GUJARAT
Gujarat actually offers everything that makes a destination attractive — and yet it remains a bit of a wallflower among Western travelers, meaning you’ll encounter very few. However, since it’s quite popular with Indian tourists, the infrastructure is well developed, and there are plenty of comfortable accommodation options. The sights are also very diverse — from the impressive Jain temples in Palitana to wild lions in Sasan Gir, the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, and some of the most remarkable handicrafts in the Rann of Kachchh.
Once India’s economic wonderland, Gujarat now ranks fifth in GDP among Indian states. The major port in Mundra plays a key role in India’s exports, its industries (such as oil, energy, and textiles) are highly developed, salt production is significant, and crops like cotton, castor, peanuts, and tobacco generate strong yields. IT and tourism are growing steadily. For travelers, this turns out into good roads and relatively little visible poverty. The only real challenge is that English skills can be limited in many places.
If you love the unique, the diverse, and especially (textile) handicrafts, this is the place for you! Spread over nearly 200,000 square kilometers are coastline, mountains, rivers, the unique salt marsh landscape of the Rann of Kachchh, several national parks, and a colorful variety of wildlife. Architectural highlights like stepwells, Hindu and Jain temples, or the archaeological park of Champaner are truly awe-inspiring. And connecting with the local people adds a special touch to the journey.
Attention! Gujarat is a so-called “dry state”, meaning alcohol is not sold or served in shops, restaurants, or hotels — unless they have a special permit for foreign travelers. We’ll be happy to arrange this permit for you.
Here you’ll find information on various aspects and travel ideas that we can integrate into your trip. There are countless ways to combine accommodations, safaris, sightseeing, encounters, activities, places, and more.
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On the road
Gujarat has very good roads. The most comfortable way to travel is by car with a driver. However, some train routes are also worth considering — for example, overnight trains to and from Delhi or Mumbai can be a good alternative to flying. While Gujarat’s bus network is extensive and buses reach even the most remote villages, they can run infrequently and be quite time-consuming.
Safaris in Sasan Gir National Park and the Little Rann of Kachchh are done in comfortable small jeeps.
A real highlight is the new modern cable car in Junagadh that takes you up Girnar Hill.
Accommodation
Unfortunately, Gujarat has only a few — but at least some — heritage hotels. These are old palaces or urban estates belonging to noble families, who have converted all or part of them into hotels. We highly recommend spending at least one night in such a place — for example in Palitana, Muli, Poshina, or Bhuj. Here, you’re not only surrounded by history and beautiful things, but you also gain a unique insight into how the local nobility is interwoven with its community.
Near the national parks, you’ll find resorts or lodges where you can stay close to nature while still enjoying a high level of comfort. These places are usually very peaceful, giving you time for wildlife watching, relaxation, and going on safari.
In some places, you can stay in a homestay and connect with local families. They have set up a few guest rooms and invite guests to share in their family life. They are usually very open, friendly, speak good English, and truly enjoy interacting with travelers.
In addition to these more special types of accommodation, there are plenty of modern, clean, and comfortable hotels.
Rann of Kachchh
The Rann of Kachchh is a vast, unique salt marsh in the northwest of Gujarat, partly bordering Pakistan. Covering an area of 28,000 square kilometers, it consists of two regions: the larger Greater Rann of Kachchh and the smaller Little Rann of Kachchh, located to the southeast. During the monsoon season from July to September, this salt marsh is regularly flooded by about 50 cm of water. Very few animals live directly in the area, while people have settled along its edges. The region plays an important role in salt production.
Little Rann of Kachchh
Wild asses live here, which look quite similar to the kiangs in the Changthang region of Ladakh. On a jeep safari, you can spot these animals, and sometimes even a desert fox — as well as a rich variety of birdlife. You can also watch the manual process of salt extraction here. Or you can simply enjoy the peace and quiet of this rarely visited, silent landscape.
Greater Rann of Kachchh
Have you ever walked on salt? This unique experience is offered here! The area is not accessible from everywhere but mainly via a kind of causeway road, which is about 85 km from Bhuj. A good local organization takes care of visitors’ needs. You can simply wander around, take beautiful photos, or enjoy a ride on a camel cart.
Textile Art
It’s incredible! Shapes, colors, patterns, stitches, threads, weaving techniques, dyeing methods, materials — the diversity of what can be created with threads and fabrics seems limitless in Gujarat. There is so much to see — and, of course, to buy! Since 1949, the Textile Museum in Ahmedabad has showcased this rich heritage. The Shrujan Museum (which is also an educational institution) displays the various textiles and embroideries of the local tribal communities. In the Bhanni villages between Bhuj and the Greater Rann of Kutch, and occasionally elsewhere, you can watch weavers and embroiderers at work — and even see unique techniques like Rogan art. In Patan, you can admire the famous Patola dyeing and weaving techniques. We will include as many visits as you wish in your tour plan!
Temples
In Gujarat are some of the most interesting temples of India. The hindu-temples Dvaraka and Somnath are very active and are known far beyond Gujarat.
The Modhera Sun Temple dates back to the 11th century. It is designed so that on the days of the equinox, the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the image of Surya, and on the day of the summer solstice, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon, casting no shadow at all. A visit to the nearby village of Modhera is also fascinating — since 2022, it has been powered entirely by solar energy.
The Jains are a small but significant religious minority in Gujarat, known for building some magnificent temples here. At the top of the list are the approximately 3,800 temples of Palitana, which sit impressively atop the mountain peaks. There are also Jain temples on Girnar Hill and near Poshina. Visiting these sites is a wonderful opportunity not only to admire the architecture but also to learn about this unique religion of non-violence.
In addition, there are of course countless temples, both large and small, in the villages and towns.
Villages
Village visits enrich your journey and offer a deeper insight into Gujarat. Around 58% of the population lives in larger and smaller villages — a relatively low number compared to the rest of India. All the more worthwhile to get to know this way of life!
Interestingly, India’s richest village is also located here — Madhapur near Bhuj receives significant remittances from villagers working abroad, who send money back to support their families. As a result, the village has a larger budget for infrastructure, education — and banks! Maybe you’ll feel inspired to see if you can spot the differences for yourself?
The villages have changed significantly in the course of modernization. Many villagers now work in nearby towns or factories in rural areas — or even abroad. Nevertheless, agriculture and livestock farming are still practiced, and traditional crafts continue to be preserved.
Particularly interesting are the so-called Banni-Villages, the small settlements north of Bhuj. Here, you can admire especially textile artistry, local manufactories, and simple yet beautifully designed houses. Some of these villages have become quite focused on tourism, while others are rarely visited by travelers. We recommend visiting both kinds! If you like, you can stay overnight in one of the local resorts — or simply take a day trip from Bhuj.
The Adivasi – the indigenous tribal population – lives predominantly in rural areas and comes to the towns only for trade and shopping. They mainly live in the eastern part of the state near the border with Rajasthan. Most belong to the Bhil community. Many can also be found in the villages around the Greater Rann of Kachchh. Here, you have the opportunity to get a closer look at their way of life.
We offer village visits in various ways. For example, an overnight stay in a heritage hotel in a village often includes a Village Walk. This is a great opportunity to see the connection between the “noble class” and their generations-old ties with the village community. Since these walks are usually led by a family member or their staff, contact with the local people is very easy and uncomplicated. You can also ask all sorts of possible (and impossible!) questions and thus gain deep insights into everyday life and the village’s social structure.
We also recommend simply stopping at “any” village along the way and setting out on foot — with or without a guide. There is always something to discover and opportunities to connect with the local people.
Besides all the “learning and experience aspects,” a stay in a village is always a great opportunity to enjoy a slower pace, appreciate the simplicity of life, find peace, and listen to nature.
Nature Parks
Besides the already mentioned Little Rann of Kachchh with its wild asses, there are other areas for discovering animals and/or plants. At the top is the Sasan Gir National Park, home to the only lions in Asia. On a safari, you might be lucky enough to spot some.
Still in its (tourism) infancy is the Polo Forest, an area north of Ahmedabad that city dwellers now like to visit on weekends. In this large forested region with streams, you can discover not only flora and fauna but also ancient temple ruins!
Festivals
Gujarat is THE place for the Kite Festival! This event takes place all over India on January 14th, but here it is celebrated with special passion. Weeks in advance, kites and especially the special strings used to try to cut down other kites are made. Those who manage to bring down many kites can decorate themselves with trophies and are celebrated.
Besides nationwide Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri, there are also local celebrations such as Rann Utsav, Tarnetar, Khantav, and Madhavpur Fair. These events feature traditional dances, colorful market stalls that attract visitors, and offer a variety of activities.
Other Specials
As described above, Gujarat is a state that offers remarkable diversity. We have already highlighted some aspects, but there are other things that make it truly unique. These include:
Stepwells
At the very top of the list is Rani Ki Vav, not only the most artistically developed of all stepwells but also an architectural highlight overall — it never fails to leave visitors in awe (personal note: for me, it ranks directly behind the Taj Mahal in terms of India’s architecture). In addition to this absolute stepwell masterpiece, there are other interestingly designed examples as well, such as the Adalaj Stepwell near Ahmedabad, or various stepwells close to villages where early (trading) travelers could rest comfortably, even after the city gates had already closed.
Siddhpur
In Siddhpur, pastel-colored houses in the Victorian style began to appear from the 19th century onwards, built by the Bohra community, Muslim traders. Today, many of these houses are abandoned, but you can still clearly see their beauty. These buildings stand out amidst India’s usual architecture — a true surprise!
Mahabat-Maqbara-Palace-Complex
In Junagadh, there is not only an old fort to visit but also uniquely designed Islamic mausoleums. These were built at the end of the 19th century. With their “fake” minarets, Gothic elements, and onion-shaped domes, the entire ensemble has a truly unique appearance.
Idar Hills
Massive boulders on hills, a Shiva cave, and an abandoned old fort create a special backdrop that invites exploration. The scenically located fort is a popular setting for pre-wedding photo shoots but also makes the hearts of urbex fans beat faster. To fully discover the entire hill complex, you should plan plenty of time and be comfortable on foot.
Gandhi Ashram
Mahatma Gandhi’s roots lie in Gujarat. He was born there, ran the Sabarmati Ashram, and also started his famous Salt March from this place. The ashram can be visited in Ahmedabad — today it serves as an informative museum.
Diu
The island, which was once under Portuguese rule and can be reached from the mainland via a road bridge, offers beaches, Portuguese flair, a Christian church, and a deserted fort by the sea. Strictly speaking, Diu does not belong to Gujarat but forms its own Union Territory together with other regions. An interesting point for some is that the alcohol ban enforced in Gujarat does not apply here. It’s a great place to relax and discover things you would more likely associate with Goa.
If you read, see, or hear about other places, activities, or attractions that you’d like to include in your trip — just let us know! We’ll be happy to make it happen for you!
