Central Gujarat Travel Guide

Discover the vibrant and colorful Central Gujarat with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip here and explore amazing places, food, culture, and history of Central Gujarat in India.


Central Gujarat Travel Guide - Discover the Heart of Gujarat

Central Gujarat is a lively region situated in the western part of India’s Gujarat. The region is widely known for its rich history, fine architecture, and unique culture. Central Gujarat is where you can explore ancient temples, colorful bazaars, museums, and historical monuments. From exciting outdoor activities to divine temples, Central Gujarat has everything to offer to tourists.

Here is a comprehensive travel guide that covers everything you need to know before planning a trip to Central Gujarat.

List of Places to Visit in Central Gujarat

Central Gujarat is a tourist hub with a plethora of sites and tourist destinations. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions of Central Gujarat.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

Central Gujarat is rich in historical places and cultural attractions, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and travelers seeking to know more about Gujarat’s history. Some of the must-visit tourist destinations in Central Gujarat are:

  • Akshardham Temple: The magnificent white marble structure of Akshardham Temple attracts thousands of tourists every year. The temple has intricate carvings, sculptures, and a unique blend of modern and historical architecture. The peaceful environment of the temple will refresh your soul.

  • Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery: The Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, Indian art, and archaeological pieces dating back to the 5th century. It’s one of the most popular museums in Gujarat.

  • Pavagadh Hill: A sacred hill that is home to many Hindu shrines, including Kalika Mata Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The Pavagadh Hill has scenic views and is famous for its ropeway ride.

  • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that has historical forts, temples, and ruins dating back to the 16th-century. The park is an absolute paradise for history enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Central Gujarat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Central Gujarat is also popular among nature lovers, with its scenic landscapes and various outdoor activities. Here are some popular natural attractions in Central Gujarat:

  • Narmada Canal: Narmada Canal is a beautiful canal that passes through Central Gujarat, and you can enjoy boating and sightseeing on this canal.

  • Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary that is home to various animals like panthers, sloth bears, wild dogs, and many others. You can also take a trekking trail to the Kada waterfalls.

  • Sardar Sarovar Dam: A massive dam construction on the Narmada river. Enjoy panoramic views of the dam and treat your eyes with the gorgeous sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Gujarat

Central Gujarat is a destination for adventure enthusiasts, and there are several hiking and biking routes to explore the region. Here are some popular biking and hiking routes in Central Gujarat.

  • Pavagadh Hill Trekking: A 2-hour trekking trail that takes you to the Kalika Mata Temple and provides scenic views of the city.

  • Champaner-Pavagadh Trekking Trail: A popular trekking trail that takes around six hours to complete, passing through historical sites, lakes, and dense forests.

  • Biking to Jambughoda Sanctuary: The scenic and well-maintained roads of Jambughoda Sanctuary are perfect for a bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Central Gujarat: Activities and Tours

Central Gujarat has an array of things to offer to visitors. From witnessing vibrant festivals, shopping, to experiencing authentic Gujarati food, here are the best things to do in Central Gujarat.

  • Witness the Navratri Festival: Navratri is one of the biggest festivals in Gujarat, and the celebrations in Central Gujarat are grand.

  • Shop at Lehripura Mandir Market: Lehripura Mandir Market is one of the oldest markets in Vadodara and sells traditional handicrafts, apparels, and jewelry.

  • Try Authentic Gujarati Food: Savor authentic Gujarati food, including dhokla, fafda, and khandvi.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Gujarat

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary to explore Central Gujarat:

  • Day 1: Visit Akshardham temple and enjoy the light and sound show there.
  • Day 2: Explore the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery.
  • Day 3: Visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
  • Day 4: Go to the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary for an adventurous trip.
  • Day 5: Go for a bike ride, and visit Sardar Sarovar Dam.
  • Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Lehripura Mandir Market.
  • Day 7: Visit Kalika Mata Temple on Pavagadh Hill and trek the hill.

Food and Drink Scene in Central Gujarat

Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to savor in Central Gujarat:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dhokla
  • Fafda
  • Undhiyu
  • Khandvi
  • Paatra

Local Beverages

  • Chaas
  • Sikanjvi
  • Jaljeera

Where to Stay in Central Gujarat: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Gujarat has many options to choose from in terms of accommodation. Here are some popular options:

  • The Taj Gateway Hotel: One of the top-rated hotels in Vadodara for luxury accommodation.
  • Hotel Express Towers: A hotel that combines contemporary design with comfort.
  • Vadodara Backpackers Hostel: A hostel for budget travelers, primarily set up for backpackers.

What to Buy in Central Gujarat: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some things you should consider buying in Central Gujarat:

  • Handicrafts: Central Gujarat is famous for its traditional handicrafts like brass items, embroidered clothes, and traditional paintings.
  • Bandhani Saris: A beautiful form of Gujarati design, Bandhani saris, and other garments are popular and vibrant.
  • Garba Chaniya Choli: Traditional Garba Chaniya Choli dance outfits.

Local Culture and Customs of Central Gujarat

Central Gujarat has a unique culture and customs. The state is known for its art, dance, music, and festivals. People in Central Gujarat mainly speak Gujarati, Hindi, and English.

Best Time to Visit Central Gujarat

The best time to visit Central Gujarat is between October and March when the climate is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Gujarat

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture.
  • Take off your shoes before entering temples or any other holy place.
  • Taste authentic Gujarati food.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Show disrespect towards the religion and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Gujarat

Central Gujarat is generally a safe destination, but it’s always better to take precautions while traveling. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Avoid traveling alone during the night.
  • Keep your valuables safely.
  • Be cautious while traveling in public transport.

Health in Central Gujarat

Here are some tips to follow for staying healthy during your trip to Central Gujarat:

  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
  • Carry mosquito repellents.
  • Avoid street food.

Getting to Central Gujarat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central Gujarat has well-connected transportation options from other parts of Gujarat, India. Here are some ways to reach Central Gujarat:

Airports Near Central Gujarat

  • Vadodara International Airport
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

Bus Stations Near Central Gujarat

  • Vadodara Central Bus Terminal
  • Ahmedabad Central Bus Stand

Other Options

  • Hire a taxi or a private car from your location.
  • Take a train to Vadodara from other parts of India.

How to Get Around in Central Gujarat

Central Gujarat has well-connected transportation options like buses, taxis, and trains. You can also hire private cars or bikes to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from Central Gujarat: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many other popular destinations near Central Gujarat, including:

  • Ahmedabad: The largest city and the former capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is known for its vibrant culture, textiles, and handicrafts.
  • Udaipur: The city of Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and is famous for its artificial lakes, palaces, and colorful bazaars.
  • Rajasthan: The neighboring state of Rajasthan is famous for its rich history and traditions, magnificent forts, palaces, and camel safaris in the desert.

Conclusion

Central Gujarat is truly a unique destination that offers something for everyone. From history buffs to adventure enthusiasts, there are plenty of things to do and see in Central Gujarat. Explore the colorful culture, breathtaking nature, and the vast array of historical sites on your next trip to Central Gujarat in India.

SVPIA International Terminal SVPIA International Terminal


    Ahmedabad
    Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
    Nadiad
    Vadodara