Underrated Gujarat is a glorious region in the west of India with a deep history, exquisite craftsmanship and unique landscapes. From the surreal white salt flats of the Rann of Kutch to the bustling cultural city of Ahmedabad, exploring this vibrant state is a special, unusual experience. Most travellers overlook it for the honeypot sites and tigers in Rajasthan – but they’re missing out.
Gujarat In-Depth
Rural Gujarat & Rajasthan
Off The Beaten Track Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£4,500pp
and include*:
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:
- International flights (if required)
- Guides, drivers & their tips
- Accommodation
- Specified meals & snacks
- Your immersive experiences
- Internal & regional transfers
*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:
Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452
Well, for starters, the World Heritage archeological and architectural sites are reason alone to visit. Gujarat also has a big cat of its own – the rare Asiatic Lion – along with beautiful birdlife and many historical and cultural riches. From sun temples and stepwells to extraordinary embroidery and textiles, all topped off with fabulous festivals.
If India’s tribal heritage piques your curiosity, time your visit with a festival or fair to take part in age-old traditions (talk to our Travel Team to discover which would suit you best).
Best of all, you'll escape the crowds of Rajasthan and India's other popular states here. You'll be practically the only tourist in sight, especially in rural villages.
Whether as a standalone adventure or an extension to your India holiday, Gujarat delivers.
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Let us inspire you
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
Best Places to Visit on a Holiday in Gujarat, India
Ahmedabad (pronounced Amdavad): a UNESCO-listed city brimming with history. Our heritage walk through the old city is a must, as is marvelling at the architectural brilliance of the 11th-century Sun Temple of Modhera, Patan’s stepwell, and the Bohra havelis of Sidhpur further afield. Keen on Indian textiles? Watch Patola silk weaving in action.
Bhuj: This is the place to dive into Gujarat’s incredible handicrafts, from ceramics to textiles like Ajrak block printing. Meet skilled craftspeople and be lulled into the gentle rhythm of Indian village life – where herds of camels and cattle meander along dusty paths, farmers in tow, and women in vibrant saris wander past, balancing water pots on their heads.
Junagadh: another culturally rich city, home to the magnificent Mahabat Maqbara – one of Gujarat’s greatest examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture with elaborate minarets and spiral staircases.
The Palitana Jain temple complex is soul-stirring – join hundreds of pilgrims as they climb the nearly 4,000 steps to the summit.
And then there's Champaner, another UNESCO-protected archaeological marvel with forts, mosques, and tombs from the 8th to 14th centuries.
Best Places to Spot Wildlife in Gujarat
Rann of Kutch: this vast salt marsh in the Thar Desert is alive with endemic and endangered wildlife and dotted with charming villages.
One of its most mesmerising sights? The shimmering pink glow of hundreds of flamingos gathering on the salt flats at sunrise. And that’s just the start of a safari here... there's also the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Dasada to see this rare animal running along (sometimes at speed!) along with brilliant birdlife.
Blackbuck National Park: the name gives it away, but this is the place to see the endangered blackbuck antelope, with its striking spiral horns, roaming through pale gold grasslands.
Gir National Park: the last refuge of the Asiatic lion (as pictured at Aramness safari lodge), this sanctuary has been a conservation triumph since 1965, with lion numbers steadily rising. It’s wild and untouched, with plenty of greenery, home to four-horned antelopes, gazelles, chital deer, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard – not to mention over 300 species of endemic and migratory birds.
Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve: an under-the-radar birding paradise.
Boutique hotels in Gujarat are full of character. Often with a touch of faded grandeur. And occasionally with a bit of Fawlty Towers charm! In recent years, a handful of high-end safari lodges have sprung up, bringing a new level of luxury to the region. You'll experience a wonderful mixture of hotels on your holiday.
Blackbuck Lodge, Blackbuck NP
Aramness Safari Lodge, Gir NP
House of MG, Ahmedabad
The Bhuj House, Bhuj
Rann Riders Resort, Dasada
Jambughoda Palace Hotel, Jambughoda
The best time to visit Gujarat is from November to March when the slightly cooler, fresher weather makes exploring comfortable and wildlife spotting that much easier. For a properly immersive experience, consider planning your adventure to coincide with an atmospheric festival like Holi, Navratri, Modhera Dance Festival, Makar Sankranti, Janmashtami or the International Kite Festival.
Talk to us and see how we can weave one into your trip.
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Let us inspire you
~
Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
Experiences
Immersive ETG holiday experiences let you genuinely connect to the people and places you visit. You’ll learn as much about yourself as you do about them.
element
Sometimes you can know too much. Our holidays are specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, unexpected discoveries.
done right
Our B Corporation certification, commitment to sustainability and 'give back' philosophy mean you can always be sure that every step you take is light. Ethical, mindful, guilt-free travel - travel done right
luxury
A thread of luxury that ties everything together. From beautiful boutique hotels to top-quality transport, to exceptional levels of service - whatever luxury looks like to you… it’s yours
With thanks to Aramness Safari Lodge for wildlife imagery.
