Gir
The only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions, Gir National Park is the best place to come face to face with them. Truly one of the best places to visit in Gujarat, Gir is also home to a variety of other rare wild animals, such as hyenas, fish owls, black bucks and many more. Spread across nearly 1412 sq km of land, this is also the only national park in India that has a community living inside its perimeters, and that too in complete harmony with each other.

Somnath Temple
The next one on the list of famous places in Gujarat is a famous temple. One of the most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple is not just a religious site. Lying as it is on the shores of the rough Arabian Sea, the temple is also a thing of wonder. It has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times, once by Lord Soma in gold, once by Ravana in silver, once by Krishna in wood and once by King Bhimdev in stone.

Rann of Kutch
Rann of Kutch is probably the most beautiful thing you will ever lay eyes on. Nestled comfortably between the endless Thar Desert and the mighty Arabian Sea, Rann of Kutch is a mesmerizing wonder of sand and salt. On full moon nights, the desert shines bright as a diamond, and brings a surreal sense of calm with it. Cultural programs are held on full moon nights, tents are pitched and the wondrous land is yours for the night. Truly one of the most mesmerizingly beautiful places to see in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad
elum caves The largest city in Gujarat, Ahmedabad is probably the first place you visit in the state, for a look at some of the best tourist places in Gujarat. It is a city steeped in culture and with a rich heritage, making it a must visit for people from all over the world. Notable attractions include the Akshardham Temple Complex, Sabarmati Ashram and Kankaria Lake. The International Kite Festival is a must see, if you arrive during this amazing one day fest.

Sapatura
The only “hill-station” in Gujarat, Sapatura comes as a breath of fresh air in the otherwise hot and humid clime of the state. Sprawled beautifully on a densely forested plateau, Saputara is a hot new tourist destination, with a gigantic lake surrounded by resorts. It doesn’t get very cold there, but monsoons can be the best time to visit when the mist rises out of the lake and covers the nearby area. Attractions in Saputara include a boat club, an artisan village, a tribal museum, cable car and a couple of others. One of the perfect places to visit in Gujarat if you are looking to relax for a little while on an otherwise hectic trip

Laxmi Vilas Palace
Back when Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, it was the largest private dwelling unit in the world. Does that give an idea of its size? The palace compound covers an area of more than 700 acres, and houses several other buildings such as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and the Moti Baug Palace. What is worth a look, when not being awed by the sheer opulence of the place, is the collection of sculptures and armory in marble, terracotta and bronze that are strewn across the palace.

Dwarka
Dwarka is one of the famed and highly revered “Char Dham” Hindu pilgrimages. It is considered to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, and also the very first capital of the state of Gujarat. Perched on the mouth of River Gomti on the Arabian Sea, Dwarka is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus from all over the world.

Rani ki Vav
Rani ki Vav is one of those rare UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by a queen in memory of her king! Sort of like Taj Mahal, in reverse and one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. It is an ancient step-well, from the early 11th century, which was constructed by Udayamati in memory of Bhimdev I. With stairs that can take you down seven levels, it is home to more than 1,500 sculptures. The best part about it is that it has been discovered fairly recently, since the River Saraswati had flooded it in the earlier years, and it is only now that it has been excavated and become a popular tourist spot.

Lothal
If you are an ancient history buff then a visit to Lothal would be right up your alley! Lothal is considered to be one of the most important sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, and is also one of the most well preserved ones. There is also a small museum here, which is home to relics of an era gone by, including cooking utensils, jewelry, apparels, gemstones and scrolls, for an in-depth insight into the lives of our ancestors.

bhuj
Bhuj is also a major tourist attraction of Gujarat. The city can trace its roots back to the early 16th century, when it was an independent state. The city is famed for being home to ancient monuments, such as the Cenotaphs Complex that houses tombs of the royal family. Other places of interest in Bhuj include the Prag Mahal, a magnificent palace, and the Aina Mahal Palace, a marvelous creation with the interiors covered in mirrors.