About
Gujarat is a state on the western coast of India, and it offers a visit that combines wide open landscapes, wildlife and a strong sense of cultural life. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, a fact that gives many travellers a reason to include it in an itinerary, and it is sometimes called the Jewel of Western India.
Landscapes and wildlife
One of the state's best-known sights is the white desert of Kutch, a flat, pale expanse that changes character with the seasons and makes a striking contrast to the greener parts of the state. Gir National Park is the other highlight for many visitors. It is home to Asiatic lions, and a trip there is a chance to see a species that lives in very few places in the world.
Culture and festivals
Gujarat is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which bring music, dance, colour and local food to towns and villages across the year. Visiting during a festival gives a fuller sense of everyday life here than sightseeing alone.
Planning a visit
- Kutch suits travellers interested in unusual scenery and open skies.
- Gir suits those who want to see wildlife in its natural setting.
- Festival periods suit visitors keen on local traditions and celebrations.
- Gandhi's birthplace suits anyone interested in his life and the history of India's independence movement.
Because the state is large and varied, it rewards a visit that is planned around one or two of these interests rather than trying to cover everything at once. For a traveller who values space, nature and culture in equal measure, Gujarat offers a distinctive and rewarding destination in western India.
