Gujarat is the birthplace of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Narendra Modi, and it is the westernmost state of mainland India with the longest coastline of any Indian state. The must visit tourist attractions in Gujarat range from the Indus Valley city of Lothal to the white salt desert of the Rann of Kutch, and Gir National Park is the only wild home of the Asiatic lion.
This guide groups the places to visit in Gujarat by theme and gives timings, entry details, distances and the best months for each. Here is the list of popular tourist destinations you can plan on your trip to Gujarat. Amitabh Bachchan’s tagline for Gujarat Tourism, “Kuch din to Gujariye Gujarat mein”, sums up the pull of the state. Details were checked against official tourism, ASI and temple sources on 14 October 2026. Fees and hours change, so confirm them before you travel.
Quick answer: If you only have time for a few places, choose by interest. Somnath and Dwarka suit a pilgrimage trip, Rani ki Vav and Dholavira suit history lovers, Gir is the place for Asiatic lions (open 16 October to 15 June), and the White Rann near Dhordo is the salt desert everyone photographs. October to March is the most comfortable season for almost all of them.
Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Gujarat: Best Time and Closures to Check First
October to March is the comfortable window for most tourist places in Gujarat. Summer, from April to June, is hot and humid enough to make sightseeing tiring, and the wildlife parks that close for the monsoon stay shut from mid-June until mid-October. Most temples and monuments are open all year. A few places have closures or permit rules worth knowing before you fix dates.
| Place | What to know before you go |
| Gir National Park | Closed 16 June to 15 October; reopens on 16 October |
| White Rann, Dhordo | Entry permit needed; the Tent City operator publishes the 2026-27 season as 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, so confirm before booking |
| Velavadar National Park | Open 16 October to 15 June |
| Vansda National Park | Closed from about mid-June to early October |
| Wild Ass Sanctuary | Open 16 October to 15 June, dawn to dusk |
| Statue of Unity and Akshardham | Both closed on Mondays |
Temples in Gujarat
Somnath and Dwarka sit about 230 to 240 km apart on the Saurashtra coast, so most pilgrims plan them as separate stops. Darshan is free at the temples below, though parking and special pujas can cost extra.
Somnath Temple
- Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat
- Timing: About 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (check the Somnath Trust website for darshan and aarti times)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Somnath Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, evening light and sound show
One of the most important and revered pilgrimages in the state, Somnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is counted as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. People visit it for its religious value and also for the building itself. The temple is believed to have been destroyed several times and rebuilt each time. According to tradition, it was first built in gold by Lord Soma, then in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna and in stone by King Bhimdev. The temple standing today is also built of stone. It was rebuilt after Independence and opened in 1951. Its architecture and religious significance bring pilgrims from across the country to seek the blessings of the deity.
How to Reach: Keshod Airport is about 57 km from the shrine and Diu Airport about 85 km, so check which one has flights on your dates. By train, Veraval Junction is about 7 km from the temple. Dwarka is about 230 to 240 km away.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit in any month, but summer is hot and the trip becomes tiring, so October to March is the better window.
Dwarkadhish Temple
- Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Timing: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Gujarat Tourism; confirm with the temple)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Dwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka, Rukmini Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Dwarkadheesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, along with Badrinath, Puri and Rameswaram. It is a different pilgrimage from the Chota Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand, which people often confuse it with. The temple is also called Jagat Mandir. Tradition says the original temple was built more than 2,500 years ago by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, and it has been renovated several times. It stands on a small hill reached by more than 50 steps, with separate doors for entry (Swarg) and exit (Moksh). Smaller shrines surround the main sanctum, where Lord Krishna is worshipped.
How to Reach: Dwarka Railway Station is the nearest railhead, about 2 km from the temple. Porbandar (about 95 km) and Jamnagar (about 145 km) have the closest airports, so check flights to both.
Best Time to Visit: Winter, from October to March, is the better season. Summer is hot and tiring.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- Location: About 18 km from Dwarka, Gujarat
- Timing: Dawn to dusk
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Nageshwar Temple, Gopi Talav, Bet Dwarka
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is a sacred shrine of Nageshwar Mahadev and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Gujarat Tourism records the local legend: the demon Daaruka imprisoned a Shiva devotee named Supriya, and her prayers brought Shiva to her rescue. Devotees come to seek the blessings of the deity and to free themselves from the effect of what they call spiritual poisons such as anger, maya, sin and temptation. As the name suggests, a visit is also believed to free a person from the fear of snakes, and this belief adds to the shrine’s importance.
How to Reach: Take a train to Dwarka Railway Station and hire a taxi or cab for the 18 km to the temple. The closest airports to Dwarka are Porbandar (about 95 km) and Jamnagar (about 145 km). Veraval is not close to Dwarka; it is about 230 km away near Somnath.
Best Time to Visit: November to February, and during Shivratri, which is celebrated with great fervour.
Bala Hanuman Mandir
- Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Bala Hanuman Temple, Lakhota Lake, Lakhota Museum
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Bala Hanuman Mandir is one of the most crowded places in the state, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Pilgrims visit through the week, but these two days draw the biggest crowds. The temple’s best-known feature is a continuous prayer chant that has not stopped since 1964, which the temple cites as a Guinness World Records entry. Besides Lord Hanuman, the temple houses idols of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman.
How to Reach: Jamnagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station, and local transport reaches the temple from there. Jamnagar also has an airport.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Rukmini Temple
- Location: Dwarka, about 2 km from Dwarkadhish Temple
- Timing: About 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (confirm locally)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Rukmini Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka
Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna, Rukmini Temple is known for its carvings and two decorated panels. One panel shows Gajathars (elephants) and the other shows Narathars (human figures). Inside the inner sanctum you can see the idol of the goddess, make an offering and seek blessings. The temple is believed to date to the 12th century and has remained part of Gujarat’s religious tourism since.
How to Reach: Dwarka Railway Station is the nearest railhead, and the temple is a short drive from the town centre. The closest airports to Dwarka are Porbandar (about 95 km) and Jamnagar (about 145 km).
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Scenic Splendors: Hills, Beaches and Waterfalls
This section covers four stops outside the temple circuit: a hill station in the Dangs, an island on the Saurashtra coast, a waterfall near Ahmedabad and a beach near Somnath.
Saputara: The Only Hill Station in Gujarat
- Location: Dang District, Gujarat
- Timing: Open year-round
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Saputara Lake, Sunset Point, Gandhi Shikhar, Saputara Tribal Museum
- Things to Do: Boating, trekking, nature walks, ropeway ride, visit tribal villages
Much of Gujarat is hot and humid for long stretches, so Saputara Hills are one of the best ways to get away from it. At about 1,000 m in the Sahyadri range, Saputara has cooler air and a gentle breeze. It is the only hill station in the state, and the name means abode of serpents. Because of that, it gets crowded in summer, especially on weekends, when locals come to spend time in the quiet surroundings.
How to Reach: Bilimora is the convenient railhead, with a direct bus service up to Saputara, and the narrow gauge line runs to Waghai, about 51 km away. Surat, about 164 km by road, has the nearest airport.
Best Time to Visit: Saputara is open all year. Summer weekends are busy, and the monsoon turns the hills green.
Diu: The Beach Island
- Location: Diu Island (part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu)
- Timing: Open year-round; individual sites have their own hours
- Entry Fee: Free to enter the island
- Places to Visit: Diu Fort, St. Paul’s Church, Naida Caves, Nagoa Beach
- Things to Do: Water sports, beach relaxation, sightseeing, exploring the fort and churches
Diu is an island on Gujarat’s southern coast, though it belongs to a Union Territory and not to Gujarat state. It suits travellers who want white sand beaches and waves along the shore. Gujarat is a prohibition state, so alcohol is restricted, but in Diu it is sold legally. You can also see Portuguese-era architecture at Diu Fort and visit the Sea Shells Museum, and there are plenty of other sights nearby.
How to Reach: Diu has its own airport. Delwada is the nearest railway station, about 9 km from the island, and cabs and taxis are available there. Somnath is about 85 km from Diu airport, so the two pair easily.
Best Time to Visit: Winter is the comfortable season.
Zanzari Waterfall
- Location: Near Dehgam, about 75 km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Timing: Best visited in the monsoon (June to September)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Zanzari Waterfall, surrounding nature
- Things to Do: Photography, picnics, short treks, camel rides
About 75 km from Ahmedabad, Zanzari Waterfall is a popular picnic spot, and the drive takes a little under two hours. It sits on the Vatrak river, and visitor guides put the main fall at about 25 feet, followed by a series of small cascades. It is crowded on weekends. Visitors report a walk of roughly 2 to 3 km from the parking area, depending on the water level, and camel rides are offered for those who do not want to walk. The current can be strong in the monsoon, so take care near the water.
How to Reach: Drive from Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar through Dehgam. A private cab is the practical option.
Best Time to Visit: The monsoon months, when the water level peaks. In dry months the flow is very low.
Chorwad Beach
- Location: Chorwad, about 35 km from Somnath, Junagadh District
- Timing: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays (Gujarat Tourism)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Visit: Chorwad Beach, the ruined palace of the Nawab of Junagadh
- Things to Do: Beach walks, photography
Chorwad Beach was once home to the royal palace of the Nawab of Junagadh, and Gujarat Tourism says the palace is in ruins today. The beach is unsafe for swimming but relatively clean, so it suits a sea breeze and photographs rather than a swim. There is no accommodation here, which makes Chorwad a day trip from Somnath. The village is also the birthplace of Dhirubhai Ambani.
How to Reach: Somnath is about 35 km away by road. Chorwad Road railway station is about 6 km from the beach, and Rajkot Airport is about 180 km away.
Best Time to Visit: Winter is the comfortable season.
Historical Sites in Gujarat
Gujarat is closely tied to India’s freedom struggle, and the Dandi March began here. This section covers stepwells, Harappan sites and forts for history lovers. Gujarat has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Champaner-Pavagadh (2004), Rani ki Vav (2014), the Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) and Dholavira (2021). ASI fees are revised from time to time, so treat the amounts below as indicative.
Rani Ki Vav
- Location: Patan, Gujarat
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: About ₹40 (Indians) and ₹600 (foreign visitors) in recent ASI listings; confirm at the counter
- Things to Do: Explore the intricate carvings, admire the stepwell architecture, photography
Rani Ki Vav is known for its architecture and for why it was built: a queen of the Chaulukya dynasty commissioned it in memory of her husband, King Bhimdev I. UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 2014. Built in the 11th century, it has more than 500 principal sculptures along with many smaller ones, and a staircase that takes you down seven levels. The stepwell measures about 64 m long, 20 m wide and 27 m deep. Floods of the Saraswati river silted it over in the 13th century. The ASI began conservation work in the 1960s and did most of the excavation and restoration in the 1980s.
How to Reach: Patan is about 125 km from Ahmedabad. By bus, Patan takes around 3.5 hours from Ahmedabad and about 1.5 hours from Mehsana.
Best Time to Visit: October to April, especially December and January.
Dholavira
- Location: Khadir Bet island, Kutch District, Gujarat
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (confirm locally)
- Entry Fee: ASI ticket; online listings differ (₹25 to ₹40 for Indians), so confirm at the gate
- Things to Do: Explore the Harappan ruins, the reservoirs and the citadel, photography
Dholavira is one of the most ancient sites in Gujarat, on Khadir Bet island in the Great Rann of Kutch. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in July 2021. It describes Dholavira as the sixth largest of more than 1,000 Harappan sites found so far, occupied for over 1,500 years, from about 3000 to 1500 BCE. The city was discovered in 1968 and excavated over 13 field seasons between 1989 and 2005. On your visit you can see the walled citadel, the stone buildings and the sixteen or more reservoirs and channels that made the city work in a dry region, including a large stepped reservoir.
How to Reach: Reach Bhuj or Bhachau first and then hire a cab or taxi. Tour operators quote about 200 km and five hours by road from Bhachau, and Rapar, about two hours before the site, is the last town of any size. Ahmedabad is a full day’s drive, so plan an overnight stay.
Best Time to Visit: Winter, when the weather is pleasant. Rann Utsav tents are also being added near Dholavira this season.
Lothal
- Location: About 80 km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ASI ticket; confirm at the gate
- Things to Do: Visit the Harappan site, see the ancient dockyard, visit the museum, photography
Like Dholavira, Lothal is a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization. A large tank here is believed to have been a dockyard, connected by channels to the old course of the Sabarmati river. The museum near the site is worth a visit. It displays excavated shell and ivory objects, terracotta ornaments, replicas of seals and sealings, and copper and bronze objects.
How to Reach: Reach Ahmedabad and take a taxi from there; a private cab is the easiest option.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is comfortable for an open-air site. There is no accommodation at the site, so stay in Ahmedabad.
Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
- Location: Junagadh, Gujarat
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Ticketed; confirm at the gate
- Things to Do: Explore the fortifications, Buddhist caves, stepwells and Jami Masjid, photography
Uparkot Fort in Junagadh is traditionally dated to 319 BC and to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty. Over the centuries the fort saw sieges and rivalry among rulers, yet it still stands and still guards the old city. Inside you can see the Jami Masjid, the Adi Kadi and Navghan step wells, and Buddhist caves.
How to Reach: Keshod is the nearest airport. Junagadh has its own railway station and is well connected by road.
Best Time to Visit: August to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Adalaj Stepwell
- Location: About 19 km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Small ticket (entry used to be free)
- Things to Do: See the Indo-Islamic architecture, admire the carvings, photography
Adalaj Stepwell was begun in 1498 and completed in 1499, and it is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Its platforms and galleries around the stairs are the main attraction. As you go down the stairs, you reach a deep well at the lowest point, with an entrance pavilion at ground level. The detailed carvings on the walls tell you a lot about the region.
How to Reach: Adalaj is about 5 km from Gandhinagar. Take a private taxi or a shared cab from Ahmedabad, where the nearest airport and main railway station are.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year except summer, when the heat makes it hard to explore.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Gujarat
Sightings depend on the season, the route and some luck, and no park below can promise a particular animal. Gir, Velavadar, Vansda and the Wild Ass Sanctuary all close for part of the monsoon, so check the dates first.
Gir National Park
- Location: Sasan Gir, Gujarat
- Timing: Safari slots by online permit; closed 16 June to 15 October
- Entry Fee: Permit-based; fees vary by route and vehicle (book at girlion.gujarat.gov.in)
- Things to Do: Safari rides, birdwatching, wildlife photography
- What to See: Asiatic lions, leopards, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), marsh crocodiles at Kamleshwar reservoir, over 200 species of birds
Gir National Park is the only wild home of the Asiatic lion. The wider Gir protected area covers about 1,412 sq km, of which the fully protected national park core is about 258 sq km. The 2025 lion census counted 891 lions across 11 districts of Gujarat, up from 674 in 2020. Besides lions, the park has leopards, sambar, chowsingha and more than 200 bird species, and the Kamleshwar reservoir is where marsh crocodiles gather in numbers. In the dry months, the red-orange flowers of the silk cotton trees stand out against the brown forest.
Gir closes every year from 16 June to 15 October for the monsoon, so it reopens on 16 October. If you miss a safari permit, the fenced Devalia Safari Park offers a more controlled sighting.
How to Reach: Keshod is the nearest airport. By rail, Junagadh (about 70 km) and Veraval (about 45 km) are the closest railheads, and road transport takes you to the park from there. Somnath is about 43 km away.
Best Time to Visit: December to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Great Indian Bustard Bird Sanctuary (Kutch Bustard Sanctuary)
- Location: Naliya, Abdasa taluka, Kutch (about 110 km from Bhuj)
- Timing: Daytime; check with the forest office
- Entry Fee: Forest ticket; confirm locally
- Things to Do: Bird watching, photography, nature walks
- What to See: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, MacQueen’s (Houbara) Bustard in winter, chinkara and other grassland species
The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary covers only about 2 sq km of grassland, notified in 1992 to protect the Great Indian Bustard. It was once counted second after Desert National Park in Rajasthan for bustard numbers, but the population in Kutch has fallen sharply. The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered and sightings are rare, so go with a local guide and do not plan the trip around seeing one. The lesser florican breeds here, and the houbara bustard is a winter visitor. Semi-arid grassland and marshy patches make up the habitat.
How to Reach: Reach Bhuj and take a taxi or private cab to Naliya.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
- Location: Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
- Timing: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; open 16 October to 15 June
- Entry Fee: Forest ticket plus safari vehicle charge; confirm locally
- Things to Do: Jeep safari, bird watching
- What to See: Blackbucks, wolves, foxes, striped hyenas, migratory birds and grassland species
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is one of the largest blackbuck habitats in the country and a good place for living wildlife experiences. The park is a 34 sq km grassland, and you see the animals from a jeep. You can also spot many bird species, and harriers roost in the grass in winter. Visitors have to stay in their vehicles, so the safari is the way to see the park.
How to Reach: Bhavnagar Airport and the Bhavnagar railway terminus are the nearest gateways, around 50 km from the park. Ahmedabad is about 140 km away.
Best Time to Visit: November to February. The park is closed in the monsoon.
Vansda National Park
- Location: Navsari District, Gujarat
- Timing: Daytime; closed from about mid-June to early October
- Entry Fee: Small forest entry fee
- Things to Do: Nature walks, photography
- What to See: Leopards, hyenas, sambar, wild boars, birds, diverse flora
Tucked into the Sahyadri foothills, Vansda National Park is a well conserved forest of about 24 sq km. Its unusual feature is that tree felling was stopped in the time of the Maharaja of Vansda, and that is why the park is so dense and green. The canopy is tall and thick, so sunlight barely reaches the ground and it feels dark even in the daytime. Entry formalities and a small fee apply at the gate.
How to Reach: From Surat (about 106 km) or Waghai (about 4 km) you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the park.
Best Time to Visit: Post monsoon and winter months.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
- Location: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
- Timing: Dawn to dusk; open 16 October to 15 June (Gujarat Tourism)
- Entry Fee: Permit plus safari charge; guides arrange both
- Things to Do: Safari rides, photography, nature walks
- What to See: Indian wild ass (khur), foxes, jackals, flamingos and migratory birds
The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary lies in the Little Rann of Kutch and covers about 4,954 sq km. On a visit you can see mammals, carnivores and many bird species. It is best known as the last home of the Indian wild ass, locally called khur, a subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass. The 2024 survey counted 7,672 Indian wild asses in Gujarat, up from 6,082 in 2020 and 4,451 in 2014. The IUCN lists the khur as Near Threatened. Flamingos breed here, and bird numbers are highest from October to March.
How to Reach: Dasada (about 95 km) and Bajana (about 100 km) from Ahmedabad are the main entry points. The nearest railway station is Patadi, about 25 km away, and Ahmedabad airport is roughly 100 to 110 km from the sanctuary. Guides arrange permits and safari vehicles.
Best Time to Visit: November to February, when migratory birds arrive (Gujarat Tourism).
Not to be Missed Destinations
Sabarmati Ashram
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free (donations are welcome)
- Things to Do: See Gandhi’s residence, explore the museum, walk around the gardens, learn about the Dandi March
Sabarmati Ashram stands on the banks of the Sabarmati river and was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba. The Dandi March of 1930 began here, so the ashram holds a special place in Gujarat tourism. Gandhiji spent many years at this place, and the museum and the buildings on the grounds show how he lived.
How to Reach: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest airport, and Gandhigram Railway Station is the closest railhead. The ashram is also well connected by road.
Best Time to Visit: Winter and monsoon months.
Rann of Kutch
- Location: Kutch, Gujarat
- Timing: Permit required; Tent City season published as 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027
- Entry Fee: Permit fee applies; Tent City and Rann Utsav charges vary
- Things to Do: Rann Utsav, camel rides, photography, stargazing, cultural performances
The Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, spread over about 7,505 sq km in the Great Rann. In sunlight the white surface glitters, and under the moon it takes on a bluish glow. Visitors come in the winter months for Rann Utsav, the Tent City festival at Dhordo. Because the White Rann is close to the international border, you need an entry permit. Day visitors apply on the Gujarat permit portal, and Tent City guests get theirs through the booking. Tent City packages run from one to three nights.
How to Reach: Bhuj is the closest railway station and also has an airport. Dhordo is about 80 to 85 km from Bhuj, and published road times run up to about three hours.
Best Time to Visit: Winter. The Tent City operator publishes the Rann Utsav 2026-27 season as 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, and a few operators list slightly different dates, so confirm with Gujarat Tourism before booking.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
- Location: Near Vadodara, Gujarat
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ASI ticket for the monuments; confirm at the gate
- Things to Do: Explore the ruins, visit mosques, temples, forts and palaces, hike or ride up Pavagadh Hill
Set in the foothills of Pavagadh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed in 2004). The archaeological park has remains of mosques, palaces, tombs, fortresses, walls and pavilions, and they show a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with Jain temples on the hill. The Kalika Mata temple at the top of Pavagadh is the pilgrimage draw.
How to Reach: The park is about 50 km from Vadodara, so it is easy to reach from there.
Best Time to Visit: Avoid summer for outdoor activities. Go in the monsoon or the winter months.
Sun Temple, Modhera
- Location: Modhera, Mehsana District, Gujarat
- Timing: Daytime hours
- Entry Fee: ASI ticket; confirm at the gate
- Things to Do: Explore the temple complex, photography, attend the Modhera Dance Festival (seasonal), see the Surya Kund stepwell tank
Built in 1026 to 1027 AD during the reign of the Solanki king Bhimdev I, this is one of the best surviving temples in India dedicated to the Sun God. The complex has three main parts in a line: the Surya Kund at the entrance, the assembly hall, and the hall that leads to the inner sanctum. The temple is said to be aligned so that the rising sun lights the sanctum at the equinoxes. The Modhera Dance Festival is the key attraction of the site and is usually held in January. Check the dates before planning around it.
How to Reach: Modhera is about 100 km from Ahmedabad. Reach Ahmedabad first and then take a bus or a car; Mehsana is the nearest large town.
Best Time to Visit: Winter or monsoon months, when the weather is not hot and humid.
Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar
- Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Timing: Tuesday to Sunday; first entry 10:00 AM, last entry 7:30 PM; closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: Exhibition tickets are sold separately; check the official site for current rates
- Things to Do: Visit the temple and the exhibitions
Located in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, Akshardham Temple was established in 1992. It is an important destination for Swaminarayan followers. The temple is built from about 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone. In the main sanctum you see a 7 ft tall statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, where devotees make their offerings.
How to Reach: The Akshardham Metro station is a short walk from the gate. From Ahmedabad you can also take a cab; Gandhinagar is about 30 km away.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, but skip the summer months if you want to avoid the heat.
Statue of Unity, Kevadia
- Location: Kevadia, Narmada District, Gujarat
- Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: Tickets are booked online; prices vary by gallery and slot
- Things to Do: Viewing gallery, memorial museum, gardens, evening laser show
The Statue of Unity honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and, at 182 m, is the world’s tallest statue. It was inaugurated on 31 October 2018. A lift takes visitors to a viewing gallery at 153 m with views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Book time slots online, especially on weekends. The Statue of Unity package covers transfers from Vadodara.
How to Reach: Vadodara is about 90 km away and has the nearest airport. Kevadia also has its own railway station.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Ahmedabad Old City
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Timing: Best on foot in the morning
- Entry Fee: Free to walk the old city; individual monuments vary
- Places to Visit: The pols, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram
Ahmedabad’s walled city became India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017. A morning walk through its pols, the clustered neighbourhoods of carved wooden houses, shows how the old city was laid out. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is known for its stone lattice windows. Sabarmati Ashram, covered above, fits into the same day.
How to Reach: Ahmedabad has the state’s main airport and railway stations, so it is the usual starting point.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach Gujarat: Which Gateway to Use
Most visitors fly into Ahmedabad, but other airports save hours depending on your route.
| Gateway | Best for | Approximate distance |
| Ahmedabad | Adalaj, Modhera, Rani ki Vav, Lothal, Wild Ass Sanctuary | Adalaj about 19 km; Rani ki Vav about 125 km; Somnath about 400 km |
| Vadodara | Statue of Unity, Champaner-Pavagadh | Statue of Unity about 90 km; Champaner about 50 km |
| Surat | Saputara, Vansda | Saputara about 164 km; Vansda about 106 km |
| Porbandar and Jamnagar | Dwarka, Nageshwar, Bala Hanuman | Porbandar to Dwarka about 95 km; Jamnagar about 145 km |
| Bhuj | White Rann, Dhordo, Dholavira, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary | Dhordo about 80 to 85 km; Naliya about 110 km |
| Diu and Keshod | Somnath, Gir | Diu to Somnath about 85 km; Keshod to Somnath about 57 km |
Sample Routes by Region
- Saurashtra: Somnath, Gir, Junagadh and Dwarka. Somnath to Dwarka is about 230 to 240 km, so treat it as its own travel day. Operators commonly plan this pilgrimage circuit over five to six days.
- Heritage from Ahmedabad: the old city and Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj (about 19 km), Modhera (about 100 km) and Rani ki Vav at Patan (about 125 km), with Lothal as an add-on.
- Kutch: Bhuj, Dhordo for the White Rann (about 80 to 85 km from Bhuj) and Dholavira. Tent City packages run from one to three nights, and Dholavira needs an overnight stay on top.
Keep Kutch and Saurashtra on separate trips. They sit far apart, and a short itinerary that tries both ends up as a series of long drives.
FAQs
What are the must visit tourist attractions in Gujarat?
Somnath, Dwarka, Rani ki Vav, Dholavira, Gir National Park, the White Rann at Dhordo, Sabarmati Ashram and the Statue of Unity are the places most visitors prioritise.
What is the best time to visit Gujarat?
October to March is the most comfortable period. April to June is hot, and Gir, Velavadar and Vansda close for the monsoon.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Gujarat?
Four: Champaner-Pavagadh (2004), Rani ki Vav (2014), the Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) and Dholavira (2021).
When does Gir National Park reopen after the monsoon?
Gir closes every year from 16 June to 15 October and reopens on 16 October. Safari permits are booked online on the Gujarat Forest Department portal.
When is Rann Utsav 2026-27?
The Tent City operator publishes the season as 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. A few operators list slightly different dates, so confirm with Gujarat Tourism before you book.
Do I need a permit for the White Rann?
Yes. The White Rann is close to the international border. Tent City guests receive the permit through their booking, and day visitors apply on the Gujarat permit portal.
Which airports are closest to Somnath?
Keshod is about 57 km away and Diu about 85 km. Check which one has flights on your dates. Veraval Junction, about 7 km from the temple, is the main railhead.
How far is Dwarka from Somnath?
About 230 to 240 km by road, roughly four to five hours depending on the route. Most travellers treat the transfer as a separate travel day.
Is Diu part of Gujarat?
No. Diu belongs to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, although it sits on Gujarat’s coast. Alcohol is sold legally in Diu.
Is it safe to swim at Chorwad Beach?
Gujarat Tourism describes the beach as unsafe for swimming but relatively clean. It works for a walk and a sea breeze, not for a swim.
