Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat, because it is here that these words ring truly, and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.
Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long, is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, and festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains, and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable.
Area
196,024 km²
Population
72,653,000
Capital
Gandhinagar
Principal Language
Gujarati
Other Languages
English, Hindi and other Indian languages
Literacy Rate
82.4 %
Rainfall
93.2 cm
Temperature
Summer: min 25 degrees to 45 dig’s Winter: min 15 degrees to max 35 dig’s
Season
November to February
Eco System
Ranges from deserts, scrublands, deciduous forests, and wetlands to mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries.
Time
GMT +5:30
Currency
Indian Rupees
Climate
Wet in the southern districts and desert in the north-west region. Winter: November to February (12 - 29 Celsius). Summer: March to May (29 - 41 Celsius). Monsoon: June to October (27 - 35 Celsius)
General Safety
Gujarat is India’s Safest State, but visitors should still use common sense to protect themselves and their property. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure to always use licensed, reputable businesses for any services you need.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency: 108, Police: 100, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102, General Inquiry – Phone: 197, Women Emergency Helpline: 1091
Toll Free
1800 .............
Transport by train
The state of Gujarat falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Railways, which is a division of the Indian Railways. The major railway stations in Gujarat are Ahmedabad Railway Station, Surat Railway Station, Vadodara Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station. Ahmedabad Junction is an important center of the Western Railways zone of the Indian Railways. View more details by clicking on https://www.irctc.co.in/
Transport by Air
International Airport: Ahmedabad Domestic Airport: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Bhuj
Major Cities
Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, Nadiad.
Ports
Major: Kandla Minor: Mandvi, Mundra, Sikka, Okha, Porbandar, Veraval, Bhavnagar, Salaya, Pipavav, Mahuva, Jafrabad, Hazira
Some travel tips for National & International Travelers
Keep a copy of your passport stored in your hotel room safe
Use well-lit, well-populated ATMs.
Travel insurance can protect you from any unseen hazards.
Smoking is not allowed in public places
Make advance reservations of hotels, transport, and local sightseeing of the city and journey on Trains
Always carry a photocopy of your travel documents, i.e., Passport, Visa or Travel Pass, and inform the police immediately on the loss of any of such documents.
Carry Indian Currency or a credit card (useable in India) to clear your miscellaneous service Bills.
A state with an amazingly varied topography ranging from the deep green of the dense forests to stark white at the salt plains. Its 1660 kilometers coastline is home to some of the most unique marine species and geographical locations in the state, making it an ideal matrix, a melting pot of a vast variety of culture, people, places, and history due to eons of migratory influences. Along with all the migrations came in various ritual practices, cuisines, style of dresses, fairs and festivals, and celebrations, all of which were amalgamated and became a part of what this amazingly diverse state has to offer to you. This was possible as a result of trade, commerce, and the dexterity of the people of Gujarat to accept and take in and make a part of all who come in here for succour, conquest, or trade.