Travel to These Popular Destinations with GSRTC Buses
The GSRTC is one of the leading Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) in India. Booking a ticket on board a GSRTC bus gives access to towns and cities across Gujarat and its neighboring states.
The GSRTC was established in 1960 and had more than 8,700 buses in its fleet, covering 98% of Gujarat. They also operate more than 70 depots across the state, in major cities such as Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, and Rajkot.
Gujarat is well-known for its deep sense of culture and architectural wonder. It is a state full of artisans, artists, and important political thinkers; similarly, it offers beautiful pilgrimage sites and offbeat vistas to travelers who stop by.
With a GSRTC bus booking, there are many cities within Gujarat and in neighboring states that you can travel to. Some of them are:
1. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, also fondly known as Amdavad to locals, is a fully immersive experience in itself. It is home to some incredible architectural marvels as old as time, as well as traditions and cultures that date just as far back. Mausoleums and temples share space with beautiful mosques in Gujarat’s capital city, which also has its fair share of street markets, food hawkers, and fine restaurants. Ahmedabad just so happens to be a UNESCO Urban World Heritage Site– India’s first.
2. Vadodara
Vadodara, also written as Baroda, is much quieter than the capital city of Ahmedabad. It is around 106 kilometers away from the capital by road and is often used as a base for those looking to visit Champaner and Pavagadh, yet another World Heritage Site. Vadodara also has quite a few sights to see, given that it is the state’s unofficial cultural capital. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of Vadodara’s most popular attractions, followed by the Tambekar Wada and the Sayaji Bagh.
3. Surat
Surat is Gujarat’s economic and commercial capital, and once used to be a massive seaport due to its proximity to the Tapi River and the Arabian Sea. Today, Surat also doubles up as the heart of Gujarat’s textile scene, given that the city once heavily partook in silk weaving. It is also known for its diamond cutting and polishing prowess, which lent it the name “Diamond City of India”. Surat has also bagged its fair share of awards and recognition, from being voted the second cleanest city of India in 2020 to being highlighted as the fastest-growing city in the world between 2019 to 2035. Surat is 265 kilometers south of Ahmedabad.
4. Ankleshwar
Ankleshwar may not appeal to traditional travelers, but it is an important city for Oil and Gas business-people and professionals. The town is renowned for its GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation), an urban township. It also has more than 1500 chemical plants that produce pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and paints. Ankleshwar is also famous for the Ramkund Mandir and the Mahadev Temple. The Golden Bridge of Bharuch, also called the Narmada Bridge, is a stunning 1881-era bridge that connects Ankleshwar to Bharuch across the Narmada River.
5. Chhota Udaipur
Being one of the three princely states in eastern Gujarat, Chhota Udaipur shares a history with Devgadh Baria and Rajpipla. The little town is located on the shore of a wide lake, with a series of temples dotting its cityscape. Chhota Udaipur stands in the middle of a traditional tribal territory richly-endowed with local traditions and ways of life. It is a good base from which to explore the surrounding tribal villages; there is also an educational tribal museum in the town, which is well worth a visit before heading out. Chhota Udaipur is easily accessible by bus from Vadodara.
6. Pavagadh
Pavagadh is a hill station built upon a volcanic cone, and its name means “fire hill” or “one-fourth hill” due to a volcanic eruption some 500 million years ago. The hill is part of the Vindhyachal Range and has an elevation of 800 meters above sea level. At the foot of Pavagadh is the historic city, Champaner. Together, Champaner in Pavagadh form an Archaeological Park that has been designated the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the summit of Pavagadh Hill, more than 760 meters above sea level, the famous Kalita Mata Temple attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year. Pavagadh can be reached by bus from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, or Chhota Udaipur.
7. Bharuch
Bharuch is a town on the Narmada river banks in Gujarat and the Bharuch District Administrative headquarters. It was a ship-building center and prominent maritime port featured in the coastal trade routes to other points in the West. During the annual monsoon winds, many goods from the Far East (including those contributing to the famous trade in Spice and Silk) were shipped there. Bharuch was known in the Roman Republic and Empire, to the Greeks, and to the different Persian Empires– such was its importance in pre-compass maritime trading days. Today’s area has factories and industries dedicated to chemicals, garment mills, long-staple cotton, dairy, and much more. Bharuch cuisine is similar to Surti cuisine. Many dining establishments sell only vegetarian food, as the Jain and Hindu sects have a deep history of vegetarianism.
8. Rajkot
Rajkot is Gujarat state’s fourth-largest city. It is situated on the banks of the rivers Aji and Nyari. It was once part of the states of Saurashtra and Bombay, until being incorporated into Gujarat in 1960. Rajkot is one of the nation’s fastest-developing cities, and is renowned for its silk work, gold jewelry, and watch pieces. The town was also Mahatma Gandhi’s home for a period, as he spent his early childhood days here. A renowned landmark of the city, the Watson Museum and Library houses, jewelry, textiles, and other objects from decades ago.
Making your GSRTC bus booking doesn’t get easier than it is on redBus. Within a few minutes and a handful of steps, you’ll have safely completed your GSRTC online booking and will be ready to visit this beautiful and vibrant west-Indian state.