Tourist Places Bhavnagar Division
Bhavnagar is the fifth largest city of Gujarat, after Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot; and the second largest city in the Saurashtra region. It is also known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. Bhavnagar was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. It was the capital of Bhavnagar State, which was a princely state before it was merged into the Indian Union in 1948. Home to socialism, reforms, and cultural legacy, Bhavnagar is considered a city of education and culture, and is known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. Bhavnagar is one of the best places to shop for traditional jewelry and clothes. It is also famous for the handicrafts and their applique design. The places of attraction in and around Bhavnagar are:
SOMNATH DIU
PORBANDAR Porbandar is a coastal city in Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (friend of Lord Krishna). Gandhiji was born in Porbandar in 1869. The city is rich in cultural and historical heritage. There are many monuments and temple of great historical importance like the Kirti Mandir which is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is built next to the haveli where Mahatma Gandhi was born. The Kirti Mandir, Porbandar has a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and contains a library with books on Gandhism, a spinning hall, a children's nursery and a lovely prayer hall. In the prayer hall of the Kirti Mandir prayers of all faith are regularly organized. Nearest Rail Head : Porbandar
on Rajkot –Porbandar line Best buys : Textiles with bandhani work. Gharchola, a special kind of bandhani which is made in cotton, laharia and chunari prints. Clay, brass and iron items, silver jewelry, terracotta figures and mirror works are some of Top the popular buys. PALITANA
The Shetrunjay hills of Palitana have entered the guiness book of records due to having the highest number of temples on a single hill, they number more than 800, dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. This hill is huge and needs climbing up of more than 5000 steps. The Palitana temples along with the mountain are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community. It is the world's largest Temple Complex. The most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar which is said to have been built in the 12th century, but renovated twice since with a tall shikhara made of many small towers. It has ornate architectural motifs.
The famous food is the special Palitana Bhel, plates of tomatoes slices (available only in winter), goti soda and gulkand. Nearest Rail Head : Palitana on
Best buys: Handicrafts and accessories for branch line from Sihor on Surendra accupressure. Nagar-Bhavnagar section
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Junagadh city is the 7th largest in Gujarat, located at the foot of the Girnar hills. Literally translated, Junagadh means "Old Fort". It is also known as "Sorath", the name of the earlier Princely State of Junagadh. After a brief struggle between India and Pakistan, Junagadh joined India on 9th November 1947. It was a part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. In 1960, after the Maha Gujarat movement, it became part of newly formed Gujarat state. Junagadh is famous for its Kathiyawadi cuisine.
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan-Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Junagadh. It is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department. Nearest Rail Head : Junagadh
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The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the god Shiva. The temple is considered sacred due to the various legends connected to it. Somnath means "The Protector of (the) Moon god". Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed many times by Islamic kings and rulers. Most recently it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the integration of Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration.
Nearest Rail Head : Somnath/Veraval
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Diu is a town in Diu district in the union territory of Daman and Diu. The town lies at the eastern end of Diu Island, and is known for its fortress and old Portuguese Cathedral. It is also a fishing town. It is the tenth least populated district of India. Old Diu is known for its Portuguese architecture. Diu Fort was built in 1535 and maintained an active garrison until 1960. There are three Portuguese Baroque churches, with St. Paul’s Church, completed in 1610, being the only one still in use for its original purpose. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the first church built in Diu, in 1593, is now used as a hospital. St. Thomas Church is currently used as a museum. With no tall buildings except the fort, Diu has a characteristically low skyline. The nearby Nagoa beach and offshore lighthouse are popular tourist destinations, and the coast is a popular recreational area for parasailing, boating, and jet skiing.
Nearest Rail Head : Veraval 90kms
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