Gujarat: Major Cities and Tourist Places | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Gujarat: Major cities and Tourist places

Dwarka

• Living within the spirit of devout enlightenment, the city of Dwarka in Gujarat is where Lord Krishna resides. It is highly respected in Hindu stories, with many sacred sites spread throughout.
• The Indian government initiated a project known as HRIDAY (Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana) for twelve historically significant cities in India, including Dwarka, one of the seven ancient holy cities in the nation. Dwarka features notable temples like Rukmini Devi Mandir and Gomti Ghat. The renowned Dwarkadhish Mandir contains Dwarka Math (Monastery), one of the four spiritual hubs (char dham). Nearby lies an island named Bet Dwarka, believed to be the former residence of Lord Krishna's family. A seashore lighthouse and remnants of a submerged city near the Gulf of Cambay were discovered in 2001.

Bhuj

• Bhuj, a city in Gujarat, India, was established by Maharao Hamir in 1510. In 1723, the city's rulers constructed protective walls around it.
• Bhuj was an independent princely state during British rule and is renowned for its traditional Katchi architectural style.
• Visiting Bhuj allows tourists to experience its unique architecture showcased in historical buildings throughout the city.
• Tourist attractions in Bhuj include:
  • Aina Mahal
  • Kuchch Museum
  • Sarad Bagh Palace
  • Swaminarayan Temple
  • Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Kachch (folk museum)
  • Prag Mahal (New Palace)
  • Cenotaph Complex
• Bhuj offers a blend of ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries, scenic hills, lakes, and monuments.
• Notable places to visit:
  • Kutch Desert Sanctuary
  • Swami Narayan Temple
  • Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
  • Hamirsar Lake
  • Prag Mahal is a major attraction with its unique architecture and Gothic structure.
  • Chhatedi, an ancient palace near Hamirsar Lake, features cenotaphs of rulers.

Ahmedabad

• Ahmedabad, a 606-year-old walled city, holds the distinction of being India's first World Heritage City, a title granted by UNESCO in recognition of its rich art, history, culture, and heritage. Located in Gujarat, Ahmedabad is a medieval city renowned for its historic monuments, drawing tourists from around the globe. It serves as an ideal destination for those looking to explore medieval art and architecture in India. With a history of being ruled by various dynasties and emperors, the city boasts a remarkable legacy and heritage. Its museums, art galleries, historic structures showcasing architectural excellence, bustling markets, and traditional cuisines all contribute to its vibrant heritage.
• Founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411, Ahmedabad is noted for its ancient historical monuments, which continue to preserve the city's vintage charm and grandeur. As a World Heritage City, Ahmedabad is also famous for being the place where Mahatma Gandhi initiated India's freedom struggle. Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, attracts thousands of tourists eager to learn about Gandhi's life. The ashram's library provides insights into various aspects of the Mahatma's life.
• During the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar, Ahmedabad was annexed to the Mughal Empire and became a thriving business center. Later, with the arrival of the British, it came under British rule in 1818 and gradually developed into a hub of textile mills in Gujarat. The city is also known for its strong tradition of Hindu-Muslim unity, reflected in its numerous examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Ahmedabad is home to several tourist attractions that draw large numbers of visitors.
• Among the city's architectural marvels is Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, as well as the remnants of historical tombs belonging to Ahmad Shah and his queens. The beauty of Ahmedabad lies in its history and incredible architectural feats, such as the Teen Darwaza, which features the longest gateways in the city. With its arched gates, intricate carvings, and semi-circular windows adorned with “jaali” work, Teen Darwaza is admired for both its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Another notable attraction is the Siddi Bashir Mosque, also known as the Shaking Minaret or Jhulta Minar. This three-story structure is famous for its carved stone balconies and the belief that a slight force applied to the minarets can cause them to move. Rani Rupmati’s mosque is also renowned for its intricately designed minarets and unique architecture.
• Ahmedabad’s historic structures serve as constant reminders of the city’s glorious past and the triumphs achieved over the centuries. The Bhadra Fort, with its magnificent palace and the Bhadrakali Temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhadra, enchants visitors at first sight. Nearby lies the Teen Darwaza, another popular tourist attraction. Sarkhej Roza, a mosque and tomb located in the Makarba area, is a fine example of Islamic architecture from the Mughal era. Sarkhej, originally a royal retreat where kings and royals spent much of their time, is now a religious mortuary complex.
• Kankaria Lake is a popular spot for the people of Ahmedabad seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. In the heart of the lake is Nagina Lake, a garden-themed restaurant, along with various other facilities and amenities designed for entertainment.

Somnath

• Somnath - a lovely beach spot in Gujarat, famous for its shore temple. The temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. While the temple stands out, Somnath also boasts several other attractions for tourists. 
•  The name Somnath means 'Lord of the Soma' reflecting another aspect of Lord Shiva. Besides the temple, Somnath is known for its picturesque beaches. It's a calm town mostly visited by pilgrims throughout the year, especially during festivals like Mahashivratri. 

Surat

• Surat, once called Suryapur, is the second largest city in Gujarat, India.
• It's a key center for textiles and diamond cutting and polishing industries. 
• The city is renowned globally for its textiles, ivory crafts, embroidery, and jewelry. 
• Silver and gold jewelry made in Surat are popular worldwide. 
• Beyond its business prominence, Surat holds a rich historical legacy. 
• Surat boasts several captivating historical landmarks:
  • Surat Castle
  • Chintamani Jain Temple
  • Parsi Agiari
  • Marjan Shami Roza
  • Vir Narmad Saraswati Mandir
  • Navsari
  • Bilimora
  • Udvada
• Surat is well-connected through a vast road network to major cities in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Vadodara

• Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is a city in Gujarat that is growing in industry and education. It blends traditional and modern influences.
• Vadodara boasts grand palaces like Laxmi Vilas Palace, Makarpura Palace, Nazarbaug Palace, and Pratap Vilas Palace.
• The city is named after its beautiful gardens and parks including Sayaji Baug and Kamati Baug. It also features historical sites like Hazira Maqbara, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tambekar Wada, Chhota Udaipur, and Dabhoi.
• For art lovers, Vadodara offers attractions like Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, and Darbar Hall.
• Academic enthusiasts can explore Maharaja Sayajirao University, the largest university in Gujarat.
• Nature lovers can enjoy picturesque locations such as Sursagar Lake, Ajwa Lake, and Sayaji Sarovar Lake.

Gandhinagar

• Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat and is known as The Heart of Gujarat, being a well-planned city named after the father of the nation. 
• The city is unlike most Indian cities, divided into thirty sectors, each with amenities like shopping centers, schools, health facilities, and housing, with numbered streets and Devanagari alphabet-named cross streets. 
• Rotaries at intersections help control traffic speed, and areas like government, industry, education, and commerce are strategically placed to evenly distribute traffic flow. 
• Gandhinagar's layout even considers wind direction, with green spaces, plantations, and recreational areas along the Sabarmati River, making it possibly India's greenest capital. 
• Akshardham Temple, under the Swaminarayan Sect, is a major tourist attraction, along with forts, monuments, gardens, and holy sites. The Gandhi Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi resided, is a must-visit. 

Rajkot

• Once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, Rajkot is now a significant industrial city in the state of Gujarat, India.
• Located at the heart of the Kathiawar Peninsula, about 72 kilometers away from the Gulf of Kutch, Rajkot is rapidly developing as a commercial hub.
• It is renowned for being the early home of Mahatma Gandhi, who received his primary education at what is now known as the Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi School, previously named Alfred High School.
• Rajkot boasts beautiful gardens, ashrams, lakes, and temples, along with a vibrant jewelry market and unique tie and dye fabric called Bandhani.
• This diverse city is affectionately dubbed ‘Rangilu Rajkot’ (Colorful Rajkot), blending tradition with modernity.
• During the Navratri festival, the city lights up with Garbaa Raas, a popular dance form enjoyed by both men and women.
• Additionally, Rajkot hosts the Lok Mela fair annually during Janmashtami, drawing large crowds.
• The residents of Rajkot are known for their warmth and liveliness, with many shops and eateries staying open late into the night.
• Experience the best of this city by embarking on a tour of Rajkot.

Jamnagar

• Jamnagar, which means 'Town of the Kings', is a city in Gujarat, India.
• The city was renamed to honor its traditional rulers known as Jam Rawal.
• Jam Rawal, the city's first ruler, established Jamnagar in 1540.
• Jamnagar boasts three notable palaces: Darbargadh Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace, and Lakhota Palace.
• Lakhota Palace, resembling a fort, houses a captivating museum.
• The Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar is a haven for various bird species.
• The sanctuary attracts bird enthusiasts eager to see eagles, hawks, and falcons.
• Visitors can spot unique birds like the Great Crested Grebe, Purple Moorhen, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana.

Sasangir

• Located at a distance of 60 km from Junagarh town in India, Gir National Park is where you can find the magnificent Asiatic Lion, a rare sight outside of Africa.
• Established to protect this nearly extinct species, the park has been successful in its mission.
• The diverse plant life in the park is home to around 200 bird species, including the endangered Long-billed Vulture.
• The Kamleshwar reservoir, the park's largest water body, shelters approximately 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, like the King Cobra.
• These forests are also the unique habitat of the Chowsingha, the world's only four-horned antelope.

Junagarh

• Steeped in the history, Junagarh is located in a district with the same name in the state of Gujrat. 
• The city's name means 'old fort' and was once known as 'Yonagadh,' translated as 'City of the Greeks' due to its Greek rulers. 
• The top attraction in Junagadh is the Uperkot Fort, which includes Buddhist Caves, Adi-Kadi Vav, and the Jamia Masjid. 
• Other notable sites in the area are the tombs of the Nawabs of the Babi Dynasty, The Darbar Hall Museum, and The Sakkarbaug Zoo. 
• The Sakkarbaug Zoo was founded by Nawab Sahib Muhammad Mahabat Khan in 1863 and is one of India's oldest zoos, home to asiatic lions and various other animals. 

Bharuch

• Bharuch in Gujarat is an old town with a 2000-year history situated at the mouth of River Narmada.
• It is recognized as one of the oldest seaports that thrived in the 1st century AD.
• Historically, Bharuch was governed by the Solanki rajputs in later times.
• The city was named 'Bhrigukachba' after the Temple of Bhrigu Rishi, which was eventually shortened to Bharuch.
• Today, Bharuch is famous for its textile factories and high-quality cotton.
• A tour of Bharuch offers education, information, and inspiration.
• From the sacred Narmada River to the Golden Bridge, the region boasts numerous tourist attractions.
• Being one of Gujarat's most industrialized districts, Bharuch is rapidly progressing towards a prosperous future.

Lothal

• Located around 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad, Lothal is where archaeologists found remains of the Harappan civilization.
• In 1955, archaeologists discovered ancient city remnants in Lothal, Gujarat.
• In ancient times, Lothal was a significant port around 2000 B.C. on the subcontinent. A dockyard was excavated, indicating maritime trade due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea.
• The dockyard found in Lothal is a unique lock-gated structure, a remarkable maritime architectural discovery from ancient times.
• The city includes a citadel, an acropolis, paved baths, residential areas, coppersmith workshops, and bead factories.

Little Run of Kutch

• Little Rann of Kutch is proudly one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering about 4950 square feet. 
• It contains saline desert plains, dry grasslands, rocky and thorny shrubs, lakes, and swamps.
• The sanctuary is home to various wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, gerbils, and a variety of beautiful bird species.

Modhera

• Located in the state of Gujarat, Modhera is a small town known for its temples and religious significance. 
• Situated approximately 106 kilometers from Ahmedabad, Modhera is renowned for its Sun temple and the Modhera Dance Festival that spans three days. 
• Throughout its history, Modhera has been recognized by various names. It is a significant stop on the tourist map and attracts a large number of visitors annually. 
• The 11th century Modhera Sun temple stands out as the primary attraction of the area. Constructed during the Solanki Dynasty reign under King Bhimdev's decree. 
• The temple boasts a picturesque garden and is positioned near the banks of the Pushpawati river. Its walls are adorned with intricate carvings and various captivating statues of deities. 
• Additionally, the temple comprises three elements - Guda Mandap, Surya Kund, and Sabha Mandap. 
• In addition to its architectural marvels, the temple is renowned for the Modhera Dance Festival, an annual event held in January. This festival, organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, showcases classical dances in their original forms. 

Champaner and Pavagadh

• Champaner is well-known for the fort located at the base of Pavagadh. The town's name comes from the Champa tree or Champaraj, its founder. In 1484 AD, Muhammad Begada renamed it Muhammadabad to establish it as his capital.
• During its prime, Champaner saw the construction of various ancient structures. It features bustling bazaars, town squares, Royal Gardens, water features, and mosques.
• A visit to Champaner and Pavagadh reveals hubs renowned for exquisite silk, woven textiles, dyed fabrics, and sword production.
• The town's historical remnants include fort walls, dilapidated tombs, gardens, arches, pillars, and wells.
• Noteworthy are the old monuments, archaeological sites, and excavations that reflect the town's history under Mughal and British rule.