Gujarat is a haven of historical wonders, marvelous landscapes and a colorful culture, which proffer an astounding variety of options for tourists to explore its varied aspects. Also known as “The Land of Legends”, Gujarat Tour package offer an opportunity to bask in the glory of its numerous attractions which let you sneak into the rich heritage of this vibrant state. The state shares its border with Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Pakistan, which is the reason for the amazing cultural diversity found in Gujarat. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west, the state boasts of its pristine beaches which serve as ideal locations for beach holidays. Besides being an impeccable option for nature lovers, tour to Gujarat also lets you witness the colorful festivals and fairs which give an insight into the rich culture of Gujarat.
This magical land has received a lot of attention from various corners in the last few months after the unveiling of the iconic Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world which is attracting both domestic and international tourists to this state like never before. Many tour operators are offering special packages to explore other tourist attractions in Gujarat in their Statue of Unity Tours. To make the best of your Gujarat trip, we recommend you to visit these attractions for a memorable vacation.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AROUND STATUE OF UNITY
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam is an interesting option for visitors who wish to tour the Statue of Unity. The dam is located in Narmada River and is surrounded by a vast expanse of mountains and forests which would behold the gaze of visitors with their pristine gorgeousness. The dam is located at a distance of 4 km from the Statue of Unity. The sight of the dam offers a rare combination of blue waters of Narmada River with the greenery of mountains. Monsoons and winters are the best time to visit the dam to witness the greenery and tranquility of the place in its best state. The dam remains open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm all days of the week.
Flower Valley
The Flower valley is another attraction around Statue of Unity which is likely to keep the visitors glued. The valley was created to give a glimpse of the ecosphere of Narmada region. There are about hundreds of species of blooms and shrubs. Besides this you also get to view several varieties of bamboo and grasses in the Flower valley. The 17 km stretch of the flower garden is located on the bank of Narmada River and is 2.4 km away from the Statue of Unity. The valley also provides lots of options for trekkers in the upper reaches which is a good way to gain an insight into the topography of the valley. Best time to visit the flower valley is in the months of July, August and September as the flowers are in full bloom during this time.
Zarwani Waterfall
Zarwani waterfall in Narmada is a bewitching spot located at just about 13 km from the Statue of Unity that deserves every bit of the attention of the tourists. This waterfall lies in the heart of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Narmada. The place offers unending opportunities for travelers to enjoy the natural landscape surrounding the waterfall. The rich forest life at this site allows one to take pictures of different plants and birds abounding in this region. Winter season is the best time to grasp the real beauty of Zarwani waterfall.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’re yearning to watch the booming wildlife of Gujarat during your trip to the statue of unity then a day trip to Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary would prove to be an ideal option. The sanctuary is mostly famous for the sloth bears, a rare species belonging to the bear family. Besides this the sanctuary boasts of leopards, jackals, hyenas, cats, antelopes, reptiles and turtles. There is an immense variety of shrubs and trees growing in the region including gooseberry, blackberry along with some wild herbs and grasses. Bird watching is another thing which would keep you busy during your visit to this wildlife sanctuary as it houses a great variety of birds like crested serpent eagle, Alexandrine parakeet, tailor bird, green pigeon and purple sunbird. The sanctuary is best enjoyed from October till February.
Panchmuli Lake
Another attraction you must take time to visit around the Statue of Unity is Panchmuli Lake located just 5.2 km away from Sardar Patel statue. The lake offers crystal clear views of Vindhyachal mountain range, Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar Dam. It’s a great place for picnics or weekend tours as the lake is surrounded by a vast number of nature resorts and hotels offering world class facilities. If you are finding a place to stay in Narmada, during your Statue of unity tour, this is the best place which would allow you to wallow in the pristine environment surrounding the Statue of Unity.
Ninai Waterfall
Ninai waterfall is another splendid attraction worth visiting around Sardar Patel statue. This waterfall is situated in Dediapada taluka of Narmada district and is 100 km away from the statue of unity. The waterfall is nearly 30 feet high which makes it a sought after tourist attraction in Narmada. The place offers ecstatic views of the greenery surrounding the waterfalls which includes forests of Dediapada and Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary. Ninai waterfall is placed under the tourist hotspot development program initiated by the Govt. of Guharat along with Sardar Sarovar Dam and statue of unity.
Sagai Eco Campsite
Sagai Malsamot Eco Campsite is yet another option to explore the breathtaking natural landscape surrounding the Statue of Unity. The site is located approximately 92 km from Sardar Patel’s Statue and is replete with an amazing range of flora and fauna. The best thing about this site is that it lets you enjoy nature at its best untouched by any modernization. The camp has an orientation centre to acquaint the guests about the geography and important points of interest around the site. The camp is located few minutes away from Sardar Sarovar Dam which makes it a preferred attraction near Sardar Patel Statue.
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN GUJARAT
Rann of Kutch
A visit to Rann of Kutch surreal salt desert located in Thar Desert in Gujarat lets you grab the most scintillating views of this rugged region. Watching the sunset and moon rise at the same time is the most rewarding sight you get here. The sight of white desert land sets perfect contrast against clear blue sky, enough to enthrall the visitors with its magnetic beauty.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Visiting Gir Wildlife Sanctuary offers you an opportunity to view the endangered Asiatic lions residing in the sanctuary. These lions are slightly smaller in size than their African counterparts. The sanctuary initially started out as a forest reserve for Asiatic lions but was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1965. Apart from the last remaining Asiatic lions, the park is home to various other species of wild animals, birds and reptiles including the rusty spotted cat. The park boasts of a rich topography which is a delight for nature lovers. The seven rivers flowing through the forest is another distinct feature that attracts all sorts of travelers to Gir Wildlife sanctuary.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodra is counted as one of the most beautiful buildings in India and is almost four times bigger than Buckingham Palace in London. The palace is spread over an area of 700 acres and is still the royal residence of the Gaekwads. The verdant greenery around the palace lends a wonderful aura to its exteriors. You can spot peacocks, monkeys and birds around the gardens. The palace followers Indo-Saracenic architecture showcased in the buildings, palaces and museums within the complex which is sure to take you back into the years.
Somnath Temple
Somnath temple in Junagarh district of Gujarat is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built entirely out of gold by the Moon God, Soma. Later the temple was rebuilt by Ravana in Silver and was again carved out of wood and stone by Lord Krishna and Bhimadev, respectively. Being one of the 12 shrines of Lord Shiva in India, the temple is considered as a cultural wealth signifying the rich traditions of India. According to some historical writings, there were several hundreds of dancers and musicians in the temple during its heyday. Pilgrims from far off regions used to visit the temple and got their heads shaved by the barbers in the temple which was considered sacred in those times.
Kutch Museum
The oldest museum in Gujarat, Kutch museum houses an eclectic collection of inscriptions belonging to the 1st century. Apart from this the museum stores samples of the nearly extinct Kuctchi script which is a rare thing to see in Gujarat these days. Touring the museum also lets you come close to the carefully preserved culture of tribal population living in Kutch through the various exhibits including paintings, handicrafts, sculptures, idols, musical instruments and metalwares belonging to the tribal people.
Kankaria Lake
A trip to Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad is the best way to spend your day especially if you have kids accompanying you. This lake is the second largest lake in Gujarat and has several exciting features to keep the tourists occupied such as toy train, fun park, balloon rides, water park, zoo and food joints which are well liked by people of all ages. It is best to visit this lake during Kankaria Carnival in December to see the art and culture of Gujarat in its truest form.
Marine National Park
Your trip to Gujarat would remain incomplete without a visit to the Marine National Park located in the Gulf of Kutch. This little treasure consists of about 42 islands which are nestled by reefs and you can find coral reefs surrounding some of these islands. The park houses a great variety of marine flora, fauna and birds which serve as great options for sightseeing. The park sits close to the Arabian Sea and supports different types of ecosystems comprising of sandy land, marshes, creeks, mangroves and rocky seashores. Here, you get to watch a booming marine life in this park which is sure to rejuvenate both your mind and soul.
Sabarmati Ashram
For those looking to go deep into the history of India struggle for independence, visit to the Sabarmati Ashram proves to be of great significance. The ashram used to be the residence of Mahatma Gandhi before India’s independence and it was from here that the great freedom fighter started his struggle for independence. The place is best known for its peaceful atmosphere and houses a library which gives a peek into the life of Mahatma Gandhi. One can also see some rare images of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Gallery. The ashram remains open from 8:30 am to 6pm for visitors and is located beside the Sabarmati River which adds an interesting element to this place.
Aina Mahal
Also referred to as Hall of Mirrors, Aina Mahal is an emblem of fine European architecture. The palace was a marvelous structure made from mirrors, glass, clocks and tiles before the earthquake of 2001 which destroyed the intricate decorations and took away its alluring charm. The palace was renovated after the earthquake and is open for tourists. The insides of the palace, the intricate glass work which is still left post earthquake and the cleverly placed mirrors would surely take your breath away once you enter the palace. The museum located within the palace complex takes you into the royal history through its exhibits consisting of artefacts belonging to the royals and rare paintings of artists from around the globe.
Rani Ki Vav
A visit to this step well decorated with intricate artwork is sure to take you into the eleventh century. The Rani ki vav was considered an important water storage system in the earlier ages and this vav was built specifically by Rani Udaimati as a mark of honor for her beloved husband King Bhima I. The step well appears to resemble an inverted temple on the first glance. There are many steps that lead you down to the water reservoir which is located below the last gate. The end of the reservoir has a 30 kilometer long tunnel leading to Sidhpur. This tunnel is now blocked with stones and rocks. The step well is listed as UNESCO World heritage site due to its impeccable design.
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