On the western coast of India, the state of Gujarat is the "Jewel of the West" in India. In Gujarat, one of India's most industrialized and prosperous states, you find the modern milieu and the age-old traditions happily married.
The state derives its name from 'Gujjaratta' - meaning the land of the Gujjars, a tribe who migrated to India long back in 5th century AD. But some archeological findings from areas like Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, date back to the period of the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then, the state has seen the rise and fall of a number of mighty empires like the Mauryas, the Khiljis and other Muslim rulers, the Marathas till the British.
Before you travel to Gujarat, Travel.mapsofindia brings some useful fast facts on the state:
| Location | Western coast of India Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and northeast The Arabian Sea on the west Madhya Pradesh in the southeast Maharashtra in the south |
| Latitude | 20°6 and 24°42 North |
| Longitude | 68°10 and 74°28 East |
| Area | 196,024 sq km |
| Climate | Summer - warm Winter - pleasantly cool |
| Max Temperature | 420 |
| Min Temperature | 140 |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 200Cms |
| Capital | Gandhinagar |
| Population | 50.6 million |
| Languages | Gujarati, Hindi, English |
| Religion | Hindus, Muslims Jains Zorastrians or Parsis and others |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Clothing | Summer - Cottons Winter - Light Woolens |
With a glorious past, Gujarat is also the land of several mythical and historical figures like Lord Krishna, the legend, and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence and many other leaders in India.
Being a melting pot of many races and cultures and evolving into a unique one, Gujarat remains a prime Indian destination. In lure of this, tourists from all corners of the world travel to Gujarat in hundreds and thousands.
As you travel to Gujarat, the state unfolds a veritable panorama of history, culture, religion, and natural splendour. Gujarat is home to a number of pilgrimage centres, palaces and forts, sun soaked beaches and wildlife destinations.
Some important tourist attractions in the state are: Ahmedabad, Sabarmati Ashram, Dwarka, Bhuj, Patan, Somnath Temple, Champaner, Junagadh, Sasangir to list only a few.
Quite a few fairs and festivals are celebrated in the state with much fanfare, which also provide good reasons to travel to Gujarat.
Travel.mapsofindia offers online booking of hotels and tour packages to Gujarat and all over India.
HOW TO REACH GUJARAT | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN GUJARAT
HOTELS IN GUJARAT | SHOPPING IN GUJARAT | Lothal
