About GUJARAT
Gujarat is the westernmost state of India situated between 20।6 and 24.42 degrees north latitude and 68.10 and 74.28 degrees east longitude. The sparkling Arabian Sea at its verge by its gentle touch makes the hot sands blush. The astounding beauty of the State can be witnessed in the areas of Katchh and Bhuj the sunlight makes a netted sunbeam dance over its shimmering silver sands. In the Gir Forest the 'Kings of the Jungle', Lions crouch to maintain their privacy that is hampered by the visitors. The temples of Gujarat that are emblem of rich cultural tradition by the fragrance of incense sticks and chanting of mantas spread peace and unique euphoria.
Population
According to census 2001, Gujarat ranks tenth in population. On 1st March 2001, provisional estimation (because Gujarat was hit by earth quake, no survey was conducted) showed that the population of Gujarat was 5.06 crores. About 44.8 % of the total population in rural areas and 64.8 % in urban areas are literate. There are many tribes in Gujarat few of them are Bhils, Kolis, Rabaris and Gujars.
History
Gujarat is well known for its archaeological importance. The famous sites of Harappan culture named Lothal, Rangpur, Rozdi and Amri etc. were excavated here. Approximately 50 Harappan sites have been found here. The original inhabitants of Gujarat were Dravidians. Due to its coastline there was a channel of international trade between Gujarat and the rest of the world. The History of Gujarat is very vast as the state was captured and ruled by various conquerors like Ashoka, Mauryans, Scythians, Guptas, Solanki dynasty and Mughals.
Climate
Due to proximity to Arabian Sea, the climate of Gujarat is mainly moist in the southern districts and is dry in the north because of adjoining desert. The areas like Kutch, Jamnagar, Panchmahals and Mehsana fall in the rain shadow area and thus receive scanty rainfall. The state experiences extreme type of climate. There is winter season from November to February, the hot season from March to May, the southwest monsoon season from June to September and the transitional month of October.
Geography
The rivers that drench the dry plains of Gujarat are Narmada, Tapi and Mahi।The major cities in Gujarat are Ahemdabad, Surat, Vadodra, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Dwarka and Ankleshwar.
Tourist Destinations in Gujarat
अहमदाबाद
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and also the sixth largest city in India with a population of about 5 million. The city is divided into old and new Ahmedabad for he haphazard construction of houses in old city. The city is a famous business hub. It is well known for chemical and textile industries. It is a very beautiful city. The famous places in Ahmedabad are Kankaria Lake, Law Garden, Jama Masjid, Sidi Saiyad's Mosque, Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaja, Sabarmati Ashram, IMAX Theater, Guru Gobind Dham, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Hussain-Doshi's Gufa and Bashirs mosque (Shaking minarets).
वडोदरा
Vadodra is situated on the serene banks of tranquil river Vishwamitri. Vadodra means city of Banyan trees. It is famous for its museums and galleries. The interesting places in Vadodra are Champaner (known for Jama Masjid), Dakorhas a well known Temple of Ranchodrai, Dhumkal is a bear sanctuary (it also has a tiger and leopard), Kirti Mandir, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Makarpura Palace and Nazarbagh Palace.
सूरत
Also known as the Green City, Surat is one of the neatest city of India. It has numerous industries. It is one of the leading exporters of diamond and texile products. Old Fort, the textile market, Dumas (a sea side health resort), Hajira and Dandi are some of interesting places in Surat.
राजकोट
There are many smallscale industries in Rajkot. Mirror-work, jewellery market, Bandhani Sarees, patch work, bead work, silk embroidery and watch parts are specialty of Rajkot. Jubillee Park, Watson Museum, Aaji Dam, Ishwariya, SwamiNarayan Temple and Dolls Museum are some of the places that you should visit.
पोरबंदर
Porbandar is a historical place set by seaside. It provides breath taking sights of landscaped grasslands, fields and valleys.it is known as Gandhiji's birthplace. Morvi town is wellknown for its clocks, tiles and ceramic manufacture.
जूनागढ़
A fort that has remained unconquered till date is an apple of eye for this city. This fort was built by one of the generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
जामनगर
Located on the coast of Gulf of Kutch, Jamnagar is well known as the Jewel of Kathiawar. There are temples, palaces, forest, Bird and Marine Sanctuaries.
पलिताना
Located on Shetrunjaya hills, Palitana temples are considered as most sacred pilgrimage place.
भावनगर
It is a beautiful coastal city associated with Gandhiji. Mahatma Gandhi went to university here. Chief works undertaken in Bhavnagar are salt works, shipbuilding and ship breaking yards along the Bhavnagar coast.
गोंदल
Naulakha Palace, Riverside Palace and Suspension Bridge are some of the well-known places.
