Highlights of Western India
Western India offers several very different experiences: the vibrancy and sheer human mass of Mumbai, the languid tropical beaches of Goa, and the stark barren landscapes of Gujarat. Throw in a couple of excellent national parks, and some of the most awesome cultural relics on the planet, and you have an intriguing mix indeed.
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While Delhi may be the seat of power in India, Mumbai (earlier known as Bombay) is the gateway to the Subcontinent: a hub of commerce, finance, entertainment, and opportunity.
Goa is a totally unique destination in India. Once the preserve of backpackers and the package holiday crowd, this tiny coastal state is now going through something of a renaissance.
The commercial hub of one of India’s most prosperous states, Ahmedabad is a vibrant, booming city, and first in India to be declared a UNESCO Heritage city.
Located in southern Gujarat, Gir Forest National Park - widely known as Sasan Gir – is a thick, forested landscape and last refuge of the Asiatic lion.
Gondal is a tranquil little town and former capital of the Gondal princely state. Vestiges of its royal past can still be found in the city, such as the beautiful 18th-century Naulakha Palace complex.
Bhuj served as the capital of Kutch from the 16th century and its medieval town is a mishmash of narrow, noisy streets, Hindu temples, and royal palaces.
The Little Rann of Kutch is possibly the most startling landscape in India and, surprisingly, one of the most biologically diverse in the entire Subcontinent.
Using Aurgangabad as a base, one can explore the magnifcent and majestic cave comples of Ellora and Ajanta.
Just a short drive from Bhavnagar the Velavadar National Park is home to the highest concentration of blackbuck in the world.
The tiny island of Diu is rich in history and its atmospheric old town retains a strong European influence left by its former Portuguese masters.
Bhavnagar is best placed to serve as a base to explore the stunning Palitana Temples just over an hour's drive from the city.