WGW_Ahmedabad

Sirohi

State

Sirohi is the only hill station of the state, broken up by the hills and rocky ranges.

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History

Sirohi was founded by the Deoras. The founder of the Deoras dynasty was Deoraj. Rao Sobhaji, the 6th descendent of Rao Deoraj, founded the town of Shivpuri in 1405. Latter in the year 1425, his son Sehastramal founded a fortress, which became the capital and turned into present day town of Sirohi.

During the 19th century, many wars were fought between the hill tribes of the area. In 1817, the protection of the British was sought and finally in1823 a treaty was concluded with the British government. Sirohi became a part of Rajputana Agency and a self-governing princely state within the British India.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Sirohi is at Udaipur. It is only 110 kms from Sirohi. The private buses and taxis ensure best service from Sirohi to the airport.

Rail: There are nine railway stations in Sirohi district. The Western Railways of India connects the place.

Road: The road transportation of the place is very fine which connect the place to the other major cities of Rajasthan during Rajasthan travel.

District
Sirohi
STD Code
02972
Termperature
Summer 25-40°C, Winter 10-24°C
Best time to visit
February to June

Mount Abu

State

Mount Abu, literally ‘Hill of Wisdom’, is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal". It was the summer resort for the Maharajas and the princes to escape the sweltering desert. The gigantic blocks of rock, towering along the crest of the hill, the lush green trees and the colourful birds and animals make the place as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Mount Abu is also a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre.

History

The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull.

On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is the Dabok airport in Udaipur, which is 210 km away from Mount Abu. The airport is connected to other airports such as Delhi (760 km), Jaipur (505 km) and Mumbai (765 km). The taxi fare from airport to Mount Abu is about Rs 2000.

Rail: The nearest railhead is the Abu Road Station that is located on the main line between Delhi and Mumbai. The station well connected to all major railheads in India via Delhi and Mumbai.

Road: The tourist buses ply from Jaipur (505 km), Udaipur (185 km), Delhi (760 km) and Jaisalmer (620 km) to Mount Abu. The tariff per seat varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km and the frequency varies from every day to twice a week. State owned buses connects Mount Abu with neighbouring cities

Shopping

Mount Abu is an enchanting hill resort in Rajasthan.Shopping in Mount Abu is going to be an enthralling experience as the markets of Mount Abu are stacked with a variety of handicrafts from Rajasthan and the neighboring state of Gujarat. Textiles, jewellery, curios in wood, metal and marble, you name it and they have it all in Mount Abu.

Most of the shops in Mount Abu are located around the beautiful Nakki Lake, which makes your shopping in Mount Abu a pleasurable experience. Rajasthani paintings, leather articles and stone crafts make good souvenirs. If you have a fascination for textiles and fabrics, then you should check out the Kota saris, linen with Sanganeri prints or even the lightweight Jaipury quilt.

For Rajasthan Handicrafts like metal, stone and wooden curios, you can shop at the Government Handicrafts Emporium, Khadi Bhandar, Kashmir Cottage emporium and a host of other shops in the town.

Accommodation

If you want to get some spiritual solace amidst the peace and quiet of a desert, then what better idea than to check into a hotel in Mount Abu. A hill station and a pilgrimage center at once, Mount Abu is an enchanting destination.

Hotels in Mount Abu epitomize the traditional hospitality coupled with modern amenities. The delectable range of authentic cuisine will overwhelm you.

Some of the prominent hotels in Mount Abu are:

Three Star Hotels

Hotel Hilltone
Four Star Hotel
Hotel Hillock

Heritage Hotel

Cama Rajputana Club Resort
Hotel Connaught House
Hotel Palanpur Palace
Hotel Rising Sun Retreat

Budget Hotel

Hotel Shikhar

Attractions

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held at the lone hill Station of the Rajasthan, Mount Abu. The festival is organized every year in the month of June. The scenic town of Mt. Abu with its rocky terrain, serene lakes, arresting locations and the pleasant climate constitutes the perfect venue for the Rajasthan Summer Festival. The festival goes on for three-day and showcases the traditions, culture and the tribal life of Rajasthan. Folk and classical music is the high point of the Summer Festival.

Beginning of the Summer Festival of Mount Abu, Rajasthan is marked by the singing of a ballad. Following thereafter, are the folk dancers of Rajasthan, entertaining the spectators with their performance. There are also some sports events organized in the festival like a boat race on the Nakki Lake. Other attractions of the Summer Festival include Sham-e-Qawwali, a musical extravaganza. In this program known qawwals from all over the country perform and delight the audience. The festival reaches its end with a splendid and enthralling display of impressive fireworks.

District
Sirohi
STD Code
02974
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 5-28°C
Best time to visit
Feb to June and Sept to December

Dungarpur

State

Dungarpur, the City of Hills, is a small town founded in the 13ht century.

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History

Dungarpur district is the stronghold of the Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli range is said to date back to 4000 BC.Founded in 1197. The rulers of Dungarpur claim descent from the Rajput house of Mewar. The first rulers of Dungarpur were Kunwar Mahap and his descendants who resided in the town of Galiankot, where their ruined castle still stands. Towards the end of the 12th century, Samant Singh, the eldest son of the ruler of Mewar, had to leave Mewar in favor of his younger brother Kumar Singh. Samant Singh drifted into the hilly area of Bagar and, within the next century, Samant Singh's successors controlled the whole province of Bagar. Rawal Udai Singh of Bagar was killed at the battle of Khanua in 1527, fighting for Mewar against Moghul Emperor Babur. His territory was thereafter divided between his two sons, forming two separate states. Prithvi Raj remained in Dungarpur while his brother Jagmal Singh became independent ruler of Banswara.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport is Udaipur, approx 110 Km from Dungarpur.

Rail

The nearest railway station from Dungarpur is Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), which is 80 km away and connected to major cities and towns of the country.

Bus

Dungarpur is approchable by road from Udaipur (110 km). A network of roads connects Dungarpur to cities and towns of Rajasthan and North India. State transport as well as private bus service is easily available for different cities and towns.

District
Dungarpur
STD Code
02964
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Banswara

State

Banswara, literally "the forest country", was a Rajput feudatory state in Rajputana during British India. It derived its name from bans or bamboo shoots, which once grew in abundance around the places. The town has some Jain and Hindu temples and old mosques.

History

The district is named after the former Princely State of Banswara. There are two traditions regarding the etymology of Banswara. According to one tradition, it is derived from the name of the Bhil chief Bansia who ruled over this area before being killed by Maharaval Jagmal Singh in 1529 CE. According to the other tradition, the name is derived from the Bans Vara (the country of bamboos) due to the abundance of bamboos in the dense forests of this region.

Accessibility

Air

Nearest airport is Udaipur (160 kms) and airport in Indore (212 kms)

Rail

Rail Nearest railway station is in Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) (80 kms) connected with all the major cities of the country.

Road

No route in the district has so far been nationalised. Rajasthan, Gujarat and M.P. Roadways and the private travel agencies operate frequent buses to major cities like Ahmadabad, Baroda, Ujjain, Bhopa, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Bombay, Delhi etc.

District
Banswara
STD Code
02962
Termperature
Summer 32-40°C, Winter 12-22°C
Best time to visit
October-March

Udaipur

State

Udiapur is a picturesque city and is a must for travellers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan. It is the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

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History

The legend of Udaipur has it that the city was built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1568, after being advised by a sage to do so. Years later, when he was defeated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Chittor, he set up his new kingdom in Udaipur.

After his death, Pratap Singh took over the reins of the kingdom while Udaipur continued to be besieged by Mughal invaders and later, the Marathas. With the advent of the British, a treaty to protect Udaipur was signed between the ruler and the British. The history of Udaipur took another important turn when it was merged with the Indian Territory after independence.

Accessibility

By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur is located at Dabok, 22 km away from the heart of Udaipur city. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail: Udaipur is located in the main broad gauge railway line and the railway station is connected to all other railway stations in India. Passenger and express train services are available from Udaipur to nearby cities like Jaipur and Jaisalmer.

By Road: Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan. Volvo super deluxe buses are available from Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad to Udaipur.

Shopping

Udaipur is one of the best places in Rajasthan to pick up exquisite crafts and looms made by the gifted artisans of the place. The best buys of Udaipur include folk toys, colourful tie-dye sarees and clothes, hand painted fabrics, silver jewellery, wall hangings and miniature paintings.

The main markets of Udaipur are located on the Lake Palace road and around Jagdish temple. Two of the best places for shopping in Udaipur are Rajasthali-the govt. fixed price emporium and Sadhana-a fixed price shop run by an NGO for charitable purposes.
Shopping in Udaipur is a great delight. The region has a rich tradition of handicrafts, which are acclaimed all over the world. The ace craftsmen of Udaipur and around create incredible of artifacts. The tradition had flourished under the patronage of the royalties and continues to flow till date.

Miniature painting is a notable art form in Udaipur, which has matured over the ages. It's a very different form of painting featuring long necks, large almond-shaped eyes, long fingers and the use of subdued colours. Check out such items while shopping in Udaipur.

Silver jewelry and potteries are also noted handicrafts in Udaipur. Intricately designed silverware and exquisite pottery are big hits with those who go for shopping in Udaipur

Go for stone carved items and puppets while shopping in Udaipur. Puppet making is a traditional art form in this region, which has gone places. Alongside stone carved artifacts also serve as good souvenirs.

There are many shopping joints for shopping in Udaipur. In most of the premium hotel you would find plush showrooms with a large display of objets d'art. The Government run Handicrafts Emporium has a number of centers in the city where you can look for a variety of authentic items.

Accommodation

Some hotels are located in the city center whereas a few are on the outskirt offering a tranquil environment for a fulfilling Udaipur experience. Food is also interesting in Udaipur. Several hotels in Udaipur have good restaurants where you can taste a variety of local cuisine to continental fare.

PREMIUM HERITAGE HOTELS

Fateh Prakash Palace
Shiv Niwas Palace
Devi Garh Palace

LUXURY HOTELS

Taj Lake Palace
Udai Vilas
Trident Hilton

BUDGET HOTELS

Shikarbadi Hotel
Lake Pichola Hotel
Jagat Niwas Palace

Attractions

Mewar Festival
The Mewar Festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). It is organized to mark the beginning of the spring season. Rajasthan Mewar Festival overlaps with the Gangaur festival. A procession carrying the images of Isar and Gangaur, ornamented and dressed in colorful attire, is taken at the time of the festival. The procession goes through the various areas of Udaipur and comes to an end at the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichola. Thereafter, the images are moved on to special boats. After this whole process is over, cultural events take over the celebration of the festival. Rajasthan folk songs, dances and other programs take the center stage. The festival concludes with a remarkable display of fireworks.

District
Udaipur
STD Code
0294
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 5-28°C
Best time to visit
October-March

Vadodara

State

Vadodara, formerly known as "Baroda", is the third largest city in Gujarat. The city stands on the bank of River Vishwamitri, flanked by a number of graceful buildings like palaces, parks, temples and museums.

In the ancient time, it served as the capital city of Gaekwads, the former rulers of Vadodara. It is a historical city and an erstwhile princely state, which reached its peak of glory back in 19th century. Today the city is an industrial hub of modern India.

History

Vadodara was once called "Chandravati", after its ruler Raja Chandan. The name then changed to "Viravati", (or "Abode of the Brave"), and then subsequently to "Vadpatra" given the abundance of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri River where the city is locate. "Vadpatra", over time, evolved into Vadodara. The history of Vadodara can be traced back to more than thousand years with the rise and fall Hindu, Pathan, Moghul and Maratha kingdoms. But its prominence grew following the control of the city by the Marathas (from the Mughals) in 1732 when Rao Pilaji expanded his empire northwards into Gujarat. The place remained with the Gaekwads from 1734 to till India's independence.

Accessibility

By Air: Various domestic airlines connecting Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Daman, Pune.

By Rail: Vadodara is on the Western Railways, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad line.

By Road: Vadodara is 112 km from Ahmedabad and 420 km from Mumbai and is well connected by road.

Getaways
Shopping

Shopping in Baroda will be a pleasure for the art connoisseur because Baroda is the city of artists and painters and the MS University's Fine Arts College holds regular art exhibitions. For shoppers interested in silver jewellery, Raopura, Teen Darwaza and Mandvi offer a range of oxidized silver. One can check out the local Khadi Bhandar center for handicrafts, fabric and readymade handspun cotton clothes.

Camel leather and related arts of embedding pure gold and stone colors, on camel leather and hide vessels are well known here.

As Vadodara is the city of artists and painters, so the shopping in the city will be a pleasant experience for art lovers. Besides artifacts, silver jewellery is another highlight of shopping in Vadodara. Raopura, Teen Darwaza and Mandvi offer a huge range of oxidized silver. You can check out the local Khadi Bhandar centre for fabric, handicrafts and readymade handspun cotton clothes.

Accommodation

Most of the Vadodara's hotels are designed by keeping in mind the business travellers. Here you will find several mid-range hotels and deluxe hotels as well. In Vadodara most of the hotels are grouped in the Sayaji Gunj area just south of the railway station. Some of the famous Vadodara hotels are mentioned below :

Deluxe Hotels : Welcomgroup Vadodara (R.C. Dutt Road)

Standard Hotels : Hotel Express (R.C. Dutt Road), Surya Palace (Sayaji Gunj), Hotel Revival (Sayaji Garden), The Hotel Airport (Harni Road, Opp Airport), Hotel Yuvraj (Near Bus Stand), Hotel Aditi (Sayaji Gunj), Hotel Ambassador (Sayaji Gunj), Hotel Rama Inn (Sayaji Gunj), Hotel Express Alkapuri (Alkapuri) etc.

The hotels in Baroda range from 5 star hotels to government approved hotels. Baroda also offers low-budget accommodation but the low-budget hotels are located on the western part of the city across the River Vishwamitra.Most of the mid-range and top-range hotels are conveniently located near the railway station.

The prominent hotels in Baroda are:

 Taj Residency
 ITC Welcomgroup
 Revival Group Surya Star Hotel

District
Vadodara District
STD Code
0265
Termperature
Summer 26-43°C, Winter 8-33°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Vadodara is known for its palaces, museums and parks

Surat

State

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
Best time to visit
October to March

Rajkot

State

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
Termperature
Summer 33-43°C, Winter 19-27°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Gandhinagar

State

Gandhinagar, situated on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, is the capital city of the state and proudly boasts its identity as one of the few planned city in India. It is the commercial and the cultural hub of the state and looks beautiful with the organized and architectural design. It is known as second planned city in India after Chandigarh. The city is well known for its Educational and Research Institutes.

History

Gandhinagar emerged as the new capital for the state of Gujarat after establishment of the city around 1960s and got an identity of its own when the state of Mumbai was divided into two separate states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Mumbai since then became a part of Maharashtra and Gandhinagar became a part of Gujarat as a state. The city owes it name to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and boasts of its status as city which held a great importance during the struggle for the nation’s independence. Mahatma Gandhi belonged to this place and the historical background of Gandhinagar proves the point that many national movements which were planned to gain the nation’s freedom started from Gandhinagar.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad and there are regular flights scheduled for all domestic and certain international destinations as well.

By Rail:
both Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad are well connected by railways with all parts of India.

By Road:
There are State as well as private owned bus services that connect Gandhinagar with all parts of Gujarat.

Shopping

Shopping in Gandhinagar is incomplete without the purchase of Khadi clothing. This fiber has an enormous historical significance in the political history of India as Mahatma Gandhi popularized the use of this hand spun fiber to mark a protest against the exorbitant prices charged by the British for their cotton manufactures from Manchester.

Hence, Gandhinagar is a perfect place to buy all clothes made from cotton as well as its derivative fibers. The Shops in Gandhinagar sell a wide variety of cotton articles that range from shirts, trousers, and suits for men as well as sarees, salwars, kurtas for women. All these items can be bought at rates cheaper than most other Cities in Gujarat.

Moreover, the markets of Gandhinagar are also known to sell a host of other articles both of personal use as well as for decoration. The pottery and other handicrafts of this region also deserve a mention.

Accommodation

Gandhinagar offers plenty of accommodation option for tourists. Ranging from luxurry to budget category, the hotels in Gandhinagar provides a pleasant stay to guests. You may also stay in Ahmedabad where you find a wide range of hotels. Some of the famous hotels of Ahmedabad are mentioned below.

Deluxe Hotels : Le Meridien (Khanpur), Hotel Taj Residency Ummed (Hansol), Hotel Cama Park Plaza (Khanpur) and Fortune Hotel Landmark by Welcomgroup (Ashram Road).

Standard Hotels : Hotel Comfort Inn Sunset (Hansol), Inder Residency (Ellisbridge), Quality Inn Rivera (Khanpur), The Chambers (Ellisbridge), The Westend (Ellisbridge), Hotel Fortune.

District
Gandhinagar
STD Code
079
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-22°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Bhavnagar

State

Bhavnagar is a coastal city, located in the Saurashtra region and is also known as Kathiawar. It is known as the cultural capital of Saurastra. It was once the capital of a princely state ruled over by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar and still exhibits the age old charm and royalty, which contribute to travel and tourism in the city.

History

Bhavnagar was founded in 1743 AD by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the Suryavanshi ruler whose ancestors had migrated from Marwar five centuries earlier. The name Bhavnagar was derived from the king's own name, the suffix nagar meaning a city. It continued to be a princely state enjying the patronage of benign rulers till she was finally merged into India at the time of Independence and formed the erstwhile state of Saurashtra. It finally became a part of the present-day state of Gujarat.

Accessibility

By Air: Bhavnagar nas a airport well connected with Mumbai.

By Rail: Bhavnagar and Palitana are on the metre guage line of the Western Railway.

By Road:
Bhavnagar is well connected by road with towns and cities in Western and Northern India. Ahmedabad is 200 kms, Rajkot is 178kms and Vadodara or Baroda is 280 kms (link to Travel to Baroda page) from Bhavnagar. The main bust stand is about a kilometer from Ganga Jalia tank.

Shopping

Shopping in Bhavnagar can be fascinating for the tourists who are interested in ethnic ware and traditional fabrics like appliqué work and embroidery. Most of the shopping places are located on Crescent Circle near the Clock Tower and Aysar, located at the Madhav Hill Complex. The main shopping center is located in Darbargarh area of the city. Bhavnagar offers both traditional and modern goods to the traveler.

Accommodation

The hotels in Bhavnagar range from star and heritage hotels to medium and low budget hotels. Medium budget hotels are quite common in this bustling industrial city and they are located in the old city near the railway station. The hotels in Bhavnagar are known for their traditional cuisine and hospitality of Gujarat.

Some of the prominent hotels in Bhavnagar are:

Heritage Hotels in Bhavnagar
Hotel Nilambagh Palace

3 Star Hotels in Bhavnagar
Blue Hill Hotel

2 Star Hotels in Bhavnagar
Hotel White Rose

District
Bhavnagar District
STD Code
0278
Termperature
Summer 35-43°C, Winter 15-22°C
Best time to visit
October to March