North Gujarat Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful North Gujarat with this helpful travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, hike, bike, eat, stay, and more!


Introduction to North Gujarat

North Gujarat, nestled in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is an unmissable destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Home to historical sites, natural wonders, and delicious local cuisine, North Gujarat is a must-visit region of the country.

List of Places to Visit in North Gujarat

With so much to see and experience, here are some of the top places to visit in North Gujarat:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Modhera Sun Temple: A beautiful 11th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya.
  • Rani ki Vav: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient stepwell is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings.
  • Sabarmati Ashram: The former home of Mahatma Gandhi, a significant figure in India’s independence movement.
  • Adalaj Stepwell: This 15th-century stepwell boasts five stories of intricate carvings and stunning architecture.

Natural Attractions of North Gujarat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Polo Forest: A lush forest area with abundant flora and fauna, perfect for hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  • Saputara Hill Station: A charming hill station with stunning views and hiking trails.
  • Thol Lake: A scenic lake home to a variety of migrant and local bird species.
  • Pavagadh Hill: A sacred hill with the Kalika Mata Temple on top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Gujarat

North Gujarat offers numerous hiking and biking routes for adventure enthusiasts. Some notable ones include:

  • Arambhada to Polo Forest: A moderately challenging hike that takes you through lush forests and peaceful valleys.
  • Sabarmati Riverfront: A scenic biking route along the banks of the Sabarmati River.
  • Polo Forest Mountain Bike Trail: A challenging mountain bike trail through the forest with varying difficulty levels.

Best Things to Do in North Gujarat: Activities and Tours

Some of the best things to do in North Gujarat include:

  • Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad: Explore the city’s history and culture on a guided walking tour.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Vadodara: Soar above the city and enjoy stunning aerial views.
  • TGM (Tour Gujarat with Map) Tour Package: A comprehensive tour package covering various popular attractions of North Gujarat.
  • Food Tour in Ahmedabad: Taste the local cuisine and learn about the city’s food culture on this guided tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Gujarat

Here’s a perfect itinerary to explore North Gujarat for a week:

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival in Ahmedabad. Visit Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, and the Jama Masjid in the walled city.
2 Explore the city’s history and architecture on a heritage walk. Visit Adalaj Stepwell and Akshardham Temple.
3 Head to the Polo Forest. Hike/bike through the forest and explore the ruins of the ancient Shiva temple.
4 Drive to the Rann of Kutch. Enjoy the salt flats, desert wildlife, and cultural performances.
5 Explore Rani ki Vav and Modhera Sun Temple. Visit Patan, famous for its Patola sarees.
6 Trek up to the Kalika Mata Temple on Pavagadh Hill. Visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
7 Departure from Ahmedabad.

Food and Drink Scene of North Gujarat

North Gujarat’s cuisine is a reflection of its cultural diversity and rich history. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dal Dhokli: A wholesome dish made with wheat flour noodles and lentils.
  • Undhiyu: A winter specialty made with a mix of seasonal vegetables and spices.
  • Khandvi: A steamed snack made with gram flour and yogurt.
  • Fafda: A crispy snack made with gram flour and served with chutney.

Local Beverages

  • Chaas: A refreshing buttermilk drink, perfect for hot summer days.
  • Jaljeera: A refreshing drink made with cumin, tamarind, and mint.

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

There are plenty of accommodation options in North Gujarat catering to all kinds of travellers’ needs.

  • The House of MG: A boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad with beautifully decorated rooms and an on-site restaurant.
  • White Rann Resort: A luxury eco-resort located in the Rann of Kutch offering comfortable tents and excellent views.
  • Karnavati Club: A club and resort located in Ahmedabad with modern amenities and recreational facilities.
  • Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: There are plenty of guesthouses and budget hotels available in cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Patan.

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

Here are some local products you can bring home as souvenirs:

  • Patola Sarees: These silk sarees made by traditional Patan weavers are a must-buy.
  • Kutchi Embroideries: The rich and colourful embroidery work of Kutchi handicrafts is famous worldwide.
  • Bandhani Textiles: The tie and dye technique used to create these textiles is unique to the region.
  • Handicrafts and Jewellery: North Gujarat is known for its intricate handicrafts and traditional jewellery made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of North Gujarat

North Gujarat is home to several cultures and communities, each with its unique customs and traditions. Respect the local culture and dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites. Take off your shoes before entering a temple or other sacred place.

Best Time to Visit North Gujarat

The best time to visit North Gujarat is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The summer months from April to June can be scorching, while the monsoon months from July to September can be rainy and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Gujarat

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or cultural events.
  • Try the local cuisine and explore the street food scene.

Don’t:

  • Smoke or consume alcohol in public places.
  • Litter or deface monuments or historical sites.
  • Engage in any illegal activities like drug use or trafficking.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Gujarat

North Gujarat is a safe region to travel to, but it is always advisable to take general safety precautions like not travelling alone at night, being careful with your belongings, and not leaving your valuables unattended.

Health in North Gujarat

Make sure to carry necessary medication and keep yourself hydrated while travelling. Drink only bottled water and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Getting to North Gujarat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Gujarat

The main airport serving North Gujarat is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

Bus Stations Near North Gujarat

North Gujarat is well connected by road, and there are regular bus services to major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat.

Other Options

You can hire private taxis, cars, or self-driven vehicles to explore North Gujarat.

How to Get Around in North Gujarat

Public transportation may not be very convenient in North Gujarat, and taxis, cars, or self-driven vehicles are the best options for exploring the region. Auto-rickshaws are also readily available in cities like Ahmedabad.

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

After exploring North Gujarat, you can head to some other destinations nearby:

  • Mumbai: The city of dreams and the commercial capital of India, located 540km from Ahmedabad.
  • Udaipur: The city of lakes, known for its palaces and scenic beauty, located 254km from Ahmedabad.
  • Jaisalmer: A desert city in the state of Rajasthan famous for its forts, temples, and havelis, located 553km from Ahmedabad.

Conclusion

North Gujarat is an exciting and diverse destination with something to offer for everyone, from picturesque landscapes to historical sites, food, culture, and adventure. Make sure to add North Gujarat to your travel itinerary on your next trip to India, and discover the region’s many hidden treasures.



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