Gujarat
Located on the country’s western coast, Gujarat, over the ages, has seen a succession of races-settlers as well as conquerors-and amalgamated their cultures into its own. The result has been a wonderful fusion of new ideas and old world traditions. Rich in crafts, history and natural beauty, this home state of Mahatma Gandhi continues to attract artists, scholars, intellectuals and businessmen from the world over. Situated on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, the history of the state goes back to 200 BC.
On the basis of physiology and culture, Gujarat can be divided into several regions like Kutch, Saurashtra, Kathiawad, and Northeast Gujarat. In the north is Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh and in the south is Little Rann of Kutch.
Between Saurashtra and Khambhat is Kathiawad with a maximum altitude of 180 meters and if is flanked by sandstones in the north. It is a region made up of Deccan lavas and cut across by the lava dykes. The Central Kutch region extends to Northeast Gujarat and the region has low hills and small plains. Southeast Gujarat is an extension of the Western Ghats and receives the highest rain in the state.
Gujarat is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts with an array of habitats, ranging from deciduous forests, desert plains, grass lands and wetlands to coastal and marine ecosystems. Gujarat is last abode of the majestic Asiatic Lions and supports a variety of wildlife – the leopard, wild boar, fox, wild cats, chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai (blue bull) and the famous chowsingha (four horned antelope). Another of the endemic species is the wild ass at the Little Rann of Kutch. The coastal creeks are amongst the finest places to see flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, ducks, etc.
Gujarat – a world of colour – is the `Rainbow State’ of India. Colour suffuses Gujarat’s handicrafts, its textiles, the resplendent fabrics that make up the swirling skirts of its women, its folk dances and its festivals.
With its colourful culture, fabulous monuments and wildlife, Gujarat offers the visitors a fabulous off-beat holiday.