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Introduction
Ahmedabad
is
known as ‘Manchester Of The East…'
Ahmedabad
in Gujarat, is one of the major industrial cities of
India. Ahmedabad is a noisy city full of vitality, offering everything
for a tourist with wanderlust. Interesting museums, rare blends
of architecture (a blend of Islamic and Hindu Architectural styles),
colorful narrow bazaars, scenic river locales (the city sprawls
across the Sabarmati river), artisans' villages and some great Gujarati
food. The city was founded in the early years of the fifteenth
century by Sultan Ahmed Shah. In the 17th century, it was one of
India’s most important cities, but the city’s fortunes declined
over time. In the 17th century, was thought to be one of the finest
cities in India. In 1615,the noted English ambassador Sir Thomas
Roe judged it to be goodly citiy, as large as London , But in the
18th century, it went through a period of declines.
Major
tourist attractions of Ahmedabad city are:
Sabarmayi
Ashram Much like Mahatma Gandhi, his ashram too is simplicity
personified. It is a very peaceful place with simple rooms exhibiting
the great man’s biography, photographs, quotes and paintings.
Jama Masjid was built in 1424
by Sultan Ahmed Shah-I. This mosque has a large marble courtyard
with a small, reflecting pool in the center. The mosque has 256
pillars, which support fifteen domes (cupolas). There are intricate
Hindu carvings on the pillars.
Rani Sipri’s Masque is
also known as Masjid-e-Nagira (Jewel of a Mosque). It has ornamented
minarets and a tomb of Rani Sipri, who had the mosque built after
her son was executed for a minor crime.
Swami Narayan Temple Built
in 1950, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Step Wells (VAVS OR BAOLIS)
The to Ahmedabad will be incomplete without a visit to The Dada
Hari Vav. It is a `step well' with a difference. It has intricately
carved walls, pillars and the steps lead down to different levels
and ends in a small well.
Junagarh
Junagarh is a veritable treasure
trove of ancient temples, museums, palaces and caves. Every monument
will remind you of the grandeur of the Nawabs who once ruled Junagadh.
The famous rock edicts of Asoka and the Girnar Temples are a popular
attraction Afternoon, visit the Girnar Hill- 600 m climb up 10,000
stone steps to the summit of Girnar.
Sasangir
The
Gir National Park, was established on 18th September, 1965, as a
Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The total
area under national park status is about 2,450 hectares.
It is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has
been confined to this forest, since 1884 ( about 239 lions were
reported in 1985 ).The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its
African cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite
a sight to behold. The best way to observe the big cats is, of course,
in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on
the prowl.
The Gir is also home to the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted
easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar
dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan.
The sanctuary remains closed from June to October and the ideal
time to visit is between December and March.The Park is closed during
monsoon till mid-October.
Diu
Diu
was a Portuguese colony until it was taken over by India in 1961
and was made a Union Territory rather than as part of Gujarat. The
former colony includes the island of Diu itself, about 13km long
and three km wide, separated from the coast by a narrow channel.
There are also two tiny mainland enclaves.
Diu as the country finest beaches, one can relax at ahmedpur mandvi
beach and nagao beach and both the beaches are good for swimming.
Portuguese Fort ( DIU FORT) Completed
in 1541, the massive Portuguese Fort with its double moat (one tidal)
must once have been virtually impregnable, but sea erosion and neglect
are leading to a slow but inevitable collapse. Piles of cannon balls
litter the place and the ramparts have a superb array of cannons,
many old yet in good condition. Churches
Diu Town has three churches, although only one is fulfilling its
original function. St Paul's, This wonderful old church is suffering
serious neglect, with beautiful old paintings slowly disintegrating,
but it is still a peaceful place. Nearby is St Thomas' Church, which
houses the Diu Museum. There's an interesting collection of Catholic
statues of the island from the Portuguese.
Bhavnagar
Once the capital of Gujarat, Bhavnagar
was founded in 1743, and is now a flourishing port on the Gulf of
Khambhat. It is a convenient base, for visits to the town of Palitana
and the sacred hill of Shatrunjaya. Some of the interesting places
are :
Palitana
A
56 km drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana
lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya hill, with the Shatrunjaya river
flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent
temples, 863 in all, that soar in splendour to the summit. These
temples were built over a span of 900 years. The 600 m climb to
the peak is usually made on foot.
Ahmedpur
Mandvi
The
West Indian State of Gujarat is said to have the longest coastline
of all the States in the Country. Located along this coastline is
the famous destination of Ahmedpur Mandvi
near the district of Junagarh. Lazing on the beach, swimming,
enjoying water sports facilities or just just soaking in the spectacular
sunshine this beach resort offers a range of activities to interest
every kind of tourist. Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of the finest beaches
of the Country well worth a visit.
Bhuj
Bhuj was founded in 1548 AD
by Rao Khengarji -I, starting a dynasty of jadeja rulers that ruled
over Kachchh for 400 years. And so, the old walled city of Bhuj
is the most important town in the area.
Main
tourist attractions ok Bhuj are:
Mata no Madh further west of
Kakkadbhit is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jadejas, the erstwhile
rulers of Kutch. The original temple, which was demolished in the
earthquake of 1819, was believed to be 1200 years old.
Lakhpat is a trip into history.
In this ancient port-city, time has been standing still for ages.
It is today deserted, desolate, uninhabited, and invokes powerful
nostalgia and soulful affection. Renowned for its beautiful landscape,
cenotaphs and memorial stones, the town holds a vantage position
due to its westernmost location flanked by the sea and the Rann.
Narayan Sarovar One of
the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion, Narayan Sarovar
is uppermost in the pilgrims' circuit. There are actually five sacred
lakes here, containing a temple complex is one of its five holy
lakes.
Kachchh Museum The oldest Museum
in Gujarat was established in 1877. It is unique in having the largest
collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, for its gold and silver ornaments,
textiles, armoury and other exhibits.
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