final gujraj

7/28/2019 Final Gujraj

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CONTENTS

No. TOPICS PAGE

NO.

1. TOURISM IN INDIA

2. PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN INDIA

3. TOURISM THE NEXT DRIVING FACTOR OF INDIAN

ECONOMY

4. GUARAT

5. HISTORY

6. MAJOR CITIES

7. MUSEUMS

8. BEACHES

9. FOREST AND WILDLIFES

10. RELIGIOUS SITES

11. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

12. GUJARAT CUISINE

13. TRANSPORTATION

14. GUJARAT CHALKS OUT PROPSALS FOR BOOSTING

TOURISM

15. GUJARAT TOURISM GETS BOOST FROM AMITABH

BACHAN

16. GUJARAT GOVERNMENT READIES SOPS FOR TOURISM

DEVELOPERS

17. TOURISM POLICY (2003-2010)


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18. MARKETING

19. ROAD MAP FOR MAKING GUJARAT A DREAM

DESTINATION

20. WHY GUJARAT???

21. BEST TIME TO VISIT GUJARAT.

22. HOW TO REACH GUJARAT ?

23. CONCLUSION.


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1. TOURISM IN INDIA

Tourism is the largest serviceindustry in India , with a

contribution of 6.23% to

the national GDP and 8.78% of

the total employment in India.

India witnesss more than 5

million annual foreign tourist

arrivals and 562 million

domestic tourism visits. The

tourism industry in India

generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase

to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. In the year

2009, 5.11 million foreign tourists visited India. Majority of foreign

tourists come from USA and UK to Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi

and Uttar Pradesh were the top four states to receive inbound tourists.

Domestic tourism in the same year was massive at 650 million. Andhra

Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu received the big share of these

visitors. Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate nationalpolicies and programmes for the development and promotion of

tourism. In the process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with

other stakeholders in the sector including various Central

Ministries/agencies, the State Governments/ union Territories and the

representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made

to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-

tourism.The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the

development and promotion of tourism in India and maintains

the Incredible Indiacampaign.

Tourism in India need to be understood in the global context o

competing destinations. It may be thought of as multiple Indias with a

multitude of competing destinations Goa, Rajasthan, Kerela, Assam,

Kashmir under the India umbrella. India's 5000 years of history, its


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length, breadth and the variety of geographic features make its tourism

basket large and varied. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along

with medical, business and sports tourism. India has a growing medical

tourism sector.

India has the right tourism potential and attractions to captivate all typesof tourists whether it is adventurous tour, cultural exploration,

pilgrimages, visit to the beautiful beaches or to the scenic mountainresorts, Tourism of India has it all for you.

Travel through Indian states and cities brings to light, the cultural andthe geographical richness of India. It provide a glimpse to the richness

of tourism in India with information on all the major tourist destinationsof India and tourism services of India that will take care of all the

problems while you are in India.


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2.PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN

INDIA

In the past decade, tourism has becomeone of India's fastest growing markets,contributing to millions of serviceindustryjobs. The Ministry of Tourismlaunched the Incredible India campaign

in 2002, promoting India as a premiervacation spot. The campaign wassuccessful, and now India is one of thetop destinations for travelers from theU.S. and Canada. In August 2009outbreaks of swine flu threatened India's late summer tourist season.Many travelers canceled trips rather than risk infection. Still, fears havenow subsided and tourism seems to be growing steadily.

Incredible India Campaign

o The Indian Ministry of Tourism launched the Incredible Indiacampaign in 2002 to encourage visitors from around the world toexperience India. The concerted marketing effort included print,radio and television ads. The campaign also included road shows,which were planned for the UK, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia,Russia, Australia and New Zealand. The successful campaignreceived attention and praise from travel professionals and iscredited with increasing the number of tourists to the nationwithin just a few years.

More Lodging Available

o While the Incredible India campaign succeeded in bringingtourists to India, a lack of available lodging had to be addressed

before the nation could handle a large increase in visitors. As onesolution to the problem, the Ministry of Tourism has encouraged
http://www.ehow.com/careers/http://www.ehow.com/travel/http://www.ehow.com/travel/http://i.ehow.co.uk/images/a05/3s/ih/promotion-tourism-india-800x800.jpghttp://www.ehow.com/travel/http://www.ehow.com/travel/http://www.ehow.com/careers/


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Indian entrepreneurs to start hosting tourists in bed and breakfaststyle guest lodging. These B&Bs offer visitors an authenticexperience with Indian cuisine, culture and people, as well as anincrease in the number of guest rooms available in metropolitan

areas.

Transportation and Accessibility

o India's crumbling infrastructure is another hurdle to thesuccessful growth of the tourism sector. The Indian governmentis allocating funds to improve the infrastructure of the nation,improving access to rural areas so they become attractive tovisitors. One such improvement has been the installation oheliports, where visitors can easily travel from a major

metropolitan area to a rural area by helicopter.

Heritage & Ecotourism

o Many visit India seeking signs of the ancient culture foundedthere. A popular heritage sight is the Taj Mahal, which attractsmillions of visitors each year. India's Ministry of Tourismattempts to implement sustainable practices, promoting the ideals

of ecotourism to its partner sites and tour guides. The Ministryalso is integrating the ideals of conservation and preservation ofthe local ecology and culture to the greatest extent possible. TheMinistry is working to create unique tourist experiences in ruralIndia that promote local culture and have a low impact on theenvironment.

Health and Wellness Tourismo As the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, India has a particular

appeal to visitors who are searching for spiritual and physicalhealing. Since the Beatles visited an Indian ashram in the late1960s, the popularity of visiting these spiritual yoga centers hasgrown among Westerners. The Ministry uses that popularity to


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highlight these traditions in their campaigns.

3. TOURISM THE NEXT DRIVING

FACTOR OF INDIAN ECONOMY

Indian tourismindustry from the lastcouple of years hasemerged as a majorfactor in the growth of

Indian economy with substantial foreign exchange earnings. Astourism constitutes various other related sectors including hotels,hospitals, aviation, and shipping, it has a significant contribution to the

over all revenue.

If we throw a glance at the statistical data, we will be pleasantlysurprised to know that tourism as an industry has recorded a 12 percent growth as far as foreign exchange earnings is concerned withthe increasing number of inbound travelers. Though foreign touristsare the prime source of growth but complimentary sectors also makea good contribution to Indias GDP.As per the latest research by an organization, the inbound touristflow has been increasing and is expected to increase at a rate of morethan 12 percent in the coming four to five years. Again the healthcare sector that attracts foreigners on a large scale especially fromdeveloping countries can boost Indian contribution to global tourism,which is now less than 1%.In fact it is now the medical tourism that is gaining momentum in

India with inexpensive and probably some of the best medicalfacilities in the world. According to the latest report of tourism


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industry, Indias medical tourism has registered an annual growth

rate of 25 per cent and is expected to touch the $2 billion mark by2012.

Various private healthcare-centres are providing world-class healthcare services at a very affordable

price and primarily attractingpatients from the South Asiancountries along with Britain,United States, Gulf region andAfrica. Realizing the potential oftourism industry the UnionGovernment has been allowing

more and more patients byproviding a special medicaltourism visa, which can againfacilitate the process of tourist

inflow.

The popularity of India as one of the most favoured touristdestinations is also a result of extensive advertising and marketingstrategy of the government, which it has started under the banner of

Incredible India and a great success so far. Again as tourism is anindividual state-affair, states also realize the importance of naturalheritage as prime source of income and started promoting domestictourism by diversifying tourism products. Improved facilities inluxury hotels, beach resorts, with winter sports, adventure sports andothers are to expand foreign tourist inflow to India.

The recent growth can also be seen on the web, as a huge number oftravel and tourism websites have been made so far with the

participation of private sector whose profit is based on the amount ofqueries (both inbound and outbound) they generate. As a result tourand travel companies along with hotel industry, car rental andaviation have registered some strongest influence in the growth chart.

No doubt by 2020 tourism will contribute a lot to Indias GDP.


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4. GUJARAT

Located in the

western India. It has an area

of 75,686 sq mi

(196,077 km) with a coast

line of 1,600 km, and a

population in excess of 50

million. The state is bordered

by Rajasthan to the north,

Maharashtra to thesouth, Madhya Pradesh to the east and the Arabian Sea as well as the

Pakistaniprovince of Sindh on the west. Its capital is Gandhinagar,

while its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat is home to the Gujarati-

speaking people of India.

The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley

Civilization, such as Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal is believed to be one

of the world's first ports. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch,

served as ports and trading centers in the Maurya and Gupta empires.Mohandas Gandhi, considered India's "father of the nation", was

a Gujarati who led the Indian Independence Movement against

the British colonial rule.

Gujarat played an important role in the economic history o

India throughout the history of India. The state has the fastest growing

economy in India. It is also, one of the most industrialized states within

the nation. Thus, making it the richest state with a GDP per capita

income twice that of the country as a whole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhinagarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarati_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dholavirahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gupta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_of_the_nationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarati_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Independence_Movementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Independence_Movementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarati_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_of_the_nationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gupta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dholavirahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarati_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhinagarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India


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5. HISTORY

Ancient history

Historically, the

state of Gujarat

has been one of

the main centers

of the Indus

Valley

Civilization. Itcontains major

ancient

metropolitan

cities from the

Indus Valley

such as Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro. The ancient city of Lothal

was where India's first port was established. Also Dholavira, the ancient

city, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in

India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The most recentdiscovery was Gola Dhoro. All together, about 50 Indus Valley

settlement ruins have been discovered in Gujarat.

The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial

activities. There is a clear historical evidence of trade and commerce

ties with Sumerin the Persian Gulfduring the time period of 1000 to

750 BC. There was a succession ofHindu Buddhist states such as

the Gupta Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Pala Empire and Gurjara-

Pratihara Empire as well as local dynasties such as the Maitrakas andthen theSolankis. The 11th century history of Gujarat saw the

emergence of the Muslims in the political arena of the state. The first

Muslim conqueror was Mahmud of Ghazni whose conquest

ofSomnath effectively ended the rule of the Solankis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dholavirahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gola_Dhorohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gupta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakuta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjara-Pratiharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjara-Pratiharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitrakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solankihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solankihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmud_of_Ghaznihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnathhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6a/Lothal_conception.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmud_of_Ghaznihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solankihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitrakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjara-Pratiharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurjara-Pratiharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakuta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gupta_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gola_Dhorohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dholavirahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilization


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(1297 CE1614 CE)

From 1297 to 1300, Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi,

destroyed Anhilwara and incorporated Gujarat into the Delhi Sultanate.AfterTimur's sacking of Delhi at the end of the fourteenth century

weakened the Sultanate, Gujarat's Muslim Rajput governor Zafar Khan

Muzaffar asserted his independence, and his son, Sultan Ahmed

Shah (ruled 1411 to 1442), restructured Ahmedabad as the

capital. Cambay eclipsed Bharuchas Gujarat's most important trade

port. The Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576, when

the Mughal emperorAkbar the Great conquered it and annexed it to

the Mughal Empire. The port of Surat become the prominent and main

port of India during Mughal rule. Gujarat remained a province of the

Mughal empire until the Marathas occupied eastern and central Gujarat

in the eighteenth century; Western Gujarat (Kathiawarand Kutch) were

divided among numerous local rulers.

(1614 CE 1947 CE)

Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, acquiring

several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as

well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British East India

Company established a factory in Surat in 1614, which formed their

first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the English

acquired it from Portugal in 1668. In late 17th century Chatrapati

Shivaji the great Maratha leader attacked Surat between 1664 to 1679

and looted the city 3 times. This is marked as entry of Marathas in

Gujarat.

Later in 18th century, Gujarat came under control of the Maratha

Empire who dominated the politics of India. Pilaji Gaekwad, first ruler

ofGaekwad dynasty, established the control over Baroda and much o

Gujarat. AfterBattle of Panipat 1761, all Maratha general established

them self as autonomous government while keeping nominal authority
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allauddin_Khiljihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhilwarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajputhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Shah_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Shah_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathiawarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daman_and_Diuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dadra_and_Nagar_Havelihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factory_(trading_post)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatrapati_Shivajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatrapati_Shivajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilaji_Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Panipat_(1761)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Panipat_(1761)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilaji_Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatrapati_Shivajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatrapati_Shivajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factory_(trading_post)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dadra_and_Nagar_Havelihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daman_and_Diuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathiawarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Shah_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Shah_of_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajputhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhilwarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allauddin_Khilji


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ofPeshwas of Pune and Chatrapati from Satara. The British East India

Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during

the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the

MarathaGaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace with

the British and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining

local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority o

the Bombay Presidency, with the exception ofBaroda state, which had

a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to

1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and

northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into hundreds ofprincely

states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat,

namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira (Kheda), Panchmahal,

and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.

Indian Independence Movement

Leaders like Mohandas KaramchandGandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, NarhariParikh, Mahadev Desai, MohanlalPandya, Bhulabhai Desai and RaviShankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat.Also, Gujarati-speaking Mohammed AliJinnah's (Pakistan's first Governor-General) father was from an area whichlater became Gujarat. Gujarat was alsothe site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahasin Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshwashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Anglo-Maratha_Warhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay_Presidencyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroda_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathiawarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princely_stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princely_stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuch_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kheda_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchmahal_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardar_Vallabhbhai_Patelhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morarji_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.M._Munshihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narhari_Parikhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narhari_Parikhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahadev_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal_Pandyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal_Pandyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhulabhai_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar_Vyashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar_Vyashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Ali_Jinnahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Ali_Jinnahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagrahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardolihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borsadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Satyagrahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mahadev_Desai_and_Gandhi_2_1939.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Satyagrahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borsadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardolihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagrahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Ali_Jinnahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Ali_Jinnahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar_Vyashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar_Vyashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhulabhai_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal_Pandyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal_Pandyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahadev_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narhari_Parikhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narhari_Parikhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.M._Munshihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morarji_Desaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardar_Vallabhbhai_Patelhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchmahal_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kheda_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharuch_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princely_stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princely_stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathiawarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroda_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay_Presidencyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaekwadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Anglo-Maratha_Warhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshwas


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6. MAJOR CITIES

AhmedabadAhmedabad, the largest city in the

state ofGujarat located on the left

bank of the river Sabarmati is

named after Sultan Ahmed Shah

who built the city in 1411 AD.

Also known as Amdavad and

Karnavati, it was the former capital

and a prominent centre of India'sfreedom struggle. With a vibrant past and an equally interesting present,

Ahmedabad is one of those few cities which can boast about its well

preserved ancient heritage along with being a highly industrialised

centre and it is also home to one of the best known management

institutes of the world- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

(IIM-A). The city has grown into a great textile and commercial centre

rightly called the 'Manchester of the East'. The city offers a lot to

visitors in terms of aesthetic experience- there are many beautifulmonuments of historical and archaeological importance, places o

religious significance, picnic spots, excursion sites etc.

Bharuch

Bharuch alias Bhroach, an ancient

town, one of the oldest in Gujarat

with a 2000 year history, is situated

at the mouth of the holy river

armada. It was an important

Buddhist center in the 7th century

and considered to be sacred among
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sages. Located between Vadodara and Surat, the city derived its name

from 'Bhrigukachba', the temple of the great saint Bhrigu Rishi, which

was later abridged to Bharuch. As it is a major seaport and the

administrative headquarter of the district Bharuch, a number of trade

activities have flourished here. This heavily industrialised city is

renowned for its textile mills, chemical plants, long staple cotton, dairy

products and much more. Gujarat's biggest liquid cargo terminal is

situated here. It also houses many reputed multinational companies like

Videocon, BASF, Reliance, Welspun Stahl etc. Bharuch is a shopping

center well known for its salty peanuts. Because of the distinctive

colour of the soil here that is ideal for cotton cultivation, Bharuch is

sometimes referred to as 'Kanam Pradesh' (black soil land).

Godhra

Godhra is the capital town andthe administrative headquartersof Panchmahal district inGujarat. It was an important

centre during the Mughal andMaratha periods. Godhra whichderived its name from the twowords 'Gou' means cow and

'Dhara' means flow, is a developing town with the establishment oseveral industrial units and educational institutions for higher educationcoming up. As the nearby towns of Devgadhbaria and Dohad, locatednorth of Godhra forms a tribal and forest belt, it is also a market placeand a small trade center for forest products. Dahod, the birthplace ofMughal emperor Aurangazeb, and Godhra are the twin cities in the stateof Gujarat. Godhra is widely known for the riots in 2002 which beganwith the train burning


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Rajkot

Rajkot is located on the

banks of the Aji river in thewest Indian state of Gujarat.Founded by VibhojiAjojiJadeja in 1612, it wasonce the capital of the

princely state of Saurashtraand the seat of the erstwhileJadeja clan. The city has a rich cultural history and is also associatedwith India's freedom struggle. It is the place where Mahatma Gandhispent the early years of his life. The city was a former Britishgovernment headquarters and still has a number of massive structuresand educational institutions which remind one of the city's colonial

past. It is famous for silver, textiles and furniture, Bandhani sarees,bead work,patch work, silk embroidery, jewellery and a Nationalweaving institute which promotes traditional weaves. The city is also areligious centre and is a must visit for those interested in colonialhistory and architecture.

Surat

The second largest city inGujarat and the ninth largestcity in India, Surat is knownfor its textile and diamond

business. This administrative

headquarters of Surat districtis located on the banks ofTapti river. The city narratesthe history of thousands of years, from the period of Mahabharatha tothe period even after the independence of the country. It was one owestern India's major ports and trading towns in the 17th and 18thcenturies and the first European settlement in India. Surat is renowned


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for its silk weaves like the Tanchoi and Gajee sarees and Kinkhabbrocades sometimes woven with gold and silver threads. The firstwarehouses was established in Surat by the East India Company in theear 1612. It is famous for its jewellery market and diamond cutting as

well as ivory and wood inlay work. 92% of world's diamonds are cutand polished from this city. Surat is also known for its culture andcuisines.

Vadodara

The eighteenth largest and one ofthe cosmopolitan cities of India,Vadodara alias Baroda is locatedon the banks of Vishwamitri River.This garden city is the industrialcapital and the third most

populated town of Gujarat and alsothe administrative headquarters ofVadodara District. Due to its richcultural traditions, the district is

referred to as Sanskari Nagari. With many museums and art galleries,this upcoming hub of industries and IT is a favorite spot of tourists.Vadodara was once called Chandravati, after its ruler Raja Chandan,then Virakshetra or Viravati, the abode of the brave and then Vadpatra

because of the abundance of banyan trees on the banks of theVishwamitri. From Vadpatra it derived its present name.


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7.MUSEUMSGujarat's museums are run by the state's Department of Museums

located at the principal state museum, Baroda Museum & Picture

Gallery. Other famous museums include:

"The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya"

The Gandhi Smarak

Sangrahalaya

in Ahmedabad is run by apublic trust established in

1951. The museum's new

premises were built in 1963.

The museum's main objective

was to house the personal

memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently, the exhibits on

view depict the vivid and historic events of Gandhiji's life. There are

books, manuscripts, and photostat copies of his correspondence,

photographs of Gandhiji with his wife Kasturba and other ashram

associates, life size oil paintings, and actual relics like his writing

desk.
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"Calico Museum of Textiles"

The Calico Museum of Textiles atAhmedabad, India, is the premier textile

museum of the country, and one of the most

celebrated institutions of its kind in the world for its distinguished

and comprehensive collection of textiles and artifacts. Ahmedabad

Tourism

"The Vadodara Museum"

The Vadodara Museum

in Vadodara, located in

the popular Sayaji Bagh,

the museum houses a

collection which belonged

to the former maharaja

Sayaji Rao Gaekwad.

Indian rulers during the Raj often collected all kinds of European artand other knick knacks. Largely being the personal collection of the

maharaja, the exhibits span across centuries and continents, as well

as diverse art forms. There are Greek and Roman sculpture with

European paintings of earlier periods. The Asian section has items

from Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, and Japan made of wood,

ivory, bronze and pottery.
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"Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum"

The impressive LaxmiVilas Palace, in the Indo

Saracenic style o

architecture, was once

the residence o

the Gaekwad family.

Maharaja Fatehsingh

Museum in Vadodara,

located in the sprawling

grounds of the palace complex, is a multi purpose museum and

houses the Gaekwad family's rich collection of an treasures.

"The Gandhi Museum"

The Gandhi Museum

in Bhavnagar showcases arare collection o

photographs relating to the

life of Mahatma Gandhi

are on view at the Gandhi

Museum. These recreate

the significant events o

Gandhiji's life. Also

displayed are documents,letters, and his personal relics. The collection of audio-visual material

includes microfilms, a voice library, prayers, and lecture records.
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"The Watson Museum"

The 'Watson Museum' in Rajkot,

is a museum of human history and

culture. Its collections precious

objects of colonial period of India

and History of Rajkot. It is

amongst the largest and most

comprehensive museum in State

of Gujarat. Watson Museum is

considered to be the finest amongst 7 such museums locatedacross Saurashtra (region) and run by the State Government because

it holds invaluable articles and state-of-the-art facilities like

photography, guide service, reference library and sales counter of the

museum's publication.

"The Lakhota museum"

The 'Lakhota Museum'

in Jamnagar, is a museum o

history and royalty of jamnagar. It

was built in center of Lakhota

Lake. It was built by Jam

Ranjitsinh.

Other museums include:

Kite Museum in Ahmedabad,

The Lady Wilson MuseumsDharampur, Valsad.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum,Surat.
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8.BEACHES

Gujarat has the longest coastline of all

the states in India. As a result, the stateand its neighboring Union Territoriesoffer a plethora of beaches. These

beaches are the finest in the country andattract a huge number of tourists everyear. The pristine waters, soft sands and

rich flora and fauna are their mainattractions. You can relax and unwindamidst the natural serene surroundings. It's a promise that your trip tothese exotic beaches of Gujarat will provide you with an unforgettable

experience. Apart from this, the towns located near the beaches haveimmense possibilities for sightseeing. They house a number ofhistorical forts, palaces, churches and museums worth seeing.

Ahmedpur Mandvi BeachAhmedpur Mandvi Beach is situated on the coastline of the state ofGujarat and is one of the finest beaches in India. It is located inAhemdpur Mandvi, which is the historic port town of Maharao ofKutch.

Chorwad BeachChorwad Beach of Gujarat is another splendid beach situated on thewest coast of India. It is situated at a distance of 66 km from Junagadh.Chorwad has a high potential of attracting both domestic as well asinternational tourists. The beach constitutes of rocky hills and presentsopportunity for thrilling boat rides.

Diu BeachDiu beach is situated off the Saurashtra coast and is connected to thestate of Gujarat via a causeway. Diu is a secluded island and does nothave much population. This makes it the place ideal for a serenevacation, away from the worries of daily life.
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Gopnath BeachGopnath Beach is situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It islocated on the coast of the Gulf of Kambhat, at a distance of 75 kmfrom the city of Bhavnagar. Gopnath is a pristine beach known for itsnatural beauty.

Kutch Mandvi BeachKutch Mandvi is an important beach in Gujarat, situated at Mandvi.Mandvi is the historic port town of Maharao of Kutch, located at a

distance of 75 km from Bhuj. Kutch Mandvi was once inhabited by theMaharao of Kutch and was an important seaport.
http://www.bharatonline.com/gujarat/travel/bhavnagar/gopnath-beach.htmlhttp://www.bharatonline.com/gujarat/travel/bhavnagar/gopnath-beach.htmlhttp://www.bharatonline.com/gujarat/travel/bhavnagar/gopnath-beach.html


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9. FORESTS AND WILDLIFE

As per the India State O

Forest Report 2009, Gujarathas 7.46 % of its total

geographical area under

forest cover. As per the

districts, The Dangs has the

largest area under forest

cover. Gujarat has 4 National

parks and 21 sanctuaries.

Gujarat is the only home ofAsiatic Lions. Outside Africa, Gujarat is theonly present natural habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Parkin the

south-west part of the state covers only part of the lions' habitat.

Besides lions, the other big cat that can be found in the state is the

leopard. Leopards are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and

mountains of South Gujarat.

Other National parks include Vansda

ational Park, Blackbuck National Park,

Velavadarand Marine National Park,

Gulf of Kutch. Wildlife sanctuaries

include: Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary,

al Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Porbandar

Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife

Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard

Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary,

Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Khavda, Paniya, Purna,

Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.

Gujarat is one unique state where you can find major mountain-ranges

of India. Aravalli, Sahyadri,Vindhya and Satpura are having their

presence in Gujarat. Apart from this Gir hills, Barda,

Jessore, Chotila etc. are situated in different parts of the

Gujarat. Girnaris famous and tallest hill of Gujarat. Saputara is the only

hill-station of the state.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dangshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiatic_lionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gir_Forest_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vansda_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vansda_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuck_National_Park,_Velavadarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuck_National_Park,_Velavadarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_National_Park,_Gulf_of_Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_National_Park,_Gulf_of_Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Ass_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Sarovar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Desert_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Desert_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Bustard_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Bustard_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayan_Sarovar_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessore_Sloth_Bear_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khavdahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aravallihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahyadrihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vindhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chotilahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girnarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saputarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Saputara.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Saputara.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saputarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girnarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chotilahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vindhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahyadrihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aravallihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khavdahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessore_Sloth_Bear_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayan_Sarovar_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Bustard_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Bustard_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Desert_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Desert_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Sarovar_Bird_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Ass_Wildlife_Sanctuaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_National_Park,_Gulf_of_Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_National_Park,_Gulf_of_Kutchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuck_National_Park,_Velavadarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuck_National_Park,_Velavadarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vansda_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vansda_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gir_Forest_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiatic_lionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dangs


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10. RELIGIOUS SITES

Dwarakadheesh temple in Dwarka is one of the important temples

dedicated to Krishna. On the tip of the Arabian Sea, it was hometo Krishna. The Rann of Kutchch covers a large portion of western

Gujarat, and is world-famous for its rare ecosystem, fossils, wildlife and

terrain.

Palitana Temples are a complex ofJain temples situated 51 km south

west ofBhavnagar. There are 863 temples from the base to the peak o

the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarakadheesh_templehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarkahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rann_of_Kutchchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palitanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavnagarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dwarkadheesh_temple.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dwarkadheesh_temple.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavnagarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palitanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rann_of_Kutchchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarkahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarakadheesh_temple


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Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra nearVeraval in

Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve

Jyotirlings (golden lingas) or symbols of the God Shiva. It is mentioned

in the Rig Veda. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The

Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as the temple hasbeen destroyed six times, but was rebuilt on each occasion.

Modhera Sun Temple is famous for its rare position as specifically and

uniquely designed for the worship of the Sun, Lord Surya. While the

main temple is beautifully and intricately designed with complex

architecture, painting, and sculptures, there is a central pond.

Surrounding it stand 108 small temples for each of the Sun God's 108

names.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veravalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modhera_Sun_Templehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Somanatha_view-II.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Somanatha_view-II.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suryahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modhera_Sun_Templehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veravalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnath


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ShankheshwarJain Temples are dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar,

Lord Parshvanath. It is believed that this idol was revealed by Lord

Krishna himself, by the teachings ofNeminaththe 22nd Tirthankar. It is

near Ahmedabad.

Patan houses 84 magnificent Jain Templesbuilt by Samrat Kumarpal,who was a staunch disciple ofAcharya Hemachandra, a Jain monkand

scholar.

Girnaris an epitome of communal harmony & amicable relations

among Jains and Hindus. This high-rising steep hill houses shrines o

both major religions. One dedicated to Neminathor Arisht Nemi, the

22nd tirthankara, where he is believed to attain nirvana, and another

dedicated to Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu deity.

Ambaji: This temple is dedicated to goddess Ambaji. It is situated on

the Arasur Hill and can be approached by road from Abu Road in

Rajasthan, as well as from all other important places in Gujarat. A folk

drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankheshwarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parshvanathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neminathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patan,_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_Templeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumarpalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acharyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemachandrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_monkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girnarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neminathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neminathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girnarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_monkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemachandrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acharyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumarpalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_Templeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patan,_Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neminathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parshvanathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankheshwar


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Dakor: This temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated about

90 km from Ahmedabad. The temple of Ranchodrai has the idol of Lord

Krishna, which is believed to have been brought from Dwarka by a

devotee named Bodana.

Becharaji Temple: This temple is another important seat of Mother

Goddess at Becharaji in Mehsana district. This temple is thronged by

Hindu devotees, especially childless women.

Chotila : This place is in Surendranagar district where there is a famous

temple of Goddess Chamunda situated.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: The Sidi Sayed Mosque in Ahmedabad is a

famous and ancient mosque of the city. The mosque was built in the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Becharaji_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becharajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chotilahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surendranagar_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamundahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidi_Saiyyed_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidi_Saiyyed_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamundahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surendranagar_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chotilahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becharajihttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Becharaji_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakor


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ear 1411. The elegant mosque was built by Sidi Sayed, a slave of

Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque is famous all over the country

because of its fantastic architecture and exquisite jali work (perforated

stone lattices).

Rani Rupmati's Mosque: Rani Rupmati was the Hindu wife of Sultan

Mehmed Beghara. Rani Rupmati mosque was built between 1430 to

1440, having three domes supported by pillars, with the central dome

slightly elevated. It is located at Ahmedabad. The mosque has richly

carved minarets, balcony windows, and jali. Its three domes are linked

together by a flat roof. Muuk-Khana is a special attraction of this

mosque.

Kutbi Mazar: A colossal monument raised in the memory ofSyedna

Qutubuddin Shaheed, the high priest of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syedna_Qutubuddin_Shaheedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syedna_Qutubuddin_Shaheedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawoodi_Bohrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawoodi_Bohrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syedna_Qutubuddin_Shaheedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syedna_Qutubuddin_Shaheedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jali


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11. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

FAIRSAround more than 1000 festivals are celebrated in Gujaratthe state is known asthe land of fairs and festivals. Some of these fairs and festivals are as follows:

Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February)

The Bhavnath MahadevTemple, situated at the footof Mount Girnar in the cityof Junagadh, is the site of theBhavnath Mahadev fair heldfor five days in February,during the festival ofMahashivratri. TheMahapuja of Lord Shiva

takes place at midnight in this temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the monthof Magh. When the puja (prayer ceremony) starts, Naga Bavas (naked sages) livingnearby move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags and blowing conch

shells. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on thisoccasion. Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols,rosaries, or holy beads (brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura), utensilsof brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple issurrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.

Dangs Darbar (March)

Dangs Darbar is the name of theannual fair held every year in Ahwa,the most important town in the Dangsa few days before Holi. The Dangs isone of the most delightful districts ofGujarat and is located high in the


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Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal population of Gujarat.The name "Darbar" dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajasand Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is calledJamabandi Darbar, and the District Collector officiates at it. Thousands of tribal

people flock to Ahwa from all over the district, dressed in bright colours, soundingthe Shehnai, and beating their drums. Folk dances, dramas, and songs enliven theair during the festival.

ChitraVichitra Mela (Mar)

This fair, one of the largest purelyAdivasi (tribal) fairs, is attended by

around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. Ittakes place every year in the village ofGunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district,very near the borders of Rajasthan. It isheld a fortnight after Holi, the festival ofcolours. The site of the fair is attractiveas the temple overlooks the riversSabarmati, Akul, and Vyakul. The nameof the fair is derived from Chitravirya

and Vichitraviraya, the sons of King Shantanu, who are believed to have livedthere and been cured of diseases which afflicted them. The fair attracts largenumbers of Bhils (tribals) who come from all the surrounding districts using everyimaginable form of transport. The Garasis and Bhil tribals dress in their customarycolourful costumes. The costume of the men generally consists of a blue shirt,dhoti, and a red or saffron turban. Women don ghaghras (embroidered skirts),which have a circumference of as much as 20 yards (18 m), and are covered fromhead to foot with ornate and heavy silver jewellery. They use liquid kumkum(vermilion) to colour their cheeks and lips a brilliant red, while their eyes areoutlined with kajal (kohl). Every group that comes to the fair carries its own drum

making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant beat of numerous drums. Thewomen sing folk songs, and everyone dances. The dancing and drumming continuefor hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drinkand sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought, and householdarticles, as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel and a merry-go-roundwhich never ceases to spin.


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Sanskruti kunj Fair

The Sanskruti kunj Festival shows the different cultures of the states of India. It isorganised in the winter sesion in the capital city, Gandhinagar. All the competitors

of India come during this fair and show their state's culture & dance.


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FESTIVALS

Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival

The Kite Flying Festival takes place inmid January and marks the time whenthe Suns direct rays reach the Tropic of

Capricorn after the winter solstice. It iscelebrated with lots of folk music anddance as well as kite flying. People ofGujarat gather on terraces to fly kites ofvarious colours to celebrate MakarSankranti or Uttrayana, the welcome to

the sun after the cold winter months. Glass strengthened threads of the Indianfighter kites are matched against each other in the airthe kite fighter who cutsthe other thread is the victor. At night, kites with Chinese lanterns are flown andheld aloft. Food such as Undhiya, sugar cane juice and local sweets is typicallyserved to celebrate the day.

Dance FestivalModhera (January):-

Resting on a knoll in the village ofModhera are the ruins of the 11thcentury Sun Temple. The outer walls ofthe temple are covered with sculptures inwhich the figures of Surva, the sun god,are prominent. The Sun Temple is thesite of an annual festival of Indianclassical dances organized by theTourism Corporation of Gujarat. Theidea is to present classical dance forms in

an atmosphere they were originally presented in.
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The Kutch Mahotsav (FebruaryMarch)

The Kutch Festival or the Rann festival

is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in

February/ March. The centre of the festivalis Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folkdances and music and cultural shows, allorganized by the Gujarat Tourism. Tours arealso conducted out to the ruins of DholaVera, a city that was once a part of the IndusValley civilization.

Bhadra Purnima (September)

The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the fourmost important festival days of the year whenfarmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a placethat derives its name from Goddess Ambaji,whose shrine is located there. On this occasion, alarge fair is organized on full moon days. In theevening, performances of Bhavai, the folk drama

of the state, is held and Garba programmes areorganized. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred versesin praise of the goddess, and visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. TheAmbaji shrine is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat, and its origins arestill unknown. The Temple of Ambaji is recognized as one of the original ShaktiPithas (religious texts) where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of thegoddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. A triangularVishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre,represents the deity. There is no idol, which testifies the temple's antiquity. Idolworship became popular much later.


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12. GUJARATI CUISINE

Gujarati cuisine is unlike any other Indian cuisine. Almoststrictly vegetarian, it is traditionally served on silver platters tothe accompaniment of rice and a variety of wheat breads. eZeeTechnosys is the developer of food ordering software calledeZeeFoodie.Even though the state of Gujarat has absorbed many foreigninfluences over the years, the basic tastes in food haveremained the same. There are few people who do not relish

Gujarati savouries - crisp spicy fried farsans, which can be bought in wayside

stalls. The famous Gujarati thali served at weddings consists of farsans,sweetmeats and a variety of sweet and sour chutneys and pickles. This harmony isderived from the mixing of the sweet with the salty is what makes the cooking ofthis state different from the rest. Geographically Gujarat can be divided into fourregions and because of the climactic differences; there are slight variations ineating habits and modes of preparation.

North Gujarat

This region is popular for its traditional Gujarati thaliconsisting of rice, dal, curry, vegetables, sprouted

beans, farsan, pickles, chutney and raita. Food isusually non spicy and oil is used sparingly.Farsans areof various varieties such as Pathara,KhamanDhokla,andKhandvi.

KATHIAWAD

It is surprising to know that Saurashtra with its vaststretches of dry earth has sugarcane, wheat, millet,

peanuts, and sesame native to this region. Hencepulses dominate Kathiawari food and sweetmeatsmade ofgur (jaggery). This region has a delicious
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variety of pickles.

Kathiawari favourites include debras made withwheat flour mixed with spinach, green chillies, a

dollop of yogurt and a pinch of salt and sugar, theseare eaten with Chhundo (a hot and sweet shreddedmango pickle) Yet another specialty of this region isMethia Masala, a dry powder made from fenugreekseeds, chilly powder and salt. This is liberallysprinkled over raw vegetables and salads and givesthe food an especially piquant flavour.

Phafda, an omum flavoured assorted flourpuri isanother Kathiawari favourite.

KUTCH

Kutchi cuisine is relatively simple. It consists of

Khichdi, the main dish eaten with Kadhi - a savoury

curry made of yoghurt. Some common dishes include

Khaman Dhokla, a salty steamed cake, Doodhpak, a

sweet, thickened milk confectionery and Shrikhand,dessert made of yoghurt, flavoured with saffron,

cardamom, nuts and candied fruit which is eaten with

hot, fluffy pooris.
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South Gujarat

In comparison to the dry region of Saurashtra,

Southern Gujarat is blessed with plenty of rainfall.Green vegetables and plenty of fruit therefore

dominate Surati food.

There are no elaborate preparations made, no

expensive ingredients used and yet the food in its

utter simplicity, tastes exotically different.

Popular items include a delicious vegetableconcoction called Undhyoo and Paunk, a tangy

delicacy.

Surat is also famous for its bakery items like the

nankhatais, gharis and the saglu baglu mithai, which

are easily available in the city's bakeries and

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13. TRANSPORTATION

Air

Gujarat has ten airports, the most of any Indian state as per the list of airports in

India. All are domestic airports except Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International

Airport in Ahmedabad, which also offers international flights.

International airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport(Ahmedabad) Many domestic as well asinternational flights operate from here.

Domestic airports

Bhavnagar AirportBhavnagar Airport, 9 km from the city of Bhavnagar. Bhuj Airport In the Bhuj city of Gujarat. This airport has been recently

been named Shyamji Krishna Verma, Bhuj Airport. Jamnagar Airport10 km from the City of Jamnagar. Kandla Airport (Gandhidham) situated at Kandla, near Gandhidham, in

Kutch district. Keshod Airport (Junagadh)Keshod Airport is found 3 km from Keshod

city in Junagadh District. Porbandar Airportis situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar. Rajkot Airport4 km from the city of Rajkot. Surat AirportRecently inaugurated on Magdalla Road. Vadodara Airport Integrated Terminal Building will be completed by

2010, enabling international fights to Vadodara. Mehsana AirportMeshana Airport is about 2 km from Meshsana city Amreli Airport
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuj_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamnagar_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandla_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshod_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajkot_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mehsana_Airport&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amreli_Airport&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AMD2.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amreli_Airport&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mehsana_Airport&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajkot_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porbandar_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshod_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandla_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamnagar_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuj_Airport


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Future Airports

Zalawad AirportFuture airport for Surendranagar area. Fedara (Ahmedabad)Proposed International Airport near Fedara village

ofBhl region.

Rail

Gujarat comes under the Western Railways zone of the Indian Railways. Vadodara

Railway Station is the busiest railway station in Gujarat and the fourth busiest

railway station in India.It is situated on the Mumbai Delhi Western Railway

Mainline. Other important railway stations are Surat Railway Station, Ahmedabad

Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station. Indian Railways is planning Delhi

Mumbai dedicated rail freight route passing through the state.

Work on Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 11 billion) first phase of the metro rail project in

Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar will start by 2011 and the line is expected to be

operational within 23 years. The first phase of the metro rail project will cover a

distance of 32.65 kilometre in the north-south direction between Gandhinagar andAhmedabad and 10.90 kilometre east-west corridor between Kalupur and Thaltej.

Sea

Kandla Port is one of the largest portsserving Western India. Other importantports in Gujarat are the Port ofNavlakhi, Port of Magdalla,Port ofPipavav, Port of Porbandar and theprivately owned Mundra Port.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zalawad_Airporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bh%C4%81l_region&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bh%C4%81l_region&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bh%C4%81l_region&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Railwayshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Railwayshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Railway_Zone_(India)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajkot_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandla_Porthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Navlakhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Navlakhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Magdallahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Pipavav&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Pipavav&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Porbandar&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundra_Porthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundra_Porthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Porbandar&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Pipavav&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_Pipavav&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Magdallahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Navlakhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Navlakhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandla_Porthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajkot_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Railway_Zone_(India)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Railwayshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Railwayshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bh%C4%81l_region&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zalawad_Airport


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Road

Local transportation

Gujarat State Road TransportCorporation (GSRTC) is the primary

body responsible for providing the busservices within the state of Gujarat andalso with the neighboring states. It is a

public transport corporation providingbus services and public transit withinGujarat and to the other states in India.Apart from this, there are a number of

services provided by GSRTC.

Mofussil Services It connects major cities, smaller towns and villageswithin Gujarat.

Intercity Bus Services It also connects major cities Ahmedabad,Vadodara (Baroda) and Rajkot.

Interstate Bus Services It connects various cities of Gujarat with theneighboring states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

City ServicesGSRTC also provides city bus services at Surat, Baroda,Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, within the state of Gujarat.

Parcel ServicesThis service is used for transporting goods.

Apart from this, the GSRTC provides special bus services for festivals, industrial

zones, schools, colleges and pilgrim places

Auto rickshaw is an important and frequently used mode of transport in Gujarat.

The Government of Gujarat is promoting Bicycles to reduce pollution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_State_Road_Transport_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_State_Road_Transport_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicyclehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicyclehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_State_Road_Transport_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_State_Road_Transport_Corporation


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14. GUJARAT CHALKS OUT PROPOSALS

FOR BOOSTING TOURISM

Gujarat, the state government has sent 34 proposals including those aimingtowards development of integrated Mahatma Gandhi and Buddhist tourism circuitshere, to the Centre.

These proposals were sent in last three years seeking a combined grant of Rs785.13 crore, for projects including Gandhi and Buddhist tourism circuits, besidesa Tourism Development Institute, Gujarat Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said.

"The Centre has so far supported our projects for tourism promotion on DandiHeritage Route, Integrated Gandhi circuit, Dwarika, Tourism DevelopmentInstitute and Kabir Vad in Bharuch, along the banks of river Narmada," Vyas said.

The state tourism department has proposed to develop Devni Mori in Sabarkantha,Taranga and Vadnagar in Mehsana as an integrated Buddhist circuit and asked theCentre for Rs 10.11 crore aid for it.

The state government has sought grant of Rs 50 crore for development ofIntegrated Gandhi circuit spread across Porbandar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

"As part of proposal for Gandhi Mega circuit, the Kirti Mandir birth place ofMahatma Gandhi in Porbandar's connecting link to Kasturba Memorial shall be re-developed," a state tourism department official said.

"A heritage walk route is also proposed to be developed in Porbandar as part of themega circuit plan," the official said. Basic facilities for tourism promotion shall bedeveloped near Mahamta Gandhi Vidyalaya in Rajkot where the Father of the

Nation had taken informal education, and beautification of Gandhi Ashram inAhmedabad shall be undertaken, he added.

The Centre so far has allocated grant of Rs 21.19 crore for developing basic touristfacilities in Dwarka, town of Lord Krishna, Ambaji, a temple town, besides

buidling infrastructure facilities in Tarnetar, Pavagadh, Devni Mori and Patan, anofficial said.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Gujarat-chalks-out-34-proposals-for-boosting-tourism/758920/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news

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