Museums abound here. Some, such as Gandhi Smarak Sangrahala (Ahmedabad) and Gandhi Museum (Bhvnagar), focus on the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. Others, such as the Calico Museum of Textiles (Ahmedabad), examine the role of textiles in religious rituals. But, without a doubt, Science City is the most unique museum among them -- it's not just a museum, but a combination museum-theme park that uses exhibits and thriller rides (and an IMAX theater) to demonstrate the effects of science on modern life.
For those individuals who thrill to ancient sagas, there are plenty of forts and temples filled with artifacts and stories of days gone by. The numerous parks and sanctuaries offer naturalists a refreshing peek into the exotic fauna and flora of the region, as well, and are best viewed during the months between December and April when the weather is most suitable. Marine National Park, Gir National Park, and the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary play a big role in attracting tourists.
When the days grow warm and the cities become too dusty to enjoy, the beaches of Ahmedpur-Mandvi, Kutch-Mandvi, and Gopnath present a delightful escape where you can sink your toes into the sand and let the cool waters lap your feet.
Romantic souls will definitely find the gardens of Ahmedabad and the palace at the heart of Wadi Kankaria Lake, beautiful in fairytale-like proportions. The exotic charm of Gujarat seems to embed itself into the soul where it will never be forgotten. Old, yet new; romantic, yet practical - this diabolical state is a powerhouse of eastern charm.
Gujarat's main cities are highlighted below.
Ahmedabad
The site of Gandhi's March to the Sea, is packed with religious and historical artifacts. But, this is also a modern city with sophisticated malls, flashy hotels, and a feast of restaurants.
The most significant historical museum in town is the Gandhi Ashram which offers a library, memorial, and a museum that presents a comprehensive examination into the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. The Calico Textile Museum is another must-see with over 500 years worth of textile exhibits!
The man-made Kankaria Lake was created in the 15th Century and remains as one of the most popular recreational sites within the city. Encircling the lake are a number of parks, an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a zoo; and at its core is an island garden. Some of the most well- appointed hotels in the area include Naeeka Hotel, The Quality Inn Rivera, Taj Residency; Cama Hotel; Fortune Hotel Landmark; and Le Meridien, all of which treat their guests like royalty.
Points of Interest:
Ahmed Shah's Mosque; Bhadra Fort; Calico Museum of Textiles; Hussain Doshi's Gufa; Huthising Temple; Institute of Indology; Jama Masjid; Kankaria Lake; Narayan Temple; N.C. Mehta Museum of Miniatures; Raj Babri's Mosque; Rani Rupmati's Mosque; Rani Sipri's Mosque; Roza of Sarkhej; Sabarmathi Ashram; Shreyas Folk Museum; Sidi Sayad's Mosque; Shahi Bag; Sidi Bashir's Mosque; Tombs of Ahmed Shah; Utensils Museum
Bhavnagar
With its ancient temples, and lakes, is a popular stopover for Jain pilgrims. Here, Velavadar National Park (36 kilometers of grassland), is home to the blackbuck, jungle cat, and wild pig.
Once a booming seaport, Bhavnagar has lost its economic umbilical cord to the sea in all but the Ghogha and Alang ports where mega ships still rule. Most of the stores are clustered along Crescent Circle where shoppers are presented with a wide selection of traditional and contemporary wares. The best hotels in town are the Nilambagh Place Hotel, which also has a multi-cultural restaurant, and Dil Bahar Heritage Hotel.
There are a number of interesting sites to see in Bhavnagar, depending on one's interests. Anyone who is into the sciences will, undoubtedly, find The Central Salt and Marine Research Institute highly appealing, while those individuals most interested in the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi will want to see the Gandhi Smriti Museum and the Gandhi Memorial. But, the romantics among you may opt for a picnic lunch on the shores of Gaurishankar Lake.
There are not too many hotels in the area, unfortunately, but these are worth mentioning. Apollo Hotel has all the major amenities from air conditioning to on-site restaurant, babysitting services, and an on-call medical service; Blue Hill Hotel with similar amenities, minus the babysitter and doctor; and Hotel Nilambagh Palace, a deluxe 18-room hotel, that was once a royal palace.
Points of Interest:
Burton Library and Museum; Gandhi Smriti; Ganagagalia; Lock Gate; Nilambag Palace; Takhteshwar Temple Palace; Town Hall: Velavadar National Park
Gandhinagar
This isGujarat's capital. Its main attraction is Akshardham, a 6000-metric ton pink sandstone temple/museum/ theme park, surrounded by 15 acres of gardens, fountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
