We (my husband and I) are from Gujarat would like to take our kids out for a five day holiday, and because it is only five days, we would like to go somewhere which is close by to where we live. The ideal place which we are looking for is something where the kids can enjoy and have some fun as well as us adults who can enjoy the place. Neither of us is good at choosing holiday destinations, so I thought it would be a good idea to register with the forum to get some ideas for places to visit near Gujarat.
Hello, @Neela! Welcome to the forum! Since I don't know where exactly in Gujarat you are from, I'm just going to give you a few options for places near the state that you can visit. In Gujarat alone, there are plenty of destinations that you can visit. But since you're asking for destinations near Gujarat and not around Gujarat, I won't be including the destinations or tourist places around the state. Instead, I'll focus on the nearby states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, which form the boundaries to Gujarat. Let's begin, shall we? Places to Visit Near Gujarat 1. Mount Abu - Gujarat is about 375 kilometres away from Mount Abu. In the desert state of Rajasthan, there stands an oasis of greenery and beauty, which is Mount Abu. The only hill station in the region, it offers a pleasant respite from the city heat and is thus a great getaway, even from surrounding states like yours. It is easily accessible from Gujarat as well and you can cover the distance within a few hours. With its natural attractions, religious places and heritage sites, it can tug the hearts of both the younger ones and the older ones. For instance, there's the Nakki Lake, revered sacred by Hindus and at the same time exudes serenity and solemnity. You can enjoy boating within the lake or even horse riding around the lake with your family. Another must-visit place here is the Dilwara Jain Temples, consisting of five main temples dedicated to the the Jain saints. Built around the 11th century, it's a wonder how these craftsmen were able to intricately carve the ceilings, walls and pillars of the temple during that time. It's surely a fun place that can make your children love history and religion even more. Another historical place here is the Achalgarh Fort, built around the 14th century. Inside the fort, there are several Jain temples worth exploring as well. Lastly, there's the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular bird-watching site but you can also spot large mammals like leopards, sloth bears and wild boars here. All these attractions can be covered within two to three days so you have ample time to get back to Gujarat as well. Do check out the hotels with amenities such as a swimming pool or gardens (Hotel Hillock, Humming Bird Resort and Hotel Savera Palace). This way, your children can have some outdoor fun while in the hotel. Must visit attractions - Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, Achalgarh Fort and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. Related thread - Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu 2. Banswara - At just about 454 kilometres away from Gujarat, Banswara is a perfect laid-back destination for families. Quite underrated but has earned the title of the City of a Hundred Islands, owing to the islands on the Mahi River here, you won't regret visiting this destination. It is also located in Rajasthan although it's pretty difficult to believe it once you see it with your own eyes. With its bamboo forests, majestic mountain views, dam, river, lakes, it's a little piece of heaven right on Rajasthan. Another must-visit attraction here is the Anand Sagar Lake, known as the wish-fulfilling lake. So go on, make a wish or two, who knows if the lake would grant it. Yet another must-visit lake here is the Diablab Lake, where you and your family can indulge in boating. The Tripura Sundari Temple is 1 of the 52 Shakti Peethas and is a must-visit especially for the devout Hindus. It doesn't stop here though as there are plenty more of attractions that you can explore in the city, like the Abdullah Pir Dargah, Ram Kund and Kagadi Pikup Weir. Banswara might not be as well-known as Udaipur or Jaipur but it certainly is worth visiting just like these cities. Its proximity to Gujarat also does not give you any excuse to skip this historical and beautiful destination.;p Must visit attractions - Mahi River, Anand Sagar Lake, Diablab Lake, Tripura Sundari Temple, Abdullah Pir Dargah, Ram Kund and Kagadi Pikup Weir. Related thread - n/a 3. Nashik - This city in Maharashtra is about 631 kilometres away from Gujarat. It can take you around a whole day to reach the destination. With its pleasant climate almost all-year round, Nashik is one of the best destinations for families. Winters here can be quite chilly though so do bring warmer clothes if visiting during that season. Mainly known as a pilgrimage city, Nashik has plenty more of attractions to keep your whole family busy. But of course, starting with the religious attractions, must-visit temples here are the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Kalaram Temple, Muktidham Temple and Jain Mandir. For the history lovers, there's the Pandavleni Caves, which are over 2,000 years old already. These caves were used as meditation halls of the Buddhists during the ancient times. If your kids are adventurous, why not indulge in trekking? There are numerous trails around Nashik for it like Saptashrungi, Anjneri Hill and Brahmagiri Hill. There are also historic forts around the city like the Ramshej Fort and Anjaneri Fort, but they also require some trekking before they can be reached. Must visit attractions - Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Kalaram Temple, Muktidham Temple, Jain Mandir, Pandavleni Caves, Saptashrungi, Anjneri Hill, Brahmagiri Hill, Ramshej Fort and Anjaneri Fort. Related thread - Tourist Attractions in Nashik 4. Indore - About 603 kilometres away from Gujarat, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is the city of Indore. This is the foodie paradise of the state and a visit to the Sarafa Bazaar would make you understand why. There's no better place in the city to sample its varying street foods than this place. With its many temples, Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, Kanch Mandir and Annapurna Temple, the devout Hindus can also enjoy their time here. If your family enjoys natural attractions, there are places like the Patalpani Waterfalls, Tincha Waterfalls and Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary to keep them occupied. Another must-visit place here is the Lal Bagh Palace, built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar. There are exhibits here of the paintings, furnitures and sculptures once owned by the royals of the city. Yup, there's more to Indore than just food but hey, no one would judge you if you visit the city just for its delectable food. Must visit attractions - Sarafa Bazaar, Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, Kanch Mandir, Annapurna Temple, atalpani Waterfalls, Tincha Waterfalls, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary and Lal Bagh Palace. Related thread - Highlights of Central India 5. Mumbai - The city of Mumbai is about 680 kilometres away from Gujarat. No matter how chaotic the city might be, it's one of the best destinations in the country. Even with the progress that the city has gone through, it has held on to some of its heritage sites. And although it's not devoid of the negative effects of progress, much like every city in the world, it has done well to preserve its culture and traditions. Where else can you see a dabbawala? Or visit beaches right in the city? Of course, Juhu Beach and Chowpatty Beach might be polluted and crowded. But venture further into the south or north into the Aksa Beach, Gorai Beach, Marve Beach or Dana Paani Beach and you'd find cleaner and better destinations. Then there's the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacle on its own right and used by over three million people everyday. An excursion away from Mumbai can take you to the Elephanta Caves, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are a group of Hindu and Buddhist caves, worth exploring because of their intricate carvings. And lastly, there's the Essel World, a fun amusement and water theme park in the city which the children would surely appreciate. Must visit attractions - Aksa Beach, Gorai Beach, Marve Beach, Dana Paani Beach, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves and Essel World. Related thread - Tourist Attractions in Mumbai 6. Lonavala - If city life is not for you, then venture further into the south and you'd find Lonavala, a hill station in Maharashtra. It's hard to believe that with just a short distance from Mumbai, there exists this city of pure serenity and beauty. The soft and lush greenery, along with the mountain views, can make for a meaningful and relaxing vacation with your loved ones. Something not worth missing here are the Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, both are Buddhist rock-cut caves with important carvings dating as far back as the 2nd century. There are also numerous forts that you can explore here like the Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort and Tikona Fort. Viewpoints like the Tiger's Leap and Lion's Point can provide you with a commanding view of the mountains. For the children, there's the Della Adventure Park and Wet N Joy Water Park. So if you're looking for a cooler destination, with historical attractions and at the same time, fun places for children, Lonavala should be at the top of your list. There are also over 70 hotels to choose from here so staying in won't be a problem. Must visit attractions - Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tiger's Leap, Lion's Point, Della Adventure Park and Wet N Joy Water Park. Related thread - One Day Trip Near Pune There you go, I hope this helps you!
