Things to do in

Gujarat

Photography-focused visit to Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, a freshwater reservoir turned wildlife sanctuary near Thol village in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. The site is known for wintering migratory birds and resident waterbirds, offering excellent opportunities for landscape and bird photography — especially during early morning and late afternoon light.

Polo Forest (near Vijaynagar) is a mix of easy-to-moderate forest treks and archaeological exploration through ruined temples, stepwells and halls from a bygone era. Located in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, the site combines dense teak and bamboo forest, seasonal streams and several clusters of carved stone shrines and structures scattered across the valley. The hike routes take you through shaded trails, riverbeds and granite outcrops with multiple opportunities for photography, birdwatching and exploring medieval temple ruins. Coordinates given are approximate — use local signboards or a guide for precise navigation.

Saputara, the only hill station in Gujarat, offers a compact set of adventure and leisure activities packed into easy reach: paragliding from nearby take-off points, a scenic ropeway over the valley, and relaxing boating on Saputara Lake. These activities suit day-trippers and families wanting quick thrills and panoramic Sahyadri views. Weather windows and operator schedules determine availability — book ahead for peak season.

Ambaji Temple is a major Shaktipeeth dedicated to Goddess Amba (Bhagwati) located in Ambaji town, Banaskantha, Gujarat. The temple attracts devotees year-round, with peak pilgrim influx during Navratri and Bhadarvi Poonam. Nearby Gabbar Hill features a modern ropeway (cable car) that transports visitors to a hilltop view-point and the small hill temple complex, offering panoramic views of the plains and the main Ambaji temple below. The combination offers both devotional darshan and scenic sightseeing.

Shri Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dakor is one of Gujarat's most revered Krishna shrines. The temple is dedicated to Ranchhodraiji — a form of Lord Krishna — and is a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnav devotees. The complex combines devotional rituals, ornate architecture, and a lively local market that together create a vivid cultural experience.

Lothal is an important archaeological site of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization located in the village of Saragwala (Lothal) in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. Excavated primarily by archaeologist S. R. Rao in the 1950s–60s, Lothal is best known for its well-preserved dockyard—one of the earliest known maritime structures in the ancient world—along with an acropolis, lower town, bead-making workshops, warehouses, drainage systems, and a small museum displaying artefacts recovered from the site.

A sacred pilgrimage and trek to the Shatrunjaya hill complex above Palitana town (Bhavnagar district, Gujarat). The climb takes visitors past hundreds of white marble Jain temples and shrines spread across the hill crest. The route is a steep stone-step ascent with centuries-old architecture, devotional atmosphere, and expansive views — best undertaken early in the day when temperatures are cooler. Respect for Jain rules and temple etiquette is essential.

Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar) is a compact but ecologically important grassland reserve in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. The park protects one of the best remaining natural grassland ecosystems in India and supports a large population of the elegant blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra). Safaris here offer close views of blackbuck herds, wolves, foxes and rich grassland birdlife against wide-open savanna-like scenery. Safari options include guided jeep safaris and canter/vehicle rides organized through the forest department.

Indroda Nature Park is a unique combination of a fossil park and botanical garden located near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Often referred to as India's 'Jurassic Park', it preserves fossilized dinosaur eggs and bones, hosts life-size dinosaur reconstructions, and maintains diverse plant collections and greenhouses for environmental education. The park is managed for conservation and education and is a popular destination for school groups, families, and nature enthusiasts.

A short riverside trek following the Vatrak River to the scenic Zanzari Waterfalls near Dehgam in Gandhinagar district, Gujarat. The trail passes rocky riverbeds, granite slabs and small pools, culminating in a cascading waterfall that is most impressive during and just after the monsoon. The trek is suitable for day-trippers, nature lovers and photographers.

Vadnagar Heritage Circuit focuses on two of the town’s compact but culturally rich attractions: the Kirti Toran (an ancient triumphal arch/torana) and the Hatkeshwar temple complex (an important local Shiva shrine). The circuit offers a short, walkable heritage experience combining archaeology, temple architecture, and local town life in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat.

Narayan Sarovar is a sacred lake complex and pilgrimage site surrounded by a quiet, arid landscape; Koteshwar Temple is a small seaside Shiva shrine perched on rocky outcrops at the western edge of Kutch. Together they make a rewarding offbeat sunset experience — spiritual, photographic and peaceful. The route passes through typical Kutch villages, salt flats and sparsely vegetated scrubland, ending at a coastal viewpoint with wide horizons over the Arabian Sea / Kori Creek.

Sardar Sarovar Dam Viewpoint in Kevadiya (Ektanagar) offers sweeping panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar reservoir and the massive dam structure. In the evenings the site hosts a dramatic laser & sound show projected on and around the dam/adjacent landscape that narrates the story of the Narmada valley, dam construction and Gujarat's development through synchronized lights, lasers and audio.

This experience is part of the larger Statue of Unity / Kevadiya tourism circuit and is managed with visitor facilities, timed entries and optional guided information panels at the site.

Zarvani Eco-Campsite with its waterfall nature trail is a small, privately managed eco-tourism spot located close to Kevadiya (Statue of Unity area) in Narmada district, Gujarat. The site features a short but scenic forested trail that leads to a seasonal waterfall and natural pools, an eco-friendly campsite with basic tenting facilities, nature interpretation boards, birdwatching opportunities, and community-run activities that showcase the local flora and fauna. The setting is ideal for short nature walks, family picnics, birdwatching and overnight camping under the stars.