Maharashtra Tourism

Maharashtra, the great land as the name itself suggests, has great di versity of riches to offer to the tourists. Overlooking the vast expanses of the Arabian Sea on one side, Maharashtra is a strong blend of very tra ditional and very contemporary, each co-existing with the other with the surp rising ease.
History

The first well-known rulers of Maharashtra were the Satvahanas (230 BC to 225 AD) who were the founders of the Maharashtra and have left a plethora of literary, epigraphic, artistic and archaeological evidence. Then came the Vakatakas who established a pan-Indian empire. Under them Maharashtra witnessed an all-sided development in the fields of learning, arts and religion. Some of the Ajanta caves and fresco paintings reached high-level mark during their rule. After the Vakatakas and after a brief interlude of the KaIachuri dynasty, the most important rulers were the Chalukyas followed by the Rashtrakutas and the Yadavas apart from the Shilaharas on the coast. The Yadavas, with Marathi as their court language, extended their authority over parts of the Deccan

While the Bahamani rule brought a degree of cohesion to the land and its culture a uniquely homogeneous evaluation of Maharashtra, as an entity became a reality under the able leadership of Shivaji. With the rise of Shivaji, Maharashtra entered a new phase in history. Shivaji welded the Marathas into a powerful nation and become the rulers. The Peshwas who succeeded Shivaji built up a Maratha empire, which extended from GwaIior in the north to Tanjore in the south. The Maratha power received a set back at Panipat in 1761 AD when the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah AbdaIi routed the Maratha forces. They recovered only to confront the British power and were decisively defeated in 1818 AD. After this defeat Maharashtra settled down as part of the Bombay Presidency under the British administration till Independence in 1947.

The administrative evolution of the State of Maharashtra is bringing together all contiguous Marathi – speaking areas, formed the outcome of the linguistic re-organization of the States in India, affected on May 1,1960.

Area: 3,07,690 Sq.km; Capital: Mumbai; Language: Marathi; Airports: Mumbai, Amravati, Baramati, Chandrapur, Dhule, Gondia, Jalgaon, Karad, Kolhapur, Kinwat, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Phaltan, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Sholapur, Nasik, Pune and Yatmal.

Hill Resorts: Lonavala – Khandala (625m), Mahabaleshwar (1372 m), Matheran (803 m), Panhala (831 m).

Popular Places: Mumbai (Bombay), Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Kolhapur, Nasik, Pune.

Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures, a fascinating city, throbbing with life and for many people ‘Gateway to India’. Mumbai is a group of seven islands (Colaba, Mahim, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Girgaum, and Dongri) whose inhabitants, the Kolis have given the city its Indian name Mumbai, after their Goddess Mother Mumba Aai.
Places of Interest

(1) Gateway of India (2) Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park on Malabar Hill (3) The Queens Necklace (4) Haji Ali Tomb and Mosque (5) Mani Bhawan (6) Prince of Walles Museum (7) Juhu Beach (8) Kanheri Caves (9) Elephanta Caves.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Centaur, Leela Kempinski, The Oberoi, The Oberoi Tower, The Taj Mahal Hotel, Centaur Airport, Holiday Inn, The president Hotel, Ramada Hotel, Hotel Sea Princes, Sun – N – Sand Hotel, Hotel Bawa International, Mercure Hotel Guestline, Fariyas Hotel, Hotel Midtown, Ritz Hotel, Sands Hotel, Hotel Airlink, Hotel Accord, Hotel Diplomat, Garden Hotel.
Aurangabad

The present city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam II, in 1610 AD around khirki village. Aurangzeb renamed it Aurangabad.

Places of Interest

(1) Aurangabad Caves (2) Bibi – Ka - Maqbara (3) Pan Chakki (4) Daulatabad (5) Bani Begum Gardens.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel President, Hotel Ambassador, Taj Residency, Welcome Group Rama International, Hotel Aurangabad, Hotel Amarpreet.

Ajanta

Early in the 19th century a party of British officers scrambling over the thickly wooded slopes of the Sahyadri hills discovered these caves buried under debris and screened by foliage. Strung out in a sweeping horseshoe shape in an inner fold of the hills, the caves were a secluded retreat for Buddhist monastic orders and yet offered easy access to the trade routes that swung past here to the coast. With little more than hammer and chisel but with a deep faith inspiring them, these simple monks excavated chaityas, chapels for prayer and viharas, monasteries where they lived and taught and carried out ritual performances. The 29 caves at Ajanta, some unfinished, span a period of 800 years and contain numerous images of Lord Buddha. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 BC.

Cave 1 houses some of the most well preserved wall paintings, which include two great Boddhisattvas, Padrnapani and Avaloketeshwara. Cave 2, 16 and 17 also contain amazing paintings, while caves 1, 4, 17, 19, 24 and 26 boasts of some of the most divine sculptures. The flying Apsara of cave 17 and the image of Buddha preaching in cave 17, are a couple of unforgettable works of art. In their range of times and treatment the paintings of Ajanta are a panorama of life in ancient India.

Ellora

The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad.Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5 th and 11 th centuries. AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29). The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 houses images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishvakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two-storied structure sports a colourfu1 pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music. The Kailasa temple in cave 16 is an architectural wonder, the entire structure have been carved out of a monolith, the process taking over a century to ­ finish. This mountain-abode of Lord Shiva is in all probability, the world's largest monolith, the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall sanctum and tower, all hewn out of a single rock.

The Jain caves are about a mile away from the Kailasa temple, amongst ­which cave 32, houses a beautiful shrine adorned with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof, and a yakshini on a lion under a mango tree, while cave 32 and 34 contain grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves sport the images of Tirthankaras and one of them, also has a figure of Mahavira.

Kolhapur

Kolhapur is located on the Panchganga River nestling along the Sahyadi ranges surrounded by hillocks and fortresses, woven around the temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi built in the 9 th century.
Places of Interest

(1) The Mahalakshmi Temple (2) The New Palace – Shree Chhatrapati Shahi Museum (3) The Town Hall Museum (4) The Old Palace (5) Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir (6) Rankala Lake.
Nasik
Nasik is a bustling township with an interesting blend of the ancient and the modern.
Places of Interest

(1) Ramkund (2) Muktidham Temple (3) Coin Museum (4) Kalaram Temple (5) Andavleni.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Panchavati, Hotel Panchavati Elite Inn, and Hotel Panchavati Yatri.

Pune

Pune was home for a long time to the Maratha leader Shivaji.It later become capital of the Peshwas.The British captures the city after the battle of Koregaon in 1818 AD. One of the city’s most famous residents was the self proclaimed Guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, later known as Osho.Although the died in 1990,the ashram he had set up in Pune still attracts thousands of devotees, sightseers, curious onlookers despite lot of controversy.
Places of Interest

(1) Kasturba Samadhi in the Aga Khan’s Palace (2) Parvati Hill (3) Shanwarwada (4) Shinde’s Chattri (5) Raja Kelkar Museum.
Hotel Accommodation: Le Meridien, Hotel Holiday Inn, Hotel Blue Diamond, Hotel Panchshil, and Hotel Sagar Plaza.


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Haryana Tourism

Haryana Travel

Haryana was once part of Punjab and was separated in 1966 to be made an independent State. The hard working people made it self-supporting in a short time through agriculture.” THE GREEN LAND". Department of tourism and Haryana Government started gaining importance in modem tourism promoting adventure tourism in big way and Hayrana Tourism repeatedly won awards from P.A.T.A. and T.A.A.I.
History

Haryana has a proud history going back to the Vedic Age. The State was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which has given the name Bharat to India. Haryana finds mention in the great epic of Mahabharata. Kurukshetra, the scene of the epic battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas is situated in Haryana. The State continued to playa leading part in the history of India, till the advent of the Muslim and the rise of Delhi as the imperial capital of India. Thereafter, Haryana functioned as an adjunct to Delhi and practically remained anonymous till the first war of India's Independence in 1857. When the rebellion was crushed and the British administration was re-established, the Nawabs of Jhajjar and Bahadurgarh, Raja of Ballabgarh and Rao Tula of Rewari of the Haryana region were deprived of their territories. Their territories were either merged with the British territories or handed to the rulers of Patiala, Nabha and Jind. Haryana thus became a part of Punjab province. With the reorganization of Punjab on November 1, 1966, Haryana was made a full-fledged independent State.

Haryana lies on the crossroads of North India. All main routes to Delhi go through this state has taken advantage of this fact and built hotels, motels and resorts and restaurants on the Delhi –Agra; Delhi Jaipur; Delhi-Amritsar and Delhi-Fazilka highways.

Major Cities: Chandigarh, Surajkund, Sultanpur, Rohtak, Hansi, and Sirsa.
Chandigarh

Chandigarh was conceived and born in the 1950 and was the master plan of the European modernist architect Le Corbusier.No other Indian city feels quite like this one. Indians are very proud of it and it’s the cleanest and healthiest city in the country.

Hotel Accommodations : Panchayat Bhavan, Hotel Satyadeep, Chandigarh Yatri Nivas, Hotel Jullundur, Amar, Hotel Alankar, Hotel Kwality Regency, Aroma Hotel, Hotel Sunbeam, Hotel Piccadilly, Hotel Mountview.
Places of Interest

(1) Badkal Lake (2) Dabchick (Hodal) (3) Karna Lake (Uchana) (4) Magpie (Faridabad) (5) Saras (Samdama Lake) (6) Sohna (7) Skylark (Panipat) (8) Yadavindra Gardens (9) Surajkund.
Airport: Chandigard, Hisar, Jind and Karnal.


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Punjab Tours

Punjab Travels>
Punjab is a State of traditional hospitality proud heritage and captivating grandeur. This rich abundant region with its fun-loving people offers so many visual- spiritual and culinary – delights to the tourists. Despite centuries of persecution and conflict, Punjab, with double the average income per capita and the highest consumption of alcohol in India, is a prosperous state. Many of its sights, sounds and smells are often strangely familiar to Westerners who have sampled Indian culture at home and the turbaned Sikhs have unwittingly become a symbol of India.

History

Ancient Pinjab, the land of the Vedas, Indus Valley Civilisation, Taxila University, of milk and honey, art and artifacts, rich agriculture formed a part of the Persian Empire in 522 BC when king Darius had occupied it. In 322 BC Alexander had entered India through Punjab. In later years it saw the rise and fall of the Mauryans, Dactrians, Greeks, Sakas, Kushans and Guptas.The medieval Punjab saw the supremacy of the Muslims.15 th and 16 th centuries mark a period of watershed in the history of Punjab. It was Guru Gobind Singh, the 10 th Guru, who transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa.But soon after his death Raj based on secularism on account of internal intrigues and British mechanization. After two abortive Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was finally annexed to the British empire in 1849.Punjab was constituted as a separate province of India in 1937.With the partition of India Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan as East Punjab and West Punjab.

At A Glance

Area: 50,362 sq.km; Capital: Chandigarh; Language: Punjabi; Airports: Amritsar andChandigarh; Popular Places: Amritsar, Jalandhar, Anandpur Sahib, Ludhiana, Sirhind, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Firozpur, Pathankot.
Amritsar

The home of the world famous Golden Temple founded by Guru Ramdas, the 4 th Guru of the Sikhs, in 1579 and completed by Guru Arjun Dev who also enshrined in it the holy book of his successor Sikhs the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1803,the renowned Maharaja Ranjit Singh, covered the lower half of the temple with marble and the upper half was encrusted later with pure gold leaf which has given the name Golden Temple.Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture, trade center and also the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route through Pakistan.

Places of Interest

(1) Golden Temple (2) Jallianwalla Bagh (3) Baba Atal Rai Tower.

How to reach : Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Chandigarh.You can travel by rail to Bhopal, Delhi, Howrah, Jaipur, Lahore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nanded, Patna, Tatanagar and Vadodara.Amritsar is connected by road with all major cities of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Hotel Accommodations: Hotel Mohan International, Hotel Ritz Plaza, Hotel Suncity Tower, Hotel Astoria, and Grand Hotel.

Anandpur Sahib

One of Sikhism’s holiest sites with a number of historic gurdwaras, Anandpur Sahib has been a pilgrimage site for over 300 years. Anandpur Sahib, which lies 75km northwest of Chandigarh, can be reached by road or train. Gurdwara Kesgarh Sahib is a large gurdwara and the spot where the Khalsa was born.
Ludhiana

Ludhiana is famous in the world for its hosiery goods. The textiles center of India, Ludhiana the site of great battles during the First Sikh War. The archaic, bureaucratic muddle of the offices of the old law courts is worth a look.

Sirhind

Standing amidst the ruins of beautiful mosques and tombs, Sirhind was an important city during the Mughal period. It is an important site of pilgrimage for Sikhs and Sunni Muslims. Most trains between Delhi and Amritsar stop here.
Patiala

About 35km south of Sirhind is Patiala, which was once the capital of an independent Sikh state. Off the main tourist route, it is a city of palaces and gardens. One of the largest palaces in Asia, Motibagh Palace is a mish – mash of European, Mughal and Hindu styles surrounded by lawns and gardens. The Punjab Government Archives in the Baradari complex has a rich collection of manuscripts. The palace is at the south end of Mall Road. There are hotels and restaurants in the town center and local buses link Patiala with local towns and train stations.

Bathinda

The railway line from Delhi passes through Bathinda, which was an important town of the Pathan Sur dynasty but now focused on industry.

Faridkot

Faridkot is named after a famous Sufi mystic, Baba Farid, whose work appears in the Guru Granth Sahib. Some 350 km northwest of Delhi, close to the Pakistan border, it was once the capital of a Sikh states of the same name and ha a 700-year-old fort famous for its mirror work and murals.

Firozpur

Firozpur, almost on the border, is 382km northwest of Delhi; before Partition the train line continued to Lahore, now in Pakistan.

Pathankot
Pathankot, in the extreme north of Punjab, is an important railhead for those traveling to Dharamsala and Dalhousie.

Nepal Tours

Nepal Tours
Tour Duration: 10 days
Destination(s): Nepal (Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Chitwan-Lumbini-Pokhara)
Specialty Categories: Art/Architecture, History Tours, Museum Tours, Safari Tours, Mountain views, Pilgrimage Tours
Season: Round the Year. Best season Oct. to Dec. and Feb. to May
Tour Starts at: Kathmandu
Ends at: Kathmandu.

Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets. Explore Nepal tour gives you an opportunity to explore three different regions of the country, varying from the cultural hub teemed with fascinating ancient building like Kathmandu, the breathtaking scenery of Annapurna Range like Pokhara, and the vast, fertile forest like Chitwan National Park in Terai region. This remarkable trip will make you realize that Nepal has much to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Our guide will explain briefly the program upon arrival at hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu - Nagarkot
After welcome breakfast, we will take you a glimpse of half day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley; Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. We keep going for walk to see the huge of stupa of Buddha, also known as Bodhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal. Afterward taking a ride to Bhaktapur, a fascinating town, visit Bhaktapur's Dubar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex. Keep the route connecting to Nagarkot and stay overnight in resort.

Day 3: Nagarkot - Kathmandu
After breakfast, we return to Kathmandu and keep half day valley sightseeings with Kathmandu Durbar Square, the place of the Malla and then the Shah Kings of Nepal, visiting Kumari Temple, house of the virgin goddess, visiting Swoyambhunath, a stupa on the top of hill - from here you can overlook the scenery of Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy yourself on Rickshaw ride to have a Typical Nepalese Dinner at a local restaurant, Thamel before getting back to the hotel.

Day 4: Kathmandu - Pokhara
After breakfast, we depart for Pokhara and commence a full day sightseeing of Pokhara, the most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu, spend enjoyably the morning trip along the bank of Phewa Lake, you can admire the stunning view of the Fish Tail's Peak reflected in the silver surface of the water. You can also see the wonderful Annapurna panorama forms a superb backdrop to Pokhara from the lake. Aside from Phewa Lake, we keep visiting the Seti River gorge - one of the best places to see. You will have an opportunity to take a glimpse to the limestone cave of Mahendra Gufa, used to be well-known for its stalactites. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Pokhara - Chitwan
After breakfast, we travel overland from Pokhara to Royal Chitwan National Park. We experience you a lots of Safari activities; jungle walks, canoeing, 4WD safaris and so forth… Once the night falls down, we entertain you with cultural performances including bonfire before getting in bed.

Day 6: Chitwan
Breakfast, the next, you get a full day safari activities in Royal Chitwan national Park - if you are lucky, you will see many amazing creatures that you spend most time to looking for; rhinoceroses, Chitwan's royal Bengal tigers, leopards, monkeys, many types of deer and reptiles. Check your camera gear - preferably with a telephoto lens and you will not miss any shots. Stay overnight.

Day 7: Chitwan - Lumbini
After breakfast, we travel overland from Chitwan to the Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where has been revered as the place of holy pilgrimage. Lumbini has been included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - if the time permits, we take you to visit Manakamana Temple, believed as the wish fulfilling goddess by cable car.

Upon arrival Lumbini, we transfer you to the hotel, check-in and then we go walking through the Sacred Lumbini Garden where the Buddha was born converges on the Ashoka pillar, visit the Maya Devi Temple with its bas-relief sculpture depicting Maya Devi holding on with her right hand to a branch of pipal tree and giving birth to the infant Buddha who stand up on a lotus pedestal.
Day 8: Lumbini
After breakfast, we begin the trip by driving away, 27km west of Lumbini; visit the important archaeological site, Tilaurkot, the ancient palace of King Suddodha (Siddhartha Gautam's father), where the Buddha spent his formative years as a Shakya Prince. Allow yourself for a moment to wander around and soak the atmosphere. There's a museum nearby, The Kapilvastu Museum; the pottery, jewelry and ornaments are gathered in-house. End up the remarkable tour in Tilaurkot by visiting the shrines, monasteries and stupa near the sacred garden.

Day 9: Lumbini - Kathmandu
After breakfast, we leave Lumbini by road and back to Kathmandu. Check-in at hotel, rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Day 10: Depart Kathmandu
After breakfast, rest of day is at leisure until we pick you up at the hotel and then transfer to airport for your next stop.

Rajasthan Tours

Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan - Land of Forts :

Rajasthan, the Land of the Kings, is India at its exotic and colorful best: battle-scarred forts, palaces of breathtaking grandeur and whimsical charm, riotous colour, and a romantic sense of pride and honour.

The state is diagonally divided into the hilly and rugged south-eastern region and the barren north-western Great Thar Desert, which extends across the border into Pakistan. There are plenty of historic cities, incredible fortresses awash with legends, and rare gems of impressionistic beauty such as Udaipur.There are also a number of centers which attract travelers from far and wide, such as Pushkar with its holy lake, and the desert city of Jaisalmer which resembles a fantasy from The Thousand and One Nights.

Rajasthan is one of India’s prime tourist destinations. Nobady leaves here without priceless memories, a bundle of souvenirs, and an address book full of friends. Rajasthan or Rajputana of the old –days, the land of chivalrous brave and people with a warlike around whom grew the most amazing legends of romance, heroism and sacrifice; the land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and havelis. The cities of Rajasthan still retain the medieval touch keeping alive the timeless traditions in their rich art and crafts.The state represents and unusual diversity in all its forms-people, culture, customs, costumes and cuisine.

History

Rajasthan was known as Rajputana or the home of Rajputs, a martial community who ruled over this area for centuries. History of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. From 3000 to 1000 BC it had a culture akin to that of the Indus valley civilization. It were the Chauhans who dominated the Rajput affairs from 7 th century and by 12 th century they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans it was the Guhilots of Mewar who controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar other States also historically prominent, were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar.The other small states were only the offshoots of these. All these States had accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818 as it protected the interests of the princes. It naturally left the people discontented.

After the revolt of 1857,the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1935 in British India agitation for civil liberties and political rights becomes stronger in 1948 to 1956 when the States Reorganization Act was promulgated.

First came the Matsya Union (1948) consisting of a fraction of the States. Slowly and gradually other States merged with the union. By 1949,major States like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, had joined this Union making it a united State of greater Rajasthan.

Ultimately in 1958 the present State of Rajasthan formally came into being with the Almer State, the Abu Road Taluka and Sunel Tappa jointing it.

At Independence, India’s ruling Congress Party was forced to make a deal with the nominally independent Rajput states in order to secure their agreement to join the new India. The rulers were allowed to keep their titles, their property holding were secured and they were paid an annual stipend commensurate with their status. It couldn’t last forever and the crunch came in the early 1970s when Indira Gandhi abolished both the titles and the stipends and severely sequestered their property rights.

While some of the rulers have survived this by converting their palaces into luxury hotels, many have fallen by the wayside unable to cope with the financial and managerial demands of the 21 st century.

Getting Around

Rajasthan has an extensive network of bus and train services, although the trains are less useful in places such as the Shekhawati region. Some rail services, particularly around Udaipur in the south, still operate on the slower metre-gauge system. The conversion to broad gauge is taking place but is a painfully slow process. More and more travelers are engaging a private taxi and driver to get around. The best way to travel in Rajasthan by road is to hire a taxi. A large number of tour operators run package tours (holidays) to Rajasthan, covering such activities as trekking, camel safaris, wildlife safaris, hotel booking as well as sightseeing, travel by train or palace on wheels.

How to plan your tours:

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Gurarat Tourism

Gurarat Tourism

The State of Gujarat occupies the northern extremity of the western seaboard of India. The State is renowned for its beaches, holy temples, historic cities replete with immense architectural wealth and wildlife sanctuaries. The fascinating handicrafts, mouth-watering cuisine and colorful lifestyle of the people of Gujarat, are renowned all over the country. The hard work and civilized approach of the people of Gujarat are evident in every walk of life.
History

Over a long period, Gujarat has been the abode of a number of races-settlers as well as conquers-and amalgamated their cultures into its very own. It is believed that Lord Krishna had left Mathura to settle on the west coast of Saurashtra, which later came to be known as Dwarka, the gateway. Being a coastal State, Gujarat has had contacts with the Western trading world since Greco - Roman times. In fact, in Lothal a civilization dating back to 3000 BC has been excavated which bears testimony of the State. Later the Aryans from Central Asia found it a good entry point. It saw various kingdoms ­Mauryans, Guptas Pratiharas and others. It was with Chalukyas (Solanki) that Gujarat witnessed progress and prosperity. After the golden age of Gupta's, Gujarat successively came under the Rajput kings, the Muslim Sultans, the Mughals and finally under the British Raj, which however, excluded Saurashtra and its 202 princely States.



Before Independence, the present territories of Gujarat used to be in two parts-the British and the princely territories. With the recognition of the State, the Union of the State of Saurastra and the

Union Territory of Kutch along with the former British Gujarat became a part of the bilingual State of Bombay. The present state of Gujarat came into being on May 1, 1960.

Highlights of Popular Places

Special Sites : (1) Ahmedabad (2) Gandhinagar (3) Vadodara (Baroda) (4) Bharuch (5) Surat (6) Daman (7) Saputara (8) Bhavnagar (9) Palitana (10) Diu (11) Veraval (12) Somnath (13) Sasan Gir Wildlife (14) Junagadh (15) Porbandar (16) Dwarka (17) Jamnagar (18) Rajkot (19) Bhuj (20) Mandvi (21) Little Rann of Kutch

Pilgrim Centres : (1) Ambaji (2) Bahucharaji (3) Bakaram (4) Dakor (5) Dwarka (6) Junagarh (7) Khumbariya (8) Mahudi (9) Miradatar (10) Palitana (11) Pavagadh (12) Shamlaji (13) Somnath (14) Taranga Hill (15) Udwada (16) Virpur.

Hill Stations : Saputara.

Airports: Ahmedabad, Baroda (Vadodara), Jumnagar, Bhuj, Keshod, Rajkot, Kandla, Bhavnagar and Surat.

Ahmedabad

Founded in 1411AD by Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad was at one time considered to be India's finest city. Associated with Mahatama Gandh the Apostle of peace and non-violence, whose simple Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River is now a site of national pilgrimage. Renowned as a great textile and commercial center and as 'MANCHESTER OF INDIA' today it is the second largest prosperous and thriving city in western India.

Places of Interest

(1) Jumma Masjid (2) Siddi Sayed Mosque (3) Bhadra Fort or Walled City (4) Hatheesingh Jain Temple (5) Rani Rupmati Mosque (6) Kankaria Lake (7) Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati (8) The Shaking Minarets (9) Three Gates and (10) Calico Textile Museum.
How to Reach

Air: Ahmedabad is connected by air with Mumbai, Bhuj, Chennai, Delhi, Rajkot, Vadodara and Bangalore.

Rail: Ahmedabad is connected directed by rail with all major cities.

Gandhinagar

25 km away from Ahmedabad.It is the new capital city of Gujarat built in 1960,on the banks of the Sabarmati River after the bifurcation of the old Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat.Gandhinagar presents the spacious well organized look of an architecturally integrated city.

Vadodra (Baroda)

Vadodara, Gujarat’s cultural capital, has a long tradition of music, fine art and education. The former capital of Gaikwads, this city has many palaces, museums and spacious gardens. The Fine Arts School at the university here is well known for having given rise to a prominent style of contemporary painting 0 ‘The Baroda School’.

Places of Interest

(1) Nazarbagh Palace (2) Kirti Mandir (3) Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum (4) Makarpura Palace (5) Pratap Vilas Palace at Lalbagh (6) Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery (7) Tambekarwada.
How to Reach

Air: Baroda is connected by air with Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai.

Rail: Baroda is on main route between Mumbai and Delhi and is therefore connected directly to major cities.

Bharuch

This very old town was mentioned in history records nearly 2000 years ago. It’s on the main rail line between Vadodara and Surat, about one hour from each. The fort overlooks the wide Narmada River from a hilltop and at its base is the Jama Masjid.On the riverbank, east of the city, is the Temple of Bhrigu Rishi, from which the city took its name.
Surat

Since the earlier times, the ancient port of Surat has been renowned for its fine silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in spices. Surat has been one of the most prosperous of Indian cities in the 17 th and 18 th century. In Mughal times, Surat was the main port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. Today Surat is more known for diamond cutting and polishing industry. Surat is on the main Mumbai to Ahmedabad railway line.

Places of Interest

(1) The Old Fort (2) Sardar Patel Museum (3) Rangupavan
Daman

In the far south of Gujarat is the 56 – Sq-Km enclave of Daman.Along with Diu and Goa, Daman was taken in 1961 from the Portuguese, who had seized Daman in 1531.For a time after reverting to Indian rule, Daman and Diu were governed from Goa but both now constitute the Union Territory. The streets of Daman are lined with bars selling beer, Finest Scotch Whisky – Made in India’ and various other spirits such as feni.

Saputara

This cool hill resort in the south – east corner of the state sits 1000m high. There is picturesque lake, attractive gardens, an artist’s village and the views from both Valley View Point and Sunset Point are worth the climb. It’s a popular base for excursions to Mahal Bardipara Forest Wildlife Sanctuary (60km) or the Gira Waterfalls (52km).
Bhavnagar

Once the capital of the princely state, Bhavnagar was founded in 1743 AD and is now a flourishing port on the gulf of Khambat.For tourist it is the convenient base for visits to the town of Patlitana and the sacred hill of Shatunjaya.

Places of Interest

(1) Gaurishankar Lake (2) Takhteshwar Temple (3) Lock Gate.
Palitana

Palitana lies 56 km from Bhavnagar at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples – 863 in all – that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill.
Diu

Diu is for many the highlight of Gujarat with its relaxed pace of life, decaying Portuguese architecture, huge fort and quiet beaches. Diu is a popular hang – out with travelers and you’ll probably see more foreigners here than anywhere else in Gujarat. Although the beaches are nothing compared to Goa’s,it is still a great place to let your hair down and watch the world drift by.

Beaches: (1) Nagoa (2) Gomptimata (3) Jallandhar (4) Chakratirth (5) Sunset Point.
Veraval

On the south coast of Saurashtra, Veraval was the major seaport for Mecca pilgrims before the rise of Surat.Apart from the port and the outside of the eerie old Nawab’s Palace in the west of the town, there’s not a lot to see in but the main reason to come here is as a base for a visit to Somnath Temple, 6km to the east.
Somnath

One of the most sacred and renowned Hindu pilgrimage centers being one of the 12 Jyortirlingas of Lord Shiva. This city has seen a tumultuous history – having been plundered more than once for its legendary wealth and having been resurrected every time by its devotees. Somnath has a large fair at the full moon of Kartika Purnima in November/December, during the statewide festival. Most travelers prefer to stay in Veraval, 6km away.
Sasan Gir Wildlife

This last refuge of the Asiatic lion is 59km from Junagadh via Visavadar.The 1400 sq-km sanctuary was set up to protect the lion and its habitat. Apart from lion there are more than 30 other species, including leopards, hyenas, foxed, wild boars and a number of deer and antelope.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from December to April; it is closed from 16 June to 15 October, or even later if there has been a heavy monsoon. The lions are elusive but you’d be unlucky not to see at least one on a safari.
Junagadh

An ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, Junagarh lies at the foot of Girnar Hills and takes its name from the ‘old fort’ which circles the medieval town. There are 14 rock edicts cut into a great rock outside the city of that period.

Places of Interest

(1) Upar Kot or Upper Fort (2) Ashoka’s Rock Edicts (3) Damodar Kund (4) Chorwad Beach.
Porbandar

On the south east coast, midway between Veraval and Dwarka, the modern day city of Porbandar is chiefly noted, as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, beyond which there are no reasons to visit.
Dwarka

On the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula, Dwarka is one of the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and is closely related to the Krishna legend. It was here that Krishna set up his capital after fleeing from Mathura.

Places of Interest

(1) Dwarkanath Temple (2) Rukmini Temple (3) Sabha Mandapa (4) Nageshwar Mandir.
Jamnagar

Founded in 1540AD,Jamnagar has been the abode of the Jains – the Jadeja Rajput ruler of Nawanagar, and has been the capital of their State. It is renowned for pearl, fisheries, a naval base and a certain type of tie-and dye fabrics.
Places of Interest

(1) Solarium (2) Lakhota Fort and Kotha Bastion.

Rajkot



Rajkot was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra.Today it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan to the king of Saurashtra.



Rajkot was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra.Today it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan to the king of Saurashtra.

Places of Interest

(1) Kaba Gandhi No Delo (2) Watson Museum and Library (3) Lal Pari Lake and Randerda (4) The Rajkumar College (5) Rastriya Shala (6) Jagat Mandir.

Bhuj

The gateway city to Kutch, Bhuj is the most important town of Kutch area. Kutch Museum formerly called the Ferguson Museum, built in 1877 AD, is the oldest museum in the State and has an exquisite collection of exhibits including a picture gallery, anthropological and archaeological sections displaying of textiles, weapons, musical instruments and stuffed animals.
Mandvi

Mandvi founded in 1581 AD has a fortification with 25 bastions. The place is known for being the center production of country crafts. Mandvi is also well known for its beautiful sea beach and Vijayvillas Palace built in 1935 AD.
Little Rann of Kutch
The Little Rann of Kutch, the barren expanse of ‘desert’ (Actually salt plain) which divides Gujarat’s western region of Kutch from the rest of Gujarat, was described by one traveler as ‘a striking desert of mud, salt and mirages. The Little Rann of Kutch is the home to the last remaining population of khur (Asiatic wild ass).