Gujarat is considered to this day to be a hidden gem for tourists. 

While it is easy to plan to stop here, between Mumbai and Rajasthan many people don’t.  There is much to do both on and off the beaten track, and it is well worth visiting with the minimal tourists being just another added bonus here.

Blessed with a stunning and varied geography Gujarat boasts a 1600km tract of coastline, major cities like Ahmedabad, flush palaces in Vadodara and on the island of Diu there is a cultural legacy spilt forth from the occupation of the Portuguese.  Kutch offers a seasonal island where you can acquire the finest tribal textiles in India. And asses (donkeys) and flocks of flamingoes can be found in little ran, but perhaps the most heart breaking would be where the last wild Asiatic lions are in Saurashtra.

Industrious Gujarat

Known within India for their entrepreneurial spirit Gujarat is one of the wealthier and more industrial states of India.  There is a large, highly visible community of Jain; these people are a devout community that follows a rigorously disciplined path that leads toward moksha, which is a liberation from the cycle of life and death.  They are largely responsible for the industrious reputation of Gujarat, the beautiful white marble temples found here and the largely vegetarian food unfortunately they are also responsible for the stringent prohibition laws which are something to be wary of while here in Gujarat.

Gujarat’s Historical tourism

There is a history here in Gujarat that spans back centuries.  With its unique geographic footprint it is no wonder that it has been visited and inhabited for a very long time.  There can be found here bedrock of volcanic eruptions, fossil fields containing fossils of the regions unique dinosaur life and the artistic musings of the Neolithic cave painter.  For anyone interested in the ancient this is the place.

There is a wealth of cave paintings and historic murals alongside the manmade and natural caves that can be found in the area.  But there is also a love of art, history, music, culture and all that this entails within the people of Gujarat. An exuberant people with friendly faces and smiles it is very obvious that they find richness in their own history through the way in which they have preserved and presented it.

Food and Alcohol in Gujarat

Almost 80% of all people here in Gujarat are eating vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian foods only.  This makes for an understandably unique experience when it comes to sampling the cuisine of the area, especially for heavy meat eaters.  Chapatti, veggies, vegetable curries, mithai, rice and Dal are a common sight on menus across Gujarat, and it is an experience in itself to try some of these treats especially if you would not usually eat them.

It is worth noting that Gujarat forbids alcohol although foreign tourists are often at least partially exempt from this rule.  Drinking in public however is an absolute no.  You may apply for an alcohol permit if you are staying in Gujarat for any extended period of time and your hotel will usually help you with this.