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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