The Western giant state of Gujarat is studded with innumerable sightseeing spots perfect for local and international tourists! With an abundance of astounding beaches and temples and archaeological sites, Gujarat makes for an incredible journey into the land of culture and exploration. Metaphored as “The Jewel of Western India ”,  this surely needs a visit atleast once. While you’re at it, here are some of the best Offbeat destinations to be explored in the shiny state of Gujarat-

1. Gopnath beach 

Idyllically waving in the Gulf Khambhat this beach is a tranquil location tucked away in a place well satiated from the hustle and bustle of the city making it a tranquil and a peaceful location to spend your time in. Studded with natural limestone cliffs among the natural beauty adds it to the charm of the place. As a side activity, one may even visit the 700-year-old shrine of the Gopnath Temple nearby.

2. Narara Island

Narara Island or Marine National park is an absolute necessity to visit in Jamnagar, Gujarat in mornings. One is needed to take a license and visit it around low tide times when the island is swirling with an assortment of marine life which incorporates Octopus, fishes, crabs, wipes and so forth It’s a 2 km walk and takes 1.5 – 2 hours. Narara Island is an acceptable diversion for nature darlings, families and any individual who is hoping to accomplish something else than touristy sightseeing. 

3. Navlakha Temple

While Gujarat is an extensive pilgrimage spot for famous temples like the Somnath, often the templeslike Navlakha are overlooked. Being one of the oldest temples in the entire state , this one radiates of architectural splendor in its carvings. Dating back to the 11th century, this ruin is named as the Navalakha due to the spendings of 9 lakhs of expenditure. 

4. Rann of Kutch

The incredible splendor of gujarat radiates an aura of perfection and the shimmering white sands of the Rann just look heavenly and unreal on a full moon night. An extravaganza of myriad hues and designs, cornucopia of music, art and dance, variedness of culture all join together to add up to the unique beauty of the vast expanses of the Rann of Kutch. 

5. Champaner

Another architectural awe in the country among the many treasures of Gujarat dates back to the 8th century and is studded with several old palatial buildings, forts and historical monuments. This place is surely going to take you back in time and put you exactly at the place and time where people used to roam the ancient lanes just like the natives. Being the ancient capital of the state in the past, and given the historical importance, it surely is a visit needed spot  or else, it’s lost to time without anyone exploring it.

6. Saputara

You surely would be having an indeed surprising and interesting experience to know that this is the only hill station of the entirety of gujarat. Settled among the Sahyadri ranges this sleepy hill station is a quaint spot tucked cozily with Lush green woods, shimmering waterfalls, undulating hillocks, vivid landscapes, dreamy meandering pathways, vivid landscapes characterize the beauty of Saputara. Perched at an elevation of nearly 1000m above the sea level, Saputara is a region of unspoiled natural beauty, minimally commercialized.

7. Girmal falls

What makes this spot very special is the scenery around the waterfall. Located deeply in the lush green forests of the Dang, this is a popular spot for anyone looking to capture nature in themselves and their lenses. With Water falling from a height of about 100ft generates a roaring sound and enough fog, expect a visual treat of nature at its purest and in an undisturbed form. Spot a rainbow over the fog and the verdant greenery and keep your camera busy in this small yet a beautiful spot!

8. Patan

This probably is the most architecturally blessed town in Gujarat. Embedded with places like the Rani ki Vav and Cultural fame like  Patola sarees, one of the finest hand-made textiles in the world.Also situated here is the Sahastralinga Talav or tank of a thousand Shiva shrines andThe temples of the Jains in Patan are said to number over a hundred, among which the one dedicated to Panchasara Parshwanath is the largest. It has a famous white marble image of Vanaraja and in the vicinity of the temple is the Hemchandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir that contains valuable Jain manuscripts, some of which were written in ink made of gold which makes the place truly an epitome of historical magnificence! 

9. Modhera

Built in 1026 CE this is one of those places that has such a high level of perfection in the intricacy of the careful carvings on the pillars and the entire temple structure that you surely could for once, ignore the Angkor Wat. The whole temple is pillared on a lotus-shaped structure, and every inch of its walls showcase edgy, detailed carvings. And those carvings represent every bit of our culture: from Ramayana to Mahabharata, from the human lifecycle to Kamasutra. The place surely is going to leave you wondering about the mere possibility of this art!