Interesting Facts about Glorious Gujarat that you never knew

Birthplace of many legends like Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat is appropriately known as the “Land of the Legends.“

From being home to India’s first port city to the world’s most massive ship-breaking yard, Gujarat has many such fascinating places, which make it an ideal place for trips for solo women. Gujarat has Asia’s greenest capital city as well as is home to approx 900 Jain temples.

There are many other exciting yet lesser-known facts and places in Gujarat. These facts add more charm and color to its already rich heritage and culture. That’s why we have listed a few facts here. These would compel every solo women traveler to add this scenic and picturesque place to add on their bucket list.

Sanctuaries and National Parks in Gujarat

There are twenty-three wildlife sanctuaries and four national parks in Gujarat that are rich in diverse flora and fauna. These wildlife hotspots are home to many exotic and endangered species of birds and animals, including Asiatic lions.

The lost city- Dwarka

Dwarka- the abode of Lord Krishna, also known as “The Lost City” once stood and flourished at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch. It also has its mention in the prehistoric epics like Mahabharat and many other scriptures. Many archaeological excavations and underwater explorations by archaeologists have established the existence of this mythological city in recent times.

International Kite Festival

The city of Ahmedabad has been hosting the celebration of Uttarayan or the international Kite festival on 14 January since 1989 to mark the commencement of the summer. The zeal and enthusiasm on this day are apparent as thousands from the country and across the globe gather to show their kite flying skills.

Veganism- A Lifestyle

The idea of veganism across the globe is relatively new compared to Gujarat, as its majority of the population consumes vegetarian food only. The love for veganism of Gujarat is such that many food giants such as Subway have opened their first pure vegetarian outlet in the Ahmedabad.

Coastline- Longest Along the Arabian Sea

Gujarat has the longest coastline along the Arabian sea which is 1214.7 kilometers long. Therefore, this coastline makes for the 23% of the country’s total mainland coastline. These pristine and diverse beaches are a must-visit while on tour to Gujarat. And to add the allurement to the beaches and seashore, some parts of this long coastline are the breeding grounds for whale sharks.

Rich Diaspora

Not only Gujarati crafts and culture, but Gujaratis have also spread across the globe and have made the whole world their home. In fact in America, one Indian out of five is of Gujarati origin.

White Desert

World’s largest salt desert or white desert is the Great Rann of Kutch. It spreads in an area of 7,505.22 square kilometers. This Great Rann in western Gujarat is essentially a marshland ecosystem but transforms into an arid white picturesque desert in the winter. Wait, there is more. Gulf of Kutchh is India’s first Marine National Park too.

The largest district in India

The longest coastline, largest saltmarsh, and now the largest district in India! Gujarat seems all set to make many records when it comes to the largest and longest. Kutch district in Gujarat maps over 45674 square kilometers and has won another record, this time for the largest district of India.

Essentially a salt desert island in the shape of a tortoise, Kutch has the most beautiful and dazzling sunsets and sunrises and hence can appropriately be termed as a haven for tourists and photographers.

The Somnath Temple

The world-famous Somnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands in all its glory in the PrabhasPatan in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Plundered many times by invaders and Muslim rulers in the past, Somnath Temple’s reconstruction reached completion in 1951 under the supervision of home ministery.

Riches

Here is a rich fact for you- Surat in Gujarat is the wealthiest city in India with an average 450000 annual income per household in the town. Not only that, Gujarat is the world’s major Diamond refining center in the world with a record of as high as 8 out of 10 diamonds get processed in Surat.

The biggest oil refinery of the planet

Reliance Industries owns the biggest oil refinery in the world, and it is in Gujarat. The Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat, with the per-day production capacity of 1.2 million barrels, is the biggest oil refinery. Isn’t that quite fascinating as well as awe-inspiring?

Gir National Park- Only home for Asiatic Lions

Gir National Park in Gujarat is the sole home for the endangered Asiatic Lions. This species of lions has come back from the near-extinction under the combined efforts and supervision of government and forest officials.

Gira Falls

Another lesser-known gem in Satpura in Gujarat is the Gira Falls. Gira falls, one of nature’s best gifts to humans is captivating as well as relaxing and a perfect destination for the ameture as well as professional photographers.

Safest State

Gujarat is the safest state in the country with the lowest crime rates. So, solo women travelers, while deciding your next trip keep in mind that this place is not only vibrant, diverse, pristine, scenic but also the safest.

Sugar Consumption

Now is the time for the sweetest fact about the state- Gujarat’s sugar consumption is highest among all other states in the country. That explains the reason behind this state’s famous and much-loved cuisines and delicacies.

 Conclusion

The government of India has recently built the “Statue of Unity”. Moreover it is in honor of the countries first home minister, also known as the “Iron man of India.” Now let’s make it more interesting. This statue is 182 meters that are 597 ft in height and known to be the tallest in the world.

When we are talking about records, did you know that Gujarat alone produces 1/3 of the cotton in the world? Last but not least, Asia’s largest dairy popularly known as Amul dairy is also in Gujarat.

So this was the list of some lesser-known yet exciting facts about Gujarat. If you know more such interesting facts, then feel free to add them to our list.