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Gujarat

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About Gujarat

If you know which part of the state you want to visit go straight to our guru's list of recommendations. Otherwise here are some good reasons to visit, and some of the best places to stay in Gujarat to enjoy them.

Gujarat is a large and diverse state - a place which really brings home how varied and big India is. Even if you think you know this country well, Gujarat will have surprises for you.

Just an hour's fight north of Mumbai, and so close to Rajashtan, Gujarat is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, resourcefulness and work ethic. This is partly to do with Gujarat's Jain community. This religion is known for disciples with a strong sense of devotion - yet also business acumen. You can see the fruits of their labour in the hundreds of dazzling, white marble temples decorating Gujarat.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is Gujarat's commercial capital, a big, sprawling, messy thing, where new buildings nestle in with old creating a visual - and audible - cacophony. Many people only use it as a stopping point, put off by smog and dirt, but beneath these you can find beautifully restored areas housing exquisite museums and colourful night markets. Ahmedabad's most famous highlights are Mahatma Gandhi's Ashram and The Calico Museum of Textiles, one of the world's finest textile museums.

Kutch

It might not sound like a highlight, but this is where you can see the wonder of traditional Indian beauty, heavily adorned in stunning embroidery and intricately made jewellery. Women, as well as men, work at producing these wonders. In a desert climate that seems far from suitable!

This is the largest district in India, an inhospitable place. In the dry season it's all salt plains but in the wet it floods, and the tiny villages and areas of green atop the Ranns (dried mud hills) become islands. This incredible but fragile eco system makes it one of the best places to stay in Gujarat.

Diu: Whitewashed, Coastal Beauty

Once owned by the Portuguese, this tiny island is why a lot of people include Gujarat on their Indian itinerary. Its beautiful beaches, colourful streets, delicious seafood and welcoming climate are the main draws. But it also has an interesting colonial story which you'll find out about if you visit the fort and the numerous whitewashed churches. Diu is also famous for producing rum - so this is one of the best places to stay in Gujarat if you're looking for a party!

Sasan Gir

Sasan Gir is the place to go in India if you want to see lions, and is surprisingly untouristy. The diversity of wildlife here is amazing from leopards and hyenas to porcupine and crested serpent eagles.

Gondal

Gondal is a leafy town north of Rajkot and former home to a wealthy family of Rajputs. Great for culture vultures with its historic palaces.

Rajkot

Many of Rajkot's grand buildings date from when it was capital of Saraushtra. These days it's Gujarat's second largest city, a lively centre for business and culture. Most people know it as Gandhi's home. And a centre of great learning. Making it one of the best places to stay in Gujarat for travelling students and backpackers.

Ahmedabad: Busy Capital

  • The House of MG is one of the best places to stay in Gujarat if you want to immerse yourself in the state's heritage in textiles. Built in the 1920s by a textile tycoon, this 'house' has been tastefully restored. And updated where needed. The house's excellent rooftop thali restaurant means this is also a good choice for foodies.
  • Or if you prefer a big name brand, book the Hyatt Regency, one of Ahmedabad's newest and chicest addresses.

Kutch

  • The Kutch Safari Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Gujarat if you want to visit Bhuj without staying there. In just the right spot to explore local villages, its 17 whitewashed, round cottages are unsophisticated yet charming. They also provide a good base if you want to explore the desert. And the traditional feel of the place makes it a winner if you want a traditional experience.
  • For those looking for beachside luxury book The Beach at Mandvi Palace. The accommodation is in ten luxury tents - done in 'colonial-chic' style, with air conditioning, running water and balconies - on a vast private beach belonging to the royal Vijay Vilas Palace and looking out across the Arabian Sea.

Browse our selection of the best places to stay in Gujarat and start to plan your adventure.

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Best Hotels in Gujarat

  • Devpur Homestay Gujarat 5 rooms from AU$39

    Cooking classes  -  Guests can learn or watch the preparation of traditional Kutchi meals
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Hideaway  -  Tranquil and intimate.
    No pets

    Authentic Kutchi hospitality in the village of Devpur Jakhwali, just a few hours’ drive from some of Gujarat’s major attractions See More

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  • Rann Visamo North Kutch, Gujarat 9 rooms from AU$56

    Traditional  -  Traditional furnishings, handicrafts and art
    Back to Nature
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Outstanding location
    Parking

    Thatched cottages and mud bhungas decorated with traditional art and mirrorwork. An authentic desert village stay near Gujarat’s White Rann. See More

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  • The Kutch Safari Lodge Dist. Bhuj 17 rooms from AU$60

    Local exploring  -  A tranquil base to explore the surrounding desert and villages from.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the 5,000 year old ancient city of Dholavira.
    Swimming Pool  -  Lovely Outdoor Pool.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGarden

    A safari lodge with cottages overlooking the Rudramata Reservoir. The perfect base from which to explore the tribal villages and handicrafts around Bhuj. Simple round white-washed cottages and a swimming pool. See More

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  • Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort Banni, Gujarat 6 rooms from AU$64

    Traditional  -  Decorated with the crafts of the area
    Local markets  -  Local handicrafts and textiles
    Restaurant  -  Vegetarian
    Back to Nature
    RestaurantParkingNo pets

    An authentic desert camp in the village of Hodka, a half-an-hour drive from the extraordinary salt flats of Gujarat’s White Rann. See More

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  • The Bhuj House Bhuj (CAMP AREA) 4 rooms from AU$101

    Value chic  -  A 19th century family home available at an incredible value for money
    Local exploring  -  Live like a local in Gujurat - a charming heritage stay
    Local markets  -  Shroff Bazaar - a must for the textiles which Gujurat is famous for
    Sights nearby  -  Darbargadh Palace complex and Hamirsar Lake are a must visit
    Air conditioningParking

    Full of charm and character, this 150 year-old traditional Parsi ‘courtyard’ house lies in the heart of bustling Bhuj. Following a painstaking renovation it has reopened as one of Gujarat's top heritage properties. In the heart of town guests are invited to experience life like a local. See More

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  • The Fern Gir Forest Resort Sasan Gir 40 rooms from AU$105

    Back to Nature  -  Located on the outskirts of the Sasan Gir National Park you are ensconced by nature.
    Tennis  -  There are tennis courts available on sight for guests to use.
    Great walks  -  Join one of the daily guided nature trails.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    If you listen closely enough you might just hear a lion roaring so close is this property to Sasan Gir. Decorated in earthy tones all rooms, tents and cottages feature AC, power showers and private balconies or terraces. With a spa, gym, tennis courts and children's playground Fern Gir has it all. See More

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  • The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest Sasan Gir 28 rooms from AU$107

    Sights nearby  -  The Uperkot Fort Nalsarovar provides an insight into the area's history.
    Back to Nature  -  Bordering the Gir National Park this property is enveloped by nature.
    Birdwatching  -  The Kamleshwar Dam has an impressive variety of bird life.
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A luxurious stay on the edge of one of India's most famous wildlife areas. Expect everything you would from a world class name like Taj: spa, fine dining and excellent service. Rooms feature dark wood, traditional prints that Gujarat is famous for and private balconies. Plus an inviting pool. See More

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  • Rann Riders Desada, Gujarat 28 rooms from AU$107

    Local exploring  -  An ideal base for exploring the local villages, wetlands and desert, as well as learning about the people and their way of life.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the archealogical site of Dholawira which shows signs of civilisation from 2900 to 1600 BC.
    Fishing  -  Fish in the properties lake and choose to eat it for dinner or throw it back in.
    Swimming Pool  -  Lovely Outdoor Pool.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking

    An eco-friendly resort popular with wildlife enthusiasts. Charming traditional mud-plaster cottages with local fabrics and inset mirrorwork. A large open-sided restaurant, swimming pool and small lake. A great choice for safari adventurers, local explorers and wildlife lovers. See More

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  • Hyatt Regency, Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Gujarat) 210 rooms from AU$111

    City Style  -  One of Ahmedabad's newest and most chic hotels
    Value chic  -  World renowned luxury at an incredible price
    Local markets  -  Gujarat is famed for its textiles - head into town for some colourful finds
    Sights nearby  -  Moments from the famous Sabarmati Ashram
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    One of Ahmedabad's newest and smartest addresses. Rooms range from simple yet chic to stunning suites. There is an inviting pool (especially in the afternoon heat) and global dining options. The buffet breakfast is quite the spread. All this plus a gym and spa. A no brainer. See More

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  • The House of MG Ahmedabad, Gujarat 37 rooms from AU$124

    Local exploring  -  Well situated and with ample amenities to aid relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
    Sights nearby  -  Endless options for sightseeing including the Jami Masjid, Bhadra Fort and Badshah. The hotel organises various tours.
    Great walks  -  The hotel have created an excellent map to guide guests on heritage walks.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Urban Heritage hotel, rich in history mixes nostalgia with modern conveniences. Bedrooms with dark furniture, artefacts, family photographs, some with balconies. Excellent Agashiye rooftop thali restaurant, gym and beautiful pool. Its great banqueting facilities make it an ideal spot for groups. See More

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  • Orchard Palace Gondal 7 rooms from AU$131

    Quirky  -  Vintage car collection of late Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhij
    Local markets  -  Textiles and handicrafts
    Outstanding location
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGarden

    This antique-filled heritage hotel, in the beautiful town of Gondal, was once the guest annexe of Huzoor Palace. Magnificent, fascinating and unique. See More

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  • The Beach At Mandvi Palace Mandvi - Bhuj - Kutch, Gujarat 10 rooms from AU$169

    Total relaxation  -  A luxury tented camp on the palace grounds, forget your technology and soak in the tranquility.
    Great walks  -  The stunning area is paradise for walkers, wither along the coast or through the Mandvi Palace Estate.
    Birdwatching  -  Rise early and spot numerous bird varities in the Mandvi Palace Estate.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantParking

    A camp on the beach with ten luxury colonial-chic tents. Fantastic sea-facing restaurant serving fresh seafood and Gujerati cuisine. Each tent has a private bathroom and verandah. An old-world ambiance with contemporary facilities. A deluxe way to do some local exploring. See More

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  • Lion Safari Camp Sasan Gir (Village Chitrod) 21 rooms from AU$240

    Birdwatching  -  300 varieties of birds in the Gir National Park
    Great walks  -  Guided nature walks can be arranged
    Outstanding location  -  Situated in Gir National Park
    Back to Nature
    Air conditioningViews

    A luxury wildlife camp near Sasan Gir National Park, the only remaining home of the endangered Asiatic lion. Comfortable, characterful and authentic. See More

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