Gujarat

Gujarat has a long historical and cultural tradition dating back nearly 5500 years to the days of the Indus Valley Civilization. Tucked in the western part of the Indian sub-continent, Gujarat derives its name from the Gurjars, who passed through Punjab and settled in the scattered parts of western India. Its a place where azure seas meet sparkling sands, blushing sunsets embrace rosy dawns, where lions prowl and flamingoes preen, where pure white marble temples reflecting the glorious past blends with the age old palaces, bathed in sun. And… it’s the land of Gandhi.

Demographics

According to 1991 census, Gujarat had a population of 4.13 crores. The density of population was 211 per square kilometers. The population is 485 million and expected to grow to 555 million by 2010. The official and primary language is Gujrati. As about 89.1% of the population of Gujarat is Hindu, the worship of the deity of Krishna is more prevalent here. The only nomadic tribe is Rabari, who loves wandering with their herds and engaging themselves in making some elaborate embroidery pieces.

Geography

Gujarat, covering an area of 3.28 million square kilometers is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and southwest and Pakistan to the Northwest. The Rann of Kutch is a seasonally marshy region located in the Thar Desert bio-geographic region of Gujarat.   Kissed by the Arabian Sea and dotted with some really fine beaches Gujarat has become the hottest tourist destinations. Rich in wetland resources, Gujarat is characterized by extensive alluvial plain dotted with sand dunes, saline depressions and granite hills.

Climate

Gujarat involves diverse climatic conditions. Here the winters are mild, pleasant and dry with average daytime temperatures, sunny days and clear nights. The summers are extremely hot and dry, while during winter, Gujarat has some of the best weathers in India. Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around in mid-June. Gujarat receives its rainfall from the southwest monsoon. Though mostly dry, it is desertic in northwest and wet in the southern districts due to monsoon. The annual rainfall varies between 250- 300mm. The best time to visit is from October to February when it is warm and dry.

Flora and Fauna

Gujarat is a unique state that boasts of many kinds of habitats. Endowed with great diversity of ecosystems and rich in floral and faunal plentitude, including 4320 species of plant and 2728 species of animals, Gujarat is at its high. Its varied landforms include dry deciduous forests, majestic grasslands, wetlands, marine ecosystems, and rich moist deciduous forests. As an abode to some extremely rare wildlife that include Asiatic lion, Wild Ass, world’s only four horned antelope, Black Buck and great bird reserves, this state is endowed with vibes and varieties.

Major Attractions

Gir Forest, one of the largest and most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India, boasts of its luxuriantly rich ecosystems, comprising wide species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s main city boasts of numerous historic and religious sites. In addition, some must see places for you include Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Saputara Pavagadh, Champaner, Junagadh, Surat, Rajkot and Lothal.

Tips

- Try to be in Gujarat in January during Modhera festival. This annual festival of Indian classical dances is organized every year by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.
- Navaratri or Festival of Nine Nights during October is the best time to be in Gujarat. Thousands of Gujarati girls and boys take part in their traditional Garba dance and the streets and markets are all lighted up.
- If you want to cover N-shaped Girnar Mountain or pay your homage at Girnar Jain temple, the best thing would be to start walking from the base of the mountain early morning because once the sun is up it would be extremely tough for you to cover.