Safari in Gir Forest
The Gir Forest is the last home of the Asiatic lion -- the only place outside Africa where you can see lions in the wild. Jeep safaris run from Sasan Gir, and sightings are common. Beyond lions, the forest has leopards, spotted deer, nilgai, and excellent birdwatching.
Explore the Rann of Kutch
Visit the vast white salt marshes of the Great Rann, especially during the Rann Utsav festival (November to February) when tent cities spring up on the edge of the desert. A full moon night on the Rann, when the white salt flat stretches to the horizon, is unforgettable. The Little Rann is home to the Indian wild ass.
Temple Architecture
Gujarat has some of India's finest temple architecture. The Sun Temple at Modhera, the Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan, the Jain temples at Palitana (over 800 temples on a single hilltop), and the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar are all outstanding.
Birdwatching at Nal Sarovar
About 60 km from Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary covers 120 square kilometres of wetland. From November to February, over 250 species of migratory birds -- including flamingos, pelicans, and cranes from Siberia and Europe -- gather here. Boat rides take you into the heart of the sanctuary.
Beach Towns
Gujarat's Arabian Sea coastline has quiet beaches at Ahmedpur Mandvi, Chorwad, and Gopnath. Dwarka and Somnath combine pilgrimage with coastal scenery.
Craft Villages of Kutch
The villages around Bhuj are home to some of India's finest textile artisans. Visit workshops producing embroidery, block printing, bandhani tie-dye, and lacquer work, each village with its own distinctive style.