Trip Overview
Nestled along Pakistan’s border, Gujarat is located on India’s northwest coast. On this sacred ground, the fabled Hindu god-king Krishna established his capital city of Dwarka, a port city currently being dug up out of its aqueous tomb. Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation,” was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1869. In more recent times, Gujarat has come to be venerated as the birthplace of Gandhi.
Even though it’s off the usual tourist path, Gujarat is a worthwhile trip. It is home to a wide range of racial and religious groups, historic city ruins, and some of the best national wildlife sanctuaries. See the last remaining Asiatic lions in Sasan Gir National Park; explore 4000-year-old archaeological sites at Lothal and Dholavira; learn about the Buddha’s teachings through the rock edicts left by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka near Junagadh (3rd century BC); explore several significant Hindu and Jain pilgrimage sites at Dwarka, Somnath, and Palitana; take in stunning mosques, mausoleums, and monuments; and visit the oldest sacred fire of the Parsi community in India, located at Udvada.