Gujarat is
gradually finding its place on the map of tourism; both domestic and foreign tourists
are visiting the state in increasing numbers. The capital of Gujarat is
Gandhinagar. One should indeed cover
Gujarat, the jewel in the West, on one’s tour of Mumbai and Rajasthan. Gujarat has
a wide variety of attractions. It is the land of the Gurjars. In course of time
the state of Gurjars has came to be known as Gujarat. Gujarat was a port of
Maurya empire during 3rd century. Around 5th century the
Maurya empire fell under the invasion of Huns and Gurjars migrated to this area
from the Northern quarter of India. Gujarat came under the rule of the Gupta dynasty
around 4-5th century and under the Solanki dynasty around 9th
century. In 10th century Chalukya King Mulraj Solanki laid the
foundation of modern Gujarat.
Archaeologist
claims that Gujarat was the base of Indian civilization even before 5000 years.
Around 2500 BC, Harappans from Punjab travelling past the Runn of Kutch entered
Gujarat and settled down the Narmada valley. The Sun temple of Madhera founded
by Sampreeti is equally an attractive place both to the devout and tourist. Farther
south Somnath is another holy place for Hindu pilgrimage. Gujarat claims its
glorious position in the annals of Indian history by virtue of its own splendor.
The political
and social turmoil in 19th century encouraged many Gujarati to
migrate to the other parts of the world. Many of them has domiciled in East
Africa- others have settled in England, Canada, New Zealand and other parts of
the world. Gujarat played a major role in India’s struggle for independence.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi- Father of the Nation- was born at Porbandar at Gujarat.
The place is said to be a holy one.
Gujarat has
many beautiful places for the tourists to explore. The Gir Forest in Gujarat famous
for lions in Asia as is equally famous the life style of gypsies in color gay
at the Runn of Kutch in Gujarat. Similarly, forested by various kings, nawabs
and thakurs the sea beaches of Gujarat- Chorwad and Ahmedpur- Mandvi are
unique. A 1650km long coastal belt encircles Gujarat. Even the remote parts of Gujarat
are within 150km from the coast. Gujarat is still the leading state in textile
industry. A huge reserve of oil has also been spotted at Cambay in Gujarat. The
state is served by various rivers such as Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada, Tapti and
other rivers that help to produce tobacco leaves, cotton, and groundnut on a
huge scale.
During the
Rash festival in Gujarat witnessed a riot of colors as whole community erupts
in gay celebrations. Women wear choli with sari and men wear open collar long Punjabi
with trouser. The tourists can also share Garba dance enacting the romance of
Lord Krishna with Gopi balas. Pankhira Dance is also an essential part of the
festival.
Geographical conditions
have dived Gujarat in 3 different geographical location 1) Main lands: Surat,
Vadodara and Ahmadabad are industry-based commercial cities. 2) 430*320 km area
and about 200m high Kathiawad of the past or Saurashtra on the right little
Runn of Kutch. The area melts in to the desert and beyond it stretches Pakistan.
Demography-
The main
language of Gujarat is Guajarati, both Hindi and English are in use as well. Gujarat
is 7th in size and 10th in population in India. The literacy
rate in Gujarat is 70%. 20% of the state populations are tribal as well as Dalits
or lower caste Hindus. Jain religion predominates the state. They are the
friend and lover of animals. Traditionally Gujarati people, particularly Hindus
and Jain are vegetarians, due to Jain influence and orthodox Hinduism.
Climate-
An ideal time
for the tourist to visit Gujarat is during October-March. Temperature varies
between 55-95F. Variable temperature increases from April- excessive heat from April to September.
Rain causes trouble in south and western Gujarat. And north of Gujarat is the
desert area.
********
