Upcoming

Bhedaghat

State
Madhya Pradesh

Bhedaghat, situated by the side of river Narmada, is a town famous sights are the Duandhar Falls, Marble Rocks, and the Chausath Yogini temple. The holy river flows by tranquilly flanked by the towering cliffs, which reflect in it like a mirror the changing moods of nature. A little distance away, it becomes turbulent as it plunges in a mighty waterfall known as Dhuandhar.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26012570@N02/2459003612/

Accessibility

Air: Jabalpur (23 km) is the nearest airport connected to Bhopal & Delhi with regular flights.

Rail: Jabalpur, on the Mumbai-Howrah (via Allahabad) main line, is the main railhead. All mail, express and passenger train halt here.

Road: Frequent buses, tempos and taxis are available from Jabalpur.

District
Jabalpur district
Topic
Upcoming
Famous For
Varied beauty of the Rocks

Surat

State
Gujarat

Surat, the diamond capital of the world, is situated on the left banks of the river Tapti with a moat that divides the old city form its new suburbs. In ancient India, Surat was one of the most important ports on the western coast of India and is known for its textile and diamond industry.

History

The city narrates the history of thousands of years, from the period of Mahabharatha to the period even after the independence of the country. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna stopped in the city while his journey from Mathura to Dwarka.

It was one of western India's major ports and trading towns in the 17th and 18th centuries and the first European settlement in India. The British and the Portuguese waged battles against each other to gain supreme control over the trading route. The French and the Dutch also arrived in the city with merchandising objectives. Since then, the city witnessed plenty of movements and agitations against the English atrocities and has contributed a lot to the freedom movement of the country and thus emerged as one of the significant cities in India.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Vadodara (140 Km), connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways with Mumbai.

By Rail: Surat is a railway station on the western railway broad gauge line, connected with other cities/ towns in Western and Northern India.

By Road: Surat is connected by motorable roads with Ahmedabad 267 Km, Ahwa 156 Km, Bharuch 88 Km, Gandhinagar 300 Km, Jamnagar 531 Km, Junagadh 550 Km Kheda 240 Km, Mehsana 356 Km Mumbai 326 Km, Vadodara 140 Km and Valsad 94 Km.

Shopping

Shopping in Surat is a delightful experience and you should not miss it during your trip to the city. Some of the most popular items of Surat include traditional handlooms and handicrafts, and woodworks. The artisans of Surat manufacture table lamps, boxes, side tables and various other utilities that you can carry as souvenoir. Surat is also known for zari work, while shopping in Surat pick up a few beautiful garments adorned with exquisite works of zari, kinari and salma. The city of Surat also has a rich tradition of silver work and you may buy jewelleries or items made for silver. Sadeli or marquetry work is another specialty of Surat. A number of private-run shopping centres and government emporia sprawl across the Surat city. Besides, you can also explore the stall erected by the local vendors who offer a good bargaining.

Since long past Surat, in Gujarat, has the reputation of a key trading center in Western India. During the reign of the Mughals, Surat was an important port on the western coast. Mercantile and commercial traditions still continue in the land.

The land also has a rich tradition of handlooms and handicrafts, which make for fantastic shopping in Surat. It is of course one of the most important zari-manufacturing centre in India. Fine gold and silver threads used in zari work are made in hundreds of big and small workshops in Surat. Do pick up a few lustrous Indian garments embellished with the exquisite works of Zari, kinari, salma, while shopping in Surat.

Woodworks are also popular items for shopping in Surat. The skilled artisans of Surat carve out table lamps, side tables, boxes and various other utilities and objets d'art, which serve as fantastic souvenirs. Sadeli or marquetry work is yet another specialty at Surat. Long, thin strips of wood, tin or ivory are cut and pasted in patterns on boxes and caskets to create appliquéd goods. Surat also has a rich tradition of silver work. A few items easily found in the local bazaars should feature in our shopping cart in Surat.

Accommodation

Surat is dotted with plenty of hotels many of them near the railway station and in Sufi Baug. Finding a room at Surat is not a problem, however during the weekday afternooons you may not get a room as most places are booked by visiting business travellers. Some of the famous hotels of the city are Hotel Diamond Plaza (Unapani Road), Hotel Embassy (opposite the railway station), Lords Park Inn, Holiday Inn Surat, Hotel Sheetal Plaza, Hotel Ashish International, Hotel Omkar, Hotel Vaibhav, Hotel Sarvajanik, Tex Palazza Hotel, Hotel Dreamland, Hotel Ashoka etc.

Surat is an important destination in Gujarat. By virtue of its hallowed memory of Mahatma Gandhi, a lot of tourists come to visit Surat. Since 14th century, Surat was one of the most significant ports of Mughal Empire. Today also Surat is a key trading center in western India.

There are a good number of hotels in Surat. From five-star luxury to value for money, there are lots of options for accommodation in Surat.

A few reputed Indian and international chains also have their hotels in Surat. Side by side individual hotels also offer modern amenities and comfortable stay.

Most of the hotels in Surat are reasonably priced and are sure not to burn a hole into your pocket. Some hotels are located within the city whereas others are on the edge of the city. You can very well visit the tourist attractions in Surat from the hotels in Surat.

Here are a few select hotels in Surat

High-end hotels in Surat

Holiday Inn Surat
Lords Park Inn

Low-end hotels in Surat

Hotel Sheetal Plaza
Hotel Ashish International

Attractions

Dang Durbar: Dang Durbar, is an annual fair which represents the old tradition of kings and chieftains who would visit the city of Surat to meet in the popular Durbar. It is held in the early months of spring (January/ February), few days before Holi festivals.

Presently, it is the gathering of various tribal people from different parts of the district in their traditional attire and garments. The festival exhibits the arts and crafts of tribal and the festivities displays the culture and tradition of the region. Traditional dandia and garba dances are performed tuned to the popular music of the region called 'ras'. The atmosphere, marked by the sound of shehnai, makes the fair lively and pleasant. Traders from different regions attend this fair to display and sell their products.

Kite Flying Festival: One of the very popular festival in the city is the kite flying festival that have started in the year 1989 in Ahmedabad. The main highlight of this festival is kite flying competition and it is held on Makar Shankranti in the month of January. On this day, the sky is decorated with a plethora of colorful and designed kites. People of all age will participate in this event that continues from morning to the end of the day. During night, the sky is adorned with ‘tukkals’- a special kind of illuminated box kites that are strung together in a series.

Though held in a smaller scale than Ahmadabad, Surat kite festival attracts specialists in kite flying from different parts of the district. Participants from France, Malaysia, Korea, Abu Dhabi, U.K, China and Israel and other countries also come here to take part in the event.

District
Surat
STD Code
0261
Topic
Upcoming
WGW_Ahmedabad
Best time to visit
October to March

Saputara

State
Gujarat

Saputara is a picturesque and a densely wooded only hill station situated in the Sahyadri Hills. It is a perfect retreat from the hustling bustling city life and is popular from tourism point of view. The hill station also houses the longest ropeway ‘Pushpak’- nearly one km long.

History

Legend has it that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 360 km away from Saputara, is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Waghai railway station is about 50 km away from Saputara city center. This station is directly connected with Mumbai and regular train services are available from here to many cities in India.

By Road: Saputara is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses.

Shopping

Shopping freaks are welcomed in Saputara with much fan fare and opportunities. Shopping in Saputara is a unique by itself. The important attraction here are the tribal canopy works on bamboo trees. One can pick up many beautiful artifacts and handicrafts, key chain and trinkets like pen stands made in bamboo from the Gandharvapur Artist Village.

Most tourists visit this village loacted near Saputara town take the artifacts as gift items and souvenirs from Saputara. Metal artifacts made by the Bastar community of tribes are a precious item to shop. World renowned paintings, paints are made out of dyed vegetables, are special shopping attraction in saputara.
Pretty pieces of pottery, jewelerry, vases, paintings, pen stands, and key chains, all made from bamboo chips and other locally found material can be purchased from here.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation facility at Purna Sanctuary. So it is better to look accommodation at Saputara as it has many hotels, cottages and log huts that offer accommodation. Gujarat Tourism Corporation also runs a well-resourced station here apart from private restaurants and wayside stalls.

Things to do

Trekking: Saputara is really a wonderful vacation spot for trekking with many established trekking trails and many unexplored pathways, still with unspoiled atmosphere and surroundings. An enthusiast tourist to Saputara can undertake trekking in Saputara hills, nature walks around the Saputara Lake, hill climbing to Valley view point, Forest camping in the dense woods of Saputara hills and such many dynamic adventurous activities.

The trekking trails in Saputara hills and forests pose mild to rough challenges to a trekker. It is really fascinating to have Trekking in the established trekking trails to Rajat Pratap and to Tridhara near Dhupgarh. The trekking trails extend up to Sangam. Mild trekking trails from Khud to Sunder Kund, To Jata Pura Hills and to the hill top temple attracting many tourists.

District
Dangs District
STD Code
02631
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 23-44°C, Winter 10-36°C
Best time to visit
March to October
Famous For
The only hill station in Gujarat

Rajkot

State
Gujarat

Rajkot, was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, is a famous commercial and industrial city located on the banks of the Aji River and and Nyari River. It is famous for jewellery market, handicrafts and bandhani. It has one of the biggest gold markets of Gujarat, called Soni Bazaar.

History

Founded by Vibhoji AjojiJadeja in 1612, it was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra and the seat of the erstwhile Jadeja clan. The city has a rich cultural history and is also associated with India's freedom struggle. In the pre-independence days, it was the headquarters of the British Government Resident for the Western Indian Place to Visit. Rajkot, is associated with the early life of Mahatma Gandhi, who spent some years of his life in this town with his father who was the Dewan (Chief Minister) of Rajkot State.

Accessibility

By Air: Rajkot is connected with Mumbai by Air route and daily flights are available.

By Rail: Rajkot is approximately 250 km from Ahmedabad & connected with broad gauge railway with all major cities of India with direct trains.

By Road: Rajkot is connected by road with all cities of Saurashtra, Kuchchha and Gujarat. State Transport buses for all part of Gujarat is available and private buses are also available.

Accommodation

There are so many hotels from low budget to 3 star and guest houses in the city as well as luxurious accommodations near by Rajkot.

Luxurious / Heritage accommodations: Wankaner palace(50 kms), Riverside palace/Orchard palace at Gondal(39 kms), Hingolgadh castle(60 kms).

Luxurious Hotels : Hotel Imperial, Kaveri, Grand Regency, Royal Inn, Silver Palace, Chauki Dhani, Jaison, King Palace, Harmony, Galaxy etc are luxurious hotels.

District
Rajkot
STD Code
0281
Topic
Upcoming
WGW_Ahmedabad
Termperature
Summer 33-43°C, Winter 19-27°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Porbandar

State
Gujarat

Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is a picturesque little seaside resort situated on the west coast of Gujarat. In ancient times, the city was called Sudamapuri, after Sudama the devoted friend of Lord Krishna. It was also a flourishing trade centre of ancient India. The most fascinating feature of Porbandar tourism comprises of the city's architecturally impressive buildings. The city is remarkably planned with stone structures and rich carvings.

History

According to Hindu mythology, Porbandar is the place associated with the friendship of Lord Krishna and Sudama. It says its the birthplace of Sudhaama, hence its being referred to as Sudhaamapuri or Sudhamapuri.

The present day city was a prosperous port during the Mughal period and thereafter retained its importance as a seat of maritime activities and therefore was a major trade & travel center. In 1531 AD, it was attacked by the Portuguese, to attain control over the sea trade of the region and the battle for gaining supremacy continued for a long period until interference of the British and signing of the Walker Treaty in 1807 AD. Thus it put an end to the conflict and helped in the development of the city.

Accessibility

By Air: Porbandar is connected by Jet Airways flights with Mumbai.

By Rail: Porbandar is on the Western Railway line, directly connected with Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

By Road: Porbandar is connected by road with Ahmedabad 394 Km, Bhavnagar 300 Km, Junagadh 107 Km, Rajkot 178 Km, Somnath 118 Km..etc

District
Porbandar
STD Code
0286
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 12-33°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Birthplace of Gandhiji

Patan

State
Gujarat

Patan, originally known as Anhil-Vad-Pattan, is ancient fortified town situated on the banks of Saraswati River, famous for 100 Jain temples and Patola silk sarees.

History

Patan was founded in 746 AD by the Chavda king, Vanraj Chavda. Many rulers of Rajput clans of Chavdas, Solanki and Vaghalas ruled the state of Gujarat from Patan. The town flourished during the Solanki dynasty in 8th-11th century and has some interesting monuments and was known as the Golden age of Gujarat. The city also served as the capital of the formidable Solankis, but lost all its charm when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked it in AD 1024. Ravaged by time and plundered for religion and riches, very little of the city's earlier glory remains now. Today, Patan is celebrated the world over for its exquisite Patola silk sarees.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport from Patan is Ahmedabad, situated at a distance of 125 km from the city.

By Rail: Patan lies on the Western Railway network of the Indian railways. The city is well connected with the rest of the country via a number of trains. There are many express and local trains that operate daily and are perfect for traveling from Ahmedabad to Patan.

By Road: Patan is linked to the rest of the country through a good road network. The State Transport Corporation runs buses link Patan to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

Shopping

Patan is also known for the unique weaving craft of ‘Patola’ silk sarees. These sarees are produced in a great vast process by the Ikat technique. Threads are tie-dyed to create the pattern before the weaving process begins.

Accommodation

Patan has some standard as well as budget hotels. Most of the budget hotels are situated near the bus stand and the railway station. Services are good, but at many of the places non-vegetarian food is not available.

Attractions

HANDICRAFTS
The Patan Patola is one of the finest hand-woven textiles produced the world over. It combines the art of tying and dyeing of the warp and weft threads and their weaving together, when each warp thread is carefully placed against the corresponding colors of the weft. Also known as the double Ikat, it is woven only in Bali, Indonesia besides Patan.

In an area called Sadvi Wada, one can watch the complex weaving of silk Patola saris, which are now made by just one family. Each sari takes from four to six months to produce, and is sold for up to Rs. 70, 000 (more than US$ 2,000). Silk threads are dyed in a set pattern before being woven on a complex loom and utmost care is taken to ensure completely even tension throughout the fabric.

Patan produces very intricate patterns worked with precision and clarity with the characteristic geometric delineation of the design, while maintaining the soft hazy outlines, a natural effect of the technique.

District
Patan district
STD Code
02766
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
The city is famous for 100 Jain temples and Patola silk sarees

Kutch

State
Gujarat

Kutch, (also spelled as Kachchh), is virtually an island, as it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, the Gulf of Kutch in south and southeast and Rann of Kutch in north and northeast. It is a unique landscape with salty marshland, covered with desert. The culture of the people of Kutch is rich to its core and they still preserve the ancient art and craft techniques, prevalent in the region.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peeplewatcher/3636186947/

History

Kachchh is one of those places where the existence of Indus valley civilization was confirmed. It was formerly an independent kingdom, founded in the late 13th century by a Samma Rajput branch called Jadeja Rajputs. After the independence of India, it was created a state within the union of India in 1950. In 1956, Kutch State was merged with Bombay state, which in 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, with Kutch becoming part of Gujarat state.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest Airport is Bhuj and Kandla.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Gandhidham and Bhuj.

By Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat.

Attractions

The Flamingo Land
The marshes of Kachchh are the only known breeding ground for flamingoes in India. In a cycle of once in a decade, when conditions are favourable, flamingoes descend in thousands to breed on islands in the Great Rann. After a good monsoon rainfall you can hope to sight these majestic birds in Dhand, in Banni. However a journey to the Flamingo city near Kala Dungar means a back breaking camel tide for 48 hours through slush and marshes. But if you can wade through this mire you know the toil was not in vain. It is a breath I taking sight to watch thousands of flamingoes with their young-ones.

Sighting the Wild Ass, Ghorkhur is not as difficult and tedious as the flamingoes. These asses romp the marshy lands in quest of the coarse grass that grows on the bets or islands during monsoon. Come summer and these asses move on to other bets where there is a perennial supply of water.

When it comes to speed and stamina few can match the wild ass. It is a marathon runner. If lucky you could see this sturdy beast gallop untiringly for hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h over short distances.

However much of the fauna in Kachchh has been edged out by human beings like everywhere else. Chronicles recount panthers roaming wild around Bhuj. However, now perhaps less than half a dozen remain around the Dhinodnar mountain. If you are lucky you may find the Blackbuck cross your path. Persevere and you could sight the Cinkara and Nilgai too.

A more common sight when you are in Kachchh is the camel. Amongst domestic animals, the Kachchhi camel Is a fleet footed beast more suited for riding than carrying loads. It can stomp and j splash through the marshy lands unlike the Rajasthani camel and is therefore best suited for Kachchh.

Kutch Mahotsav
Kutch Mahotsav which is organized every year to promote tourism in the region. It is the best way to explore the culturally rich district. It takes you around the various historical as well as religious places in Kutch. Therefore, be a part of the Mahotsav and enjoy the Kutch experience.

District
Kutch
STD Code
02832
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
November to March

Bhuj

State
Gujarat

Bhuj is located in the Kutch Region and is an interesting place due to the fact that it was once the capital of the Princely state of Kutch. It is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch, the natural reserve.

Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujia fortress, which overlooks the city from a nearby hill. The old walled town of Bhuj presents a picture of contrasts with its narrow streets and ancient monuments in the vicinity of the planned township of Gandhidham and the modern port of Kandla. Bhuj’s history is clearer from the monuments and the “havelis” that stands with great pride as a traditional building in today’s contemporary world.

History

The history of Bhuj can be traced back to the time of the Naga Chieftain. The place is the witness of the exile of the Pandawas during the Mahabharata and the political invasion with the coming of the Alexander the Great. The city of Bhuj was founded in 1510 by the local ruler Maharao Hamir. From the mid 16th century with the coming up of the Jadeja Rajput rulers, Bhuj stood more important as a city than it was. It was made the capital during the reign of Rao Khengarji I in the year 1549. During the British rule in India, Bhuj remained an independent princely state. In the year 1947 when India gained independence Bhuj became a part of India.

Accessibility

By Air: Bhuj is connected by air to the major cities of India.

By Rail: The railway station of Bhuj falls on the Gandhidham-Bhuj railway line.

By Road: State buses are easily available from Ahmedabad.

Shopping

Shopping in Bhuj is definitely a lifetime experience. Bhuj is quite a fascinating place to be in beacause of its gateways, old palaces, ornate temples and winding lanes. There are quite a few shopping centers that make Shopping in Bhuj quite easy.

The items on offer in the Bhuj markets include silver jewelry, gold jewelry and many other items. Tourists come from every corner of the world and from all over India for Shopping in Bhuj, Gujarat. Tourists should be good at bargaining because the bargaining skill will definitely be required. The shopkeepers dress up in traditional clothes. The shopkeepers purposely charge high prices because they know that the visitors will bargain. The bazaars in Bhuj follow the old traditional style of displaying goods and items.

Accommodation

Hotels in Bhuj offer well-furnished and comfortable rooms. There are a number of mid- and low-budget hotels and a few top-end hotels in Bhuj. Most of these hotels are situated in and around the New Station Road. Prince Hotel is a prominent hotel in Bhuj.Tourists can also stay at Ahmedabad (415 kms) enroute to Bhuj.

District
Kutch
STD Code
02832
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 23-44°C, Winter 10-36°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Administrative City of Kutch

Bharuch

State
Gujarat

Bharuch, located on the banks of River Narmada, is an ancient town with 2000 year history and one of the heavily industrialized cities in Gujarat.It is well known for textile mills and long staple cotton.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BrSwamitemple.JPG

History

Bharuch, in the ancient times, was a small village and was considered as sacred by the sages. It is acclaimed to be the oldest seaports which prospered in the 1st century AD. As per the history, Bharuch came under the rule of the Solanki rajputs much later. The city got its name 'Bhrigukachba' from the Temple of Bhrigu Rishi, the name later shortened to Bharuch.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Vadodara,about 130 kms.

By Rail: Bharuch is on the Western Railway network and is well-linked with the rest of the country.

By Road: Bharuch has a good road network with good network of National and State Highways. The State Transport Corporation connects it to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

Getaways
Saputara
Udvada
District
Bharuch district
STD Code
02642
Topic
Upcoming
WGW_Ahmedabad
Best time to visit
Octobar to March

Senapati

State
Manipur

Senapati is a wonderful place in the state, bestowed with natural beauty in its rich vegetation, blue hills, lush green valleys, cascading streams and beautiful rivers and wildlife which makes it a perfect destination for tourists. Around 80% of the area of the district is covered with forest.

Accessibility

Imphal Airport lies 8 km from Imphal city toward south. Imphal connects the place with Guwahati, Delhi, and Calcutta. Indian Airlines connects Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati on a daily basis. You can reach Senapati from Imphal by road.

Rail

Dimapur, 215 km from Imphal, is the nearest railhead for Manipur. You can reach Senapati from Imphal by road.

Road

Imphal is connected by road with Dimapur by National Highway 39 and Silchar by National Highway 53. You can reach Senapati from Imphal by road.

Accommodation

Excellent accommodation facilities are available in and around Imphal for the tourists coming from all over the world. Stay in Imphal and go for a day trip to Senapati, Manipur.

STD Code
0385
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to March
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