10 Offbeat Travel Destinations In Gujarat

Gujarat was the home to ‘Baapu’-Mahatma Gandhi, which stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a touch of the desert and a 1600-kilometre-long coastline. A state with an incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from rich green thick woods to stark white salt plains. Its beaches, temple towns, and ancient capital cities are well-known. Sculpture, arts, handicrafts, and festivals contribute to the state’s wealth and social richness. Following are the top ten offbeat destinations in Gujarat. 

1. Gopnath beach

Gopinath Beach is a lovely beach in Gujarat located 57 kilometres from Palitana and 74 kilometres from Bhavnagar. The beach is one of the most scenic places to visit during a Palitana tour. The pleasant wind of the sea refreshes and calms the soul. If you want to enjoy sightseeing in Gujarat or have an adventure vacation with your friends, you may stay in a family hotel near the beach at night and see the most incredible sunrise from the coast.

2. Lothal

Adventure lovers, this place is for you! Lothal is an excavated site located 42 kilometres from Nalsarovar and 79 kilometres from Ahmedabad. Lothal is one of the most important towns of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation and one of the most significant historical sites in Gujarat. This ancient city of Lothal, also known as the ‘Mound of the Dead,’ gives a glimpse into the lifestyles of the Harappan civilisation and the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a unique location that has received little attention but is well worth seeing. 

3. Saputara

Saputara is one of the only hill stations in Gujarat and one of the best-planned hill stations in India, nestled in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats at an elevation of roughly 1000 m. This picturesque hill village of Saputara, known as ‘the Abode of Serpents,’ draws its name from the Snake deity adored by the tribals. In addition, tradition has it that Lord Rama spent 11 years in exile in Saputara. If you have enough time, you may stay in a family hotel in the city for a couple of days and attend the Dang tribes’ fascinating colourful festivities.

4. Narara Island

The Narara and Pirotan islands, located off the coast of Jamnagar, are fantastic sites to see rare marine life and go on exhilarating coral treks. Narara Island is 3 square kilometres in size and is home to magnificent mangroves such as Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Ceriops. On your trip to the destination, you can also visit the famous Khwaja Khizar Rahmatullah Alaih and a 25-meter-tall lighthouse close to a family hotel near OYO 67877 Hotel Ivory.

5. Patan

Patan is a historic city in Northern Gujarat located between the Gulf of Khambhat and the Aravalli hill ranges. During your tour, you may stop by Rani Ka Vav, a structure that leads to a 23 metres deep rectangular tank. Rani Ka Vav, designated by UNESCO as an ancient World Heritage Site, is India’s cleanest heritage site.

6. Navlakha temple

The Navlakha temple was dedicated to the Sun God in the 11th century. This unusual location in Ghumli, Gujarat, is worth a visit since it is one of the country’s oldest Sun temples. There are several statues across the property. The primary attractions are the sculptures of Shiv-Parvati, Brahma-Savitri, and Vishnu-Lakshmi. Three entwined elephant tusks may also be seen, which is unique to the Solanki construction style. 

7. Ninai waterfall

The picturesque Ninai Waterfall in Narmada district’s Dediapada taluka is a refreshing one-day retreat from Bharuch. The scenic drive from Bharuch winds past mild river streams and barnyard millet farms. The waterfalls, which cascade from a height of more than 30 feet, are located in the forest ranges near the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

8. Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch, India’s biggest white salt desert, is majestic in its vastness and one-of-a-kind in its beauty. You may enjoy a camel safari on a moonlight night or visit Rann Utsav, but you must visit this section of the Thar Desert to appreciate its allure properly. You may quickly locate lodging at the adjacent family resort, such as OYO Flagship 28024 Hotel Royal Palace.

9. Modhera

Modhera is a hamlet in Gujarat’s Mehsana district located on the banks of the Pushpavati River. It is a popular destination, particularly for historians, because it contains the ruins of the Sun God’s temple. The exquisitely sculpted Kund and the intricately carved temple complex are works of art in the masonry of the Solanki era, often known as Gujarat’s Golden Age. The temples’ interiors and exteriors are elaborately carved, and worship is forbidden in Modhera Sun Temple. 

10. Bhuj

Bhuj is a prominent location in Gujarat that was governed by several kingdoms. Hence there are diverse architectural styles to be seen. The Aaina Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors, and the Prag Mahal, built in Gothic style, are two notable names. Bhuj is a visual delight for visitors, offering everything from pristine desert to animal reserves, stunning temples to the cultural landscape.

Conclusion

Gujarat is a place for the adventurer, the explorer and the traveller. One could never be disappointed by a trip to the most enriching and well-crafted place. Apart from the well-known locations in Gujarat, several lesser-known and eccentric spots like the ones above are yet to be explored. While the trip can be hectic, you can pre-book family hotels in Gujrat to make your stay cosy and comfortable.