SURKOTDA
 
Around 2300 B.C., the Harappans came to Surkotda and built a fortified citadel and residential annexe. These were made of mud bricks and rubble containing houses with bathrooms and drains. The painted potteries are with Indus alphabet on the pots, chert blades and copper objects. The typical Harappa seal has also been found. Bones of the Equus from the earliest levels are the other important discovery which confirms the animal was known to the Harappans. Some important finds are a typical Harappan terracotta seal, a heavy copper chisel, a hoard of copper beads and bangles and terracotta toys, ranks and beads besides anima skeletal remains of the horse, camel, elephant and sheep. Distance from Bhuj: 85 Kms.

NORTH GUJARAT  MODHERA - The Glory That Was Patan.  

The Sun Temple at Modhera was built in 1026 AD, in the reign of the Solanki King Bhima I. Modhera Suryamandir marks the peak of revolution in Indo - Aryan Hindu temple form typology. With its grandeur, elegance and clarity it only rivals its contemporaries at Konark and Khajuraho. Its spiritual setting is near a water kund.  

TARANGA

Nestled in the hills of Taranga, is the temple dedicated to Ajitnath, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jains. Its consists of garbhagriha, ambulatory and three balaconies with fine grills. The highlight of the temple is its massive pillars, with beautiful carvings over it. In the center is a beautifully decorated carved ceilling, 11mtr. in diameter, top the octagonal nave. The temple has retained its original form and design had storied arrangements both inside and outside. Distance : 125 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

PATAN  

The Greatest reminder of the golden period of Gujarat under the Solanki kings can be seen at the Rani - ki - Vav (Queen's Stepwell) some distance from the town centre. Built in the 1050 A.D. and named after Rani Udaymati, wife of Maharaja Bhim Deva and daughter in - law of Mulraja, founder of the Solanki rule in Gujarat, the stepwell is the oldest and perhaps the grandest among the 120 plus stepwells in Gujarat. Distance : 140 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

MAHUDI

Mahudi is a center of pilgrimage for the Jains. The temple is dedicated to Vir Ghantakarna. jain Muni Buddhisagariji had observed a long period of penance here and had inspired the constuction of the new temple. Devotees offer 'Sukhadi' to the reigning deity. Distance : 65 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

VADNAGAR
 
The other citadel with fine havelis is Vadnagar. It is kinown from medieval times for its tradition of classical and folk music. In the 3rd century, Vadnagar was colonised by the Nagar Brahmin community, whose fame as administrators were known to an extent that Hindu and Muslim kings invariably depended on them for advise. 17th century Vishnu and Shiva temples, several Nagar Brahmin havelies, and the torans (arches) are major attractions of Vadnagar.  

SOUTH GUJARAT  - Tha Saga of Surat  
SURAT - Sacred Fire Temple - Udwada Near Surat  

The cardinal feature of the city is the Surat Castle, built at the instance of Sultan Mahmud III and Khawaja safar Salmani, which has 12 meters height, and 4 meters thick walls in portuguese style. Mugal sarai was built by Hakikat Khan, during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, is presenty used by the Surat Municipal Corporation. This imperial Saral Bears testimony of Indo - Islamic architecture. Distance : 250 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

SAPUTARA

The solitary hill station of Gujarat, is the Dangi enclave of Saputara. At the height of 875 meters, Saputara offers a pleasant climate and panoramic view of lush green dang forest. The attractions of Saputara are Boating, Sunrise Point, The Ropeway, Museum and Rithumbara School. Distance 420 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

NAVSARI 

Navsari is 30 Kms. south of Surat and on the bank of the river Purna. Historically, the first settlement of the Parsis took place in Navsari in 1142 A.D. The sanatorium, fire - Temple atas Beharam and smaller agiaris are chief attractions. The sacred fire brought from Persia had been conveyed into this temple before it was moyed to udvada. 

SURASHTRA - The Land of Princes & Patriots.

BHAVNAGAR  

Founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the rulers of Sihor in 1723 AD decided to shift his capital from Sihor to Bhavnagar with the twin objectives of taking advantage of the sea as a defensive measure and for maritime trade. Bhavnagar is an intermediate port with a natural harbor. The Barton Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Barton Library, Takhteshwar Temple, The Central Salt Research Institute, Nilambagh Palace, Gaurishankar Lake Called Bore Talao, and Victoria Park are the tourist destinations at Bhavnagar.  

DWARAKA  

According to the lengend Dwarka was the adopted home of Lord Krishna after Mathura. The temple, Jagatmandir, with the presiding deity of Shri Krishna is known as Dwarkadhish. The temple of 1800 sq. feet consists of a shrine is supported. the seven storey  edifice gradually rises to a height of 170 feet. A strip of sea of about 4 Kms. separates Bet Dwarka, an Island. Distance : 450 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

PALITANA  

It is a subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelled religious fervour. The entrise Sum - mit of mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with temples among which the most famous are of Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Samprati Raja and Chomukh, which is the highest and can be distinguished from a distance. It is believed that all the tirthankars, attained nirvana here. Distance : 215 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

MORBI  

The riverside town of Morbi was developed by Thakore Saheb Waghaji into one of the wealt - hiest of Saurashtra. Today, the town is famous landmark of the town. The bridge is 765 feet long & 4.5 feet wide supported by pillars on the banks. The town gate appears a miniature of the Eiffel Tower. Museum of Dramatic arts is worth visiting.  

PORBANDAR 

The city is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi born here on 2nd October 1869. Porbandar has a scenic seacoast and historic monuments - Kirti Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Darai Rajmahal Palace and Sudama Mandir.  

RAJKOT  

Rajkot was once the capital of the British empire in Saurashtra. Today it is known for its Handicrafts, Educational Institutes and Museums. Places worth a visit are Gandhi Vidhalaya, The long library, Watson Museum, Rashtriya Shala, Gandhi Museum and lakes - Randarda, Ali and Nardi.

GIRNAR 
Rising up on the outskirts of Junagadh is Mount Girnar, of 3660 feet summit, is crowned by some of the finest and Jains temples. The greatest of the temples on the summit is the rectangular Neminath Temple. Further up from the Neminath Temple, the Amba Temple is where newly wed Hindus pray for a happy marriage.  

GIR NATIONAL PARK  

The lion, panther Leo, inhabits the forest of Gir, the 1412 sq. Km of hilly forest, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Gir offers the last abode for the lion, outside Africa. Also there is a thriving population of panther s, deer, antelope and wild boar, Possibly, had Gir not been a lion sanctuary, it would have been a lion sanctuary, it would have been termed one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Gujarat. There are more than 300 species of birds that nest in the Gir. The other attractions are Crested serpent, bonnalis, hawk eagles, brown fish, great horned owls & pygmy woodpecker. Distance : 402 Kms from Ahmedabad.  

JUNAGADH  
 
The name evokes visions of old forts and medieval walls, palaces and tombs, Junagadh is best know for its association with Emperor Ashoka, who relinquished warfare after witnessing death and destruction during the battle of Kalinga and carved inscriptions preaching the Buddhist philosophy of ethical conquest rather than with military. Another famous peacemaker is the religious poet Narsinh Mehta who dwelt here from 1414 - 1480 Ad. His shrine can still be seen in the city. Uparkot, the Fort is believed to date from the times of the Mauryan Empire and fell to the Kshtrapas. But the present walls of the fort were built by the Chudasama Rajput who found it derelict in 875 AD and made it their seat of power. Other palaces worth a visit are : Darbar Hall Museum, Maqbaras, Sonapuri, Sakkarbagh Zoological Park, Junagadh Museum, Rupayrattan Institute of Handicrafts, The Ayurvedic College and Stud farm.  

JAMNAGAR  

Jamnagar was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra. It has magnificent palaces, Lakhota Palace, Peter Scott Nature Park and Marine National Park.

SOMNATH  

The legend surrounding the origin of Prabhas is most interesting. Moon (Som) had married all the 27 daughters of Daksha but enamored by the beauty of only one of them - Rohini - he neglected the others. He was therefore cursed by Daksha & lost his lusture.  The situation was saved only when Som worshipped Shiva with great devotion & earned relief from the course. However, the temple was plundered by the army of Muhammad of Gazni and then the Mughal Emperor. The temple was destroyed several times to be build and rebuilt. After independence Sardar Patel resurrected it with a new idol of Lord Shiva. The sixth temple known as 'Kailas Maha Meru Prasad' was built by the Somnath Trust. The temple has been constructed in the style of Chalukyan architecture with a Shikhar of 175 feet height.  

BHUJ 

It lies in the heart of Katch. Places of interest in Bhuj are the Aina Mahal or the Glass Palace built in the 18th century, the Kutch Museum which is Gujarat's oldest museum, and the Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Complex, which holds some remarkable frescoes depicting the Ram-Lila. The rural bazaars of Bhuj sell its exquisite handicrafts.  

Excursions From Bhuj  

"Mata No Madh" is 1200 years old temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The temple has many unusual features and its treatment of dimensions and of space are unique. Lakhpat, once a flourishing port remains one that in ancient times, ships sailed to West Asia from Gujarat's West Coast. Time stands still at Lakhpat, recalling an ear long past, of many sites in the city, including the Sikh Gurudwara, and the 200 year tomb of Ghaus  Mohammed Kaba. Narayan Sorovar means the Lake of Narayan. A temple is located on it. The lake is most sacred pilgrimage sites for orthodox Hindus. The architecture is ancient and awe-inspiring.  

KOTESHWAR  

At a short distance from Narayan Sarovar, the village derives its name from a Shiva temple Kotilingeshwar, housing a self-born ling. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore, rising boldly from the sea that washes its western parts. The temples are enclosed by a fortified wall and the nandi (bull of Shiva) is a fine specimen of Kanchichhi art. Anjar, near Gandhidham, is famous for the samadhi of Jesal Toral, the Ajaypal Temple, and the shrine of Pinjora Pir. The bungalow of James Macmurdo contains remarkable examples of the art of Katch.  

BHADRESHWAR  

Bhadreshwar is considered an important religious site by the Jain community. It also has shirines, mosques and temples, as well as a step well.

MANDVI  

Mandvi is in southern Kutch. It is a renowned holiday center with a beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the royal splendour of the past. The Mandvi's Hawa Mahal is imposing, and reminiscent of similar palaces in Rajasthan. Banni, one of the Asia's grasslands, and Khavda are villages set like jewels in an expanse of desert. In these villages live some of the most talented craftsmen of Kutch who practice their traditional skills, to produce artistic masterpieces. Dholaveera was once an important part of the Harappa civilization, providing that the Harappa culture extended to Gujarat. The excavations are still in progress. Dharang is another location famous for its rural fair and handicrafts, traditional objects, hand-printed and embroidered fabrics made and sold here. It also famous for the jewellery available there. The Kutch Mahatsava is usually organized during February and March each year. Ghandidham, a new city built by Sindhi refugees on land given to them by Maharao Madan Sinhji on the condition that they help start ancillary industries to develop Kandla port. It is a planned & prosperous city. The institute of Sindhilogy offers an insight in Sindhi literature and culture. Ghandidham is 63 kms. From Bhuj.

Kutch Sanctuary of the Wild Ass  

The little Rann of Kutch spans an area of approx 4850 sq. Kms. Most of the sanctuary consists of Salt Plains caused by flooding of the Rann by Sea, river and rain water. The Asiatic Wild Ass is handsome chestnut brown member of the horse family with striking white under parts and deep a deep mane. It is Nilgai, largest antelopes in India. Chinkara the graceful Indian gazelle can be see in the northern parts. Indian Faxes, Jackals, Indian Wolf and Bird life are prolific in the little Rann of Kutch.  

VADODARA 

The city has groomed mighty men like Maharshi Aurobindo Ghose, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Dada Bhai Naoraji & Doctor Ambedkar. The city's educational and art institutions have produced the luminaries like Jivraj Mehta, K.M.Munshi, Hansa Mehta and Prof. Bendre. The modern city of Vadodara is fitting tribute to late Shri Sayaji Rao Geakwad. It was the dream of this able administrator to make Vadodara, an educational, industrial and commercial center. The city has giant  industrial complexes and public undertakings. The other places of visits are Laxmi Vilas Palace, one of the finest buildings of the city. The constructions of this palace continues for 12 years at the cost of 60 lakhs. The places worth visiting are: palace Museum, Pratap Vilas Palace, Makarpura Palace, M.S. University, Kirit Mandir, Sayaji Baug, Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, EME Temple, Sursagar Lake, Ajwa and Nimeta Garden.  

PAVAGADH  

The hill cover 42 Kms. In circumference. It has a ropeway to reach Kalika Mata's Temple at the top.  

SAYAJI BAUG 

Sayaji Rao III built Sayaji Baug. It covers area of about 113 acres, on the river Vishwamitri. The garden has a zoo, a museum and picture Gallery, a small museum for Health and Hygiene, and a Toy Train and Fun Rides for children. It has well maintained lawns, decorated with sculptures placed on pedestals. The park also has fountains and trees, which makes it worth a visit. The park also has a floral clock and a planetarium.  

Museum and Picture Gallery  

The famous museum was built in 1894 on the lines of Victoria. Albert and Science Museums of London. 'Mad' Mant with R.F. Chisholm designed the building of this Museum based on Indo-Arcenic architecture. It preserves a rich collection of art, sculpture, ethnography and ethnology. Several of the paintings in the picture gallery are not only original but masterpieces.

E.M.E. TEMPLE

It is located in the cantonment area. The unique Shiva temple of E.M.E. School is a major attraction for both tourists and devotees. It has a dome entirely built of aluminum sheets.  

LAXMI VILAS PALACE

It is one of the finest buildings in Vadodara. Maharaja Sayaji Rao III built in the style of Indo-Sarcenic architecture for his residence. The construction of this palace was from 1878 to 1890 AD at a cost of about Rs. 60 lakhs. The interior of Laxmi Vilas Palace in marble mosaic, fine stone, glass and wood is enchanting and has valuable furnishings. Maharaja's personal Museum is also housed in the same premises.

M.S. UNIVERSITY  

Maharaja Sayaji Rao III established this premier and outstanding Residential University campus in 1882. There are architecturally interesting buildings in the campus. The central dome of the Faculty of arts is 144 feet high. Various higher education disciplines are available to the students including Fine Arts. The University has a rich collection of books on almost all subject and in various languages.  

NYAY MANDIR  

This Temple of Justice, is a magnificent and massive building built in Mixed Indo-Sarcenic and European style by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. It is two storied with large courts and a fine center hall decorated with mosaic works. A beautiful marble statue of Chimnabai, the first queen of Sayaji Rao III adorns the hall. The building is used at present as a District Court.  

PRATAP VILAS PALACE 

Designed in renaissance architecture, it houses the Railways Staff Collage, training center of the Indian Railways. The collage is equipped with a beautiful mini-railway model room showing different types of railway operations including signals.

DAKOR  

Dakor is 60 Kms. From Vadodara. The place is famous for Ranchhodraiji temple, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Several thousands of devotees visit this holy temple month on Poornima.

SANKHEDA

Sankheda is also 60 Kms. East of Vadodara. The village has become famous due to its well-known lacquer painted colorful wooden furniture. The diminutive is carrying the handicraft heritage boldly.

DABHOI  

Dabhoi is 32 kms. East of Vadodara. The village has become famous due to his Hira Killas and biggest narrow gaze railway Station in Asia.  It is  one of the more historical place of Vadodara. It is also famous for steel furniture and copper and metal vessels.