| Nalsarovar
Bird Sanctuary Tours in Ahmedabad India :
The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
is located to the South West of
Ahmedabad at a distance of 65
Kms. It is one of the most famous
bird sanctuary of Gujarat. The
marshy surroundings of the scenic
Nal Lake which is well spread
out over an area of 11,500 hectares
is a bird watcher's delight. The
Sanctuary was founded in the year
1969 and there are over 250 avian
species that breed in the marshy
areas of the lake. The sanctuary
is at its best during the winter
months when migratory birds like
Flamingoes, Rosy Pelicans, White
Storks, Herons and Brahminy Ducks
flock to its catchment areas.
Visitors and bird watchers are
transported in miniature boats
to have a glimpse of the avian
species. The lake has many vantage
spots from where one can bask
in the glory of ethereal sunset
and sunrise.
Bhavnagar:
Bhavnagar is located in the southeast
of Gujarat which is popularly
known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra.
In the days of yore, Bhavnagar
used to be the capital of a princely
state.
For the discerning traveler, Bhavnagar
can be a perfect base from where
one can embark on the trail of
the famous Jain temples of Palitana
as well as trips to the Velvadar
Sanctuary, the abode of the endangered
Indian Black Buck.
Bhavsinhji Gohil was the founder
of Bhavnagar and he built this
fascinating place way back in
1743 A.D.In the days of yore,
Bhavnagar used to be a busy port.
Jamnagar:
Jamnagar is popularly referred
to as the 'Jewel of Kathiawad',
and was founded in 1540 A.D. Jamnagar
is located at a distance of 300
Kms west of Ahmedabad.
Jamnagar of today is a harmonious
blend of the old and the contemporary.
The town is replete with ancient
monuments and wide streets, impressive
buildings and open plazas all
of which entices visitors to this
part of the Saurashtra peninsula.
Jamnagar owes its origin to Jam
Raval who was a Jadeja Rajput.
In the days of yore, Jamnagar
used to be the capital of the
princely state of Nawanagar.
Jamnagar is the ancestral place
of two of two of the world's most
distinguished cricketers - Ranjit
Singhji and Duleep Singhji. Today
two of the most prestigious domestic
cricket tournaments - The Ranji
Trophy and TheDuleep Trophy have
been instituted in their honor.
Jamnagar is famous for its gold
embroidery, silver ware, silk
and of course the signature bandhani
fabrics which has gained world
wide recognition.
Junagadh:
Junagadh is an ancient city. It
is a city replete with myths and
there are many legends associated
with Junagadh. This historic town
is located in the foothills of
the holy Girnar hill. Junagadh
is a fortified town and the imposing
fort encircles the town from all
sides. The city is said to have
derived its name from this impregnable
fort.
The Girnar Hills which forms the
backdrop of Junagadh is one of
the holiest pilgrim centers of
the Jain community. If statistics
are anything to go by, than there
are about 1000 temples located
in Mount Girnar. Mount Girnar
dates back to the time when emperor
Ashoka reigned supreme. In fact
one can still find the famous
rock edicts of Ashoka on a huge
rock on the way to Mt. Girnar.
Junagadh's is also famous for
the Uperkot fort.
Surat:
Surat is the most important city
of Southern Gujarat. In the days
of yore, Surat used to be one
of India's busiest port. It was
also a commercial hub from 17th
and 18th centuries. Surat is located
on the banks of river Tapti and
has carved a niche for its excellent
silk and fine brocades like the
Gajee, Tanchoi, and Kinkhab styles
which has gained worldwide recognition.
Surat is also renowned for its
spices and its burgeoning diamond
market is one of the most prosperous
in the world. In Surat Diamonds
have worldwide recognition and
acceptance.
Surat has the unique feature of
being the first European base
in India. Apart from the British,
The Dutch and the Portuguese too
had their bases at Surat which
is amply evident even today in
its little streets, which are
more European than Indian. The
British East India Company set
up its first warehouse here in
the year 1612. Sir Thomas Roe
is said to have landed at Surat
on his way to present his credential
as the Ambassador of England to
Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
In heydays, Surat was the principal
port for Mohammedan pilgrims who
went to Mecca for Haj. This aside,
Vir Narmad one of Gujarat's literary
giant and social activist hailed
from Surat. The city has also
contributed significantly to India's
freedom struggle.
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