Gujarat is not just about nine nights of festivities, dhokla and khakda and colourful fabrics. It is also not just about Gandhinagar, Akshardham, Ahmedabad – Gujarat is all about culture, traditional lifestyle in a modern set up, wildlife at ease and Gods at peace. As Mr. Bachchan rightly says – Kuch din to guzaaron Gujarat mein…
Like we said in the introduction, that Gujarat is not just about Ahmedabad and Baroda. There is much more to the state. So here we bring for you some interesting destinations in Gujarat, which will leave a traveller spell-bound –
Rann of Kutch
One of the largest salt deserts of the world, the Great Rann of Kutch is sprawled over 7505 sq km. The snowy white desert here is known to change its moods as the day progresses. Experience the different shades of this majestic desert by arriving early and experiencing the full moon on the desert is truly a breath taking experience. Also, the best time to visit Rann is during the Rann Utsav. Experience the majestic musicals, the locals bringing together the lost arts and culture and to satiate your adventure needs, take a ride on the ATV’s, para motoring and the camel cart excursions. Also visit the little villages along the lines of Kutch, they are home to lost arts and handicrafts handed down from generations ago being kept alive by a few households.
Getting to Rann:
It is located just over a 100 km from Bhuj. You can either get hold of private vehicles to drive you down or rent a car and do it yourself.
Tip:
Remember to pick up your entry permits by the border check post. These would have to be submitted to the BSF just before you enter Rann.
Where to stay:
During the Rann Utsav, there are multiple luxury tents you could look into that offer you the comforts of air-conditioning or the true Kutchi experience while also offering you plush and opulent furnishing with all the essential amenities.
Gir National park
One of the rare natural habitats where you could see Asiatic lions roaming in the free like they really should, Gir is that perfect balance between exploring the wildlife in its natural habitat while also letting these majestic creatures live the way they were meant to. What once came to extinction, these lions now are a strongly growing number and looking at a pride of them walking through the jungles of Gir is simply breath-taking.
Gir is also home to a variety of carnivores, birds and other majestic creatures. Find some of the largest deer in India and also the Chowsingha the 4 horned antelope only found in the greens of the Gir. With over 200 species of birds, it’s a safe haven for bird-sighters. The reptiles here are also quite the sight. Some of the primary areas of interest are the marsh crocodiles and snakes such as the King Cobra and Russell’s Viper.
Where to stay:
Check into the jungle lodge to have a truly wildlife experience and enjoy the variety kinds of birds surrounding you.
How to move within the Gir Forest:
The best way to experience Gir is to go on a Jeep Safari. With nominal amounts and basic identification, you can travel with all the required permissions and a registered guide into the heart of the jungle.
Getting to Gir:
Diu is the closest airport that could get you to Gir. Just over 2 hours and a 110 km from the airport, it can be a relatively easy drive. You can pick up a taxi right outside the airport for Gir.
Park Seasons:
The Gir National Park is open from the mid of October until to the mid of June.
Dwarkadeesh Temple
Based out of Dwarka and a historical monument, it is believed by archaeologists that Dwarkadeesh or also known as Dwarkadhish is a 2,000 – 2,200 year old structure. This majestic structure stands in between the Gomati River and the Arabian sea. One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, it stands tall with the support of 72 pillars and a height of 78.3 meters and an 84 foot long multi-coloured flag embracing the symbols of the sun and moon waving off from the dome of the temple. It is believed that this temple has been built by the grandson of Krishna Vajranabha.
With two doorways to enter the temple, the main doorway at the north entrance is known as the “Moksha Dwara” and the southern doorway is known as the “Swarga Dwara” the outer side of this door leads to 56 steps that end at the Gomati River.
Getting to Dwarkadeesh:
With the closest airport being Porbander, it’s approximately a 108 km to the temple and can take about 2 hours to get there.
Where to stay:
6 km away from the temple is the Shree Radhe Krishna Resort a 4 star property to take care of all your luxury needs.
When to go:
Plan a trip during the winter to enjoy your pilgrimage while keeping it cool.
Aina Mahal
Born out of a flamboyant ruler’s passion for music, art, architecture and literature, the Aina Mahal is an 18th century palace built under the rule of Lakhpatji. Also known as the house of mirrors, it was adorned by gold lace glass and the walls were made of white marble. The architecture is essentially known for its Indo-European styling and is housed right beside the Prag Mahal. Post the 2001 earthquakes, a portion of the lesser damaged Aina Mahal was restored and now houses the museum of the long lost royalty days.
Prag Mahal
A 19th century site, the Pragmahal Palace is located right beside the Aina Mahal and named after Rao Pragmaji II who commissioned it. Built and designed in the Italian Gothic Style, many a Italian artisans were involved in influencing this structure. The palace was mostly built out of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan. During the 2001 earthquakes the property faced significant damage followed by multiple thefts in the year 2006 after which it was left in a dilapidated state for quite some time until the face of Gujarat Tourism and superstar Amitabh Bachchan took a personal interest and ensured rehabilitation and restoration of the property.
Getting to the Aina Mahal and the Prag Mahal:
The closest airport being in Ahmedabad, this can be a fairly long drive over 5 hours with over 350 km of distance to cover. It would make sense to stop over here if you are planning on spending your time in Bhuj.
Where to stay:
Find yourself in the lap of luxury with the Regenta Orchid Resort just 5 km away from the palaces.
Tip:
Although both the properties are in the same compound, the entry tickets are different for both of them. Make sure to get them beforehand.
Thol Lake
Originally constructed in 1912 as an irrigation tank, it today is a water bird sanctuary. This freshwater body covers a distance of 7 sq km with over 60 per cent of water birds nestled here, you can find some rare species that could really excite the bird lover. This place is meant for those who really want to get up close and personal with Mother Nature.
Getting to Thol Lake:
Close to an hour’s drive from the Ahmedabad Airport it is easy to drive down for a quick getaway.
Timings:
The lake is open for the public from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm every day.
