Surat is popular as the commercial capital of Gujarat. It was also referred as Suryapur. The city is known for its cleanliness and is one of the rapidly growing cities of the state. Surat has had a rich historical past. This is the place that saw Lord Krishna pass through the land on his way to Dwarka from Mathura. This place has been ruled by Mughal emperors such as Shah Jahan, Akbar, and Jahangir. The city mainly focused on trade and commerce post Indian independence.
Traces of its rich historical past still remain in form of monuments in Surat. The long lost history is revived through these structures, which take you back to the ancient days of prosperity during the kingships. Some even remind of annexations and struggles faced by the city.
Surat is a well structured city. It was founded during the 16th century. The oldest fort in the city however, was built in 1373. It was formed by Firoz Shah Tuglaq III. The city went through lots in the past. It was burnt by the Portuguese to establish dominion. It later went into the hands of Mughal rulers who rebuilt Surat with monuments and excellent architecture. Dutch entered this city with an aim to set up factories. They did so in 1616. This was followed by French who set up factories during 1668. The city was later under Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule. The year 1837 however, proved unlucky for the city. It was partly destroyed by fire and partly by river burst. Several ancient monuments in Surat could not survive this wrath of time though many still survived and continue to attract travelers from all over the globe.
Top Monuments in Surat
Through the various monuments, Surat has successfully preserved its rich historical heritage. Guests can plan a visit to all of these and hear the tales that talk about Surat’s past. Some of the best monuments to explore are-
Surat Castle: Surat Castle is one of the top monuments to check out in the city. It lies close to the Tapti Bridge. The castle is an ancient attraction still surviving the tests of time. It came up in the year 1546 and was built by Khudawan Khan. He was an Albanian Christian. The site chosen for this fort is the same as the fort, which was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The Surat Castle is known its thick four meter wall with a height of 12 meters. The walls have lead fillings and iron strips to make them stronger and durable. This also ensures that the castle is strong and impenetrable. The gateway on the Eastern side is worth checking out. The castle also has the Anglican Church by Bishop Hebenn and the well known Victoria Garden.
Old Fort: Old Fort in Surat was constructed under the rule of Muhammad Bin Tuglaq. It belongs to the 14th century. The castle was built with an aim to protect the city as a fortification during the Bhil tribe uprising. The Old Fort is an impressive monument with strong walls built in lead and iron. The overall structure of the fort is attractive and has high walls protecting the structure. It is one of the important monuments still preserved with its glory.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum: This is one of the oldest museums in the city. It came up in the year 1890. The museum is significant for its collection of remains from the Mughal as well as British period. It is a beauty on its own. The museum also flaunts an open air theatre. The place can accommodate a maximum of 4000 people at a time. It is popularly known as Rangupavan. The museum is a must-visit monumental attraction in the city. It has ancient collection, which contains- miniatures, oil paintings, antiques of sandalwood, terracotta, wooden, metal and manuscripts. Many of the remains from the past can be found stored at the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum.
Chintanamani Jain Temple: This is one of the oldest monuments that the land of Surat can flaunt of. The temple is as old as 400 years. It is known for its vegetable dye paintings. These paintings are of preachers from the Jain sect namely- King Kumarpala, Acharya Hemchandra and King Solanki. A replica of this ancient monumental attraction can be found in the famous London Museum. The replica too is as old as 90 years.
Swaminarayan Temple: Swaminarayan Temple is a well known pilgrim site in Surat. It is an artistic temple dedicated to Swaminarayan Sect of the Vaishnavs. Lord Swaminarayan is said to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the banks of River Tapti. The temple is a true beauty and one of the most visited monumental attraction in the city. It has three shrines, which are colored in bright shades and have external walls with wood carvings. The shrines are dedicated to different gods’ namely- Radha-Krishna Dev and Harikrishna Maharaja, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Gunatitanand Swami, Gopalanand Swami and Lord Swaminarayan.
Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli: Bardoli is a well known tourist spot near Surat. It is located at about 34 kilometers from the city. This place has the famous Swaraj Ashram, which saw a lot of action for Indian independence in the past.Bardoli; the place itself has lots to narrate. This place was chosen for the ‘Bardoli Satyagarh’ movement under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in 1921-1922.
Other ancient monuments to explore when in Surat are the ancient factories, remains and ruins of which gives a glimpse of the ancient settlements. You can check out the English Factory near the Mission High School and the Kataranga Gate. During the visit also check out the Portuguese Factory and the French Factory. You can also explore other nearby monumental attractions such as The Clocktower and the Persian Factory during the Surat visit.
Surat Tour Packages
Things To Do in Surat
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Gujarat Tour Packages
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How to Reach Surat
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Fairs and Festivals in Gujarat
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Beach Festival Gujarat
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Bhavnath Fair Gujarat
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Chitra Vichitra Fair Gujarat
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Dang Darbar Festival, Saputara, Gujarat
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Defence Expo India 2023
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Easter Festival, Gujarat
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Good Friday Gujarat
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Holi in Gujarat
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International Kite Festival (Uttrayan)
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Rann Utsav Gujarat
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Mahavir Jayanti Gujarat
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Mango Festival in Sasan Gir
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Modhera Dance Festival
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Monsoon Festival Gujarat
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Navratri Festival Gujarat
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Paragliding Festival Saputara
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Ram Navami Gujarat
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Tarnetar Mela, Gujarat
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Vadfest in Vadodara
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Cities in Gujarat
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Ahmedabad Tourism
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Bharuch Tourism
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Bhavnagar Tourism
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Bhuj Tourism
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Dwarka Tourism
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Gandhinagar Tourism
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Gondal Tourism
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Jamnagar Tourism
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Junagadh Tourism
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Lothal Tourism
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Mandvi Tourism
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Modhera Tourism
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Palitana Tourism
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Patan Tourism
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Porbandar Tourism
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Rajkot Tourism
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Sasangir Tourism
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Somnath Tourism
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Surat Tourism
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Uteliya Tourism
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Vadodara Tourism
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Veraval Tourism
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Zainabad Tourism
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Top Activities in Gujarat
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Places to Visit near Ahmedabad
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History of Ahmedabad
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Holy Places in Ahmedabad
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Ahmed Shah’s Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Hathee Singh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad
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Raj Babri Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Rani Rupmati Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Rani Sipri Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Sidi Bashir Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Sidi Sayiad’s Mosque in Ahmedabad
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Swami Narayan Temple in Ahmedabad
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Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad
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Monuments in Ahmedabad
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Dada Hari Ni Vav in Ahmedabad
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Mata Bhavani’s Well in Ahmedabad
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Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad
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Tomb of Ahmad Shah in Ahmedabad
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Museums in Ahmedabad
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Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad
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City Museum in Ahmedabad
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Kite Museum in Ahmedabad
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Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum in Ahmedabad
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NC Mehta Gallery in Ahmedabad
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Science City Ahmedabad
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Shreyas Folk Museum
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Shopping in Ahmedabad
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Teen Darwaza in Ahmedabad
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Tourist Attractions in Ahmedabad
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Ahmedabad Weather & Temperature
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Arts and Crafts in Gujarat
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Agate Ware
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Applique Gujarat
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Ari Embroidery
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A V Jasani Rangbhavan
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Bead Work in Gujarat
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Block Printing in Gujarat
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Cultural Centers in Gujarat
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Dandiya Raas Gujarat
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Darpana Academy of Performing Arts
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Garba in Gujarat
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Kathi Embroidery Gujarat
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Leather Ware Gujarat
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Mahatma Gandhinagar Gruh
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Marsias Music Gujarat
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Mirror Work and Embroidery in Gujarat
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Patola Embroidery in Gujarat
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Performing Arts of Gujarat
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Rabari Embroidery Gujarat
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Saam Music Gujarat
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Silver Jewelry in Gujarat
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Sugam Sangeet Gujarat
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Tie and Dye Techniques in Gujarat
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Wood Carving Gujarat
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Zari Embroidery Technique Gujarat
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Beaches in Gujarat
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Gopnath Beach Bhavnagar, Gujarat
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Hajira Beach Surat
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Tithal Beach Valsad, Gujarat
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Barton Library in Bhavnagar
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Gandhi Smriti in Bhavnagar
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Takhteshwar Temple in Bhavnagar
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Tourist Attractions in Bhavnagar
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Victoria Park in Bhavnagar
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Forts and Monuments in Bhuj
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Aina Mahal in Bhuj
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Darbar Gadh in Bhuj
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Prag Mahal in Bhuj
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Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj
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History of Bhuj
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Holy Places in Bhuj
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Jama Masjid in Bhuj
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Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj
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Museums in Bhuj
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Folk Art Museum in Bhuj
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Shopping in Bhuj
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Tourist Attractions in Bhuj
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Climate in Gujarat
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Cuisine of Gujarat
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Culture of Gujarat
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Excursions from Dwarka
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Forts and Monuments in Dwarka
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Lighthouse in Dwarka
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Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka
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Holy Places in Dwarka
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Dwarkadhish Temple
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Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka
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Rukmini Temple in Dwarka
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Shopping in Dwarka
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Attractions in Dwarka
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Forts and Monuments in Gujarat
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Adalaj Vav Gujarat
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Champaner-Parvagadh Archeological Park Gujarat
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Citadel of Mahmud Beghada Gujarat
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Dholavira Ruins Gujarat
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Harappan Ruins
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Lallubhai Haveli
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Langhanaj Mehsana, Gujarat
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Rani ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat
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Rani Udaymati Vav Mehsana, Gujarat
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Tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba
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Tomb of Jesal Toral Gujarat
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Vijay Vilas Palace Palitana, Gujarat
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Forts and Monuments in Gandhinagar
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Capital Complex in Gandhinagar
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Gardens in Gandhinagar
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Children’s Park in Gandhinagar
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Sarita Udhyan in Gandhinagar
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History of Gandhinagar
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Holy Places in Gandhinagar
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Hanumanji Temple
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Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar
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Shopping in Gandhinagar
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Tourist Attractions in Gandhinagar
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Tourist Attractions in Gondal
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History of Gujarat
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Holy Places in Gujarat
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Bhavnath Shiv Temple Girnar, Gujarat
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Dwarkadhish Temple
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Jama Masjid in Champaner Gujarat
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Madrasa Mosque in Bharuch
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Mallinath Temple in Girnar, Gujarat
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Nagina Mosque in Gujarat
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Parshwanath Temple Girnar, Gujarat
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Rishabhadev Temple in Girnar
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Roman Catholic Church
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Somnath Temple
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Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar
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Beaches in Jamnagar
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Bet Dwarka Beach in Jamnagar
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Rozi and Bedi Ports in Jamnagar
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Forts and Monuments in Jamnagar
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Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar
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Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar
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History of Jamnagar
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Holy Places in Jamnagar
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Adinath Temple in Jamnagar
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Bala Hanuman Temple in Jamnagar
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Bhid Bhanjan Temple in Jamnagar
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Shantinath Temple in Jamnagar
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Lakes and Rivers in Jamnagar
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Rangmati River in Jamnagar
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Ranmal Lake in Jamnagar
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Museums in Jamnagar
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Lakhota Museum in Jamnagar
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Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar
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Shopping in Jamnagar
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Tourist Attractions in Jamnagar
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Forts and Monuments in Junagadh
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Ashokan Edicts in Junagadh
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Mahabat Maqbara Palace in Junagadh
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Uperkot Fort in Junagadh
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History of Junagadh
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Holy Places in Junagadh
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Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh
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Amba Mata Temple in Junagadh
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Gorakhnath Temple in Junagadh
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Mallinath Temple in Junagadh
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Neminath Temple
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Museums in Junagadh
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Darbar Hall Museum in Junagadh
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Junagadh Zoo Museum
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Shopping in Junagadh
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Tourist Attractions in Junagarh
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Rann of Kutch Tourism
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Tourist Attractions in Modhera
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Museums in Gujarat
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Places to Visit Near Palitana
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Holy Places in Palitana
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Angar Pir Shrine in Palitana
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Chaumukha Temple in Palitana
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Kumarpal Temple in Palitana
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Sampriti Raj Temple in Palitana
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Shri Adishwar Temple in Palitana
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Shopping in Palitana
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Tourist Attractions in Palitana
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Places to Visit Near Rajkot
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Forts and Monuments in Rajkot
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Kaba Gandhi No Delo
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Gardens in Rajkot
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Aji Dam Garden
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Jubilee Garden in Rajkot
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History of Rajkot
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Holy Places in Rajkot
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Ishwariya Temple in Rajkot
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Swaminarayan Temple in Rajkot
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Museums in Rajkot
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Rotary Midtown Doll’s Museum
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Shopping in Rajkot
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Tourist Attractions in Rajkot
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Restaurants in Gujarat
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Sardar Patel Museum in Surat
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Tourist Attractions in Sasangir
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Shopping in Gujarat
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Excursions from Somnath
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Chorwad
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Forts and Monuments in Somnath
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Junagadh Gate in Somnath
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Holy Places in Somnath
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Ahilyabai Temple in Somnath
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Bhalka Tirth Temple in Somnath
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Mai Puri Masjid in Somnath
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Somnath Temple
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Suraj Mandir in Somnath
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Triveni Ghat in Somnath
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Museums in Somnath
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Prabhas Patan Museum in Somnath
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Shopping in Somnath
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Tourist Attractions in Somnath
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Chintamani Jain Temple
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Places to Visit Near Surat
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Gardens in Surat
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Dutch Garden in Surat
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History of Surat
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Monuments in Surat
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Navsari City in Surat
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Old Fort in Surat
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Sanjan
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Udvada
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Museums in Surat
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Shopping in Surat
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Bazaars in Surat
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What to Buy in Surat
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Tourist Attractions in Surat
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Tourist Attractions in Gujarat
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Tourist Attractions in Uteliya
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Excursions from Vadodara
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Gardens in Vadodara
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Sayaji Bagh in Vadodara
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History of Vadodara
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Holy Places in Vadodara
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EME Temple in Vadodara
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Monuments of Vadodara
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Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara
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Statue of Unity
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Museums in Vadodara
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Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery
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Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
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Shopping in Vadodara
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What to buy in Vadodara
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Tourist Attractions in Vadodara
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Wildlife in Gujarat
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Tourist Attractions in Zainabad