Saurashtra Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide featuring hiking routes, natural attractions, local culture, and more.


Complete Travel Guide to Saurashtra, Gujarat

Located in western India, Saurashtra is a beautiful and diverse region in Gujarat, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, hiking scenic trails, or simply relaxing on a beach, Saurashtra has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Saurashtra, as well as provide helpful tips on local customs, safety, and transportation.

List of Places to Visit in Saurashtra

Saurashtra is dotted with important cultural and historical landmarks, as well as breathtaking natural wonders. Here’s a list of must-visit places in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Somnath Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is situated on the Arabian Sea coast.

  • The Mahabat Maqbara: This palace-mausoleum is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture and serves as a tomb for the Nawabs of Junagadh.

  • Kaba Gandhi No Delo: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who spent his childhood in the town of Porbandar.

Natural Attractions of Saurashtra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gir Forest National Park: This wildlife sanctuary is home to the Asiatic lion and is a must-visit for nature lovers.

  • Diu Island: This gorgeous island in the Arabian Sea is known for its pristine beaches and Portuguese colonial architecture.

  • The Great Rann of Kutch: This salt desert in the Thar Desert is a stunning natural wonder and a popular spot for stargazing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saurashtra

Saurashtra is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many scenic trails and bike routes to explore. Here are some of the best options:

  • The Girnar Mountain: This is the highest mountain in Gujarat and features a challenging hiking trail that’s popular with adventurous travelers.

  • Toranmal Hill: This stunning hill station is located in the Satpura Range and is known for its scenic trekking trails and breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Saurashtra: Activities and Tours

From temple tours to wildlife safaris, there’s no shortage of things to do in Saurashtra. Here are some of the best activity and tour options:

  • Wildlife Safari in Gir National Park: This is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Temple Tour of Saurashtra: With its rich history and cultural significance, Saurashtra is home to many ancient temples and religious sites. A guided temple tour is a great way to explore them all.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saurashtra

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Saurashtra, here’s a recommended itinerary:

Day 1: Visit Somnath Temple Day 2: Explore Junagadh and visit Mahabat Maqbara Day 3: Go on a wildlife safari in Gir Forest National Park Day 4: Take a day trip to Diu Island Day 5: Visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo and other historical sites in Porbandar Day 6: Hike Girnar Mountain Day 7: Take a tour of the Great Rann of Kutch

Food and Drink Scene of Saurashtra

Saurashtra is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Gujarati and Kathiyawadi flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dhokla: This steamed snack made from fermented batter of rice and urad dal is a staple in Gujarat.

  • Thepla: This popular Gujarati flatbread is made with spices, wheat flour, and fenugreek leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Chaas: This refreshing buttermilk drink is flavored with spices like cumin and coriander.

  • Jaljeera: This spicy and tangy drink is made from cumin, mint, and tamarind.

Where to Stay in Saurashtra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, Saurashtra has an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended options:

  • Gir Lion Safari Camp: This luxury tented camp in Gir National Park is a great option for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Hotel Madhav: Located in the heart of Junagadh, this budget-friendly hotel is a great option for travelers on a budget.

What to Buy in Saurashtra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Saurashtra is known for its handicrafts and textiles, as well as its delicious spices and snacks. Here are some must-buy souvenirs and local products:

  • Bandhani textiles: These brightly-colored tie-dye textiles are a specialty of the Kutch region.

  • Spices: Saurashtra is home to a wide variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Local Culture and Customs of Saurashtra

Saurashtra is a diverse region with a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Here are some important things to note:

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.

  • Ask for permission before taking photographs of people.

Best Time to Visit Saurashtra

The best time to visit Saurashtra is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September), as heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saurashtra

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Saurashtra:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and street food.

  • Learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites and museums.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

  • Hike without a guide or adequate preparation.

Safety and Health

Here are some important safety and health considerations for travelers visiting Saurashtra:

Safety in Saurashtra

  • Be cautious when hiking, as trails and terrain can be challenging.

  • Use reputable transportation services and avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in Saurashtra

  • Be cautious when consuming street food and make sure it’s prepared hygienically.

  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.

Getting to Saurashtra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Saurashtra is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some key transportation options:

Airports Near Saurashtra

  • Rajkot Airport

  • Diu Airport

Bus Stations Near Saurashtra

  • Junagadh Bus Station

  • Porbandar Bus Station

Other Options

  • Trains: There are several train stations in Saurashtra, including Junagadh Railway Station and Porbandar Railway Station.

  • Taxis and rental cars: Taxis and rental cars are readily available throughout Saurashtra.

How to Get Around in Saurashtra

The best way to get around Saurashtra is by car or taxi, but there are also bus services and trains available. Many attractions and hiking trails are accessible by foot.

Where to Go Next from Saurashtra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Gujarat, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Ahmedabad: This vibrant city is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.

  • Dwarka: This ancient town is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is home to the Dwarkadhish Temple.

Conclusion

Saurashtra is a beautiful and diverse region in Gujarat that’s worth exploring for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip and enjoy all that Saurashtra has to offer.



    Bhavnagar
    Diu
    Gir Forest National Park
    Jamnagar
    Junagadh
    Porbandar
    Rajkot
    Surendranagar
    Upleta