Gujarat Travel Guide & Tips

Shopping: When looking for information of Gujarat, information related to shopping is something you must find out. Places like Ahmedabad and Surat are great for stocking up on Bandhani items and other dress materials, whereas places such as Kutch are good for buying handicraft items and junk jewelry. You can also buy non-perishable snacks to take back home, as well as a plethora of other souvenirs. Try to give the malls a miss, and shop at the local markets for handmade and authentic stuff. Also, remember that although bargaining is part of shopping at the local markets, do not slight the seller by undermining the value of something handmade and something that took time.

Festivals: Among the many festivals that Gujarat is famed for the most important and probably the most awaited is the Navratris. People start planning for the next navratris even as one is underway. For 10 whole days, the entire state is decorated with fairy lights, tents with garba and dandiya dancing competitions, live artists performing the favorite numbers of the crowd and food to tempt the senses. People come dressed up in all their finery, fast for almost the entire 10 days, perform puja and yet manage to dance the evening away. This festival is a must attend if you really want to see the fervor that the festival inspires.

Culture: The culture of Gujarat is evident in all its nuances. Cultural diversity and a rich heritage is what makes Gujarat such an amazing place to visit. Despite being one of the most developed and industrialized states of the country, Gujarat has managed to hold on to its heritage. Aboriginal communities and various tribes form one fifth of the population of the state, and bring their own twists and turns to Gujarat’s heritage. Be it the traditional dance forms or the folk music, Gujarati culture is sure to woo your heart.

Nightlife: There isn’t much of a nightlife in Gujarat, if you are looking for pub or bar culture. Being a dry state – which means strictly no alcohol – the nightlife of Gujarat is limited to restaurants and beaches, apart from the shopping areas.