Wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat

1. Gir National Park

Gir National park is the only home to the Asiatic Lions in India. The Gir National Park
/wildlife sanctuary lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South-Western part of India. The terrain in
and around the national park is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous
with Teak, Jamun, Acacia, Tendu and Dhak trees, sprinkled with patches of grasslands. The
trees on the hills are sparse and stunted. Inside the sanctuary, there are several human
settlements of cattle herders with abundance of livestock population that forms a significant
part of the Lion's diet. There are places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage also and sulphur
springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. The edges of the Gir forest are inhabited by good
population of Indian Gazelle, zealously protected by the local people.

Wildlife in Gir National Park

Gir national Park is mainly known for the critically endangered Asiatic Lions. The Asiatic
lions of Gir are smaller and more compact than the African Lions. The Asiatic Lions of Gir
are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Apart from the famous Asiatic
lion, the Gir wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of other animals such as Nilgai,
Sambhar, Chinkara, Black Bucks, Wild Boar, four horned Antelope, crocodile, Grey Musk
Shrew, Indian Flying Foe, Indian Hare, Small Indian Mongoose, Pale Hedgehog, Small
Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Indian Porcupine, Indian Fox and Jackal. The Jungle
Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat also inhabit the Gir forest. The Gir forest is also
rich in avian fauna and about 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park of which the
most common is the peafowl. 
There are 6 routes in the Gir National Park, the longest being 31km. Some of the most
popular routes for a safari are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the Sasan-Chodavdi, the Sasan-
Kankai and the Sasan-Tulsishyam routes. You may be able to spot lions in Gir forests with
the help of tracker and guides. For safari etc you may get jeeps and guides from the forestry
department of the Gir forest. The best way to explore wildlife in Gir forest is by driving
through the most common trails during early mornings and late evenings. 

2. Rann of Kutch
 
Gujarat is famous for its large herds of wild asses as it is for its lions. The Little Rann of
Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, can be from Dasada, 93 kms from Ahmedabad and on an
important route. It has salt plains, caused by flooding of the Rann by sea, river and rain
water; punctuated by highlands called beyts, above the monsoon flood mark where scrub
flora and grasslands offer a refuge to wildlife. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries
in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitats from saline desert
plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. 

This is the only home for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass, which is the member of wild
horse family. These animals are tall, chesnut brown and white in colour, and are
exceptionally fast. They does not survive elsewhere in Indian lowlands, but also supports a
thriving population of gazelle, blue bull, wolf, and Indian foxes, jackal, jungle cat, hare and
birds from the houbara bustard, spotted & Indian sandgrouse, francolin partridge, bustard
quails, desert wheatear, desert , larks, steppe eagle, imperial eagle, short toed eagle, 5 of
vulture, laggar falcon etc to flamingoes, pelicans, ducks,cranes and storks . The 11th century
sandstone of Jhinjwada, historic walled town of Mandal, Rajput at Patdi, intricate temples
around Munsar tank at Viragam and Darbargadh of Dasada can be visited on the way from to
the Rann of Kutch. Indian wild ass, panther, Black buck, Chinkaras, Blue bull, Jackals, wild
boar, Ghudkhur and rare birds Houbara Bustard, Falcons, Larks are the others who can be
seen in this sanctuary.
General lnformation

Accommodation : 
Government guest house in Dhrangadra, Aram Garh dasada, Fatima Manzil at Dasada. 
How to get there : 
The Rann of Kutch is accessible via Dasada village, 93 kms from Ahmedabad.
 

3. Nalsarovar sancturies
 
 
Just 80 km. from Ahmedabad is Nalsarovar. The lake is spread over an area of 115 sq. km. It
is known to harbour more than 250 species of birds. The sheer variety that can be seen at
such places is rewarding by any standards. In Winter migratory birds descend on the Nal in
their thousands. Visitors are ferried in small boats and to experience a sunrise or a sunset
while gliding slowly through the silent waters.
Here you will see Kingfishers. Egrets, Darters, Storks and Cormorants spear or catch fish
with their dagger shaped beaks. You will also get to see jacanas, moorhens, coots, grebes and
ducks feeding mainly on plants, straining water from their specially designed beaks and
keeping the food in. You will see the flamingos using their bug necks and legs to probe the
waters and snipes and godwits probing into mud for food with their long bills. Visitors are
also ferried in small boats to experience a sunrise or a sunset while gliding gently through the
silent waters, with birds silhouetted in the golden orange glow will lift any sagging spirits. 
It is easy to notice the sheer variety of colour, pattern and a cacophony of sounds that these
birds use for recognition and courtship. They can be seen using the same devices for threats
and aggregation as they vie with each other for nesting and feeding space. There just cannot
be any place where one can see so much wildlife in a single day! A pair of binoculars and a
Person well-versed in local bird life will surely make this one of the best outing.

General lnformation

Accommodation : 
Forest Rest Houses at Nalsarovar.

4. Velavadar National Park

 
 
Black Buck N.P. Velavadhar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra. The only tropical grassland in
India to be given the status of a national park, Velavadar National Park is a 36 km patch of
Savannah type grasslands and thorn scrub. The park is set between two rivers, a few miles
from the Gulf of Cambay sea coast. The rich soil is believed to have origins in the sea. The
principal attraction of the park is the massive population of blackbuck, the handsome Indian
antelope, seen here in numbers running into thousands. The blackbuck is endemic to India
and is rated among the most elegant antelopes and the fastest animals over a long distance.
During the rule of the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar, Velavadar was harvested for grass to feed
the royal cattle herds and the antelope were protected except for an occasional hunting camp.
This is where His highness Krishnakumar Sinhji coursed blackbucks using cheetahs and flew
falcons. 
Velavadar is one of the few places in the world where the wolf population is proliferating.
The wolf is the prime predator of Velavadar national park. Other mammals seen in Velavadar
are fox, jackal, jungle cat, wild pig, hare and rodents. The birdlife is extensive. Sandgrouse,
larks and other grasslands are seen in fair numbers. The harrier roost at Velavadar national
park is one of the largest in the world. 
General information

Accommodation : 
Tourist Lodge at the Park. ( Advanced notice needed )

How to get there : 

By road : 4 hours(180 kms), trains to Bhavnagar 50 kms from Velavadar. 

5. Information about the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

The entire Little Rann of Kutch, also known
as the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife sanctuary is
the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. The
Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is the
only sanctuary in India which is the home of
the Asiatic wild ass and covers an area of
 4850 square km. The Indian Wild Ass
Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a vast area of
flat land that is dotted with islands known as
"Baits" which form the core for the flora and
fauna. The Asiatic wild ass is one of the
Gujarat’s many endemic species. In India, the
Indian wild ass represents the horse tribe. In
the Little Rann of Kutch, these wild ass are
attracted by the baits or islands where coarse
grasses spring up in monsoon. But in summer,
these
ass move to these baits where there is regular supply of water and grass.

Wildlife Attractions in the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

The main wildlife attraction in the Indian
Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is the wild ass.
Besides the wild ass, the rare and endangered
Ghudkhur, Jungle Cat, Desert Cat, Chinkara
gazelle, Nilgai antelope, the endangered
Indian wolf, jackal, desert and Indian foxes,
hare, desert gerbil and pale and long eared
hedgehog are the various animals which are
found in the Little Rann of Kutch or the
Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary. In
winter, the Little Rann of Kutch becomes a
birds paradise that attracts about three
hundred varieties of dryland birds like the
houbara bustard, spotted sandgrouse, common
and demmossile cranes, flamingoes, pelicans,
ducks,
storks, ibises and other wetland birds. Falcons, Larks, desert warbler, desert wheatear,
quails, francolins, Indian courser and other birds are also available in plenty in the Little
Rann of Kutch. It is also the hunting ground of various raptors like the eagles, falcon,
harrier, vultures, white eyed buzzard, hawks, kites and owlets. Lizards, Snakes, tortoises and
saw scaled viper are some of the principal reptiles that are also found in this sanctuary.

Jungle Safari in the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary 

Watch towers, a tourist complex and other tourist related facilities are also available to
enhance wildlife viewing in this unique Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary. To view the
wildlife one can have a jeep safari in the Rann of Kutch. In the morning and evening one can
also view the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.

Best time to Visit the Indian Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and
June.

Other attractions in the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

Besides the safaris, one can also visit the ancient monuments and inland salt works and other
places of interest. One can also enjoy the excursion to a typical Saurashtra village, handloom
weaving and dyeing units and the village potter. For people interested in birds and
photography, special camouflaged boats are also provided. 

How to reach Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad, which is about 110 kms.

By Rail:
The nearest railway stations are located at Virangam and Ahmedabad, which are about 110
and 45 kms. respectively.

By Road: 
The Indian Wild Ass wildlife sanctuary is connected to various cities in Gujarat.

6. Information about Marine National Park

The Marine National Park is situated offshore
from the southern coast of the Gulf of Kutch
in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. The Gulf
of Kutch, located on the west coast of India is
an arm of the Arabian Sea, and separates the
Saurashtra peninsula from the Great and Little
Rann of Kutch. It is about 58 km wide on the
seaward (western) side, and 170 km wide in
the eastern side. The Marine National Park
was established in 1982 under the provisions
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for the
protection of threatened marine flora and
fauna in the area. This park was declared as
the first marine national park in India in 1982
and covers an area of
458 square kms. The Marine National Park consists of an archipelago of 42 islands. Some of
the best known islands are Pirotan, Karubhar, Narara, Poshitra. 

Wildlife attractions in the Marine National Park 

Colourful coral reefs, mangrove swamp forests, mudflats, sea grass, sea weeds, Saag,
Sesam, Kheru, Limda and rocky shoals form the landscape of the shallow waters of the
Marine National Park. These plants prevent the land based predators from penetrating and
also provides shelter to the birds for nesting and roosting purposes. Coral lichen, Coral
sponge, Green sponge, Puffer Fish, Crabs, Prawns, Sea anemones, Jelly Fishes, Octopus,
Sea hare, Shelled mollusks, Sea slug, Star fish, Dolphins, Sea turtles and various coastal
birds like painted storks, herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, darters, flamingoes, avocets,
ducks, terns, gulls, little cormorants and stints can be seen feeding on the mudflats and rocky
shores, nesting on the mangrove canopies and wading in shallow coastal waters. Dugong or
sea cow, a marine mammal that looks like sea and breed in the Arabian sea and rare species
of Bonnalia, an undivided worm, was also found here. During the monsoon season, 30
different species of migratory birds make their home among the mangrove forests. One of
the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard and Chowsingha, the world’s only four-
horned antelope is also found in certain protected areas in this island.
In the Marine National Park, corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of
the Park. Their limestone fortresses come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the
convoluted brain coral to corals that look like horns. There are some plants that look like
animals and animals that look like plants. There are various varieties of turtles, shrimp,
sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk, fishes and octopuses that create a brilliance of colours that can
be unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us. Gobies are also there which clean parasites
from other fish and fishes who burrow so deep that only their eyes can seen. The Marine
National Park also maintains a hatchery at Madhopur near Porbandar and also some
temporary hatcheries on islands near Okha and Dwarka. 

Best time to visit the Marine National Park 

The best time to visit the Marine national park is from end of October till end of February.
You can also hire boats at jetties near Jamnagar for a trip to the Marine national park. 

How to reach Marine National Park

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Jamnagar, about 7 kms.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station are located at Jamnagar and Rajkot.

By Road: 
The nearest bus stand is located at Jamnagar.

Gujarat Pilgrimage

There are various places of pilgrimage in Gujarat like Somnath, Dwaraka, Junagadh, Palitana,
Modhera. The Mount Girnar in Junagadh and Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana are the two famous
pilgrimage places of the Jain community. While, the Somnath temple in Somnath,
Dwarakadhish temple in Dwaraka, Sun Temple in Modhera and Akshardham temple in
Gandhinagar are the other famous pilgrimage of the Hindus. Ahmedabad is also visited by
many tourists for its mosques and temples.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid was built by Ahmed Shah in
1423. The building materials were provided to
this mosque by the demolished Hindu and Jain
temples. The 260 columns support the 15
domes at different elevations. There were once
two shaking minarets, but they lost half their
height in the great earthquake of 1819 and
1957. The 2001 earthquake then took its toll,
leaving cracks in the masonry and destroying
several jalis.

Ahmed Shah's Mosque

The Ahmed Shah's Mosque is situated southwest of the Bhadra Fort and built in 1414. The
Ahmed Shah's Mosque was one of the city's earliest mosques. It has an elaborately carved
ceiling with a circular symmetry, beautiful pillars and jalis reminding of the Hindu and Jain
temples.

Sidi Saiyad's Mosque

Sidi Saiyad's Mosque, close to the river, was once part of the old citadel wall. Sidi Saiyad
Mosque was constructed in 1573 by Sidi Saiyad, a sometime slave of Ahmed Shah and a
general of Abysinian origin. This mosque is one of the Ahmedabad's most stunning buildings.
This mosque is best known for its intricate perforated stone work and has beautiful carved
stone windows or jalis which depict the intricate intervening of the branches of the kalpa tree.

Sidi Bashir Mosque

Sidi Bashir Mosque is situated south of Ahmedabad station, outside the Sarangpur gate. This
mosque is famous for its 21.3 meters high shaking minarets which were built to shake to
protect against the earthquake, and this certainly worked in 2001.

Rani Sipri's Mosque

The Rani Sipri's Mosque is situated to the southeast of the centre of the Ahmedabad city. This
small mosque is also known as the Masjid-e-Nagira or Jewel of the Mosque due to its
graceful construction, with slender minarets. It is said to have been commissioned in 1514 by
the wife of Sultan Mahmud Begara after he executed their son for some minor mistake. She is
also buried here.

Rani Rupmati's Mosque

Rani Rupmati's Mosque is situated to the north

of the centre of the Ahmedabad city. This
mosque was built between 1430 and 1440 and
was named after the Hindu wife of the Sultan.
The minarets were damaged in the great
earthquake of 1819. The dome is elevated to
allow light in around its base. This mosque
combines elements of Hindu and Islamic
design.
Hathee Singh Jain Temple

Hathee Singh Jain Temple is situated outside

Delhi Gate, north of the old city. This temple

is typically

fine and made of delicately carved white marble. This jain temple was built in 1848 and
dedicated to Dharamanat, the 15th Jain tirthankara.

Swaminarayan Temple
Swaminarayan Temple is situated in the old Ahmedabad city. This glorious, multicoloured,
woodcarved temple looks like a grand haveli dating from 1850, enclosed in a large courtyard.

Diu, Gujarat

St, Paul's Church

St. Paul's Church was founded by Jesuits in 1600 and then rebuilt in 1807. Inside it is a great
barn, filled with heavy dark wood, with a small cloister, next door. 

St. Thomas Church

St. Thomas Church is a lovely simple building housing the Diu Museum. There is a spooky,
evocative collection of worn Catholic statues. Once a year, on 1 November, this is used for a
packed out mass. There are also some reamains of the Jain

temple. There is a guest house upstairs and

you can also climb the roof for amazing views.

Dwaraka, Gujarat
Dwarkadhish Temple
/ Jagat Mandir 

Dwaraka is known all

over the world for the
Dwarkadhish temple,
the 'Lord of Dwaraka'.
This temple is also
known as the Jagat Mandir or the temple of
the world. This temple was constructed over
1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord
Krishna. This temple is one of the most
famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus and
attracts pilgrims from all over the world. This
temple is magnificently built on the traditional
lines and has five floors supported by 60
columns. The temple is profusely carved from
the base to the pinnacle. The temple is

built of sandstone. The interior is simple while the exterior is covered with elaborate
carvings. Some of the major festivals of Janmashtami and Navratri are celebrated with great
enthusiasm and rejoicing in the Dwarka. After visiting the main temple, some of the devotees
visit the Shankhoddhar Beyt or Beyt Dwaraka.

Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Akshardham Temple
The Akshardam temple is one of the famous temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This temple
belongs to the wealthy Hindu Swaminarayan Group. This temple was built by nearly 1000
artisans. It is an elaborately carved building constructed out of 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone
and surrounded by the manicured lawns and perfect trees. In September 2002, this temple
was attacked by the terrorists.

Jamnagar, Gujarat

Bala Hanuman Temple

At the Bala Hanuman Temple on the

southeastern side of the Ranmal lake, there has
been continuous chanting of the prayer Shri
Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram since 1 August,
1964. This devotion has earned the temple a
place in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Early evening is a good time to visit as the
temple and whole lakeside gets busy.

Jain Temples
In the thick of Chandi Bazaar are four
beautiful Jain temples. The larger two,
Shantinath Mandir and Adinath Mandir,
dedicated to the 16th and first Tirthankaras, in
front of the post office near the .
Darbar Gadh, explode with fine murals, mirrored domes and elaborate chandeliers. The
Shantinath Mandir is particularly beautiful, with coloured columns and a gilt-edged dome of
concentric circles

Junagadh, Gujarat
Mount Girnar 
Mount Girnar is most sacred to the Jain community. This hill
is situated in Junagadh and rises to a height of more than 600
m, a climb marked by 10,000 stone-steps. On this hill various
Hindu and a group of 16 Jain temples are located. This sacred
hill is visited by millions of Hindus and Jains. The Amba
Mata temple is situated on the top of the hill. The newly weds
came here and worship the Amba Mata in order to ensure a
happy marriage. One of the largest and the oldest Jain temple,
dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar and
Mallinath, the 19th Jain Tirthankar are situated just below the
Amba Mata temple. Besides this the Bhavnath temple is also
located on this hill. The Bhavnath temple is dedicated to the
Lord Shiva. The Mahashivaratri fair held here is attended by
Nagasadhus and pilgrims from all over India. When a traveler
to Gujarat, Joss Graham, climbed up the hill forthe festival of
Shivaratri, he slept there overnight. He woke up on hearing
the praying murmurs of the great mass of devotees, about
100,000 of them in their communities and tribal groups.
There is also the temple of Samprati Raja, a fine example of
the later period and the Melak Vasahi temple.

Damodar Kund 
Damodar Kund is a holy water reservoir that marks the ascent to the Girnar temples. It is
surrounded by a well-built ghat. It is believed that here Lord Krishna placed a flower garland
around the neck of the great poet and saint Narsinh Mehta.

Modhera, Gujarat

Sun Temple
The 11th century Sun temple is situated on a
knoll in Modhera, about 106 kms. north west
of Ahmedabad. The Sun Temple was built by
King Bhimdev I in 1026-27 AD, two centuries
before the Sun Temple at Konark. This temple
is one of the finest Hindu temples in Gujarat,
built by the great Solanki dynasty. This temple
and the Konark Sun temple in Orissa are very
similar. This similarity is that this temple was
also designed in such a way so as to let the
sun shine on the image of Surya, at the time of
dawn. The main hall and shrine are reached
through a complex, pillared pavilion.
Beautiful columns and magnificent carvings
decorate the hall. The exterior of

the temple is intricately and delicately carved,  showing demons and evolving gods. Despite
its partial destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni and by subsequent earthquakes, it remains an
outstanding monument, set against the backdrop of the barren landscape. Fifty two intricately
carved pillars depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Unlike the exterior, the
interior hall is plain with 12 niches representing the Surya's different monthly manifestations.

Palitana, Gujarat

Shatrunjaya Hill
The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of
591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the
most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the
largest of its kind in India. One has to climb
up the hill for about 4 kms (600 meters) on a
stepped path to Shatrunjaya (place of victory
over worldliness). You can reach this place
either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The
rich persons visit this place on richly
caparisoned elephants. There are about 863
white marble Jain temples, built over 900
years on the hilltop, each with its own
enclosure. There is a stunning view from the
top of the hill. On a clear day, you can also
see the Gulf of Cambay. All the temples are
enriched with

gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. Shri Adishwar temple is the first and finest
temple on the Shatrunjaya Hill. This temple is dedicated to Shri Adishwar, one of the most
important Jain Tirthankars. This temple is one of the most magnificent and sacred temple of
the Jains community. The Chaumukh or four-faced temple is the biggest temple located on
the hill. This temple was built by a wealthy merchant in 1618 to save his soul. This temple
has an image of Adinath which face out in the four cardinal directions. On the top of the hill a
Muslim shrine of Angar Pir is also located where the childless women offer tiny cradles in
the hope of conceiving. Besides these, there are various other temples like Kumar Pal, Vimal
Shah and Sampriti Raj, named after the wealthy Jain merchants.

Porbandar, Gujarat

Bileshwar
Bileshwar is located about 15 kms. east of Porbandar in Gujarat. The Siva Temple dates from
the early 7th century and is one of the finest examples of early temple architecture in Gujarat.
The enclosure is later but the temple itself has a multi storey tower which is more like a
pyramid than a spire. The exterior is decorated with arch like motifs but much of the detail
has been obscured by a plastic coating. 

Gop
Gop is situated about 50 kms. north east of Porbandar and midway on the Porbandar-
Jamnagar road. The 6th century temple dates from the Maitraka period (6th - 8th centuries)
and is a rare example of an early Hindu temple. The sanctuary is on a raised platform and has
a pyramidal roof with an amalaka topping off. The whole is in a dilapidated state.

Somnath, Gujarat

Somnath Temple 
The legendary shore temple of Somnath is
located near Veraval and is about 80 kms from
Junagadh. The Somnath temple is one of the
twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temple contains the Jyotirlinga of
Lord Shiva. This temple has a very long
history. According to the legends, the
Somnath temple is very old and was originally
built in gold by the Somraj, the Moon God.
Later, it was rebuilt by Ravana, in silver; then
by Krishna in wood and by Bhimdev in stone.
Mahmud of Ghazni, upon hearing the
description of the richness of the Somnath
temple by Al Biruni, an Arab traveller, 

visited this temple in 1024 AD. At that time, this temple had about 300 musicians, 500
dancing girls and 300 barbers to shave off the heads of pilgrims. After a 2 days battle,
Mahmud destroyed the temple and carried away jewels and gold to his homeland. Hence, a
tradition got started, the Muslims destroy the temples and the Hindus rebuilt them. The
Somnath Temple was raided again in 1927, 1934 and 1706. In 1706, this temple was raided
by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In all, the Somnath temple was rebuilt and destroyed
eight times. This temple was finally rebuilt in 1950 with the support of Sardar Vallabhabhai
Patel. The current temple was built as per the traditional designs on the original site by the
sea and is a serene, symmetrical and sinuous structure. Today, this majestic temple is a
replica of the earlier temple.

Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is situated halfway between the Veraval and Somnath. At this place, the Lord
Krishna was mistaken for a deer and wounded by an arrow. The legendary spot is at the
confluence of the three rivers. This place is entered through the small Sangam (confluence
gate), known as the Nana. North of this sacred spot is the Suraj Mandir or Sun Temple. This
ancient temple was destroyed by the Mahmud of Ghazni. The temple, with a freize of lions
with elephant trunks, probably dates from the same time as the Somnath temple.

Gujarat Festivals

Gujarat is one of the diverse and most beautiful state in India. Thousand of small and big fairs
and festivals are celebrated in different parts of Gujarat every year. The festivals are based on
the lunar or solar calendar. These festivals are observed with great enthusiasm and fun in
which the people of all caste and religion participate. Today, these festivals are perhaps the
only occasion that represents the true tradition and culture of Gujarat. Some of the fairs and
festivals which are celebrated in Gujarat throughout the year are International Kite Festival,
Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Kutch Mahotsava, Navratri, Shamlaji Fair, Modhera Dance
Festival, Tarnetar Fair, Bhadra Purnima and Vautha Fair.

International Kite Festival 

The International Kite Festival is

celebrated on 14th January, that
coincide with the festival of Uttarayan
or Makar Sankranti. The festival is
celebrated to mark the end of winter.
On this day, the kites flew all over
Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and
Baroda. The people eat the special
food on this day in the open field or in
the park or in the garden of one’s
home. This festival marks the
movement of the sun into the northern
hemisphere. The gods who are
believed to have gone in a long sleep
for six long months awake and the
portals of heaven are thrown open. The
visitors visit the temples and alms are
distributed freely. The kite-

flying starts at dawn and continues without a pause throughout the day. Friends, neighbours
and total strangers battle one another for supremacy and cries of triumph fill the air when
they cut each other kites. The thread which is used to fly the kites are specially prepared by
experts before the final day. Special mixtures of glue and ground glass cover the thread which
is dried and then rolled onto reels known as firkees. In the night, various illuminated box
kites, known as tukkals, fly in the sky. Today, the International Kite Festival is famous all
over the world. This festival enables the people of Ahmedabad to see the unusual kites
brought by the visitors, some of which are truly works of art.

 
Modhera Dance Festival 

The Modhera Dance Festival is held during

the third week of January every year, after the
festival of Uttarayan. This festival is
celebrated at the Sun Temple in Modhera. The
style in which the temple was built bears a
strong resemblance to that of the Jain temples
at Mount Abu. The decision to celebrate the
annual festival of Indian classical dances was
taken by the Department of Culture, Gujarat,
and the West Zone Cultural Centre at the Sun
Temple. The idea was to present classical
dances in an atmosphere similar to that in
which these were originally presented.
 

Kutch Mahotsava 
The Kutch Mahotsava is usually organized during February and March each year. This
mahotsava is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited in order to promote
tourism in Kutch. In this festival, the visitors are taken on a six day tour of Kutch. This tour is
known as a mahotsava, or great festival, because of the great variety of sights and scenes that
are offered to visitors. Kutch has everything to offer to its visitors like the colourful people,
historic towns and remarkable handicrafts.

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair 

The Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is held for five days during Mahashivratri in the month of
February. This fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, located at the foot of Girnar hill
in Junagadh. The events which are associated with the fair are very colourful. The Mahapuja
of Lord Shiva is held in this temple at midnight, on the 14th day of the dark half of the month
of Magh. When the puja starts, naga bavas (naked sages) living nearby move towards the fair
on elephants, holding flags and blow conch shells, that sound tungis and turis. It is also
believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. During this fair, the
visitors are served free meals by the organizers. In the fair there are special stalls that sell
idols, sarees brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and copper,
sweets and fruits.

 
Holi
The spring festival of Holi is celebrated on the full moon
day in the month of Phalguna. While Diwali marks the
end of the monsoon and therefore the agricultural season
of the Kharif crop, Holi marks the agricultural season of
the Rabi crop. The next day after Holi is celebrated as
Dhuleti (Dhuli Padvo) when people throw colour powder
at each other and make merry.

Raksha Bandhan
On the festival of Balev or Raksha Bandhan, the
Brahmins change their sacred threads. On the same day
sisters tie Rakhi on their brother's wrist wishing them a
happy life. The day is also celebrated as Nariyeli Poonam
in the coastal areas of the State, where people worship the
sea offering coconuts.

Saptak Music Festival 

Saptak Music Festival of Indian classical music is usually
conducted on the first week of January in Ahmedabad
every year. This festival was inaugurated by Pandit Ravi
Shankar in 1980. The
musical event is organised by a public charitable trust which runs the Saptak School of
Music. This festival which spans the first 11 days of January, showcases the best talent of
more than hundred musicians. 
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna, is
celebrated with great splendour in Dwaraka.
The main deity of Dwaraka is Shri Krishna.
During the festival, the pilgrims visit the
temple in Dwaraka from all parts of India and
abroad. In this festival, the rows of lights are
lit everywhere, kirtans and bhajans are sung,
sermons are delivered and Krishna is
worshipped in his infant form. After visiting
the main temple, devotees visit the
Shankhoddhar Beyt.

Bhadra Purnima Fair

The Bhadra Purnima Fair is held for three days in the month of September, every year. This
fair is held on the full moon of Bhadrapad at the temple of the goddess Ambaji in Ambaji.
Ambaji is the principal shrine of the goddess Ambaji in Gujarat. The deity is represented by a
triangular Vishwa yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable ‘Shree’ in the centre and
there is no idol. This fact testifies the temple’s antiquity that the tourists visit the temple
during the fair as an essential part of their lives. On this day, the various agriculturists and
general public visit the temple. In the evening the Bhavai and garba dances are performed.
The devotee attend readings of the Sapatashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the
goddess, and visit the temple for an auspicious view of the deity.
Shamlaji Fair 
The Shamlaji Fair, also known as the Kartik Purnima Fair is held during the month of
November, every year. This fair is held in Shamlaji, about 80 kms from Ahmedabad. The
Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav shrine, and the deity housed therein is known by
various names as Gadadhar, bearer of the mace and Shaksi Gopal. The Shamlaji Fair is
celebrated for about two weeks. About 200,000 people of all communities and castes
including the Garasia and Bhil tribes visit the fair. The visitors come here from the adjoining
districts and from Rajasthan. Besides visiting the deity in the temple, they also take a bath in
the river Meshwo. The visitors usually come in groups, and sing devotional songs, carrying
religious banners.

Tarnetar Fair 
The Tarnetar Fair, also known as the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair is held at Tarnetar, near the
industrial town of Thangadh, Saurashtra. This fair is one of the most important fair of
Gujarat. The local as well as the tribal people gather from all over Gujarat to participate in the
various activities that take place at the fair. It is believed that the fair is held on this ancient
site since antiquity. The fair is also one of the most important matchmaking melas as the
tribal youths visit Tarnetar to find a suitable match. Its association with the Mahabharat is
underlined by the fact that the area was known as Panchal Pradesh, the land to which
Draupadi belonged. The fair is linked with the story of Draupadi’s Swayamvar and it is said
that it was at this place that the great archer Arjuna performed the difficult task that won him
his bride. Over 300 stalls are set up in the fair, that sell numerous objects and offer various
types of food and refreshments. There are exhibitions of embroidery, a cattle show,
competitive sports, family planning stall, merry-go-rounds and photographer’s stall. The folk
music and dances like the Garba ras and hodo are the main features of the fair.

 
Navratri 
Navratri, that means ‘nine nights’ is an
ancient, colourful and religious
festival of Gujarat. This festival is
celebrated to honour the one Divine
Shakti or Force which supports the
entire universe and is personified as
the Mother Goddess. The Mother
Goddess protects her worshippers,
destroys evil and grants boons to her
children. Navratri is celebrated with
joy and enthusiasm throughout the
Gujarat, but in Ahmedabad and
Baroda, Garba and Dandia

dances are performed. This festival is celebrated with true devotion in the various temples
which are dedicated to the Mother Goddess. In this festival, the women perform the Garba
dance or the circular dance around an earthenware pot called a garbo which is filled with
water. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, on the top of which a coconut is
placed. As the dancers whirl around the pot, a singer and a drummer also accompanies them.
The participants clap in a steady rhythm. The dance usually starts slowly and gets fast with
the music. In large public areas, group of musicians sing the traditional garba songs. The
Dandia ras or ‘stick’ dance is also performed during Navratri. Both the men and women
perform the dance in circle, holding small polished sticks or dandies. As per the rhythm of the
dance, men and women strike the dandies together, adding to the joyous atmosphere. These
dances are so popular that sometimes competitions are held and prizes are given to the best
dancer. The dancers worn the traditional costumes, alive with colour. The dances usually
commence late in the night and continue until early morning. A Bhavai dance is also
performed in the Ambaji temple at Baroda, during Navratri.

Vautha Fair 
Vautha Fair is a magnificent fair that is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers,
Sabarmati and Vatrak meet. This fair is considered to be one of the largest fairs in Gujarat.
According to the legends the Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, visited the
site. This fair is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the month of Kartik,
corresponding to the month of November for 2 to 3 days. The pilgrims who visit Vautha
during the fair come from several communities and include farmers, laborers and people
belonging to several castes. This fair is visited by Hindus and Muslims in very large numbers.
This fair is also one of the major animal trading fair in Gujarat. In this fair, about 4000
donkeys are brought every year for sale, usually by Banjara traders.

Madhavrai Fair 
Madhavrai Fair at Madhavpur near Porbandar is held to celebrate the marriage of Lord
Krishna and Rukmini, on the 9th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra
(March/April). 

Urs
The Urs at Shah Alam Roza in Ahmedabad and at Miran Datar in the Mehsana district are
most important fairs for Muslims.

 
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights is a four-day
festival celebrated in the month of Asvina,
which marks the end of the harvesting season.
The first day of the festival starts with the
Lakshmi Puja. The second day is considered
as the day of casting off evils. The third day is
the main Diwali day. On this day every home
is illuminated with earthen lamps and the
courtyards are decorated with Rangoli
designs. The fourth and the last day is the
New year day for the Gujarati's when people
visit temples in colourful costumes and greet
each other. The day following the new year
day is called the Bhai bij day when brothers
are invited by their sisters to partake of

sweets with them. The full moon day of the Kartika month, with its preceding eleventh
(ekadashi) day is called the Dev-Diwali. On these days the marriage of the Tulsi plant with
the Shaligram, symbolising Lord Vishnu, is celebrated in every Hindu home in Gujarat. It
also marks the end of the fast, observed for the four months of rainy season, during which
Hindus, mostly ladies, miss a meal on every Ekadashi day.
Gujarat Beaches
The most famous beaches in Gujarat are Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Chorwad Beach,
Somnath Beach, Gopnath Beach, Dwaraka Beach, Kutch Mandvi Beach, Nagoa Beach,
Ghoghla Beach and Gomtimata Beach.

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach-somnath

Mandvi is one of the finest beaches on the
Gujarat shoreline. The beach is white and
firm, ideal for walks, and the water perfect
for swimming. Seemingly unending, with
sands ideal for castle building by kids, and
shallow waters for a wading, this is a great
spot for a family holiday. A variety of water
sports like Water scooters, Skiing, Surfing,
Para sailing, Speed boat trips can be had.
Ahmedpur Mandvi is at the border of the
Union Territory Diu.

Chorwad Beach -somnath
Chorwad, a small fishing village is a great
place to enjoy. Chorwad is famous for rocky
shores and boat riding. It is also a base to
visit places like Porbandar, Somnath etc. A
resort is there which was previously a palace
built by Nawab Saheb Mohabbat Khan as a
vacation spot on hot summer days where he
held weddings of his dogs, royal banquets
and processions amidst cool breezes from the
sea.

Somnath Beach
The Somnath beach is unshaded but lovely.
The most spectacular sight of beach is the
fishing port, where thousands of trawlers,
country crafts and dhows can be seen
unloading their catch.

Gopnath Beach-bhavnagar

Gopnath is just 80 kms from Bhavnagar. It was the summer home of Maharaja Krishna
Kumar Singhji of Bhavnagar. The breathtakingly beautiful sea coast with it's spectacular
limestone cliffs and great views, sea breezes and colourful birdlife, must have made an
excellent break from the city during the summer months. The Gopnath beach has firm sands
for walking and shallow shore waters for wading. But the high tidal difference of the coast,
makes the water murky and not very inviting for a long swim. Gopnath is the base for some
spectacular sightseeing.

Dwaraka Beach
Dwaraka is an important city for Hindu Pilgrimage. The city is famous for the Dwarkadish
temple or Jagat Mandir. Today it is not only a major pilgrimage site but a pleasant spot for a
beach holiday. Dwaraka has fine stretches of beach and though crowded by pilgrims one can
always find quiet spots too. Large number of birds could be seen on the coast. There is a
small island covered with temples, a white beach, coral reefs and extensive marine life.
Dolphins and porpoise can be seen on the surface, sea turtles, octopus, star fish, sea urchins
etc. inhabit the beach.

Nagoa Beach-Diu
Nagoa Beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet
of the Bucharwada village in Diu. Diu Island
lies on the offshore of Gujarat mainland, yet
it has the feeling of being on a Mediterranean
island. Nagoa Beach stretches for about 2 km
from one end to the other. This long, palm-
fringed beach is very beautiful and quiet and
is in the horse-shoe shape. This beach is one
of the most beautiful, white sanded, crescent
shaped beach and perfect for swimming,
wading, relaxing and for water sports like jet
skiing, knee board surfing, pony and camel
riding.
Ghoghla Beach -bhavnagar
Ghoghla Beach is one of the most beautiful beach in Diu. This beach also offers various
water sports facilities like parasailing etc.

Gomtimata Beach
Gomtimata Beach is located on the western end of the Diu island. This is one of the best
beaches of the region, long and secluded and spread with natural white sand.