Tourist Places
Bhavnagar Division
Bhavnagar is the fifth largest city of Gujarat, after Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot; and
the second largest city in the Saurashtra region. It is also known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra.
Bhavnagar was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. It was the capital of Bhavnagar State, which was a
princely state before it was merged into the Indian Union in 1948. Home to socialism, reforms, and
cultural legacy, Bhavnagar is considered a city of education and culture, and is known as the cultural
capital of Saurashtra. Bhavnagar is one of the best places to shop for traditional jewelry and clothes. It is
also famous for the handicrafts and their applique design. The places of attraction in and around
Bhavnagar are:
PORBANDAR
Porbandar is a coastal city in Gujarat, perhaps best known for
being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (friend of
Lord Krishna). Gandhiji was born in Porbandar in 1869. The city
is rich in cultural and historical heritage. There are many
monuments and temple of great historical importance like the
Kirti Mandir which is a
memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi. It is built next to
the
haveli
where
Mahatma Gandhi was born. The Kirti Mandir, Porbandar has a
memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and contains a library with books
on Gandhism, a spinning hall, a children's nursery and a lovely
prayer hall. In the prayer hall of the Kirti Mandir prayers of all
faith are regularly organized.
Best buys : Textiles with bandhani work. Gharchola, a
special kind of bandhani which is made in cotton, laharia
and chunari prints. Clay, brass and iron items, silver
jewelry, terracotta figures and mirror works are some of
the popular buys.
Nearest Rail Head : Porbandar
on Rajkot –Porbandar line
PALITANA
The Shetrunjay hills of Palitana have entered the
guiness book of records due to having the highest
number of temples on a single hill, they number more
than 800, dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. This hill is huge
and needs climbing up of more than 5000 steps. The
Palitana temples along with the mountain are
considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by
the Jain community. It is the world's largest Temple
Complex. The most important temple is that of the first
teerthankara, Shri Adishwar which is said to have been
built in the 12th century, but renovated twice since
with a tall shikhara made of many small towers. It has ornate architectural motifs.
The famous food is the special Palitana Bhel, plates of tomatoes slices (available only in winter), goti
soda and gulkand.
Best buys: Handicrafts and accessories for
accupressure.
Nearest Rail Head : Palitana on
branch line from Sihor on Surendra
Nagar-Bhavnagar section
JUNAGADH
Junagadh city is the 7th largest in Gujarat, located at the
foot of the Girnar hills. Literally translated, Junagadh means
"Old Fort". It is also known as "Sorath", the name of the
earlier Princely State of Junagadh. After a brief struggle
between India and Pakistan, Junagadh joined India on 9th
November 1947. It was a part of Saurashtra state and later
Bombay state. In 1960, after the Maha Gujarat movement, it
became part of newly formed Gujarat state. Junagadh is
famous for its Kathiyawadi cuisine.
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known
as Sasan-Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Junagadh. It is
the sole home of the Asiatic Lions and is considered to be one of
the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported
species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is
protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest
department.
Nearest Rail Head : Junagadh
SOMNATH
The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near
Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, is one
of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the god Shiva. The temple
is considered sacred due to the various legends connected to
it. Somnath means "The Protector of (the) Moon god".
Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having
been destroyed many times by Islamic kings and rulers. Most
recently it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the integration of
Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration.
Nearest Rail Head : Somnath/Veraval
DIU
Diu is a town in Diu district in the union territory of Daman and
Diu. The town lies at the eastern end of Diu Island, and is known
for its fortress and old Portuguese Cathedral. It is also a fishing
town. It is the tenth least populated district of India. Old Diu is
known for its Portuguese architecture. Diu Fort was built in 1535
and maintained an active garrison until 1960. There are three
Portuguese Baroque churches, with St. Paul’s Church, completed in
1610, being the only one still in use for its original purpose. The
Church of St. Francis of
Assisi, the first church
built in Diu, in 1593, is
now used as a hospital.
St. Thomas Church is
currently used as a
museum. With no tall buildings except the fort, Diu has a
characteristically low skyline. The nearby Nagoa beach and
offshore lighthouse are popular tourist destinations, and the coast is a popular recreational area for
parasailing, boating, and jet skiing.
Nearest Rail Head : Veraval 90kms