Varanasi Travel Experience - The Complete Travel Guide to Varanasi

Varanasi is located in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh along the banks of the River Ganges. One can witness thousands of pilgrims thronging this holy city for a pilgrimage or exploring the beauty of the city. Varanasi has been rich in tourism for many years and is a centre of all Hindu and Jain traditions. Besides being high in spiritualism and culture, Varanasi has mesmerising backdrops that captivate every traveller touring this city.

Varanasi or Kashi have a lot of places to visit and explore in and around the city and is one every travellers itinerary. The innumerable temples of Varanasi, the picturesque locales and places in close proximity to Varanasi offer the tourists immense opportunities to indulge in the cities colourful hues. Along with Varanasi one can also visit Sarnath, Vindhyachal, Ram Nagar, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Vindham Falls, Chunar Fort, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaithi, various Dargahs, etc. located in relatively close proximity to Varanasi. One can find many travellers visiting Varanasi to connect and discover with their spiritual self and purify their soul, body and mind. The sanctimonious capital of India, Varanasi is one of the most important tourist centres of India. Varanasi tourism has a lot of different hues to offer the tourist and must visit this pious city atleast once.

Enlighten yourself and revel in the beautiful culture of Varanasi!

History of Varanasi

Varanasi is alternatively called Banaras or Kashi and is the holiest among seven holy cities of India. Situated on the banks of Ganges River, the history of Varanasi dates back to several thousand years ago and holds high significance in Hindu mythology. The most prominent places of pilgrimage, the banks of Varanasi are thronged by thousands of devotees each year celebrating life and indulging in its rich spirituality.

Since time immemorial, Varanasi is considered to be in existence since the beginning of the world. The ground of Varanasi is said to be created by Lord Shiva along with his wife Goddess Parvati. The mention of Varanasi as a place of great sanctity and reverence has been in our Hindu scriptures ancient times. Varanasi or Kashi as it is often called is where you will find many believers and devotees coming to discover their spiritual side. The breath-taking view of the River Ganges and a holy bath in this magnificent River is said to have curative properties. Varanasi is famous as not a place of ardent worship but also as a major textile manufacturer of the world renowned Banarasi Silk Saris. This work and texture of the Saris is unmatched with any other textile in the world. Older than history and the oldest settled city in India, Varanasi is a definitely a must see while visiting India and North India.

The history of Varanasi will leave every traveller mesmerised and will taunt you to come back!

Culture of Varanasi

Varanasi is a land rich in its culture and tradition. The city of Varanasi showcases great pride in its rich value system and culture that is part of every individual of this city and is witnessed by every tourist visiting this pious destination.

While talking about culture and tradition, the one thing that sets Varanasi apart from its contemporaries is the way festivals are celebrated here. The great pomp and show that one sees and the way the city comes alive during major festivities, is truly a sight to be experienced. The cultural events of Varanasi are another driving factor for many tourists visiting this city. Every month there is some fair or festival being celebrated in Varanasi and hence you can see many devotees thronging the river fronts of Varanasi regularly. Few major festivals and cultural events of Varanasi are- Bharat Milap held the day succeeding Dusshera- a festival where one garlands Lord Rama and his brothers; Buddha Purnima- marks the birth of Lord Buddha; Mahashivratri- to worship the deity Lord Shiva; Hanuman Jayanti- an important festival in the eyes of the Hindus celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman; Nag Nathaiya festival- depicting a famous incidence in the life of Lord Krishna; Dev Deepavali- thousands of devotees light 1000 earthen lamps to honour River Ganga; The Famous Ram-Leela- telling the story of Lord Ram; Nakkatayya- slitting of Nose is forms another chapter of Ramayana and Lord Rama and is attend by a big number of people from in and around the city; Other common festivals here are Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Dusshera, etc.

Come, be part of the great legacy of Varanasi festivities!

Food in Varanasi

Varanasi can surprise you with a wide array of mouth-watering delicacies to savour your palette. Varanasi is not only popular for its sanctity but also the different traditional variety of food you find here. The streets of Varanasi present you with the most famous food and various specialities unique to this city.

Varanasi cuisine is definitely worth a bite while touring this city and you can enjoy gorging on some lip smacking sweet savouries or spicy treats or simple snacks along the streets and restaurants of Varanasi. The traditional mix of Uttar Pradesh with a touch of Bihar is something that sets the food in Varanasi apart. The famous snow cone, roasted peanuts, the delicious chat items like Tamatar or Tomato Chat, Pani Puri, Kachoris, Aloo Tikki; Thandai or Lassi, Baati Chokha, variety of Mithais or sweets like Jalebis, Banarasi Kalakand, Rabri, etc. Another famous treat of Banaras is their Paan- almost every local will be seen savouring this speciality of Varanasi made of betel leaf and a mixture of tobacco depending on your taste and preference. Besides the traditional food in Varanasi there are a number of shops that have sprung in the recent past offering continental, western and other India delicacies as well.

Savour and relish the typical Varanasi food with your family or friends!

Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

Varanasi, a city of temples and pure sanctity, is the holy capital of India. The temples and chants of the land leave you mesmerised invoking a sense of tranquillity in you. Varanasi or Kashi or Banaras, as it is also popularly known is one the most visited tourist destinations in India. One can see an array of devotees from abroad and India thronging the shores of River Ganges in Varanasi and seeking pure spirituality.

There are many places to visit in Varanasi that are best enjoyed with a group of friends or family. Few popular places to see in Varanasi are-

Jantar Mantar

The passion and love for astronomy and technology gave birth to this beautiful architectural wonder constructed by The Maharaja of Jaipur, Jai Singh in 1737. Bharat Mata Temple- Dedicated to our Motherland, this temple is a rare example of unity and beauty presented delicately by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The main temple of Varanasi holds one of the twelve main Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is a revered place of worship for devotees from across the world. The Ghats of Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort, New Vishwanath Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Gyan Kup Well, Vishnu Charanapaduka, Tulsi Mana Temple, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Nepali Temple, Bharat Kala Mandir, Excavation sites and stupas of Sarnath, etc. are other places in Varanasi that are popular amongst tourists. Varanasi tourist attractions are many and hence it is advisable to book your trip in advance.

The city of great reverence is to be visited atleast once to experience its greatness in person!

Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world and has a history dating back to thousands of years. This beautiful, majestic spiritual capital of India is home to many temples revered amongst devotes from across the world. Varanasi is not only famous for its temples, Ghats and picturesque view but also for its exquisite shopping experience.

Varanasi or Banaras houses many traditional styles of attire and paraphernalia which is popular amongst tourists from round the world. Silk weaving is the most prevalent art of Varanasi or Banaras. The traditional Banarasi silk saris adorn many brides and their trousseau during the most important day of their lives. The art of weaving and making intricately designed gold and silver brocade work is said to be passed from generation to generation on the local and traditional weavers of Varanasi. One can shop for some great Varanasi or Banaras specialities from the local shopping places like Thatheri Bazaar, Chowk and Urban Haat, Vishwanath Galli, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Gyan Vapi and Golghar. One can get good prices in these markets and enjoy shopping for other traditional paraphernalia as well like copperware or brassware products, clay toys, exquisite hand knotted carpets and gold jewellery, etc.

A different world of shopping awaits you in Banaras or Varanasi. So come and indulge a little bit in the rich tradition and culture of Varanasi showcased through their most beauty artistic work!

Activities in Varanasi

Varanasi is not only a sacred place of worship but also a place known for its picturesque landscape and beautiful surroundings. Every person visiting Varanasi experiences a feeling of tranquillity and calmness that lingers around you for a long time. A place to forget all your worries, relax amidst nature and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, Varanasi has couple of good Ayurvedic centres, spa, yoga and massage centres.

Jiva Yoga and Spa Retreat in Nadesar Palace in Varanasi offers you a complete solution to refresh your senses along with some relaxing massages; Spa and Ayurvedic treatments available in Kayakalapam in Ramada Plaza JHV, Suryauday Haveli by Anantara Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd. offers great Yoga and Spa sessions to all visiting Varanasi and staying in this magnificent resort, Spa facilities are also provided in Radisson Hotel; International Yoga Clinic and Meditation Centre Varanasi, Sahaja Yoga Centres in Varanasi, Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments offered by Yogi-Nomad in Varanasi, Yoga sessions are also held in Patanjali, Brahmavarchas International Yoga Academy, Om Namah Shivay, Shiva Nand Yoga Sansthan, Arogyam Sukhvardhanam, Ngo Organization Yoga Program, etc.

Yoga, meditation, spa and massage treatments are just the form of relaxation one looks forward too while on a trip to Varanasi. The spiritual capital of India offers you a complete package to relax and refresh your mind, provoking you to come back for more!

How to Reach Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most popular and sacred tourist destinations of India. The city witnesses many tourists throughout the year coming from all walks of life. There are not only Indian tourists but also a large number of foreign tourists and devotees who come to spend a tranquil time in Varanasi. With the tourist influx being high, the city is well connected by all modes of transportation- air, rail and road.

By Rail

Varanasi is connected by a good railway network connecting almost all the major cities of India. You can book your tickets in advance or through an agent to Varanasi and enjoy a splendid time with your family and friends. There are two stations namely Varanasi Cantonment and Kashi junction where one can get down at while travelling by rail.

By Air

Varanasi has an airport located in Babatpur at a slight distance from the city limits and you can book your flight in any of the private carriers or government owned Indian Airlines to travel to Varanasi. There are regular arrivals and departures from the airport so one does not need to worry about flights and schedules. Most of the major cities in India have flights going to Varanasi.

By Road

Travelling by road in a bus or car is advisable in case you are travelling from a short distance. There are many private tourist buses that ply in and out of Varanasi and also can be useful in booking a sightseeing tour of Varanasi. The road network is well laid out and in good condition to provide convenient travel for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

Varanasi is located on the banks of River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most revered cities amongst Hindus and Jains. Varanasi experiences heavy tourist footfall throughout the year and the same increases two fold during major festivals in India. While planning a trip to Varanasi one also needs to bear the climatic conditions in mind to avoid extremities in weather.

Varanasi is situated in the northern belt of India and hence experiences extreme climate conditions. With extremely hot and humid summer and monsoons to very cold winters, Varanasi is a place where climate is not really a deterrent. However, keeping the hot subtropical climate in mind, the best time to travel to Varanasi is during winters from October to March. Even though the temperatures drop drastically, the coolness in the air and the comfort with which one can move in this weather is not the same during summer season. The onset of winter is the best time to visit Varanasi for a dip in the holy Ganges when the temperature is cool but not cold. This is the best time to enjoy moving around the temples of Varanasi and revelling in its picturesque and beautiful environment.

Come to Varanasi and enjoy a peaceful time with your family and friends!

Weather in Varanasi

Varanasi is situated in the Northern belt of Uttar Pradesh along the banks of River Ganga. The climate conditions in Varanasi are pretty similar to all of North India. The weather in Varanasi is mostly humid subtropical making it prone to extremities experienced during change of season. Varanasi experiences all the seasons of the year- summer, spring, monsoon, autumn and winter. The period change of weather can be better understood by going over the climate condition throughout the year.

JAN-MAR

January is the middle of winter season and Varanasi experiences freezing cold weather at this of the year. The cold nights and little sunshine during January and February can wear you down especially because you are layered in woollen clothes. By March, with the arrival of spring, the temperatures begin to rise and the weather is very pleasant to take a trip to Varanasi.

APR-JUN

April to June Varanasi experiences a lot of hot and humid weather. The heat and humidity is caused primarily because of the river front and the weather can make you tired. It is difficult to move around Varanasi during this time and hence it is best to avoid travelling to Varanasi. If you are prone to sunstroke or cannot bear extreme heat, summer is definitely not the season to visit.

JUL-SEPT

This is generally the monsoon period and the entire city and region experiences rainfall. Though the rainfall is supposed to bring respite from the heat, the weather here becomes even more humid making it unbearable to visit Varanasi. Though the natural beauty of Varanasi is enhanced during this period, however it is difficult for tourists to manoeuvre in monsoon.

OCT-DEC

October in officially the onset of winter season and autumn. Varanasi starts to cool down from October and hence you can see maximum tourist activity during this period. November and December are cold months making it also the best time to visit Varanasi. The cool weather and drop in temperature attracts many tourists at this time.

The change in weather and the extreme climate condition is not a deterrent to pay a visit to Varanasi. Come and enjoy the beautiful aura of this magnificent city!

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A Complete Travel Guide to Gujarat that is starting this October to March

Aavo Padharo, two words of welcome in the Gujarati dialect that entwine any visitor coming to Gujarat with warmth and compassion. This beautiful state set in the lap of the Aravali Mountain’s with a coastline of the Arabian Sea, is located in the North Western region of India. Gujarat has always been known for its beautiful landscape, breath-taking holiday destinations, warm people, rich tradition and culture along with a never-die attitude.

Gujarat tourism has grown over the years and has by far attracted many people across India and abroad. The various historical sites, art, culture, music, artistic cave paintings, murals, man-made and natural caves, etc. come together to form the perfect cultural mixture to exude tourism of Gujarat. Few of the important places of interest in Gujarat are Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Sabarmati Ashram, Mandvi, Morbi, Daman & Diu, Sasan Gir, Junagarh, Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Baroda, etc. Gujarat tourism boasts of various architectural and cultural wonders located across the spread of this beautiful land. Forts, Havelis and Palaces, Museums, Gardens and Lakes, Beaches, Stepwell, Archaeological and Architectural structures, historical monuments, etc. are all an integral part of Gujarat Tourism.

Come to Gujarat and explore the vibrant and colourful hues of this magnificent state!

History of Gujarat

Gujarat has made a significance contribution and played a very important role in the history of India. It has played a crucial part in pre-independence and post-independence of India. Gujarat- often referred to ‘as the land of legends’ is located in the north-western region of India. Gujarat derives its name from its earliest settlers-Gujjar. Though their origins are uncertain but they happen to be an ethnic tribe of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Gujarat has traces of the early Indus Valley Civilization and the Harappan civilization. This marvellous city, situated in the lap of Aravali, has witnessed the rise and fall of many royal dynasties such as the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire, Pala Empire, famous flourishing Maurya Dynasty, Scynthians or Sakas, and Solanki Dynasty, the Muslim rule, The Maratha-Gaekwads of Baroda as well as the modern influences of Dutch, English, French and Portuguese invasions. The first factory of British East India Company was established in 1614 AD in Surat, Gujarat. Thereafter there was a significance of the British rulers in Gujarat which led to it being a state of importance in years to follow. The golden era of India during the freedom movement pre 1947 AD, had major revolutionaries from Gujarat like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Narhari Parikh, Bhulabhai Desai, Ravi Shankar Vyas, Morarji Desai, Mahadev Desai and K.M.Munshi. All these political stalwarts were responsible in one way or the other in securing the Independence of India. The most famous contributor popularly known as the “Father of our Nation”- Mahatma Gandhi hailed from this beautiful state and led his non-violent movement from the banks of Sabarmati, which still has his influence in the form of the famous Sabarmati Ashram.

Gujarat has witnessed many hardships and has risen above all to become one of the most triumphant states of modern India. The history of Gujarat has made it as strong as it is today!

Culture of Gujarat

Festivals and major cultural events Incredible Gujarat, has coloured the landscaped the skies of India with its beautiful and breath-taking hues over the decades. This state is not only known for its rapid infrastructural development but also its colourful culture. The rich tradition and culture of Gujarat is strongly imbibed in every Gujarati family. The aesthetic sense of arts, lifestyle and culture in Gujarat is definitely worth the experience for every Indian as well as foreigners.

Festivals of Gujarat are not only popularly celebrated in this beautiful state but also in the entire nation with equal fervour if not more. Traditional culture of Gujarati’s is well presented through their famous Garba, Raas, Garbi and folk music. The famous Garba-Raas is known to have originated in Gujarat and made very popular and passed on world-wide by Lord Krishna himself. Few of the most festivals and cultural events of Gujarat are-

Navratri: The nine-day festival held in the honour of Goddess Durga is full of dancing and singing coupled with fasting for nine days. Gujarat comes alive to the tunes of folk music and traditional music and you can experience the people dancing to the beats doing the Dandiya-Raas and Garba.

Uttarayan: The famous kite flying festival of Gujarat is celebrated during Makar Sankranti in January. The landscape of Gujarat comes alive with the beautiful colourful kites grazing the sky line of this marvellous state.

Janmashtami: This marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is very delicately and beautiful celebrated by all Gujarati’s. One can see the Raas-Lila come alive commemorating the divinity of Lord Krishna. Besides these festivals Diwali, Holi, Kutch Mahotsav, Mahashivratri, etc. are celebrated with equal fervour.

Gujarat hosts nearly 3500 festivals annually in the stream of commerce, art, trade fairs, religious fairs, etc.

Tourist Attractions in Gujarat

Gujarat has many wonderful tourist attractions right from temples to historical monuments, forts and palaces or Lakes and rivers, beaches and gardens to hills and mountains. You can enjoy all these Gujarat tourist attractions by chalking out your itinerary and the places you would like to visit. Few Gujarat attractions come on your must-see or must-do list while touring this magnificent state.

For all history lovers you should visit places in Gujarat like Bhujia Fort, Kanthkot Fort, Roha Fort, Champaner, Lakhpat, Tera Fort, Pavagadh fort, Dhabhoi fort, Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad, Huzoor Palace, Maharaja Palace, Uperkot Fort, Prag Mahal Palace, etc. You can also choose to visit the famous lake, waterfall, garden or beach places in Gujarat such as Kankaria Lake, Adalaj Stepwell, Sabarmati Riverfront, Vastrapur Lake, Maniar’s wonderland Snow park, Narmada Canal, Ten Talav, Saputara Lake, Gira waterfalls, Suvali Beach, Trambak falls, White desert, great Rann of Kutch, Narayan Sarovar, Porbandar beach, Mandvi beach, Parimal garden, etc. If you are interested to visit the wildlife sanctuaries or nature parks you must visit the Sasan Gir National park, Kutch Bustard sanctuary, Kutch Desert wildlife sanctuary, Sakkarbaug zoological gardens, Sarthana National Park, Blackbuck national park, etc.

Besides these other places to visit in Gujarat are the famous temples like Somnath temple, Akshardham temples, Goddess Amba temple, Jama Masjid, ISKCON temples, Sri Hari temple, etc. Gujarat places to visit are located in every city of Gujarat and each has its own uniqueness. One cannot define the best or the ultimate place to visit, but yes, it sure is an experience by itself. Come explore the various Gujarat tourist attractions with your family and friends.

Best Time To Visit

Gujarat is open for tourists all through the year. Hence you can plan your visit as per your convenience and chalk out the places you would like to visit. The best time to visit Gujarat is from October to March with the onset of winter. The air during this time of the year is generally dry and warm. Winters are normally quite mild and not very cold. The temperature during the day and night is comfortable for everyone to travel in and around Gujarat.

Most of the places have a planned itinerary during this time frame making it the peak season for Gujarat tourism. During this period you will witness the big and most celebrated festival of Gujarat- Navratri. This is a festival of colour and energy followed by the festival of lights- Diwali. Besides this, you can also plan your travel during the month of January, which is again peak season for Gujarat as it celebrates the famous Kite festival attracting people from across the globe especially India. Winter is the best time to travel to Gujarat if you are looking at respite from extreme cold weather or extreme hot weather. Gujarat temperature during winters is very comfortable for everyone to enjoy the beauty and natural sights.

Pack your bags and have a fun filled holiday during winters- the best time to travel to Gujarat!

Shopping Places in Gujarat

Gujarat is an extremely picturesque state in India. This state not only boasts of its tradition and culture but also the typical handicraft paraphernalia and clothes that tourists can shop from here. There are lot of cities in Gujarat famous for some their typical goods and products that are sold not only in their city but across Gujarat and India too. Gujarat specialises in production of dates, peanuts, milk and milk products (Amul being the leading and local brand), sugarcane, cotton, etc.

The local markets in Gujarat cities provide you with plenty of shops, stalls and emporiums to shop from. You can indulge in shopping sprees in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bhuj, Kutch, Surat, Gandhinagar, Junagarh, Rajkot, etc. Gujarat shopping is incomplete without buying their traditional Ghagra-Choli’s with mirror work and lot of embroidery, typical Gujarati jewellery and accessories made of silver and oxidised metal, embroidered footwear, Bandhini’s, Patola Sarees, etc. Gujarat local markets are the best place to buy some good, strong, traditional and reasonable products. If you know someone or have a good guide, do not miss the local markets of the visiting city. Many shopping complex in Gujarat have multiple big brand shops and traditional Gujarati shops as well, where you can choose from a wide variety of products.

Shop till you drop- is the never dying motto of Gujarat, and if you are a culture and tradition aficionado you must visit and indulge in some Gujarat shopping!

Weather of Gujarat

Gujarat generally experiences very dry and arid climate mostly throughout the year. Though it enjoys all the Indian seasons, however there are certain unique characteristics that set it apart from the other regions in western India. Gujarat enjoys four major seasons: summer, winter, monsoon and autumn. You can plan your trip to Gujarat based on the then prevailing weather conditions and the season you are planning to visit.

The weather can be divided quarterly to give you a fair idea about what is in store when you decide to visit Gujarat:

Jan, Feb and March: Gujarat has mild winters and January is the middle of the winter season. January and February have mild weather conditions and serve as good months to visit Gujarat. March is mostly the end of winters and the beginning of summer season. Though the temperature is not very high at this of the year, you should check with the planned places whether it is good to come this time.

April, May, June: April and May is the peak summer season. Gujarat during summers is extremely hot and is not advisable to visit any place during this time of the year. Due to the proximity of the sea, there is a lot of humidity and extreme heat in the air as well. You can expect to receive ‘mango showers’ towards the end of May, however it gets more humid after the first shower. June marks the official onset of Monsoons in Gujarat.

July, Aug and Sept: These are the monsoon months in Gujarat. Southern Gujarat like Saurashtra, Gulf of Cambay, etc. receives very less rainfall. The arid region around Rann of Kutch faces acute water scarcity due to lack of rainfall in this region. The Northern region of Gujarat receives considerable rainfall as compared to other regions. One can experience floods too incase of heavy rainfall in some parts of Gujarat. Overall Gujarat experiences very moderate rainfall and the weather gets humid.

Oct, Nov and Dec: October officially marks the onset of the winter season. The winter season is the best time to visit Gujarat as the winters in Gujarat are mild to moderate with dryness and low humidity and pleasantness in the air. Maximum places experience heavy influx of tourists during this time of the year.

Gujarat displays unique characteristics in weather which ranges from dry to moist climate throughout the state.

Nightlife in Gujarat

Gujarat is a state of many wonderful places to visit and sights to be seen. Gujarat is predominantly a dry state and hence you have to be careful not to carry any form of liquor to this state. The state laws are very strict with having or possessing liquor. Though the hard beverages are not popular in this state few 5 star hotels are allowed to serve them. Gujarat nightlife is still full of energy and a lot of vibrancy.

You can choose to visit the beaches of Gujarat and enjoy a peaceful yet comforting time with your loved one under the bright moonlight and the dazzling sea. Taking a stroll and spending some romantic moments with your loved one is a good way of enjoying the nightlife in Gujarat. Discotheques are not popular in Gujarat as it is primarily a very traditional state and does not boast much about its nightlife. However, you can try partying in a disco in Baroda or Ahmedabad or enjoy a midnight walk in the streets of Surat or Ahmedabad. Nightclubs in Gujarat are nearly non-existent for party seekers but you sure can cherish some good folk music or attend theatre shows or other cultural programmes for all locals and tourists. Night Life in Gujarat can be enjoyed by indulging in some good traditional Gujarati cuisine or street food to savour your taste buds. Besides these you can visit the shopping malls which are open till late evening hours and have a good time while exploring the nightlife in Gujarat. If you are party seeker then there are farmhouses available to enjoy the happening nightlife in Gujarat.

Food, dance and music are all an integral part of Gujarat and hence your nightlife in Gujarat will revolve around these essentials mostly!

Food in Gujarat

Gujarati is one of the most appetizing and delicious food of India. The uniqueness of this cuisine comes from the fact that it is predominantly vegetarian with a lot of variety. Despite of having a long coastline, Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian owing to the fact that it is influenced by traditional Hinduism and Jainism. Gujarati food is majorly categorized into four sections given the region they hail from like Kathiawar, Surti Gujarat, North Gujarat and Kachchh. There are different flavours that one can find in Gujarat food from sweet to salty to spicy, all at the same time.

Most common and traditional Gujarati food comprises of Kadhi or Dal, Roti, Sabzi (also called Shaak) made of a variety of vegetables with traditional with a considerable amount of spices and Rice. What makes food in Gujarat distinct and unique from rest of the country are its composition of sweet and spicy at the same time and a serving of curry served in every meal along with Rice, which is subtle. Chaas or buttermilk is consumed in large quantities by the people in Gujarat and forms an important part of their daily diet along with traditional Gujarati pickles and salads. Few specialities of Gujarat are- Khandvi, Dhokla, Fafda, Daal Dhokli, Sev Khamani, Cholafali, Bajri no Roti (or Roti made of Bajra pulse), Oondhiyan, Meethi or Sweet Kadhi (Yogurt preparation), Thepala, Dhebara, Bhakhri, Khaman, Handwoh, Khakra, Khaman Dhokla, Keri nu Ras (or mostly famously known as Aam Ras or fresh mango pulp), Sutarfeni, etc. to name a few.

You can experience all these delicacies by indulging in some traditional Gujarati Thali anywhere in Gujarat. Gujarat cuisine is definitely to be tried by all tourists visiting this magnificent state.

Accommodation in Gujarat

Gujarat has evolved as a top tourist destination in the past couple of years and hence there are plenty of options for accommodation in Gujarat. Due to the heavy influx of tourists throughout the year, hotels in Gujarat will warranty a contended stay during your time of visit. You can choose from heritage hotels and resorts to 5 star accommodations or budget accommodation in Gujarat.

Few good heritage hotels in Gujarat include Balaram Palace resort, Bhavnani Villa, Rajmahal Palace Wadhwan, Sarita Mandvi Hotel, The Palace Utelia, Nilambagh Palace, Garden Palace hotel, etc. 5 star hotel accommodation in Gujarat can be explored by visiting The Pride, Taj Residency, Le Meridien, Inder residency, Fortune Landmark, Gateway Hotel, Madhuban Spa and resort, Welcome Hotel Baroda, Cambay Grand hotel, Peninsula Kalay Resort Vapi, Radisson Blu hotel, Country Inn Suites by Carlson, The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Infinity Rann of Kutch, Lion Safari Camp Sasan Gir, etc. Budget accommodation in Gujarat includes Hotel Host Inn, Hotel Ginger, Hotel Accolade, Hotel Summit, Cambay Sapphire, The Metropole, Chicago, Ritz Inn, Grand Bhagwati, Surabhi Regency hotel, Revival Lords Inn, Kadoli Farms- Eagles Nest, etc. Cheap accommodation in Gujarat includes plenty of hotels around cities and towns of Gujarat. These are Vishal Hotel Surat, Cadillac Hotel Ahmedabad, Skylon Hotel Gandhinagar, Toran Hill resort Saputara, President Hotel Jamnagar, Chorwad Holiday Home Chorwad, Salty Beach Resort Tithal, Sheetal Hotel Porbandar, Hotel Landmark, Adina palace hotel Valsad, White Rose Hotel Bhavnagar, Kaveri Hotel Veraval, Hotel Harmony Junagarh, etc. among others.

Hotel accommodation in Gujarat differs from tourist to tourist depending on your budget and duration of stay. Come to Gujarat and experience its vivacity!

How to Reach Gujarat

Gujarat is easily accessible by all major destinations through air, road and train. There are various options you can choose from while planning your trip to Gujarat. There are lot of flexible air, road and train services passing through Gujarat and all its major destinations. Your budget and time can decide your mode of transportation while visiting Gujarat.

By Air: All the major cities in India have flights operating on a daily or weekly basis in and out of Gujarat. There are major flights operators like Spice, Jet Airways, India Airlines, etc. which have flights going in and out from Gujarat making it easily accessible for all tourists. The international airport of Gujarat is located in Ahmedabad besides other 10 domestic airports across Gujarat.

By Rail: Gujarat has a well-connected and planned railway network throughout the state. This makes it easy and convenient for all tourists planning their trip to Gujarat via rail. The railway line is well connected to most of the major and minor cities in India and has made travel easier. There are few superfast trains running from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi on a regular basis.

By Road: Gujarat has the best roadway and boasts of the best highways in western India. There are many two to four lane highways linking the entire nation. There are various bus services and taxi services that operate in and out of Gujarat. For all car travellers, the highways of Gujarat serve as a wonderful mode of transportation.

Gujarat offers variety of transport services for all tourists whether you visit by air or rail or road. Reaching Gujarat has never been easier than today!

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