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Places to Visit near Vadodara

Ahmedabad, also known as the 'Manchester of India' is an apt weekend destination amongst tourists who want to unwind themselves amidst nature and capture the beautiful essence of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is the western India's most vibrant city known for its cotton industries mushrooming into the cities and its cotton products burgeoning across India. The best tourist places in Ahmedabad offer an array of activities as ­ a known shopping destination for fabrics, an exciting and pleasing vista of flora and fauna, an essence of true Gujarati cuisine and an amalgamation of architecture.

The Sabarmati Ashram situated in 1917 was the abode of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or better known as Mahatma Gandhi during the years of Independence struggle. The ashram on the banks of and named after the river 'Sabarmati' has a very subtle architecture with a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.

The ashram has served two purposes quintessentially as the epicenter of freedom struggle and as the place that united a group of people who committed to 'ahimsa' or non-violence to secure independence. Tourists get to explore nature and the place does immense justice to tourists with its varied ecosystem and an enriched heritage that provides fun, frolic, adventure and a sneak peek into India's ancient history. The city offers a number of sanctuaries, national park and lake rides with beautiful sunsets that was inhabited by Bhil king of Ashaval in 11th Century, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 C.E. and later by Shahjahan.

The marvelous architecture juxtaposed with breathtaking view serves the tourist places in Ahmedabad as a popular destination for tourists with a mixture of fun, food and frolic. The standalone architecture essays a great trip down the lane of history and magnificence.

With a geographical distance of almost 650 to 700 kilometres in totality, Daman and Diu are a part of a single Union Territory in India. Located a little northward towards the state of Gujarat in western India, Daman and Diu lie along the western coast of the country. Lying amidst the many beaches of Maharashtra, Konkan Coast and Goa, this union territory of Daman and Diu is idyllic, tranquil and still quite unspoilt.

Daman and Diu is best for those who wish to have a relaxing holiday. A coastal paradise, anyone who visits this place is guaranteed to have a blissful vacation while enjoying the sea breeze, resting on the beach chair and enjoying the waves of the sea. Mostly a weekend getaway destination, Daman and Diu has a lot of Gujarati as well as Maharashtrian population due to the close proximity to these two states.

There is a huge influence of Portuguese culture in Daman and Diu. This is because it was under the Portuguese rule for over 450 years, which has obviously left its mark on the districts. This is one of the main reasons why tourists flock to the region a lot. It is also due to this influence that you can find a lot of stunning architecture, lip-smacking food as well as breath-taking art and crafts in Daman and Diu.

One of the main tourist attractions here is Devka Beach in Daman. It has an amusement park right beside it, which boasts of vibrantly coloured fountains, a corner especially for kids as well as a food court. For those who wish to take a swim in the cool seawater, you can head to Jampore Beach, located south of Daman.

Additionally, you can also find the St. Jerome Fort on the northern side of the Daman Ganga River. It dates back to the 17th century and has an exceptional structure and architecture which will take your breath away. Furthermore, you can find many notable Portuguese churches scattered throughout Daman and Diu.

Taking pride of being the only hill station of the state, Mount Abu is a very beautiful place located in Rajasthan, India. Located on a high rocky plateau, this city experiences colder climates and offers pretty amazing sceneries. Well connected to other parts of the country, this city has been a popular tourist destination for various adventures and sightseeing. Experience serene escapades at Mount Abu with our Rajasthan travel packages, blending nature's beauty seamlessly into your Rajasthan exploration.

Located on the beautiful Aravali Plateau, the city of Mount Abu is adorned by lush green forests and loaded with pristine beauty of lakes, architecture of temples and heritage of ancient forts and havelis. Exhibiting the best royalty of bygone times, this city is home to numerous marvels loaded with artistic features and picture worthy craftsmanship. Amidst this enchanting surroundings, the life here is very calm and the locals are friendly as well.

Home to various entrincing landmarks, the Mount Abu city has been exciting its visitors and tourists since ages. Be it the reflection of the starry sky on the Nakki Lake or the flawless ornamental carvings of Dilwara Jain Temple, here you will find some of the best sceneries which will soothe our eyes as well as souls. Here, you will find various serene spots like the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Peace Park, Guru Shikhar Peak, Sunset Point, Abu Road, Trevour’s Tank Toad Rock and many more.

Haven for the adrenaline junkies, the city of Mount Abu has been blessed with beautiful surroundings as well as a plethora of adventures. Attracting flocks of tourists, one can try their hands on a number of adventures here. From camping below the starry nights to rowing the boat in Nakki Lake, Mount Abu is bestowed with some of the best adrenaline rushing activities.

The climate of Mount Abu remains comparatively colder than the other parts of the state. Being a state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu also experiences some hot days even after being a hill station. The average annual temperature here stays around 20 degree celsius and can fluctuate with change in the seasons.

Nestled in the bosom of the Western Ghats, Igatpuri is a little hill station in the state of Maharashtra. Igatpuri is surrounded by some of the highest ranges of the Sahyadri Ranges, making it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers alike. The little town acts as a popular weekend destination around major cities like Pune and Maharashtra, and is often sought after for its serene ambience. Offering an ideal getaway in the very heart of nature, the little city is a perfect escapade from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

With its numerous little hills, clear streams and thundering waterfalls, the beauty of Igatpuri city is quite unparalleled. Ancient fort ruins and historic temples add to the charm of the little town. Although little in size, the places to visit in Igatpuri are many. While lovers of history will have the time of their lives exploring the ancient forts of Tringalwadi and Avandha, nature lovers can spend a quieting time in the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary or the Vihigaon waterfalls. The little town is also extremely well known as the home to the world’s largest meditation centre, the Vipassana Academy, which acts as a wellness retreat.

Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, you will never run out of things to do while in Igatpuri. The adventure sport options in the city are many: from river rafting in the rapids of the Vaitarna, to camping under the open stars, Igatpuri has it all. The area is of a special interest to trekking and hiking enthusiasts, with its slopes and waterfalls offering an ideal location for the sport. Being located at a high elevation, Igatpuri enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. The temperature generally remains on the cooler side. The hill station enjoys significant rainfall throughout the year, with the dry season spanning between November to March.

Perched beautifully amidst the Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a wonderful hill station for nature lovers. It is often called the Queen of Sahyadri ranges for its lush green natural landscapes. The name Bhandardara literally translates to valley of treasures and it is not a doubt to say that the natural beauty of this place certainly justifies the name. It is a picturesque retreat for the backpackers in Ahmednagar district and boasts of some scintillating natural attractions for those who are fond of raw beauty of nature.

The village has prominent places like Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and Arthur Lake where you can plan a picnic with your loved ones. The village is also a delight for history lovers as there are places like Ratangad and Harishchandragad Fort. Another famous tourist attraction of Bhandardara is Mount Kalsubai which is also hailed as the highest peak in Maharashtra. There are also many local villages where one can visit to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather of this scenic hill station in Maharashtra.  

For the adventure lovers, there are some enthralling activities where you can explore Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks to soak in the serenity of nature with the views offered by Sahyadri ranges. 

There are numerous trekking and hiking places in the Sahyadri ranges where you can savour an adrenaline rush. Bhandardara also has various resorts where one can enjoy the panoramic views and just relax with their loved ones. The gorgeous hill station offers a soothing environment with a cool climate throughout the year where you can refresh yourself and see some of the most eye-catching vistas of the Sahyadri ranges. 

Bhandardara is a small village where the tourists are in for a treat as they are surrounded by mountains and enchanted by gurgling waterfalls away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The place is a wonderful respite when you are looking for a rejuvenating weekend getaway near the city of Mumbai.