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Lying on the shores of the Arabian Sea on the western coastal stretch in the Indian peninsula, Gujarat has to its credit the achievement of being the most industrialized state in India. A travel to Gujarat is however, the other name for a tryst with ancient Rajput fortresses, modern cities and forlorn beaches.
Inhabited by a colorful and vibrant race- the women in colorful ghaghras and sarees with the local tie and die fabric (bandhej), heavily decked up in traditional gold and silver jewelry and glass bangles; men in brightly colored turbans, kurtas and dhotis or sherwanis (during festivals and ceremonies) - Gujarat is home to a race of people whose primary activity and inclination is entrepreneurship. Gujaratis are largely vegetarian and Gujarat is the only Indian state where consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Though applicable only for the locals, this law also condones public consumption of alcohol anywhere in the state.
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A travel to Gujarat In India also means sizzling your taste buds to mouth watering chaats- the papdi chaat, kachori chaat, dhokla, dahi vada, and an array of tangy, spicy vegetarian snacks characterize a traditional Gujarati diet that have now seamlessly crossed all borders to establish themselves as staple snacks all over the country.
Gujarat travel is also a must among Hindu pilgrims owing to the presence of the Somnath Temple here. This beach temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is revered as one of the12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The legend says, Somnath was built by none other than the Moon God himself at the time of creation. The Somnath Temple was demolished by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD, who looted the temple treasury and before leaving with his booty, smashed the temple to the ground. The temple was rebuilt quite a few times after that and now graces the shores of the Arabian Sea at Veraval in Gujarat, and is one of the most important spots to be covered while you travel to Gujarat.
The other popular pilgrimage spot in the state is Dwarka- the kingdom ruled by Lord Krishna and also his birthplace. The ruins of this city were discovered after marine excavations, thus making Dwarka an important site for both pilgrims and those interested in archaeology and history.
On travel to Gujarat India, you can also visit the following cities- Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Patan, Vadodra, Pavagadh, Gandhinagar, Saputara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Uperkot, Porbandar, Bhuj, Girnar, Palitan. Many of these towns used to be princely states in British India and offers glimpses of the royalty in the form of grand fortresses and palaces, mansions, monuments, museums, temples and so on.
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