Dwarka, a pilgrimage site

Dwarka is situated in Jamnagar District of extreme west of Gujarat. It is one of the important centers for Hindu Pilgrimage. The legendary city of Dwarka was the home town as well as kingdom of Lord Krishna. The entire city was damaged due to destruction by the sea.

The city is famous for Dwarkadish temple or Jagat Mandir. The temple has a five storey tower which was built more than 2500 years ago, rests on 60 columns and many intricate carvings. It is not only a major pilgrimage site but also a beautiful spot for a beach holiday. Dwarka has fine stretches of beach and though crowded by pilgrims one can always find quiet spots too. Large number of birds could be seen on the coastal areas. Dolphins, porpoise, sea turtles, octopus, star fish, sea urchins etc. inhabit the beach.

Aji Dam in Rajkot

Aji Dam located at a distance of 8km from Rajkot city, Gujarat. The name “Aji” is taken from a Sanskrit, means mother. The dam built across Aji River, most important river of Saurashtra and also the main water source for entire city. This is not just a dam but also a picnic spot with gardens, a zoo, an amusement park for children, an aviary and a crocodile park for those perfect tourist visits.

Gir National Park, exclusive home of the Lions

Gir National Park is Situated about 64km South-East of Junagarh district, Gujarat. The National Park was established in 1965. It is the exclusive home of the pure Asian Lions (Panthera leo persica) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia.

But Gir is not just about Lions, it is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and we can see Leopards at night times close to the lodges.

Other animals of the Gir national park are Chital Spotted Deer, Crocodiles, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackals, and Hyena. Birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli’s Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers and Flamingo etc. are inhabited here.

Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary in Ahmedabad

Nal Sarovar sanctuary is situated at a distance of 70 km away from Ahmedabad city. The lake and the surrounding swamp forests are popular spots for bird watching and it attracts thousands of tourists, ornithologist and bird lovers every year.

The sanctuary comprises of a huge lake that attracts birds from all parts of the world. Migrant birds such as flamingoes, pelicans, geese, ibises, geese, cranes, spoonbill, wading birds, swallows, fishing eagles, osprey, harriers and many others varieties are found in the sanctuary.

Another major attraction of this sanctuary is the humming birds(world smallest bird), one more attraction of Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary consists of the numerous islets that further enhance its charm.

The lake has become a popular picnic spot during holidays and week ends. Here we can find swimming pool, children’s amusement park and other facilities for fun and entertainment.

Kite Museum in Sanskar Kendra

Kite Museum, established in 1985, is situated in Sanskar Kendra in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The museum has an extraordinary collection of huge kites and also some of the smallest kites as well.

In the month of January the city Ahmedabad hosts International kite festival, which brings the most fantastic shades and designs. The kite festival is a cause for celebration across Gujarat.

Sanjeev Kumar, Bollywood film star

Sanjeev Kumar was born in Surat, Gujarat and was one of the most versatile actor in Bollywood.

After dabbling in theatre, he joined the Filmalaya Acting School and did his first role, a bit role in Filmalaya’s Hum Hindustani (1960). Sanjeev’s first film as a hero was the Nishan.

But his best-remembered roles were in the blockbuster films Sholay (1975) and Trishul .

Sanjeev Kumar’s Filmography includes:

Aandhi, Aao Pyar Karen, Angoor,  Biwi O Biwi, Anamika, Seeth aur Geetha, Koshish, Mausam, Shriman Shrimati, Swarag Narak, Swayamvar, Trishul ,Sunghursh, Badal, Kalapi, Pati Patni, Smuggler, Hum Hindustani, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves & many more.

He remained bachelor all his life.

He won the National Film Awards for a Best Actor twice and Filmfare Awards for a Best Actor thrice.

About Rajkot

Rajkot is a peaceful & important city of Gujarat state and is ranked 22nd in the world’s fastest growing cities. The city has a number of impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions.

Rajkot is famous for its jewelry market, woolen and cotton textiles, silk embroidery and watch parts. The city hosts several small scale manufacturing industries. Some of the industrial products for which Rajkot is known include: Bearings, Diesel Engines, Watch Parts : Watch Cases & Bracelets, Automotive Parts, Machine tools etc.

The people here are predominantly vegetarians and are vehemently against any form of hunting. This could be the main reason for the survival of rich fauna in this city.

Rajkot is home to numerous national landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The Watson Museum in Jubilee Garden, Lakes around Aji dam and Nardi, Rashtriya Shala are other major attractions.

Shopping in Ahmedabad

Shopping in Gujarat is a lifetime experience for the tourists. Every year many tourists from all over India and the world visit the beautiful state of Gujarat and shop away to glory. The state is famous and proud of its rich tradition of handicrafts.

In Ahmedabad there is a bustling market of Dhal Garwad. Shopping in Ahmedabad will be incomplete if you do not plan a visit to Dhal Garwad. Shops selling ready made garments and dupattas, saris ,bedcovers reflect the exquisite handicrafts of Gujarat, furniture & beautiful antique Jewelry.

Ahmedabad has some excellent shopping options for a traveler who is looking for a gift to take home. There are many tourist markets in the city. Purpose-built, air-conditioned, shopping centers have mushroomed in Ahmedabad during the last decade. Gurjari, the Gujarat state crafts emporium, is located on Ashram Road, just to the south of the tourist office.

If you are very much interested in hand-printed fabrics and other textiles, go for retail outlets of Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). The two retail outlets are situated on the University Road, at Goyal Towers, near Jahnvi Restaurant.

Market at Law Garden is an excellent option for embroidered and colourful fabrics. Ahmedabad has several fine garment showrooms. The showrooms are located at C.G. Road, Dhalgarwada and Ratanpole.

SURAT – ‘The Diamond Capital of the World’

Surat is located in the western part of India. It is the second largest city in Gujarat.

Surat is the center of the world’s diamond cutting and polishing industry. Three-quarters of the world’s finished diamonds are cut and polished in Surat. It has been named as ‘The Diamond Capital of the World’.

Surat is also called as ‘The Textile hub of India’. One of the major industries in Surat is the textile industry. Many of the textile industries mainly produce synthetic textiles. These industries of Surat are engaged in exporting of textiles from India to other countries. In India, majority of sarees are manufactured in Surat. Some of the important brands of India, like Vimal and Garden have set up manufacturing units in Surat.

Nearby places of tourist interest are Tithal, Ubharat beach, Dumas beach, Hajira beach, Bardoli, Dandi, Ukai Dam, Winchester Museum and Gopipura, etc.

About Gujarat

Gujarat gets its name from “Gujjar Rashtra”, the land of the Gujjars, a migrant tribe who came to India  in the 5th century.

It shares an international border with Pakistan in the northwest and common borders with the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Diu, Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Gujarat has a vast list of tourist destinations, right from Ahmedabad – the Manchester of India, Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Ashram, spectacular peninsula of Saurashtra, the historic Jain temple of Palitana, Sasangiri the last natural habitat of majestic Asiatic lions, the coastal towns of Porbandat and Dwarka the semi-inland of Kutch etc.