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Gujarat, the ‘Jewel of the West,’ is a tourist destination that offers
something for every visitor. The state situated between 20o1'
and 24o7' north latitudes and 68o4' and 74o4'east
longitudes is bounded on the west by the Arabian sea which encloses
the state on three sides, on the north-west by Pakistan, on the north
by Rajasthan, on the east by Madhya Pradesh and on the south and south-east
by Maharashtra.
A journey through Gujarat unfolds a religious, cultural
and historical panorama. The state with the longest coast line (1290km)
in the country is renowned for its beaches, holy temples, historic capitals
replete with immense architectural assets, wildlife sanctuaries and hill
resorts. Religious spots include Dwaraka, Somanath, Pawagadh, Ambaji,
Bhadreswar, Shamlaji, the Jain temples at Taranga, Girnar and Palitana
with around 800 temples spread on the sacred Shetrunjaya hill and the
oldest fire temple of the Parsees at Udwada. The places of memorable monuments
of architectural and archeological splendour include the Sun temple at
Modhera, 5000 year old architectural finds at Lothal, and the monuments
at Ahmedabad, Patan, Siddhpur Ghumli, Dabhoi, Vadnagar etc; beautiful
beaches include the ones at Ahmadpur- Mandvi with its ethnic beach resort
and at Chorwad, Ubharat and Tithal; Porbander, the birthplace of Mahatma
Gandhi and his national shrine at Sabarmathi, the hill station at
Saputara and game sanctuary at Gir, the last retreat of the Asiatic Lions
and the Wild ass sanctuary in the Kachch area are some of the major and
varied attractions in the state.
Along with its varied destinations, the attractive handicrafts,
the delicious cuisine and colourful lifestyle of the people of Gujarat,
add to its charm. As the Tropic of Cancer passes through the northern
border of Gujarat, the state has an intensely hot or cold climate. But
the Arabian sea and the Gulf of Cambay in the west and the forest covered
hills in the east soften the rigors of climatic extremes. The best time
to visit Gujarat is during the months of October and March.
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