Situated in the far western region of India, Gujarat stands out as the most dynamic and vibrant state, primarily due to its rich culture. Its diverse landscape, breathtaking coastline, revered pilgrimage locations, unique wildlife, and a multitude of architectural marvels render it one of the premier destinations to include in India tour packages. Cherished by both frequent travelers and honeymooners, the state boasts a wealth of heritage sites, several of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This all-encompassing destination provides a plethora of experiences that are sure to be cherished for a lifetime. Explore this article to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Gujarat, where you can enjoy a splendid time together as part of Gujarat tour packages.
Dholavira – A Harrapan City
Located in Khadir Bet within the Kutch district of Gujarat, Dholavira is an archaeological site representing a Harappan-era city that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 27, 2021. Recognized as one of the essential heritage sites in Gujarat, Dholavira is the largest of the two most significant excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization, following Rakhigarhi in India. Discovered in 1967 and excavated for the first time in 1989-90, the ancient city of Dholavira stands as one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia, dating from the 3rd to the mid-2nd millennium BCE. This historical site is distinguished by its unique features, including its advanced water management system, multi-layered defensive structures, extensive stone usage in construction, and distinctive burial practices. Under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India, it ranks among the premier tourist places in Kutch, particularly appealing to history enthusiasts.
Book Here: Rann of Kutch Tour Packages
Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Champaner served as the capital of Gujarat during the 16th Century and is now largely a town of ruins. Presently, the entire region known as Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an essential destination for those interested in architecture and history as part of Gujarat heritage packages. Spanning over 1,329 hectares, this heritage site is adorned with prehistoric (chalcolithic) locations, a hill fortress from the early Hindu capital, and remnants of the 16th-century capital of Gujarat. Among the top places to visit in Vadodara, the site also features various other remnants, fortifications, palaces, Jain and Hindu temples, mosques, residential areas, agricultural buildings, and water systems such as step wells and tanks that date back to the 8th through the 14th centuries. Notable structures within the park include Jami Masjid, Sahar ki Masjid, Kalika Mata Temple, Tomb of Sikander Shah, Ek Minar ki Masjid, Kevada Masjid, Helical stepped well, Mandvi or Custom House, Nagina Masjid, Pavagadh Hill, and the Citadel Walls.
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Rani Ki Vav, Patan
Rani ki Vav is an intricately carved stepwell located in the fortified town of Patan. Situated on the banks of River Saraswati, it is one of the finest step-wells in India and among the prime places to visit in Patan. Rani ki Vav was built by Rani Udayamati in memory of her husband Bhimdev I (1022 – 1063 AD) of the Solanki dynasty. Declared as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 2014, it is one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city of Gujarat and also bagged the title of ‘Cleanest Iconic Place’ in India at the Indian Sanitation Conference 2016 in New Delhi. Built-in Maru-Gurjara architectural style, Rani Ki Vav is divided into seven levels of stairs. With 64 m long, 20 m wide & 27 m deep, every surface of the well and levels are adorned with fine sculptures of Hindu deities including those of Ganesh on the lower levels, preceded by those of Vishnu, Laxmi-Narayan, Uma-Mahesh, etc. The most imposing imagery is Lord Vishnu reclining on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha at the water level of the Rani ki Vav. Also, there is a small gate below the last step of the stepwell, with a 30-kilometer tunnel that leads to the town of Siddhpur near Patan, among the prominent heritage places to visit near Udaipur.
Book Here: Patan Tour Packages
The Historic City of Ahmedabad
Located on the banks of River Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, the erstwhile capital of Gujarat, is one of the biggest cities in India, and among the top Gujarat tourist places. Also known as Amdavad, the city of Ahmedabad is the commercial hub and also the living symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat state. Popularly called the Land of Gandhi as the city is closely associated with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of the nation. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2017, the city is known for its impressive monuments, wonderful museums, magnificent historical palaces, and splendid lakes. Sabarmati Ashram, Kankarai Lake, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Huthee Singh Jain Temple, ISKCON Temple, Vintage Car Museum, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Swaminarayan Mandir, and Sardar Patel National Memorial are some of the well-known places to visit in Ahmedabad.
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Wild Ass Sanctuary
Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh with sparse vegetation, mostly with xerophytic species. Covers an area of 4954 sq. km, the sanctuary is named after a sub-species of wild ass, the last population of which it harbors. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, and among the best places to visit as part of Ahmedabad leisure packages. Apart from the wild ass, the sanctuary is also home to 32 other species of mammals, such as chinkara, two types of desert fox, jackals, caracals, nilgais, Indian wolves, blackbucks, and striped hyenas along with 350 different species of birds, including the common crane, pelican, and the lesser flamingo. Interestingly, the Little Rann gets a fair number of winged visitors in the winter months. It has been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2006.
Must Visit: Tourist Places to visit near Ahmedabad
Lothal – a Harappan Port-Town,
Lothal in Gujarat is one of the legendary lost cities of India. Dating back to 2400 BCE, Lothal is the only explored port-town of the Indus Valley civilization, or Harappan Civilization, from the Bronze Age. This pre-historic site was discovered in the year 1954 and was excavated between 1955 and 1960 by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI). Today, it is one of the oldest places of heritage in India and has been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2014. Lothal is also famous for its town planning, architecture, science and engineering, metallurgy, and art. The most architecturally sophisticated part of Lothal was its dockyard, one of the world’s earliest docks. Besides, Lothal, among the top places to visit near Rajkot, was a thriving trade center with its trade of gems, beads, and valuable ornaments in the bygone times. Though floods wiped off the town during that time, structures like wells, dwarfed walls, baths, drains, and paved floors can still be seen.
Book Here: Ahmedabad Heritage Packages
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