Top 5 Golden Destinations of Gujarat
Top 5 Golden Destinations of Gujarat
1. Modhera
The 11th century Sun Temple at Modhera is one of the greatest monuments of the Solanki Rajput period. The carvings on the sandstone walls of this temple are exceptionally detailed.
The forecourt of the temple is dominated by an impressive stepped tank (Surya Kund), surrounded by miniature temples crowned by shikharas (towers).
The stunningly beautiful Modhera Sun Temple is one of the finest examples of Solanki Rajput architecture. Built in 1026–7 during the reign of Raja Bhimdev, this temple was laid out with astronomical precision to ensure the flow of sunlight through its entrance and hallways into the sanctum. The forecourt is dominated by a large stepped tank, lined with carved shrines. The temple, both inside and on the exterior, is lavishly embellished with exquisite carvings.
The Modhera Sun Temple is an architectural showpiece.
Exquisite carvings cover the exterior walls of the Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall), the Nritya Mandapa (dance hall) and the Garbagriha (sanctum).
Visitors’ Guide:
ATransport Hubs (Approximate distances):
- Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station 99km Mehsana Railway Station 25km
Accommodations:
- Water World Resort is one of the nearest star-rated hotels (About 40km)
- here are eco-resorts at Dasada, Zainabad and Bajana (About 45km)
When to visit:
- Modhera is open daily throughout the year, from 9am–5pm. It is the venue for the Modhera Dance Festival in January when the beautifully illumined monument is the backdrop for classical dances and other performing arts.
2. Patan
The Rani-ki-Vav is among Gujarat’s greatest stepwells. A splendid work of 11th century Solanki Rajput architecture, this stepwell boasts hundreds of exquisitely carved sculptures.
Gujarat’s capital from the 8th to the 15th century, Patan’s monuments stand testimony to its medieval glory. The most extraordinary of Patan’s monuments is the Rani-ki-Vav, one of the most impressive stepwells in India. Constructed by Rani Udaymati in the mid-11th century, this architectural jewel is replete with elaborately detailed sculptures. Patan’s other medieval attractions include the Sahasra Linga Tank and a number of attractive Jain temple.
Visitors’ Guide:
Transport Hubs (Approximate distances):
- Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station 125km
- Mehsana Railway Station 52km
- Palanpur Railway Station 58km
Accommodations:
- There are hotels in Patan, Palanpur and Mehsana.
- Balaram Palace Resort near Palanpur and Bhavani Villa at Danta are heritage hotels in 100km radius of Patan.
When to visit:
- The stepwell is best visited between 9am and 5pm.
3. Ahmedabad
The medieval stepwell at Adalaj is an architectural showpiece. The pillars, beams and walls are adorned with fine carvings.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city, is known for its remarkable architecture. It has a fascinating walled city, founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, redolent with imposing mosques built in a provincial Indo-Saracenic style during the 15th and 16th century, old quarters called ‘pols’ which are superb examples of urban planning and exquisitely carved havelis. Just outside the old city are excellent examples of stepwell architecture at Asarva and Adalaj. Another noteworthy feature of Ahmedabad is the Sabarmati Ashram, one of the most moving memorials to Mahatma Gandhi. After independence, well-known architects like Le Corbusier, Luis Kahn, Charles Correa and B.V. Doshi have built some of their finest works in this city. The diversity of architecture in the city from medieval to modern works, together with the presence of the National Institute of Design and CEPT University, make Ahmedabad, India’s Mecca for designers.
Visitors’ Guide:
Transport Hubs:
- Ahmedabad has an airport and a well-connected railway station.
Accommodations:
- Ahmedabad offers a good choice of star-rated hotels. Ahmedabad also has heritage hotels like House of MG, Arts Reverie, Diwan’s Bungalow and Corporate Suites.
When to visit:
- Ahmedabad is an exciting destination during festivals like Navratri in August-September, Uttarayana in January and the Kankaria Carnival in December.
4. The Statue of Unity
A MONUMENT AS TALL AS ITS HERO
Architect of United India World’s Tallest Statue, 182 metres in Height.
The Statue of Unity, being the World’s Tallest Statue, pays a fitting tribute to India’s ‘Iron Man’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who with his visionary statesmanship united 564 scattered and recalcitrant princely States to form a unified India. This inspirational colossus stands as a beacon to future generations and as the pride of India. The 182 metre Statue of Unity is situated at the Sadhu-Bet Island, approximately 3.5 km south of the Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadia between the Vindhyachal and Satpuda Ranges in the Narmada district of Gujarat.
Visitors’ Guide:
Transport Hubs (Approximate Distance)
- Vadodara Airport/Railway Station – 90 kms
- Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station – 200 kms
- Rajpipla Railway Station – 25 kms
Accommodation
- Tent City Narmada
- There are Hotels in Rajpipla & Vadodara
When to Visit:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
5. Seema Darshan
Seema Darshan was envisioned to be a firsthand experience for the tourists to witness the difficulties and challenges faced by every jawan, standing against all odds to protect his motherland. It was in December, 2016 when the Seema Darshan Programme was inaugurated at Nadabet in Sui village of Banaskantha district which shares international border with Pakistan. This became the grand launch of this unique initiative for tourism, taken up by Gujarat Tourism and BSF jointly It was intended to be a platform where the tourists/visitors can experience closely
The Camel show wherein the ‘ship of the desert’ are adorned with colourful attire combined with parades takes one through an experience never witnessed near the border
Visitors’ Guide:
Transport Hubs (Approximate Distance)
- Ahmedabad Airport/ Railway station - 203 kms Palanpur Railway station - 112 kms
Accommodation:
- There are Hotels in Banaskatha
When to Visit:
- Every Saturday & Sunday Zero Point at Morning 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Retreat Ceremony at Evening 5:30 PM