighbourhoods), Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj stepwell and the Sidi Saiyyed mosque's stone lattice.
- Rann of Kutch: the white desert at Dhordo, especially magical under a full moon; visit Bhuj and its craft villages.
- Gir National Park: the last home of the Asiatic lion.
- Statue of Unity: at 182 metres, the world's tallest statue, near Kevadia.
- Somnath and Dwarka: major pilgrimage sites on the coast.
- Patan: the UNESCO-listed Rani ki Vav stepwell and Patola weaving.
- Champaner-Pavagadh: an archaeological park with mosques and a hilltop temple.
- Dholavira: a Harappan city in Kutch.
Getting there and around
Ahmedabad is the main international gateway, with airports also at Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhuj and Surat. Gujarat has excellent highways, so a car with a driver works well for circuits.
Sample itineraries
- Kutch (4 days): Bhuj, craft villages and the White Rann.
- Saurashtra (6 days): Rajkot, Gir, Somnath and Dwarka.
- Heritage (4 days): Ahmedabad, Patan, Modhera Sun Temple and Champaner.
Practical tips
- Gujarat is a dry state: alcohol is available only with a permit at licensed shops.
- A permit is needed for the White Rann, available online or at Bhirandiyara.
- Book Gir lion safaris early on the official portal.
What to eat
A Gujarati thali, dhokla, khandvi, fafda-jalebi and Kathiawadi food. Try our khaman dhokla recipe.
Next in Incredible India: Maharashtra.
