Things to do in Gujarat

Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The Asiatic Lion, slightly smaller but equally majestic as its African cousin, rules these dry deciduous forests.

A jeep safari takes you deep into the jungle. The thrill of tracking a pride, listening to the warning calls of chital and sambar deer, is unparalleled. Seeing a lioness with her cubs or a male with his magnificent mane walk across the dusty track is a heart-stopping moment.

The park is also home to leopards, hyenas, and the diverse birdlife including the crested serpent eagle. The Maldhari herdsmen live within the park boundaries, living a dangerous yet harmonious life with the predators.

It is a conservation success story that you can witness firsthand.

The Great Rann of Kutch is one of the world's largest salt deserts, a surreal landscape of endless white crystal that merges with the horizon. Visiting during the full moon is an ethereal experience that defies description.

The Rann Utsav (festival) brings this desolate land to life with a tent city, folk music, and dance. A camel safari across the salt crust, especially at night when the moon reflects off the white surface, is like walking on the surface of another planet.

The silence of the desert is profound. During the day, the stark whiteness can be blinding, but at twilight, the sky paints itself in hues of violet and orange. It is a photographer's dream.

Interacting with the local artisans in the nearby villages of Nirona and Bhujodi offers a glimpse into the vibrant Kutchi culture, known for its Rogan art and intricate embroidery.

This is not just a sightseeing tour; it is an immersion into a unique geographical phenomenon.

Adalaj Stepwell is a five-story deep stepwell located near Ahmedabad. Built in 1498, it is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and a cool retreat.

The octagonal well is adorned with intricate carvings of flowers, birds, and mythological scenes. It served as a resting place for travelers and a community hub for women collecting water.

The play of light and shadow on the carved pillars as distinct beams of sunlight penetrate the shaft is beautiful to behold.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is unique because it encompasses a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital and the remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat.

You can see the transition from Hindu to Islamic architecture. The Jami Masjid here is one of the finest mosques in Gujarat, known for its intricate stone lattice work and imposing domes.

Taking the ropeway to the Kalika Mata Temple at the top of Pavagadh Hill is a popular pilgrimage. The view of the ruins spread out below is spectacular.

Dholavira, located in the Rann of Kutch, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization).

Visiting this site is like time traveling 4500 years into the past. You can see the world's earliest water conservation systems, signboards with the undeciphered Indus script, and urban planning that rivals modern cities.

The journey to reach Dholavira, crossing the salt plains, sets the mood for discovering this isolated, ancient metropolis.

Dwarka, the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The Dwarkadhish Temple, a five-storied building supported by 72 pillars, dominates the skyline of the town.

According to legend, the original city lies submerged under the sea nearby. The flag atop the temple (Dhwaja) is changed five times a day, a ritual watched by thousands of devotees.

A visit to Bet Dwarka, an island nearby believed to be the residence of Krishna, involves a ferry ride where you are often accompanied by seagulls.

Built in 1026 AD during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty, the Modhera Sun Temple is a masterpiece of art dedicated to the sun god Surya.

The temple is designed so that during the equinoxes, the first ray of the rising sun falls on the image of Surya in the sanctum sanctorum. The 'Surya Kund' or stepwell in front of the temple, with its 108 miniature shrines, is a geometric marvel.

The annual Modhera Dance Festival, held against the backdrop of the illuminated temple, is a cultural treat.

Rani Ki Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) in Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the finest example of stepwell architecture in India. Built in the 11th century, it was designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water.

The stepwell is seven stories deep, with more than 500 principle sculptures and 1000 minor ones combining religious, mythological, and secular imagery. The quality of the carving is exquisite, with figures of Vishnu, Parvati, and Apsaras.

Descending into the cool depths of the well on a hot day is a refreshing experience. It was buried under silt for centuries, which preserved the carvings in pristine condition.

The Somnath Temple is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Located on the western coast of Gujarat, the temple has a history of destruction and rebuilding that spans millennia.

The current structure, built in the Chalukya style, is imposing and beautiful. The 'Aarti' performed here, with the rhythmic beating of drums and the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the temple walls, creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere.

The temple is situated right on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The view of the endless ocean from the temple precincts connects the divine with the infinite nature.

Standing at 182 meters, the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world. Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 'Iron Man of India', it overlooks the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.

The sheer scale of the structure is mind-boggling. A high-speed elevator takes you to the viewing gallery at 153 meters, located in the chest of the statue, offering sweeping views of the river and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges.

The complex also includes a Valley of Flowers, a laser light show in the evening that projects the history of the statue on the statue itself, and a cactus garden. It is a marvel of modern engineering.