 Gujarat
is one the most prosperous states in India, forming as it does the most
industrialised corridor between the Town of Mehsana in North Gujarat and
Bombay in Maharashtra. Its original wealth stemmed from its roots in
textile industry that is now nearly dead and defunct. However, due to that
history, some of the world's best textiles and dress materials are still
found only in Gujarat.Gujarat is also the home to the almost extinct
Asaiatic Lions. If there is just one reason you need to visit Gujarat, it
will have to be the lions- the only wild population outside of Africa, and
fast vanishing due to lack of variation in the gene pool.
Another reason to visit Gujarat will have to be its rich culinary
interests. Gujarti cuisine is one of the best tasting vegetarian cuisine in
the world. Famous varieties include Dhokla, Khandavi, Khaman, Khakhara,
Shakkarpara, Muthia, Bajri Vada and Bajri Dhebra. Gujarati sweets are also
as famous, as are Gujarati Rotlas.
Third reason to visit Gujarat will have to be its rich shopping of
exquisite clothes, textiles and hand made or woven or hand decorated
fabrics and clothes, beddings and wall decorations.
Gujarat is a study in contrasts - Between Tribal Culture and Modern
Cities, Between the Desert and the Seas and between a Rural based and Urban
Economy.
With the longest coastline of any state in India, Gujarat is perhaps the
last of the unspoilt tourist destinations. Mandvi, in the district of Kutch
and Ahmedpur in southern Junagarh district are great sea side getaways.
Rich in Archeology, Dholavira and Lothal are two of the largest and well
preserved sites of the later Indus Valley Civilisation.
The Temple of Somnath, in Junagarh district, Sarkhej Roza, Jhulta Minar
and Sidi Sayed Jali in the heart of Ahmedabad (Gujarats largest city) are
wonders of medieval architecture which are easily missed by the tourist
community due to lack of proper marketing.
Also worth a look are The Sun Temple in Modhera (90 km north of
Ahmedabad) and Rani ni Vav (Stepwells, again around 100 km north of
Ahmedabad).
This state is worth a stop and easy to stay in with great infrastructure
and diverse ways to interest a discerning tourist |
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