India’s western most
state is largely ignored by tourists. Gujarat, in turn is content
to move in the direction of massive industrialization and to ignore
tourists and, consequently, tourism development. This results
in the inadequate tourist
transport system and too few moderately priced hotels. On the plus
side, Gujarat has numerous archaeological sites.
It has some of the country’s finest historical
monuments, Hindu and Jain temples and Muslims mosques. For variety
there are wildlife sanctuaries and beaches. Gujarat has no nerve – racking
swarms of touts, guides and hustlers. Traveling in Gujarat
can be amazingly inexpensive and if you stick to Gujarati food,
the price of a meal is almost laughable . Surprisingly, one of India’s
most industrialized states also produces a wide range of fine handicrafts,
including woven woolen shawls, rugs and blankets, tie – dyed
silk and wool, embroidered cotton, wool and leather, and block –printed
cotton and silk. Traveling by taxi around Gujarat is far the most
comfortable and convenient way of getting around. otherwise, try
the punctual network of jam – packed state – owned
local buses (schedules, destinations, etc. a re all in Gujarati
script). A slower, but less convenient alternative between
some centers is the railway, both meter – and broad – gauge.
After Gujarat's plethora of temples, mosques and historical monuments,
Diu with its colonial flavours and beaches provides a welcome change.
Diu is actually an island, joined to the mainland
by a causeway. The finest beach Nagoa is 7 Kms from Diu town. Gujarat
has many beaches. The fine beach of Ahmedpur Mandvi has provisions
for aquatic sports which makes it the most preferred beach resort
in Gujarat. The highlight here is the Samudra Beach Resort.
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