Things to do in  Gujarat

Constructed in the 11th century under the auspices of Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty, this monumental temple honors Surya, the deity manifestation of the sun. Many sections of the temple, and quite a few of its original carvings and statuary, remain in beautiful condition, a full millennium later.

Ahmedabad’s Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati is a fascinating destination for Indian history enthusiasts and anyone interested in spirituality and concepts of nonviolence. The Indian freedom fighter was from Gujarat and spent many years living at the ashram with his wife. Now, visitors can stroll through the grounds, browse the museum, or even do historical research in the archives located here.

The monumental Laxmi Vilas Palace (also known as Lukshmi Vilas Palace) in Vadodara was built in 1890 for the Maharajahs of Baroda, formerly part of India’s state of Gujarat. With its upper floors still home to the royals’ descendants, the palace is India’s largest private residence and a museum where visitors can view rooms preserved from the Maharajah era.

Located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the five-story-deep Adalaj Stepwell is considered a masterpiece of West Indian temple architecture and engineering. Like other stepwells found across the subcontinent, it was constructed as a means to collect and harvest monsoon rainwater for residents to use during dry times of the year.

Situated in a former royal schoolhouse on the southern end of the Laxmi Villas Palace grounds, the Maharaja Fatesingh Museum houses an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from around the world, many of which were acquired by Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III during his travels abroad.

India might be best known for the Bengal tiger, but you’ll find another big cat in Gujarat’s Gir National Park: the Asiatic lion. The park and immediate surrounding areas are the only place in the world where you can see these lions in the wild. If in this part of India, nature-loving travelers shouldn’t miss the chance to spot them.

Established in 1887, the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery houses a collection of art and objects amassed by the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Join locals strolling the grounds before heading inside. The maharaja had the complex built to showcase all sorts of items collected or commissioned on his travels, from Indian musical instruments to an Egyptian mummy.

This monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure of India's independence movement, is among the tallest statues in the world. Gazing southeast over the Narmada River, the statue is meant to symbolize pride in the Indian national project—and to bring visitors to southern Gujarat. At the statue's feet lie a memorial garden and museum dedicated to the statesman.

This museum holds some of India’s finest textiles. Collections contain antique and modern shawls, tapestries, saris, tie-dyes, royal costumes, and other items. Other objects such as sacred statues, religious texts, and miniature paintings round out collections. The museum is a must-see for visitors interested in one of India’s oldest traditions.

Ahmedabad’s Manek Chowk is a general produce, jewelry, and textiles market by day that transforms into a vibrant street food market at night. Located in the atmospheric Old Town, right beside the Jama Masjid, Manek Chowk is a convenient place to browse Indian bling or to grab a cheap and cheerful vegetarian Gujarati meal at night.

Ornate pillars, richly decorated columns, carved spires, and graceful carvings of dancers, musicians, and deities in white marble make this Jain temple outside Delhi Gate one of the most stunning in Ahmedabad. Built in 1848, the temple is dedicated to Dharmanath, or the 15th Tirthankara, or “ford-maker,” one of the 24 great teachers of the Jain religion.

Ahmedabad’s ornate Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur temple belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampraday sect of Hinduism. It was built during the early 19th century and comprises several buildings, including the main temple, a women’s temple, mansions, and gateways. It’s a beautiful place to visit, whatever your culture or faith.

If you’ve ever paused mid-meal in India to admire the plates and bowls you’re eating from, check out Ahmedabad’s Veechar Cultural and Heritage Museum for Utensils. Located in a village hut-like setting, the museum was established in consultation with an anthropologist and presents an exciting array of antique vessels and utensils that reflect traditional Indian life.

Snow is a rare sight in India (outside the Himalayas), but Maniar’s Wonderland Snow Park in Ahmedabad provides a wintery experience the whole year round. Kids and adults will enjoy playing in the park, riding the roller coasters and zip lines, and even having snowball fights—a particularly enticing option when it’s hot outside.

Bandhej (tie-dye) saris, traditional blouses, and colorful wall hangings line the stalls of the Law Garden Night Market, where business starts after sunset. So-called because of its proximity to the Gujarat Law Society University, and the garden of the same name, the market is where locals and tourists shop for traditional Gujarati handicrafts and local street food.