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Gujarat

Gujarat: The best of all worlds

Gujarat is the sixth largest state in India and the ninth largest by population. Its people are indigenous to the region and in fact, Gujarat derives its name from the original settlers, the Gurjaras, who ruled the land in the 8th and 9th centuries. It has the highest population ofread more

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Best time to visit in gujarat

Like any other vibrant region of India, Gujarat has plenty to offer the eager traveller, opening up its treasured past and bejewelled attractions to all those who visit it. If you are planning a trip to this state in Western India, November to February is the best time to visit Gujarat. The weather is pleasant and the warm sun makes the perfect companion when you are outdoors heading from one sightseeing spot to another in the nippy air. Gujarat during winter is the perfect holiday destination.After winter, the next best climate to visit Gujarat is the monsoon, from July to September. The land bursts with colour and it is joyful to traipse along lush green roads as one takes in the beauty of the state. Be warned; the monsoon has been known to play spoilsport as well. If it’s raining heavily, it might come in the way of you being able to go out and explore to your heart’s content.

We advise against visiting Gujarat during summer. The heat can get unbearable and you might not wish to step out of the confines of your air-conditioned hotel room.Irrespective of the season you choose to visit Gujarat, there is much to see and explore. Just make sure you come with enough time on hand to go to all the major attractions, natural and manmade.

 

Peak Season (November-February)

Winter in Gujarat is from November to February, with the temperature usually between 12°C and 29°C. The weather in the winter of Gujarat is comfortable enough for you to walk about outdoors enjoying the local sights. The coast and beaches might be a little cold in winter, but nothing should stop you from enjoying the rest of the state of Gujarat.

 

Low Season (March-June) 

Summer in Gujarat is a tough season, lasting from March to June. Temperatures are unforgiving, hovering between 29°C and 41°C. Sightseeing could be a problem since it is rather difficult to step out in the blistering sun. You can plan a hill station vacation instead and head over to Saputara for a peaceful and pleasant time. You can also go to Dwarka and Vadodara for temple-hopping to enjoy the cities at night.  

 

Shoulder Season (July-September) 

The monsoon in Gujarat arrives in July and lasts through till September. Temperature ranges from 27°C to 35°C, making it a pleasant change from the hot summer earlier. The weather of Gujarat in monsoon is thrilling. Soak your senses in the rain-washed land. Sit by the window and watch the rain come down on the parched ground, or watch it drench the already roiling sea. Head down to the wildlife sanctuary and experience the rainfall in the deep jungles of Gujarat. And when you are done, come back to a delicious hot Gujarati meal. 

 

Travel Seasons

Min/Max Temperature

Season

March to June

29-41 degrees

Dry, humid and sunny

July to September

27-35 degrees

Moderate to heavy rainfall

November to February

12-29 degrees

Pleasant, though can be chilly

 

Gujarat in Winter (November to February)

Temperature: Avg. of 29 degrees high to 12 degrees low 

Weather: If you can handle a bit of a nip in the air, then you will love winters in Gujarat. Winter is also the best time to explore Gujarat, as the temperature is just right for sightseeing and walking around the region. With a minimum of 12 degrees and a maximum of 29 degree Celsius, you can be sure never to have to worry about it becoming uncomfortable. What brings you to Gujarat? Perhaps it is the wildlife in Gir National Park that appeals to you. Or it is the colourful and vibrant festivals that you wish to experience? If you have a taste for history, Gujarat also has numerous archaeological sites. Champaner Pavagarh Archaeological Park and Dholavira being some of them that are best visited in winter. Gujarat tourism is in its elements in winter, and this is the best time to book sightseeing tours and cultural excursions in the major cities and beyond. 

Significant events: The biggest winter festival of Gujarat, Rann Utsav, is most awaited and is a deeply cherished event. The festivities embody a celebration of life and the rich culture of the Kutch and Gujarati people. Celebrated for over two months, you cannot miss the rich colours and vibrant energy of the barren lands of the Rann if you are visiting Gujarat in winter. Another famous festival in January is the International Kite Festival. You will be mesmerized by the levels of enthusiasm that the place erupts in. Shop and offices shut, and everyone takes to the rooftops, roads and open spaces to fly kites and celebrate Uttarayan or Makar Sakranti. It isn’t just a fun activity; there are serious challenges and competitions among neighbours and localities. And when you are satiated with the kites and the Rann Utsav, you can take time out to travel to Modhera for the 3-day dance festival held at the Sun Temple of Modhera. 

Why you should visit now: With the fantastic weather as a backdrop, Gujarat offers a platter of glorious festivals and a rich culture to feast on. 

Know before you visit: You might think Gujarat will have mild winters. But it can get nippy at night, so carry enough woollens with you.

Tips: Arrange private transport in advance. Unbelievably long distances and lack of public transport can make moving about tricky, especially during tourist season. 

 

Gujarat in Monsoon (July to September) 

Temperature: Avg. of 35 degrees high to 27 degrees low 

Weather: Gujarat in the monsoon is a beautiful place. While the rainfall itself varies from region to region, it does quench the thirst of the land, leaving it breathtakingly scenic. The rain is moderate to heavy across the state, and it comes and goes with irregularity. The Gulf of Cambay and the Saurashtra region receive scanty rainfall. The Rann of Kutch, the salt desert, faces water-shortage due to poor rainfall; and the northern sections of Gujarat receive the most rainfall of the state. Gujarat in the monsoon is less crowded and you can enjoy some of the sights and destinations peacefully without being jostled by other tourists. Do include a visit to Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Dwarka, Saputara, Jamnagar and Rajkot when you visit Gujarat in the monsoon.

Significant events: You would think the monsoon means a rain-soaked land and a subdued people. However, the Gujarati penchant for celebration and activities continues throughout the year. The Monsoon Festival is one such event organised by Gujarat Tourism to make tourists aware of the richness of Gujarat and its culture. Head over to the enchanting hills of Saputara in Gujarat to participate in adventure sports. Explore the stalls for the arts and crafts of the state, enjoy the many cultural shows and get a taste of delicious Gujarati cuisine. The Tarnetar Fair is actually a matchmaking event attended eagerly by the young men and women of Gujarat. But with its highlight being traditional music, dance, art and crafts, and costumes, Gujarat has been attracting crowds from across the world since years, and its popularity is only growing. The festival, held at Tanetar village near Thangadh, spans for three days and has something for every member of the family.Finally, the festival that everyone has been waiting for is here! Navratri is everything it promises to be and more. This 9-day festival of dance and traditions is a peek into the bright and colourful culture of Gujarat. If you are in Gujarat during the Navratri season, do grab an opportunity to participate in it. 

Why you should visit now: The monsoon is a welcome respite from the hot summer, turning the dry land into a green paradise. And with fewer tourists around, you’ll get to enjoy all the tourist spots better. 

Know before you visit: Always carry an umbrella with you as you never know when it might rain. 

Tips: Skip the tented accommodation at Tarnetar as the prices are through the roof. Look for homestays instead.

 

Gujarat in Summers (March to June) 

Temperature: Avg. of 41 degrees high to 29 degrees low

Weather: Avoid visiting Gujarat in summer if you can. The weather is hot, dry and also humid, making daytime extremely uncomfortable. Nights are no better – the temperature might be low, but the humidity will get to you. However, Gujarat has its lone hill station at Saputara that you can escape to. It has lakes, lots of activities and a pleasant climate throughout the year. Be warned; it throngs with people, locals and tourists alike. 

Significant events: One would have thought that the hot summer months would see the people of Gujarat sitting indoors. However, the number of festivals events held during this time will leave you breathless.

If you wish to learn more about the tribal lifestyle and culture of Gujarat, we recommend adding the Dang Darbar Fair to your list. It is held in the Saputara hills and the lush green forests provide the perfect backdrop to lose yourself in the history of the original dwellers of this land. Summer is a great time to experience Holi, India’s festival of colours. It is celebrated with as much enthusiasm in Gujarat as it is in the rest of India. It marks the agriculture season and it time for festivities and great cheer. Bonfires are lit the previous night to signify the victory of good over evil. Dancing, music and lots of delicious food mark the event.

The Chitra Vichitra Fair, named after the sons of king Shantanu, Chitravirya and Vichitravirya, is another important tribal festival of Gujarat. The festival is organised in the village of Gunbhakhari at the confluence of the rivers Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul. The beautifully decorated temple is a sight to behold and so are the people dressed in their traditional attire. Do not leave Gujarat without feasting at the famous mango festival. With over 1000 varieties of sweet and juicy mangoes to sample, you really can’t afford to miss festival held at Sasan Gir, Junagadh.

Why you should visit now: The land may be hot, but it more than makes up with beautiful festivals and colourful celebrations. And you will find it slightly less crowded than the peak tourist season of winter.

Know before you visit: The weather can get very dry. Keep rehydrating yourself. Wear sunblock and carry an umbrella when you step out during the day. The hot summer sun can be harsh.

Tips: Keep your camera ready all the time. This is the season for festivals and bright costumes. Pictures taken in the bright sunlight will be stunning.

Now that we have whetted your appetite for Gujarat, do browse through our Gujarat Tour Packages . Get all of your Gujarat trip needs fulfilled here, all at Thomas Cook.

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Gujarat: The best of all worlds

Gujarat is the sixth largest state in India and the ninth largest by population. Its people are indigenous to the region and in fact, Gujarat derives its name from the original settlers, the Gurjaras, who ruled the land in the 8th and 9th centuries. It has the highest population of Jains in the nation and the places of worship draw people from across the country for a holy experience.

Gujarat is renowned for its beaches, temples and historical towns. It also offers the eager traveller wildlife sanctuaries and hill resorts that help showcase the best of the state to its visitors.

The state's economy rests on its arts and crafts, as well as technology. Some of the country’s biggest businessmen come from Gujarat. Whether in art or in business, Gujarat has made a name for itself, and it is this fame that precedes it in the world of travel and tourism.

Gujarat: A Quick View of the state 
Capital Gandhinagar
Official Language Gujarati, Hindi
Dial Code 2712
Population Over 60 million (as of 2018)
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone UTC+05:30 (IST)
Area 1,96,024 square km

Highlights of Gujarat: Things to see and Do

Gujarat offers myriad experiences to the hungry traveller. From delightful customs and culture, to delicious cuisine, to gorgeous vistas, thrilling wildlife, and a rich civilization that traces its roots to 4000 years back.

You can choose from heritage holidays that focus on the forts and mansions, or an eco-holiday that will take you to thundering waterfalls, deserts and forests. Or you can pick and choose to plan your own vacation.


Places to visit

Gujarat

Gujarat is an eclectic mix of geographies, cultures, and history. And you must traverse the length and breadth of the state to truly understand it. A few of the places that you must visit include:

Gujarat


Temples

Gujarat

Gujarat has several ancient religious sites that call the spiritual minded to its land. The temples are beautiful structures that speak of design sensibilities and architectural styles from centuries gone by. Besides lending a holy aura to the place, these sites also contribute significantly to tourism in Gujarat.

Gujarat


Wildlife

The jungles of Gujarat are home to several species of wildlife, making it an absolute treat for all nature lovers. You can expect to spot the Asiatic lions, sloth bear, greater flamingo, blackbuck, Indian wild ass and Indian bustard, among several types of flora as well. The state has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and four national parks, making it the perfect destination for a wildlife getaway in India. When in Gujarat, do visit:


Museums

If you wish to know more of the history and culture of Gujarat, the state has excellent museums that have captured the past for visitors and the next generation of locals. You can learn of the culture, the freedom struggle and the people of the state here.


Art and Culture

Gujarat is a state that boasts of a rich culture and a variety of traditions. The arts and crafts of Gujarat have international appeal and are critical to the state, not just from an aesthetic purpose, but also with a commercial point of view. Visitors will find stores and roadside stalls with the traditional art, all across the state. Some of the handicrafts to pick up while on a visit include:

  • Beadwork
  • Leather work
  • Silver jewellery
  • Wood carvings
  • Embroidery and mirror work
  • Block printing
  • Tie and dye
  • Zari work


Festivals

The people of Gujarat love dance and music in all forms. Every year a 9-day festival, Navratri, is organized to bring the entire community together for 9 nights of music, dance and merriment. Garba and Dandiya are dance forms that are enjoyed in Gujarat.

Besides dance, music and their art, Gujarat has several festivals that the visitor must try to experience when visiting the state. Gujaratis find a reason to celebrate life and the seasons, making them one of the most cheerful and culturally-vibrant people in India.


Cuisine

Despite having such a vast coastline, Gujarati cuisine is predominantly vegetarian because of a strong Jain influence. The five regions of North Gujarat, Kathiawad, Kachchh, Central Gujarat and South Gujarat each bring their unique flavour to Gujarati cuisine.

Gujarati meals are wholesome, and a typical thali will consist of roti, dal or kadhi, sabzi (a dish made with vegetables and spices) and rice.  There will also be side preparations such as farsan, dhokla, pathra, samosa, etc. No Gujrati meal can be complete without a sweet dish. It could be either of jalebi, mohanthal, doodh pak, etc.


Interesting facts about Gujarat

  • Gujarat is one of three alcohol-free states in India.
  • Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of Pakistan.
  • Gandhinagar, the capital, is the greenest capital city in Asia.
  • Gujarat boasts of the maximum number of airports in India.
  • Its coastline, 1600 kilometres, is the longest in India.
  • Some of India’s richest businessmen are from Gujarat.


Location

Gujarat lies on India’s western border, along the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is flanked by Rajasthan on the northeast, Maharashtra to the southeast, and Madhya Pradesh to its east. Its vast coastline of 1600 km, mostly part of the Kathiawar peninsula, contains numerous ports. One of its more well-known and ancient ports is Lothal (part of the Indus Valley Civilization), which is believed to be the world’s first seaport. The state was an important port and trading centre, and Bharuch and Khambhat were powerful cities during the Maurya and Gupta empires, and continued to hold their own right up to later dynasties as well.

While Gandhinagar is its capital, Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat.

Click here to view Gujarat on Google Map

 

Timings: When you should visit

The best time to visit Gujarat is in winter, when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging in the twenties. Plan your vacation during the months from November to February.

Gujarat has extreme summers, with temperatures crossing 40 degrees at the season’s peak. The weather is dry and traveling can get uncomfortable. Avoid the months from March to June.

The monsoon season in Gujarat brings some respite; the temperature drops, and the days can be pleasant. However, as is typical of the monsoon in India, it can get messy. July to September is when Gujarat gets its annual rainfall.


How to get to Gujarat

By flight - Gujarat has one international airport at Ahmedabad, and it is connected to London, Chicago, New York, Muscat, Kuwait, Doha, Qatar, Sharjah, Dubai and Singapore. Travelers can also take domestic flights from other cities in India.

By Rail - Gujarat has an excellent railway network and major cities in the state are connected to nearly all parts of India.

By Road - You can drive into Gujarat from neighbouring states. Alternatively, you can also hop on to inter-city private or government-run buses.


History: A civilization going back in time

Gujarat

Gujarat was one of the main centres of the Indus Valley Civilization, and excavations have unearthed more than 50 Indus Valley settlement ruins here.

It was an important commercial centre and there is evidence of trade between the state and Bahrain, Egypt and Sumer during 1000-750BC. The state has been ruled by eminent dynasties, right from the Mauryas, Guptas, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, the Western Satraps, and the Satavahana empires, each of whom left their mark on the region. Some of the signs of these empires can still be seen in several cities of Gujarat.

Various Islamic invasions took place between 1197 and 1614, and Gujarat was ruled by historical leaders, including Allauddin Khilji, Humayun, Bahadur Shah, and even Akbar. Then came the Portuguese and Spanish looking for trade. Even the Maratha Empire made forays when the Mughal Empire showed signs of flagging. Zoroastrians fleeing persecuting Muslims came to Gujarat and made it their base, till this date.

A European colonisation took place from 1614-1947, and the British ruled the state until Independence. Post-independence, the princely states of Gujarat were merged into the three units of Saurashtra, Kutch and Bombay. And it was finally on 1 May 1960, that the independent state of Gujarat was formed.

Language Spoken

Gujarati, Hindi

Currency used:

Indian Rupee (INR)

NOV-FEB 29oC
MAR-MAY 45oC
JUN-SEP 38oC

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