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Somnath Gujarat – Home to the Most Ancient Temples in India

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Somnath is one of the 182 Legislative Assembly constituencies in Gujarat state. It is located in the Gir Somnath district. one of the oldest towns in the state and is known for its ancient temples. It also has a rich cultural heritage and is a popular tourist destination.

Somnath temple

The Somnath Gujarat temple is the first Jyotirlinga temple in India. The temple was originally built by the moon god Soma and the sun god Ravi. The temple was constructed in stone, sandalwood, and gold. But throughout the ages, it has been looted and destroyed by Muslim rulers. In 722 CE, Junamad destroyed it, and then the Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazi destroyed it in 1024 CE. Muslim rulers again attacked the temple in 1299 CE, and in 1546, the Portuguese destroyed it. In 1702, the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb destroyed the temple. After this, the temple was rebuilt with the people’s spirit and devotion.

Somnath Gujarat
Somnath Gujarat

A third time the temple was rebuilt was in 815 AD by Guru Pratihara King Nagabhatta. This time, the temple was built using red stones. In 1024 AD, an attack took place at the temple by Mahmud Ghaznavi, who had traveled to India and had intended to loot the temple.

Gita Mandir

Gita Mandir in Somnath is a popular Hindu temple in Somnath. It is located on the banks of the Triveni Sangam and is a popular pilgrimage destination. It has exquisite architecture carved in white marble. The sanctum of the temple houses an idol of Lord Krishna. 

  • It is flanked by idols of Lord Laxminarayan and Lord Sita-Ram. 
  • It is also famous for the footprint of Lord Krishna. 
  • Gita Mandir is part of a small complex of three to four other Hindu temples. 

The main temple is in the heart of the town, while smaller Hindu temples are located around the main one.

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If you are visiting Gita Mandir, it is important to know how to reach it. Somnath is about 233 kilometers away from Dwarka. You can reach this town in about 4 hours by driving through NH51.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is a sacred Hindu site. 

  • It is located at the confluence of three rivers: Saraswati, Kapil, and Hiran. 
  • The three rivers are considered holy and represent the three stages of life. 
  • The three rivers have been mentioned in the Puranas, Ramayan, and Mahabharata. 

Legends say that Lord Krishna once visited Triveni Ghat before being killed by the hunter Jara.

The confluence of the three rivers is best viewed by boat. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes and will take you to the confluence center. It is difficult to tell where the rivers join from the ghat, and there is a lot of water.

Lord Shiva

Somnath, Gujarat, is an important pilgrimage center for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is home to the holy Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati meet. The river Sarasvati is cursed by the Moon God Soma. The temple of Lord Shiva is located here.

Lord Shiva was a child whose birth was cursed by Prajapati. The gods pleaded with him to retract the curse, but he refused. Then, one of them, Daksha, suggested that Chandra visit Lord Shiva in Somnath. The goddess Daksha accompanied him to the temple, where he prayed to Lord Shiva. The gods granted him the power to return the world to its former glory. The temple was built in the same location where the moon had its waning and waxing phases. The Rig Veda also mentions the river in its texts.

Mata Ahilyabai

Mata Ahilyabai was a pioneer in building Hindu temples and Dharamshala in India. She also helped to restore Hindu pilgrimage sites after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had defiled them. Her contributions to society are lauded worldwide, and her legacy lives on today.

Medieval Muslim hordes repeatedly attacked the temple, but it has always been rebuilt. This symbolizes the belief that terror can never crush faith and truth. Although destructive powers may have conquered the world for a time, they cannot suppress the human spirit for very long.

Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat – StepWall In Gujarat

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You can visit Rani ki Vav in Gujarat if you want an architectural wonder. It has about 500 huge sculptures and a thousand smaller ones. Each sculpture is exquisitely carved with intricate details. This is not only a monument to a king but also a hydrological project.

Rani ki Vav is a unique architectural wonder.

Rani ki Vav is an ancient stepwell that is 65 meters long and divided into four open spaces. The open spaces are connected by cross constructions and have been described in the Shilpa Shastras, a classic text on architecture. It is an important architectural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat
Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat

Rani ki Vav is one of India’s finest examples of stepwell architecture.

  • It is the largest stepwell and is similar in style to the Vimalavasahi temple in Mount Abu and the Sun temple in Modhera.
  • It is well worth hiring a guide and walking around the stepwell, which is almost a kilometer long.
  • It is an inverted temple.

The Rani ki Vav Gujarat is an intricately carved seven-story temple reminiscent of an inverted temple. It is sixty-four meters long, twenty meters wide, and 28 meters deep. It is a magnificent structure that features over 1500 sculptures. The building’s design makes it unique in the world.

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Originally built by Queen Udayamati in the 11th century AD, this stepwell is a memorial to the deceased king, Bhimadeva I. It was designed in the Nanda style, an architectural style found in northern India during the eleventh and thirteenth centuries.

It was built as a memorial to a king.

The Rani ki Vav Gujarat was built in the eleventh century as a memorial to a king. Its construction is attributed to Queen Udayamati, the wife of the Solanki king Bhima I. In 2014, it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Today, it is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site is located in an earthquake-prone area. In October 2011, a team spent two weeks documenting the Rani ki Vav and creating a comprehensive digital record of the site. In June 2014, UNESCO formally recognized it as a World Heritage Site.

It is a major hydrological project

The Rani ki Vav is a stepwell on the banks of the Saraswati river in Patan, Gujarat, India. Its construction is credited to Udayamati, the wife of 11th-century Chaulukya king Bhima I. It was discovered in the 1940s and restored in the 1980s. Today it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

  • The Rani ki Vav has cultural and hydrological significance for India. 
  • Its sculptures and inscriptions depict the lives of people of the 11th century. 
  • The water-filled stepwell is an important tourist attraction in Gujarat. 
  • Thousands of tourists visit the stepwell each year.

It is decorated with sculptures of Buddha and Balarama.

The Rani ki Vav is an intricately constructed stepwell in the ancient city of Gujarat, India. It was built as a memorial to King Bhimdev I of the 11th century. It features statues of Buddha and Balarama adorning the interior wall. Visitors can explore the stepwell’s seven levels and see over 500 principal sculptures.

The Rani ki Vav is a stepwell designed to look like an inverted temple. It has a shaft with a diameter of 10 meters. The Rani ki Vav is decorated with sculptures of Buddha and Balarama.

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The Statue of Unity in India – Tallest Statue in The World

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The Statue of Unity is the tallest Statue in the world, and it stands in the state of Gujarat, India. It depicts Indian statesman Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister and deputy prime minister of independent India. This adherent of Mahatma Gandhi was a fervent supporter of independence and worked for the country’s unity.

Tallest Statue in The World

The Statue of Unity is now the tallest Statue in the world. Standing at 182 meters, it is four times higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York. It also surpasses the previous world record held by the Spring Temple Buddha in Henan, China. The Statue was built with Indian and Chinese labor.

  • The Statue is open to the public six days a week except for Monday. 
  • It is closed on Mondays for maintenance. 
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks into the monument.
Statue of Unity
Statue of Unity

 However, Tourists can purchase water bottles from various points. There are three types of tickets available for the monument. You can buy one that includes entry to the valley of flowers, the viewing gallery, or both.

It has a Cactus Garden.

The Cactus Garden at the Statue Of Unity is a unique botanical garden that showcases Cacti’s amazing adaptations and succulent plants. The garden is spread over 25 acres of open land and an 836 square meter dome. It features national species of cacti and succulent plants from 17 countries, including Africa.

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Visitors will be able to see more than 500 different species of cacti in a unique and colorful environment. The Cactus Garden will also feature an 8-kW solar panel and a solar-powered erosion-control system. The area also has a nursery for grafted cacti.

It offers a ferry ride.

One of India’s most popular tourist attractions is the Statue of Unity. It is the tallest Statue in the world and features a ferry ride and observation deck. 

  • There is also a souvenir shop and food. 
  • A helicopter ride is another option for visiting the Statue. 
  • The ride will give you a bird’s eye view of the Statue and the surrounding scenic beauty. 
  • It leaves from the Statue of Unity at 10:00 am.

To avoid crowds, you should buy an express ticket to the Statue of Unity. This ticket offers access to the top floor without going through the gallery and is ideal for avoiding crowds.

  • It also comes with special elevator access.
  • It costs INR 1030 for adults and INR 1030 for children.
  • It offers a helicopter ride.

If you want to see the Statue of Unity in a new way, you can opt for a helicopter ride over the Statue. The ride is 10 minutes long and costs Rs 2,900 per person. The view from above includes the Narmada river, Satpura, and Vindhya hills, as well as the Statue of Unity itself. The flight is an excellent way to see the city from the air and an exciting experience.

This aerial view is a must-do when visiting the Statue of Unity. In December 2018, the Heli-Visitor attraction launched, offering an incredible aerial view of the city and its surroundings. It can accommodate five to seven people and provides breathtaking views of the Statue of Unity. While in the air, you can also enjoy the stunning river and the waterfalls of the Narmada.

It depicts Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Statue of Unity is the colossal Statue of Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbai Patel. The Ironman of India and the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel, was instrumental in the independence struggle and is now a symbol of unity in India. The Statue was designed by Ram Vanji Sutar and constructed by Larson & Toubro. It costs Rs. 2,989 crores to build and employ over 250 engineers.

The Statue Of Unity is the tallest Statue in the world. The monument was unveiled on October 31, 2018, and is located on Sadhu Bet island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The Statue of Unity is an impressive tribute to the statesman, a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Ahmedabad Tourist Attractions

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Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city is bordered by the Sabarmati River and is home to many historical buildings. The Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati displays the spiritual leader’s living quarters and artifacts. Another popular destination is the Calico Museum of Textiles, which was once the home of a cloth merchant. This museum displays a vast collection of fabrics from the city’s past.

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fort is located in the walled city area of Ahmedabad, India. It is a well-preserved walled fort built by the Muslim ruler Ahmad Shah I in 1411. Inside, you’ll find mosques, royal palaces, open spaces, and well-carved royal architecture. In 2014, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation restored the fort as a cultural center for the city.

Ahmedabad Tourist Attractions
Ahmedabad Tourist Attractions

The Hindu temple here is dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna. This temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. Devotees flock here to worship the deity, and you will find chants of ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ filling the temple’s premises. The temple is also known for its architecture and has beautiful patterns on its walls. It is also the site of a morning and evening aarti.

AutoWorld Vintage Car Museum

AutoWorld Vintage Car Museum is an open-air museum showcases high-end vintage vehicles, motorcycles, carriages, and other vehicles. There is something for everyone at this museum. The vehicles on display are from various eras, including the late 1700s to the present day.

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This vintage car museum has a collection of over 100 vehicles. It is one of the best places to see these rare and antique cars. The museum is well-maintained and has a unique collection of Mercedes and Rolls-Royce cars. The museum was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1987 and is maintained by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India. Ticket prices are reasonably affordable, and the museum is quiet and serene.

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad is a popular place for picnics. The lake also has an aquarium, zoo, and children’s park. It is accessible by bus or train from several points in the city. The closest train station is Kalupur, which is about eight kilometers away. Moovit makes it easy to find the right time to ride a bus or train to Kankaria Lake.

The road networks around Kankaria Lake are well-maintained. The state transport corporation of Gujarat operates buses to the lake. Another option for travel is to take a train to Ahmedabad, which has an extensive rail network. The city’s railway station is one of the largest railheads in Gujarat.

Atal Express toy train

The Atal Express toy train is the main tourist attraction of Kankaria Lake. The train circles the lake at 10 km per hour and can carry up to 150 passengers. The train was imported from London and introduced in Kankaria eleven months ago, attracting nearly a million visitors. Since then, a second train, the Swarnim Jayanti Express, has been introduced. All the trains on the railway are narrow gauge and two feet wide.

Atal Wadi

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation revamped Kankaria Lake in 2008, spending nearly 36 crore Indian rupees on the project. The city now has a beautiful lakefront area and holds various cultural and social events. The lake is also home to a famous carnival festival held every December. This festival is held between the 25th of December and the 1st of January, and it is a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Atal helium balloon ride

The AMC has given its in-principle approval to Sky Wonder Pvt Ltd to set up a hot-air balloon ride facility beside Kankaria Lake. 

  • The project is estimated at Rs10 crore. 
  • It will be the first of its kind in India. 
  • The balloon will carry up to 30 passengers. 
  • The riders will be able to view the city from the air.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Gujarat

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Gujarat is located on the western coast of India and has numerous popular tourist attractions. The state stretches over 1,600 km along the coastline and includes most of the Kathiawar peninsula. The state is a great place to visit to witness the history and culture of the area. It is home to a diverse range of cultural and historical landmarks, and its many beaches attract thousands of tourists each year.

Vijay Vilas Palace

If you’re looking for a historical landmark in Gujarat, you can’t go wrong with Vijay Vilas Palace. It was the all-time summer palace of Jadeja Maharao of Kutch and is located on the sea beach of Mandvi.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Gujarat
Popular Tourist Attractions in Gujarat

The palace is the red sandstone and features a large dome in the middle. There are also many colorful glass windows and carvings on the walls. The palace is also home to a peacock sanctuary and features a large private beach.

Julia Minar

If you want to explore the beautiful historical monuments in Gujarat, there are several must-visit sites to choose from. Some of Gujarat’s most popular tourist attractions include Jhultla Minar, Somnath Temple, and Ram V Sutar’s State of Unity. The State of Unity is a monument commemorating the 143rd birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It features the strong personality of this national hero.

One of Gujarat’s most stunning tourist attractions is the Jhulta Minar, a 15th-century architectural wonder. Its construction is a puzzle of intricate pieces, and it isn’t easy to figure out how it works. When one minaret is shaken, the others are shifted, creating an oscillating effect. It has been referred to as the swinging minaret because of this peculiarity.

Statue of Unity

One of Gujarat’s most popular tourist attractions is the Statue of Unity.

  • It is the tallest statue in the world and was inaugurated on October 31, 2018. 
  • The statue is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. 
  • He is also known as the Iron Man of India.

The Statue of Unity is situated in a lush garden full of hundreds of flowers. The garden is filled with an enchanting scent and is a favorite with nature lovers and history buffs. From the thigh area of the statue, you can get a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding area.

Mandvi beach

This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. 

  • The beach is known for its clear waters and loose sand. 
  • The surrounding area offers many activities, including camel rides. 
  • The area is also a popular spot for yoga. 
  • The surrounding area is highly scenic and serene.

Mandvi is located in the Kutch district and offers a tranquil and soothing seashore. The beach is clean and safe and is ideal for swimming and relaxing. The sand and water are incredibly beautiful, and the windmills make this a great place to enjoy the night sky.

Saputara

Saputara is a hill station in Gujarat that boasts endless natural beauty. Often called the “abode of serpents” because of its snake-like namesake, Saputara has a wealth of attractions to offer visitors.

Junagadh

When planning a trip to Gujarat, consider spending some time in Junagadh. It is the capital city of the former Junagadh Princely State and offers many historical monuments and wildlife encounters. It is also close to Gir National Park and Sakkabaug Zoo. There is a rich cultural heritage, and the nearby Girnar Hills are a spiritual haven. The city is also home to the Uperkot Fort, a popular tourist attraction.

Adalaj Vav

If you’re visiting Gujarat, one of the top things you can do is visit the Adalaj Stepwell, an ancient water building. This well was constructed in 1499 by the Muslim king Mehmud Begda for Queen Rani Roomba. It is considered one of the most beautiful stepwells in the country, and it showcases some of the region’s most intricate carvings. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Somnath temple

Somnath temple, also known as Deo Patan, is located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, India. It is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is one of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines, or shrines of Shiva.

Gir National Park

Among the best things to do in Gir National Park are cultural visits to the tribal communities of Maldharis and Siddis. You can participate in tribal dances during the annual festival and enjoy local food. You can also meet local tribes and learn about their lifestyles.

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Gujarat in the Western Ghats mountain range. It is located in the Nandurbar District of Gujarat.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

Located in the state of Gujarat, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace was constructed by the Gaekwad family, a powerful Maratha family that ruled over the state of Baroda. The palace’s main architect was Major Charles Mant.