Gujarat, a peninsula state in Western India is pretty much a cultural utopia with its famous landmarks, history and traditions. The beauty of Gujarat isn’t just in its cities but extends to quaint Gujarat villages that pride themselves on hot springs, tribal fairs, craftsmen and much more. Here is a list of 10 villages you mustn’t miss on your next trip to Gujarat. Happy Gujarat Village trip!
Sindhrot, Vadodara
Sindhrot is a Gujarat village close to Vadodara and about 12 km away from the city. Near the Mahi river, this village has a beautiful ambience that is a welcoming getaway just away from the city. The Mahisagar river dam in the village is a famous evening spot. You can enjoy the fresh breeze and lovely sunsets here.
- How to get there:
- Public and private buses
- The nearest airport and railway station is in Vadodara
- By car or taxi
- What to see:
- Mahisagar River dam
- Erda’s Speedway—go-kart racing track
- Best time to visit: The village can be visited throughout the year but in summers locals use the dam for a quick swim to cool off.
Umarpada, Surat
Umarpada is a beautiful Gujarat village prominently known for the Devghat falls. Located in Surat, it has lush greenery making it a good escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- How to get there:
- GSRTC and private buses
- By train, Umarpada is a railway station
- Auto rickshaws
- Taxi or car
- What to see:
- Devghat falls
- Best time to visit: During the rainy season, the waterfall is in full flow and can be a great sight to see.
Khavda, Kutch
Any visit to Gujarat is incomplete without a trip to one of the Kutch villages. Khavda is on the Greater Rann of Kutch and is famous for pottery. You’ll find many households with craftsmen sculpting beautiful clay pots which is a good memoir to take back home.
- How to get there:
- GSRTC buses and private buses
- By car or taxi
- The closest train station is at Bhuj
- What to see:
- Pottery—pots, clay dolls and more
- Jewellery making
- Take a camel ride
- Khavda Natural Park-Flamingo colony
- Best time to visit: October to March is when the flamingo migrates to the village which is a beautiful sight to see.
Madhapur village, Porbandar
According to folklore, this is the Gujarat village where Lord Krishna married Rukmini and as a dedication, the Mandav Rai Ji Haveli Temple was built on the sandy shores of the village. Just off Porbandar, this village is on the seashore filled with coconut trees and fertile agricultural lands.
- How to get there:
- State transport or private buses
- By car or taxi
- The closest train station is at Keshod (30 km away)
- What to see:
- Madhavpur beach
- Shree Madhavi Rai temple
- Madhavpur Ghed
- Ashram with a guru giving talks on Osho and Gurdjieff
- Best time to visit: November to March and during Ram Navami.
Hodka, Kutch
Embroidery and leather craft is the main attraction and the pride of this Kutch village. In Hodka, you’ll also find many other crafts like woodwork, copper bells, rogaan weave and more. The residents have won several awards for their artistry. You must visit this village to meet the craftsmen and get your hands on some authentic artwork.
- How to get there:
- Bhuj is the closest train station and airport
- GSRTC Volvo, sleeper buses
- Taxi or car
- What to see:
- Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort
- Shop local crafts
- Visit craftsmen and see them at work
- Best time to visit: November to February
Unai, Navsari
With a religious prominence, Unai in Navsari is known to be a place where Rama conducted a holy pyre with Brahmins and created a hot water spring by aiming an arrow on the ground. The famous Unai Mata temple’s hot springs are believed to have medicinal capabilities.
- How to get there:
- The nearest airport is in Surat
- The nearest railway station is at Navsari
- There are plenty of buses available on this route
- You can take a taxi or drive a car
- What to see:
- Visit Unai Mata temple
- Take a dip in the hot springs
- Stroll through Janki Van
- Best time to visit: January till July. Especially the Kite festival in January.
Dandi, Navsari
Another beautiful Gujarat village to visit is Dandi. This is prominently known in the history books for Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha. On the shores of the Arabian Sea, this village has a quaint ambience and is surrounded by greenery.
- How to get there:
- Both state and private buses are available
- Surat is the closest train station
- You can take a taxi or drive a car
- What to see:
- Dandi Beach
- Dandi Salt Satyagraha Memorial
- Dandi Museum
- Best time to visit: October to March has a pleasant weather
Ajrakhpur, Kutch
Famous for the Ajrakh block print, a stroll around this village will guarantee you seeing many textile makers and craftsmen creating beautiful natural dyes. People use natural ingredients like pomegranates, turmeric and others to create their dyes and the block prints are handcrafted without any machinery.
- How to get there:
- 14.4 km away from Bhuj railway station
- The nearest airport is again at Bhuj
- Taxi or car
- Take a public or private bus
- What to see:
- Watch the 16-step dyeing process
- Shop the famous Ajrakh printed shawls, cloth materials and more
- Best time to visit: November to February guarantees a pleasant weather
Ahwa, Saputara
In the lush green hills of Saputara is the tribal Gujarat village of Ahwa. You get a peek into the rich culture of the Dangs (tribal folks). You shouldn’t miss the famous tribal fair called the Dang Durbar. This is often a resting spot on the way to Saputara and gives a refreshing vibe.
- How to get there:
- The nearest airport is in Surat
- No direct train connectivity
- Buses are the most opted option
- Drive a car or hire a taxi from a nearby city
- What to see:
- Dang Darbar
- Rangupvan—open theatres that host Dangi dance
- Dandkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Best time to visit: January to June or September to December
Halvad, Surendranagar
The small town of Halvad is a cultural paradise with its temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It sits on the banks of Samatsar Pond with some of its Jain temples dating back to the 1800s. The buildings in the village are built using local yellow sandstone giving the place a pleasant glow.
- How to get there:
- By train
- By buses—both GSRTC and private buses
- By car or taxi
- The nearest airport is at Rajkot (88 km)
- What to see:
- Halvad Palace
- Jain temples
- Dargah of Maula Quazi
- Old step wells
- Best time to visit: May to August has a cold to pleasant weather making it perfect for tourism.
There are many other villages that you can tour for your cultural insight in Gujarat. From arts, crafts to religious and historical monuments, the villages in Gujarat should always be a part of your itinerary.
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