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7 568
ββHandavo
This savoury baked cake is made with rice, lentils, and vegetables (often bottle gourd), carrots, and fenugreek leaves. It is spiced with fresh ginger and green chilies and tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds and dried red chillies. It works well with a side of spicy pickle or green chutney.
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ββAshoka Edicts
Ashokaβs Rock Edicts belong to 250 BC where around 14 edicts of Ashoka are located on the route to the Mount Girnar Hills. This rock edict is a huge stone and the carving in Brahmi script in Pali language mentions the resistance to greed and animal sacrifice and also moralizes the principles of purity of thought, secularism in thinking, kindness and gratitude. The other major part of Junagadhβs Buddhist heritage are the stone edicts of Emperor Ashoka, found on the road towards Mt. Girnar. When Ashoka famously converted to Buddhism and renounced violence, on his way to being one of Indiaβs most revered and respected rulers of all time, he had edicts carved in stone and placed in sites all across India (ranging as far as Kandahar in present-day Afghanistan in the West, modern Bangladesh in the East, Andhra Pradesh in the south) with precepts for living a virtuous life, respecting others and creating a just society. Speaking in moral and ethical terms, not religious ones (though the Buddha is mentioned), the edicts reach out across faiths and traditions. Tellingly, in Junagadh one edict that is visible (though you wonβt understand it unless you read Pali) reads: βTo foster oneβs own sect, depreciating the others out of affection for oneβs own, to exalt its merit, is to do the worst harm to oneβs own sect.β This is wise counsel calling to us from 2300 years ago. The site of the edicts is open every day from 8 am-6 pm. Entry is Rs.25/- for Indians & Rs.250/- for Foreigners
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ββRogan Painting
This craft is a form of surface embellishment and practiced for over hundred years, but now by only a single family in Nirona, Kachchh. A special paste made of castor is used in this craft. Castor seeds are hand-pounded to extract the oil and turned into a paste by boiling, Colored powder diluted in water is then mixed with this. The pastes of different colors yellow, red, blue, green, black and orange are stored in earthen-pots with water to prevent them from drying up. The kalam, an iron rod, flat at both ends, is used to paint half the design with the support of the fingers of the left hand. It is then impressed on the other half of the cloth by pressing the two halves together. As they were inexpensive substitutes for embroidered textiles, they were popular alternative textiles for clothing. Today, cushion covers, bed spreads, skirts, kurtas, curtains, tablecloths and wall hangings are painted using this technique. Generally, geometrical motifs are preferred; motifs from nature such as tree-of-life are very popular for wall hangings.
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ββAdalaj ni Vav
The flamboyant 15th-century stepwell, has lost only little of its grandeur over the last few centuries. Till date, the intricate carvings on the pillars that support the five storeys are mostly intact; the beams work as pit stops for pigeons flying in and out and the structure still leaves jaws dropped for swarms of people. The step-well represents the Indo-Islamic fusion architecture that percolated through the many stepwells of the period. There are some fascinating features of the vav that make this an important emblem of superior architecture. The opening in the ceilings above the landing allows light and air to enter the octagonal well, but direct sunlight never touches the steps except at noon. It is said that the temperature inside the well is six degrees cooler than outside. The stepwell has three entrances. The stairs lead to an underground storey, which has an octagonal opening on top. The walls are covered in ornamental carvings with mythological and village scenes. Some of them include Ami khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life) and the Kalp vriksha (a tree of life) carved out of a single slab of stone. There is a belief that the small frieze of Navagraha (nine-planets) towards the edge of the well protects the monument from bad omens.
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ββShree Subhash Market, Jamnagar
Jamnagarβs colourful vegetable market dates back to the 18th century and resembles a crumbling colosseum. The thrum of the city can be felt in the bustling market, especially in the market. For travellers, this is a hotspot for photo opportunities.
Brief History: The market was built in the 18th century as the hub for commercial activities in the city.
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ββBhujiyo Kotho, Jamnagar
This impressive yet crumbling tower in Jamnagar overlooks the south side of Ranmal Lake. It is also known as the Bhujiyo Bastion. Restoration work is underway; once completed, visitors will be able to view the city from the top of the tower.
Brief History: It is believed that the king of Jamnagar and Bhuj were brothers who had set up their kingdoms about 300km apart. They even designed the cities in the same fashion. Bhujiyo Kotho was presumably the entrance to a secret passage from Jamnagar to Bhuj. While no one ratified this by taking the part, the story was intriguing
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ββVishal Khadi Eco Campsite, Narmada
Vishal Khadi Campsite is a campsite situated on the way to Rajpipla-Netrang road. It is around 20 km away from Rajpipla. The site is surrounded by several forest areas, namely, Karjan forest area, Dediyapada forest area and Dang forest area, and fertile agricultural plains and river valleys. The sightseeing includes the bathing ghats on the River Narmada at Chandod and Garudeshwar, the fort at Dabhoi, waterfalls, the Jain temples of Jagadia. One can also go boating to the nearby Karjar River as the back waters of the river extend till the campsite.
The site consists of separate cottages with attached toilets and bathrooms and it also has tent accommodations. It can be reached easily as regular State Transport buses are available from Rajpipla in the morning. It can also be reached by jeeps or sharing auto rickshaws.
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ββBrahm Kund
22 km away from Bhavnagar in the quite locale is situated the town of Sihore which was the ancient capital of the Gohilwad Kingdom. The royal palace and its mural speak about the grandeur of the era in which it was built and the many temples built around the town speak of the spiritual inclining of its inhabitants. The Gautameshwar temple lake and the Shiva temple built on its bank is one of the most exquisite examples of this region.
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ββPadam Dungri Eco Tourism, Tapi
Padamdungari is a campsite located at about 30 kms from Vyara town, and 8 km from Unai village. It is situated amongst the Sahyadri ranges, by the river Ambika. Treks, trails, winding up and down the hillocks, sunset activity, observation towers, relaxing woodlands, and medicinal groves are proposed attractions when you visit Padamdungari. The scenic site has deep, dense, multi-storeyed forests, genetic diversity, rocky, undulating, & enriched landscapes. The fauna consists of big cats, lesser canines, herbivores, birds, reptiles, aquatic animals.
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ββHanging Bridge, Morbi
As one enters Morbi swaying pylons of the suspension bridge and the beatific riverfront is a nostalgic reminder of Victorian London. Located 64 km from Rajkot is the town of Morbi with its quaint cobbled alleyways and buildings reminiscent of 19th century Europe. Morbiβs former ruler Sir Waghji inspired by Colonial influences designed a technologically planned and versatile city. The visitor is welcomed into the city through a grand suspension bridge, an artistic and technological marvel of that period. European influence in town planning further contributed to a central square known as the Green Chowk, approachable by three gates each designed in its own inimitable style incorporating both Rajput and Italian elements.
The original residence of the royalty the Darbargarh overlooking the river can be approached through an imposing gate with a magnificently carved façade. This structure has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Other noteworthy attractions are the Mani Mandir, a multi-religious Hindu shrine, the Wellington Secretariat with its marked Rajasthani influence and the Art Deco Palace constructed in 1931 with a magnificently varied interior.
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ββMud Work, Kutch
The craft of mud work is deeply ingrained in Gujaratβs history and its popularity has spread across the world over the years. Inspired by clay art, this is a tradition that goes back years amongst the Kutch craftsmen. Mud work frames from Kutch are wonderful representations of the culture and history of the state. Through little details like depicting local flora and fauna, the art form brings to life the authentic culture and traditions of Gujarat. Today, artisans make attractive wall pieces with some beautiful mirror work and traditional clay utensils like pots, plates, bowls that are hand painted.
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ββRottary Doll Museum, Rajkot
The Rotary Dolls Museum ( RDM ) is located in the city of Rajkot, State of Gujarat , India (South Central Asia.). This unique Museum gives an overview to the culture and traditions of the world at large through a medium of dolls. The Rotary Clubs across the world have generously donated these Dolls to the Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown. This vision was conceived in 2001 by the Rotarian Mr. Deepak Agrawal. To view in detail the path from conception to the birth on this Rotary 3030 Dolls Museum, click here. While the vision has been to create a Dolls Museum where children and adults both gain from, the mission has been yet noble and simple, Love, Care and Concern for Humanity.
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ββChhari Dhand Wetland Reserve
Located on the edge of the arid Banni grasslands and the marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch in Kutch district, the Chari-Dhand wetland conservation reserve is a protected forest in India. In the local Kutchi language, Chhari means "salty" and Dhand means "shallow wetlands". This seasonal desert wetland gets swampy during the monsoon season and is fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hills.
Bird watchers and ornithologists will find this place a paradise, as it attracts numerous species of migratory birds every year during the monsoon and winter seasons, making it a potential candidate for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention due to its rich biodiversity. The wetland is home to endangered species such as Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork, and Indian Skimmer, while thousands of flamingos, Common cranes, Painted storks, Raptors, and Spoonbills among others can also be spotted here. Additionally, the wetland also attracts chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, apart from endangered birds.
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ββShyamji Krishna Varma Memorial, Kutch
The British ruled over India for over two hundred years. They ruthlessly exploited Indiaβs economic resources and mercilessly oppressed the people. Many individuals took on the might of the British to free India. Shyamji Krishna Varma chose to take this fight to British soil and made London his base.
Shyamji Krishna Varma was born on 4th October, 1857 in Mandvi town of Kutch district of Gujarat. He was one of the foremost freedom fighters in the history of the freedom movement of India with high sense of patriotism and selfless service for the nation. He had organized a revolutionary center in "India House" at London and propagated the cause of Indiaβs independence through his writings in his publication journal called The "Indian Sociologist".
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ββBhavani Villa- Danta
"Bhavani Villa Danta" - A colonial style villa, situated on a small hill and overlooking the Danta town on one side, the Old Palace on the rear side and the hills and forest on the other side. It has been home to the royal family since 1944. It is surrounded by the oldest mountain range "The Aravallis" which are still home to two very old tribes, the Bhils and the Garasiyas, who live in the little hamlets in these hills.
Using five of their rooms and adding modern amenities Bhavani Villa has now been converted into a home stay hotel, managed by the owners. The guests enjoy traditional Rajput style home-cooked food, very different from the cuisine to be found in hotels! The house is at the edge of the forest so guests can take a morning or evening walk in the jungle and enjoy the flora and fauna. Excursions to Jain temples like Kumbharia,Taranga or Sun temple at Modhera and Rani-ki-vav & Vadnagar are also possible.
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ββVelavadar Bird Sanctuary, Bhavnagar
Velavadar Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India. Spread over an area of 34 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to a wide range of avian species, including endangered species and a diverse range of wildlife.
The sanctuary is a unique blend of dry grassland and scrub forest, making it a perfect habitat for a variety of animals and birds. One of the main attractions of Velavadar Bird Sanctuary is the Indian Blackbuck, a species of antelope native to India. These graceful creatures can be seen grazing in large numbers across the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Other bird species that can be spotted here include the Lesser Florican, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Red-necked Falcon, Common Crane, and many more.
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ββThe Ropeway
The Ropeway is a convergence of cable cars, which are connected through a rope. The cable cars travel at an elevation of around 25 to 30 ft. This utility can be found on the way to the Sunset Point and enables tourists to move around the entire town.
This facility provides a bird's eye view of the entire city. Within 15 minutes, visitors can reach to the Governor's Hill from down. The cable car can accommodate up to 12 people at one time. The Ropeway is also used to carry tourists to places like Sunset Point and Sunrise Point.
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ββPadam Dungri Eco Tourism
Padamdungari is a campsite located at about 30 kms from Vyara town, and 8 km from Unai village. It is situated amongst the Sahyadri ranges, by the river Ambika. Treks, trails, winding up and down the hillocks, sunset activity, observation towers, relaxing woodlands, and medicinal groves are proposed attractions when you visit Padamdungari. The scenic site has deep, dense, multi-storeyed forests, genetic diversity, rocky, undulating, & enriched landscapes. The fauna consists of big cats, lesser canines, herbivores, birds, reptiles, aquatic animals.
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ββRoyal Oasis Wankaner
The word βWankanerβ translates to βriver bendβ. The city was given the name due to its location on the Machchhu River. There a few places in the city that will interest the travellers. Of these, the Ranjit Palace on the Gadhio Hills is the most impressive. Built by the Jhala Rajputs it is a treat for those who like Venetian Gothic, Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Built on 225 acres, it was built by Maharana Raj Shri Amar Singh Ji, the last ruler of the Wankaner royals, with a sweeping view of the town below. A part of the palace has been now converted into a heritage hotel, The Royal Oasis (Moti Vadi). This was the summer retreat for the royals and is located barely 2.5 km away from the main palace complex perched atop a hill.
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ββRace course grounds, Rajkot
Race Course grounds are expansive grounds ideal for sports and cultural events located in the heart of Rajkot city. The main attractions include an indoor stadium built to match Olympic standards, a cricket ground that can host international matches and grounds for other outdoor sports such as football, hockey, volleyball, etc. The Ground is a recreational spot with fun activities for all age groups and fitness levels like Bal Bhavan, Fun World, and Children Traffic Park for kids.
A gym, and swimming pool for fitness enthusiasts and lush lawns with walking trails for the elderly. You can spend a day at the Race Course Grounds, relaxing in the gardens, lounging around the swimming pool or working out in the gymnasium. There are food joints that serve refreshments and proper seating arrangements are available for senior citizens. Being located in the center of the city it is easily accessible and is equally popular among locals and tourists.
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