Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truly and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.
Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable.
Area | 196,024 km² |
Population | 72,653,000 |
Capital | Gandhinagar |
Principal Language | Gujarati |
Other Languages | English, Hindi and other Indian languages |
Literacy Rate | 82.4 % |
Rainfall | 93.2 cm |
Temperature | Summer: min 25 degrees to 45 dig’s Winter: min 15 degrees to max 35 dig’s |
Season | November to February |
Eco System | Ranges from deserts, scrublands, deciduous forests, and wetlands to mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries. |
Time | GMT +5:30 |
Currency | Indian Rupees |
Climate | Wet in the southern districts and Desertic inthe north-west region Winter: November to February (12 - 29 Celsius) Summer: March to May (29 - 41 Celsius) Monsoon: June to October (27 - 35 Celsius) |
General Safety | Gujarat is India’s Safest State, but visitors should still use common sense to protect themselves and their property. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure to always use licensed, reputable businesses for any services you need. |
Emergency Numbers | Emergency: 108, Police: 100, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102, General Inquiry – Phone: 197, Women Emergency Helpline : 1091 |
Toll Free | 1800 203 1111 |
Transport by train | The state of Gujarat falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Railways, which is a division of the Indian Railways. The major railway stations in Gujarat are Ahmedabad Railway Station, Surat Railway Station, Vadodara Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station. Ahmedabad Junction is an important center of the Western Railways zone of the Indian Railways. View more details click on https://www.irctc.co.in/ |
Transport by Air | International Airport: Ahmedabad Domestic Airport: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Bhuj |
Major Cities | Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, Nadiad. |
Ports | Major: Kandla Minor: Mandvi, Mundra, Sikka, Okha, Porbandar, Veraval, Bhavnagar, Salaya, Pipavav, Mahuva, Jafrabad, Hazira |
Some travel tips for National & International Travelers
A state with an amazingly varied topography ranging from the deep green of the dense forests to stark white at the salt plains. Its 1660 kilometers coastline is home to some of the most unique marine species and geographical locations at the state makes it an ideal matrix, a melting pot of a vast variety of culture, people, places and history due to eons of migratory influences. Along with all the migrations came in various ritual practices, cuisines, style of dresses, fairs and festivals, celebrations all of which were amalgamated and became a part of what this amazingly diverse state has to offer to you. This was possible as a result of trade, commerce and the dexterity of the people of Gujarat to accept and take in and make a part of all who come in here for succour, conquest or trade.