As we can all feel that the summer is hitting the skies of Gujarat and the children are getting de-stressed of the exams, google searches of the weekend getaways has increased. With a wide range of type of outings to choose, from a majestic jungle safari to longest coastline of India to the biggest white desert, our gujju land has got it all!
With the mercury rising over 45° Celcius, the heat becomes unbearable in many parts of Gujarat during summer. To get rid of the scorching heat, many people from Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot prefer traveling to cooler places like Himalayas. We have compiled a list of comparatively cooler places in and around Gujarat for the people who do not want to travel long distance to get relief from the sun!
Diu
Diu, one of the union territories of India, is located on coast of Veraval in Gujarat. With the maximum temperature remaining around 35° C (even in May!), and availability of chilled beer; Diu definitely makes a place in our list. Although Diu is most famous place for bachelorettes, it is also a good outing for family as well as newly weds. You can take a train route to Veraval and then get a road trip to Diu, along with beautiful palm trees on the roadsides which would give you a Kerela like feeling right in Gujarat. As the sea waves get violent in rains, avoid going there in Monsoon.
To start your day, take an early morning stroll at Nagoa beach or Jalandhar beach. These beaches have a lot of resorts located nearby which makes it easy for the tourists to visit them.
After that, head to St. Paul’s church for it’s amazing oh-so-portugese architecture. The houses nearby in that area compliment the Portuguese touch very well. The calm ambience of the church will relax your mood no better than a spa!
Later in the afternoon, head to the Naida caves which are located in periphery of the Diu fort. These caves have a large, beautiful and colorful rock formation which would just make you feel like a mini version of Grand Canyon, right here in your own land.
Diu fort is a fort-cum-castle built by Portuguese, it gives the magnificent view of the sea.
Dwarka and Bet Dwarka
Bet Dwarka is a small island near Okha. It is a perfect place to spot marine animals, dolphins, camping and picnicking. Surprisingly, the maximum temperature here does not rise beyond 33° C making it one of the coolest place of Gujarat during summer!
It is also known for the original abode of lord Krishna which is proven by many archaeological evacuations from the Shree Krishna temple which is 500 year old temple. The other places to worship are Dwarkadish temple, Keshavraiji temple and Hanuman Dandi.
Bet Dwarka also makes an amazing adventurous outing place because of the clean water of the Indian Ocean at the Dunny point. It is the most famous place for Beach camping. You can stay here for 2-3 days and explore marine biodiversity like sponges, jellyfishes, sea anemones corals etc. You can also indulge in marine adventures like coastal trekking, dolphin watching, water polo etc.
Kumbhalgarh
Located in Aravalli ranges of the Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh is definitely a surprise for those who consider Rajasthan as just a desert state.
The most famous attraction is Kumbhalgarh Fort which was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. The wall is named as second largest wall after the Great wall of China.
Badal mahal is built on the top of the Kumbhalgarh fort which gives a panoramic view of the Thar desert and the wildlife sanctuary . The light and sound show happens in the evening which depicts the great Rajasthani culture.
Kumbhalgarh wildlilfe scantuary is set over 578 sq. km. You can go on a wonderful jungle safari as well it is perfect place for camping. In the safari, one will spot the animals like Wolves Leopards, Deer, Sloths, different species of birds etc.
Somnath
Located along the western coast of Gujarat, it is the first among the twelve jyotirlings of Lord Shiva in one of the oldest temples of Gujarat.
Somnath beach spread along the long coastline which gives a magnificent view of beautiful large waves and gray sand. Although being one of the crowded places, Somnath beach s one of the most visited beaches throughout the year. The beautiful sparkling waves gets violent at times hence swimming is not recommended. You can relax yourself in the shacks alongside the beach and rejuvenate yourself by the fresh coconut water and corns served there. Get yourself beach ready by shopping the beach hats and jewellery made from shells from the stalls on the beach.
Laxminarayn temple has incarnations of lord Vishnu.
Another place to visit is Panch Pndava Gufa which is dedicated to the five pandava brothers.
Suraj mandir is located near triveni ghats and is dedicated to sun god. There are beautiful carvings of elephants and other animals which makes this place as one of the rare temples where nature is praised in Hindu mythology.
Saputara
Saputara is the perfect place to make you feel like in Himalayas right in the center of Gujarat, in Dang district. This hill station is the perfect place for those who want a total hill station outing nearby itself. Saputara has amazing waterfalls of all time, probably the best in whole state. Other gardens like Rose garden, Lake garden, Step Garden are perfect for a picnic day or a romantic getaway. It’s cool and humid atmosphere will make you forget all the heat and pollution of the city. It is a perfect destination for people who seek peace and are adventurous as well!
Wilson Hills, Dharampur
Wilson Hill Station is located in the forest locality of the Sahyadri mountain range near a town called Dharampur. Having an average elevation of 750m, the Wilson Hills are popular during the summer months as it enjoys a cooler and less humid climate than the surrounding area. There are total of 6 points you can enjoy scenic views from. It is still one of the off-beat places of Gujarat that hasn’t gotten a lot of attraction yet. Thus, makes it an ideal spot to get away from the city’s bustle and enjoy fresh air with plenty of Oxygen.
Mount Abu
Situated amidst lush green, forested hills on the Aravali range, Mount Abu is the summer capital for most of the gujarati people. Its cool and soothing climate makes it an ideal retreat.
Doodh baori trekking is a nice hike trek in the jungle of mt. abu. the trail follows flora and fauna, wildlife, scenery, caves and mythological remains. One can explore this beautiful and adventurous trekking activity with local tour guides.
Guru Shikar is the highest point in mount Abu and forms the highest point in the Aravalli mountain range. The place is perfect to get a panoramic view of the beautiful hill station as a whole.
Trevor’s tank or Trevor’s crocodile park is a man made crocodile breeding spot located 5 kilometers away from mount Abu.
Daman
Daman is another union territory which is located in Gujarat. It is most famous for its beautiful beaches, which are a perfect outing for people who are ‘water babies’.
Devka beach is the main beach of Daman but it is dirty and crowded. Instead visit Jampore beach, which is one significant attraction of Daman this beach gets fame because of its blackish mud-coloured water. It is soothing just to have glimpses of the sea and is a perfect place for the ones seeking longing peace and solitude.
The Lighthouse is favourite for every tourist who visits Daman and Diu. Mirasol Lake Garden is a man-made marvel which serves as one of a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Really describe gujrat well ..
Amazing article