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.

There are very few hotels in town. One of the best is Haveli Hotel, which offers A/C, refrigerator, and CATV. Another establishment, Cambay Spa & Resort, has an on-site restaurant.

Points of Interest:

Akshardham

Jamnagar

A 16th Century coastal town, is a mix of old and new. A must-see is the Marine National Park, located about 30 kilometers from town. Composed of an archipelago of man-made islands built mostly from coral, the park is a haven for thousands of fish that swim freely in the waters, creating a shimmering kaleidoscope of color. And, exotic birds nest in the tangled flora. .Perched in the heart of the city, sits Lake Lakhota which is occupied by two ancient forts that are now home to a museum and an arsenal.

Famous for tie dye fabrics and pearl fisheries, Jamnagar is well appointed with shops, eateries and hotels for every budget. This town is sparked with activities from concerts to internet cafes and gyms.

Points of Interest:

Bhujio Kotho; Jain Temples; Lakhota Palace and Kotha Bastion; Marine National Park

Surat

Once a great seaport, is famous for silk fabrics and diamonds (this “Diamond Capital of the World,” cuts and polishes 75% of the world's diamonds). Its skinny streets are reminiscent of its Dutch-Portuguese heritage and a river cuts through the center of town, splitting it into an older half and newer halves. On the outskirts of town, there are several beaches where one can wash away the cares of the world.

Surat is well appointed with hotels and restaurants. Especially noteworthy is the 5-star Hotel Holiday Inn with 131 air-conditioned rooms and suites, panoramic views, and a full-service restaurant.

The city has no airport, but is well connected by rail. National Highway 8 serves as the main thoroughfare connecting Surat with other cities within the state

Points of Interest:

Bardoli; Dandi; Dumas; Dutch Cemetery; Gopipura; Hajira and Tithal; Makaipul; Old Fort; Ukai and Textile Market; Winchester Museum

Vadodara

This city is enchanted with palaces and parks, and is steeped in history. Some of the structures here are truly remarkable, especially the palatial Town Hall, Laxmi Vilas and Nazarbaug Palace. .

Lovers will not want to miss Surgasgar Lake on moonlit nights when the ripples dance to the shimmer of lunar glow. And there's no need to worry where you will find your next meal or sleep in town as there are plenty of hotels, eateries, and stores for every whim and budget.

Points of Interest:

Aurbindo Society; Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery; Darbar Hall; EME Temple; Khandaro Market; Kirti Mandir; Lalbaug; Laxmi Vilas Palace; Lehnipura Gate; Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum; Maharaja Sayajirao University; Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Gruh; Mandvi Gate; Markapura Palace; Maqbara; Nazarbaug Palace; Nimeta Garden; Nyaymandir; Sardar Patel Planetarium; Sayajibaug Clock; Sayajigunj Circle; Sayaji Sarovar; Sursagar Lake; Surya Mandir; Tambekarwada

The state is characterized by a central plateau surrounded by mountain peaks and is one of the oldest spots in India. Anyone interested in history and archeology would love this place! It has some of the oldest artifacts of human civilization dating back to the Paleolithic era (25,000 B.C.), and is the home of nearly 40% of India's aboriginal tribes.

There's a world of things to do and see here. Social events are plentiful and sparked with excitement as numerous festivals are sprinkled throughout the region adding color, music and dance to each corner of the state. The intricate designs of the antiquated temples, the skilled handicrafts of modern-day artisans, and the ancient paintings of prehistoric man are both beautiful and inspirational.

For those who prefer the wonders of nature, the magnificent bamboo forests await with a whole new world of exotic fauna and flora. There are 9 national forests and 21 wildlife sanctuaries open to the public. Everything from leopards and tigers to crocs, turtles, and migratory birds live within their borders. Naturalists are in for front-seat viewing of some of the world's most exotic creatures. And, there are countless bridal paths in the state that run past waterfalls, forests, rocks, cliffs, and glades, offering an unforgettable glimpse of paradise.

Madhya Pradesh is a world where art and nature unite to burn the fires of romance with a backdrop of antiquated beauty. From the artful masterpieces of Bharat Bhavan to the romantic stone structures of Mandu, and the soft beams of moonlight on the marble cliffs of Jabalpur, Madyha Pradesh is a land of love and beauty.

Bhopal

In 1956, Bhopal became the official capital of Madhya Pradesh.. Its main source of economic strength today is cotton fabrics and jewelry and is the home of India's largest mosque, the Taj-ul-Masjid.

Bhopal is a focal point for Indian art and culture, the home of theatrical productions and colorful art work, and the hangout of the literary crowd. It is a well-planned community that appeals to the active masses with festivals, dances, and artistic pursuits.

Sleeps in the area range from budget to plus-plus luxury. One of the best hotels for the average Joe is Hotel Residency, a government-approved 4-star hotel with a health club, pool and sauna, 24-hour room service, and a doctor on call. In addition to the recreational amenities, this 47-room hotel offers business travelers the comforts of internet access, as well as secretarial and foreign money exchange services. And best of all, it has a restaurant with a wide variety of cuisines and spirits.

Although there are many different restaurants in town with menus ranging from Indo-Chinese to an inter-cultural mix (as found in the locally-lauded GENERATIONEXT), it is wise to follow the traveler's rule of thumb: the safest places to dine are in a 3-star or better hotel.

Shopping is an exciting sport here, especially for tourists. Bargain jewelry made of filigree silver is one of the many souvenirs available. Leather products and bean handbags can be added to the list, as well.

Points of Interest: Taj-ul-Masjid; Jama Majid; Moti Majid; Bharat Rhavan; The Tribal Habitat (Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya); Upper Lake; Lower Lake; Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Indore: Located in the Narmada river valley, Indore is the commercial heart of the state and its largest city. It has a number of temples and monuments and provides the perfect getaway for adventurer-seekers looking to escape the humdrum of the city and to head out on a tiger safari to catch the big cat on film.

A cluster of mini malls keeps the shoppers smiling, and a popular tourist site is The Indore Museum with its excellent selection of medieval and pre-medieval artifacts. The art and cultural displays found in the Town Hall (Ghandi Hall) are also worth seeing.

Indore is well connected to other Indian cities by air, road, and rail. And, there is a selection of accommodations in town ranging from budget stays to luxury-end hotels. Taj Residency Hotel, Indore's 5-star hotel, offers travelers a swimming pool and fitness center, a bakery, barbershop, and even babysitting services. It also has three on-site restaurants.

Points of Interest

Kanch Mandir; Rajwada; Bada Ganpati Temple; Lal Bagh

Gwalior is famous for its rock fortress that has guarded North India for centuries. Within its staunch boundaries lies the old town where the seeds of the Jain religion took root and ancient palaces flaunt their intricate designs. The city is also famous for its carpet industry.

Travelers to Gwalior should be prepared for extreme weather variations. Winters here are bitter and the summers fiery hot. The best time to visit is between October and March. One of the favorite pastimes is attending classical music performances. Each year around November or December, the city holds a classical music festival that brings in the country's best musicians and performers.

Two of the best accommodations in town offer guests the royal treatment: Usha Kiran Palace Hotel, recipient of the National Award for Excellence, has 30 air-conditioned rooms and suites with luxurious art-deco furnishings; and The Hotel Shelter, a castle with banquet facilities, 68 luxurious rooms, a relaxing pool in a tropical setting, and the savory selections of its Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Located about 321 km from Delhi, the city has good air, rail, and road connections. Bus service running between Gwalior and other major cities is also good.

Points of Interest

The Fort; Jai Vilas Palace; Mausoleum of Ghaus Mohammed; Sun Temple; Tomb of Tansen

Jabalpur, nicknamed “the city of the rocks,” is perched along the banks of the holy river Narmada in the heart of the state. Famous for its marble ledges along the holy river, Jabalpur is one of the largest cities in Madhya Pradesh and is a popular tourist site. Many travelers stay in Jabalpur en route to the numerous wildlife sanctuaries within the state or come here to marvel at the famous gorge along the holy River.

Kanha National Park, located about 160 km from Jabalpur, is a popular off-shoot of a Jabalpur vacation. Famous for its wildlife safaris and bird-watching activities, the Park is home to a myriad of exotic species, including the barasingha (deer), gaur (an Indian bison),chital, and the sambhar.

There are all levels of accommodations in town from budget to high-end hotels. Most budget accommodations are located near the bus station, while the luxury hotels are strewn along Station Road. One of the best sleeps in town is the 5-star Samdariya Hotel, a full-service hotel with luxurious rooms, restaurant for fine dining, a gymnasium, sauna room, and rooftop pool. Vatika, the hotel's swanky restaurant, offers the perfect remedy for stress: a dish of Indian (or continental) delicacies and a glass of bubbly..

Point of Interest

The Marble Rocks; Kanha National Park; Bandhavgarh National Park

Ujjain is located about 56 km from Indore and is considered one of India's most holy cities among Hindus. The city has a tropical climate and is steamy in summer and nippy in winter There are many temples to visit here, two of the most interesting of which are Bhaironath (the liquor drinking deity) temple and the Mangalnath temple which, supposedly, sits on the line of the earth's first meridian.

Ujjain is also home to many palaces and ancient buildings that remind us of India's once-upon-a-time princely regime. Kalideh Palace, a magnificent display of ancient architecture, is a popular tourist site on the outskirts of town. Another interesting exhibit of Indian history is The Observatory which has numerous ancient astronomical instruments on display.

Fairs and festivals are common in this city, especially during the Hindu religious holidays. One such festival is the Maha Shivratri, when thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to the Mahakal temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

There are two main government-approved hotels in Ujjain with a total of 64 rooms between them: Hotel Ashray, rated two stars, offers an air-conditioned restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and continental specials; and Hotel Shapira.

Points of Interest

Mahakaleshwara Temple; Bhartrihari Caves; Chintamani Ganesh; Bhartrihari Caves; Harsiddhi Temple; Kal Bhairava; Observatory; Vikram Kirti Mandir; Gopal Mandir; Navagraha Mandir