Gujarat accommodation from AU$71

There are some things in Gujarat you might expect from India, like stunning temples and delicious vegetarian food. Then there are some things that may come as a surprise, like wilderness safaris and an eerie beach. Drinking is banned, but you won’t need it to have a good time when you stay at one of our wonderful Gujarat hotels.

Things to see and do

Known as ‘the jewel of the west’, Gujarat is a state in the west of India with a 1,600 km coastline and a population of more than 60 million. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s capital, you’ll find Gandhi’s old house, Sabarmati Ashram, which now has a Gandhi museum and a gallery of paintings of Gandhi.

All kinds of activities are on the table at Gujarat. Swim at relaxing Mandvi Beach, or even take a camel or horse ride across the dunes. For something a little different, take a trip to Dumas Beach. Legend has it that this rugged black sand beach becomes a centre of paranormal activity at night, when the wind whispers strange messages.

You don’t need to go to Africa to go on safari! Take a jeep tour through Gir Forest National Park, where you can spot lions, leopards and bears among grasslands and rocky hills.

Gujarat’s temples are worth checking out too, especially if you’re a history or culture buff. Somnath is an awe-inspiring palace-sized shrine to the Hindu god Shiva, in the middle of a pretty garden on the beach. Although the current temple was built in 1947, it’s been destroyed many times throughout history and is sometimes called ‘the temple of the eternal’. There are stacks more temples to see in Gujarat, including 866 at Mt Girnar, Gujarat’s highest peak. To get to them you just have to climb 8000 steps. Looks like it’s leg day!

Shopping and dining

Gujarat is popular for its textile markets and distinctive Indian-style shopping. Check out Manek Chowk, a bustling open square in the middle of the city which sells vegetables, jewellery, textiles and, when night falls, all kinds of street food. Nearby Rani no Hajiro is a "ladies market" just for women’s fashion. The largest shopping mall in Gujarat is AlphaOne, 1.2 million square feet of shopping, dining, cinemas and gaming.

Vegetarians will love Gujarat (although there are plenty of options for meat lovers too). Try a dinner of Gujarati Thali, a dish made up of many different vegetables and spices, like dal and kadhi.

Getting here and around

Start by booking one of our flights to Ahmedabad. When you’re here, get around on Gujarat’s public transport system or simply jump on a bus, taxi or tuk-tuk to get around this fascinating state. Take a look at our full range of Gujarat accommodation.

Image credit BeautifulEyes under Creative Commons