Gujarat (Gujarati: ગુજરાત) is a state in thewestern region ofIndia. Lothal, near toAhmedabad and Dholavira, near toKutch are sites of a Harappan (Indus) civilisation, which existed more than 4,000 years ago. Gujarat is known for the Stepped Wells, Jain Temples, Asiatic Lion and business-oriented people.
| North Gujarat |
| Central Gujarat |
| South Gujarat |
| Saurashtra It was never incorporated intoBritish India. Instead it survived as more than 200 princely states under British suzeranity till independence. |
| Kutch The largest district in the state and the country, famous for the Rann of Kutch. |
Below is a selection of nine of Gujarat's most populated cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions.
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Islamic cities with fortress and Jain templesGujarat is a dazzlingly diverse state that shakes up the know-it-all Indophile, and reveals treasures hidden from the tourist hordes. Gujaratis are famous for their thrift and entrepreneurship. Encounter anIndian anywhere, from Wall Street to Wellington, and there’s a good chance they hail from this wealthy, resourceful state. There are many significant sites of the God Krishna’s life along the coast ofSaurashtra. With 20% of the country's total industrial output, Gujarat is also the most industrialised state in India.
About 89% of the population of Gujarat are Hindus. Muslims account for 9% and Jains 1% of the population. Most of the Gujarati people are strict vegetarians. Amongst Hindus the deity of Krishna is famously worshipped in his form of Shrinathji throughout Gujarat. Since Gujarat is a heavily industrialised state, there are many factory jobs that have attracted migrants from other parts ofIndia.
Another notable community in Gujarat is the Siddi community, who are comprised of people of African descent who have lived in India for many generations. Despite now speaking Gujarati as their first language, many African customs continue to be preserved in the community.
The winters are mild, pleasant and dry, with average daytime temperatures around 24 °C (80 °F) and nights around 10 °C (51 °F) with 100 % sunny days and clear nights.
The summers are extremely hot and dry with day temperatures around 46 °C (115 °F) and at night no lower than 34 °C (90 °F) with sunshine.
At the time just beforethe Monsoon, the temperatures are similar to summer but with high humidity which makes the air feel hotter. Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around mid June. The day temperatures are lower to around 38 °C (100 °F) but humidity is very high and nights are around 27 °C (80 °F).
Winter (October to January) is best time to travel in Gujarat.
The official language of the state isGujarati. It is the native language of virtually everyone living in the state.
Hindi is widely understood and used in everyday business. For many Gujaratis, it is a second (sometimes a third) language. If you don't know any Gujarati, don't despair; you can get around easily using only Hindi.
English is taught in schools and is understood in major cities; however, proficiency in the language is virtually non-existent outside of major cities and in rural areas.
Gujaratis are often lampooned by people in other parts of India for their English language skills — for example, they normally pronounce "snake" as "snack", and they normally pronounce "push" as "puss". The Gujaratis themselves even admit that the clichés about their English language skills are true. The two main reasons behind this: a poor educational system and limited access to English-language education.
Flights into smaller airports ofBhavnagar,Bhuj,Diu,Jamnagar,Porbandar, Keshod,Surat andRajkot connect throughMumbai.
Gujarat has 1,572 km of National Highway network.
India has very big rail network. Indian Railways has a 5,890 km rail network in Gujarat.
Most people in Gujarat travel by government buses likeGSRTC, private buses or by taxi. These are excellent modes of transport as the roads are among the best in India. Check at your hotel if you want a travel agent for private buses.
Ahmedabad,Vadodara,Surat,Rajkot,Bhavnagar,Bhuj,Jamnagar,Junagadh, Surendranagar,Porbandar andKandla are big stations in the Indian Railways network.
There are Gujarati Handicraft Development Corporation showrooms sellingGujarati and Kutchhy handicrafts in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Surat.
Gujarat is heaven for vegetarians. Approximately 80% of Gujaratis eat vegetarian foods only. Hundreds of varieties of lacto-vegetarian foods are offered across Gujarat. Rotli (chapati/puri), shaak (subzi/vegetables/curries), mithai (sweets), rice and dal are parts of aGujarati Thali in restaurants. Finding non-vegetarian restaurants in Gujarat can be difficult. Chicken and mutton are the most common kinds of meat, but only occasionally eaten.
On paper, Gujarat is one of the few states in India that curtails the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. But in reality, the law is weakly enforced and it is quite common for people to illegally distribute alcohol.
To purchase alcohol,you must apply for a permit. You may do soonline[dead link] or at the place where you stay. You may only buy and drink alcoholic beverages at licensed locations.
Gujarat is a relatively safe state compared to the rest of India. It has a low crime-rate compared to thePlains, althoughpickpockets are not uncommon. For emergencies, you can dial100 for police assistance.
Public drunkenness is illegal and frowned upon. It is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
Gujaratis generally like to personalise their business relationships and may go to various lengths to impress you or be well-acquainted with you. While it may be seen as off-putting in other parts of the world, Gujaratis generally consider it important to build trust and rapport with the people around them. Try not to brush them off or dismiss their efforts in getting to know you better.
The terms "bhai" (for men) and "behn" (for women) are used to address people you are close to.
Try to learn, or at least make an attempt to learn a few words of the local language,Gujarati. In so doing, you will endear yourself to the locals.
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