Planning a Trip to Gujarat? Discover the Best Time to Visit

Gujarat is a wonderful state to visit, with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. There are many places to see and things to do in Gujarat, depending on your interests and preferences. However, before you plan your trip, you might want to know the best time to visit Gujarat, as the weather and climate can vary greatly throughout the year.

The best time to visit Gujarat is generally from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. This is also the peak season for tourism, as many festivals and events take place during this period. Some of the highlights of this season are:

Navratri: This is one of the most popular festivals in Gujarat, celebrated for nine nights in honor of Goddess Durga. People dress up in colorful outfits and perform garba and dandiya dances with music and enthusiasm. Navratri usually falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.

International Kite Festival: This is a unique festival that showcases the art and skill of kite flying. People from all over the world come to Gujarat to participate in this event, which coincides with Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated on January 14th every year2. The sky is filled with colorful and creative kites of various shapes and sizes, creating a spectacular sight.

Rann Utsav: This is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the white desert of Kutch, one of the most scenic and surreal places in Gujarat. The Rann Utsav showcases the local arts, crafts, music, dance, cuisine, and wildlife of the region. The festival lasts for about three months, from November to February. You can also enjoy activities like camel rides, hot air balloon rides, star gazing, and camping in the desert.
Statue of Unity: This is the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters high, depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of India. The statue is located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river, about 200 km from Ahmedabad. The statue was inaugurated in 2018 and has become a major tourist attraction since then. You can also visit the nearby attractions like the Valley of Flowers, the Sardar Patel Zoological Park, and the Arogya Van.

Apart from these festivals and attractions, you can also explore other places in Gujarat during this season, such as:

Ahmedabad: This is the largest city in Gujarat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ahmedabad is known for its textile industry, its architectural heritage, its museums, and its food. Some of the places to visit in Ahmedabad are the Sabarmati Ashram (where Mahatma Gandhi lived), the Jama Masjid (one of the oldest mosques in India), the Calico Museum of Textiles (which displays a rare collection of fabrics), and the Kankaria Lake (a recreational spot with boating and other activities).
Gir National Park: This is the only place in the world where you can see the Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. Gir National Park is home to about 500 lions, as well as other wildlife like leopards, hyenas, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, and birds. You can take a jeep safari or a guided walk to spot these animals and enjoy the forest scenery.
Dwarka: This is one of the four sacred sites of Hinduism, known as Char Dham. Dwarka is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, who is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dwarka is a pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees who come to visit the Dwarkadhish Temple (which houses an idol of Krishna), the Rukmini Temple (dedicated to Krishna’s wife), and other temples along the coast.
Diu: This is a small island off the coast of Gujarat that was once a Portuguese colony. Diu has a distinct charm and character that reflects its colonial past. You can see the Portuguese fort, churches, and monuments that dot the island. You can also enjoy the beaches, water sports, seafood, and nightlife that Diu offers.

These are some of the best places to visit and attractions in Gujarat that you can enjoy during your trip. However, if you want to avoid crowds and high prices, you can also consider visiting Gujarat during other seasons.

The summer season in Gujarat lasts from April to June, when the temperature can rise up to 45°C or more. This can make it very hot and uncomfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you don’t mind the heat, you can still visit some places that are relatively cooler or have some water sources nearby. For example:

Saputara: This is a hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat that offers a refreshing escape from the heat. Saputara has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with green hills, waterfalls, lakes, and gardens. You can also enjoy activities like trekking, paragliding, boating, and camping in Saputara.
Somnath: This is another one of the four sacred sites of Hinduism, known as Char Dham. Somnath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as the destroyer of evil. The temple is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea and has a history of being destroyed and rebuilt several times by invaders. You can also visit the nearby places like Prabhas Patan (where Krishna was killed by an arrow), Veraval (a fishing port), and Chorwad (a beach resort).

The monsoon season in Gujarat lasts from July to September, when the state receives moderate to heavy rainfall. This can make some places inaccessible or risky due to floods and landslides. However, the monsoon also brings a new life and beauty to the landscape, with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and gushing waterfalls. If you love nature and adventure, you can visit some places that are enhanced by the rain. For example:

Champaner-Pavagadh: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of an ancient city and a hill fortress. Champaner-Pavagadh was once the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate in the 15th century and has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. You can see the mosques, palaces, tombs, and temples that showcase the fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles. You can also climb up the Pavagadh hill to reach the Kalika Mata Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site.
Saputara: This is a hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat that offers a refreshing escape from the heat. Saputara has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with green hills, waterfalls, lakes, and gardens. You can also enjoy activities like trekking, paragliding, boating, and camping in Saputara.

In conclusion, Gujarat is a state that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for culture, history, nature, or adventure. The best time to visit Gujarat depends on your preferences and budget, but generally speaking, the winter season from October to March is the most favorable time. However, you can also visit Gujarat during other seasons if you want to experience a different side of the state or avoid the tourist rush. Whatever season you choose, you will surely have a memorable trip to Gujarat.