5 Amazing Tourist Destinations in Western Part of India (2023)
The western part of India is known for some of the best and diverse tourist destinations. A vast range of arts and crafts, wildlife, stunning landscapes, ancient monuments, and delicious cuisines await you in West India. West India comprises the beautiful states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, and the Union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Along with stunning natural beauty, West India is also home to the golden sandy beaches of Goa and the glitz and glamor of Bollywood in Mumbai.
There are many fantastic tourist destinations to check out in the western part of India. From going on an adventurous safari in the great nationals parks to spot the Asiatic Lions and Royal Bengal Tigers to spending the night in the deserts of the Rann of Kutch as you see the stars twinkling down upon you. There is something for everyone in West India.
5 Amazing Tourist Destinations in Western Part of India
Here are the most amazing destinations you must not miss in West India.
1. Kutch in Gujarat
Begin your journey across West India from the ‘White Desert of India.’ Kutch is one of India’s most surreal and beautiful places as you stare in awe over the vast stretches of this white salt desert. The best time to visit Kutch is in the winter when the Rann Festival takes place. This usually happens sometimes from December to February. During this time, a huge camp is set up by the locals. Song and dance programs, art displays, and adventure activities like hot air ballooning occur during this festival.
The Great Rann of Kutch is actually located in the Thar Desert and made up of salt marshes. Visitors gather in the evening to watch the sunsets here as they make for an unforgettable visual treat.
Kutch is famous for handicrafts and embroidery works, so make it a point to shop until you drop and get some great buys here. The best starting point of your visit to the Rann of Kutch is from the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the Flamingo Sanctuary. The stunning beaches of Mandvi, located near Bhuj, are also a must-see during your visit to Kutch.
If you have time, check out the ancient town of Dholavira, which is a remarkable ancient excavation site hailing from the Indus Valley Civilization. Around 4500 years ago, Dholavira was one of the most developed cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. This was a Harappan site during the 2650 and 1450 BCE. Today, this archaeological site is locally referred to as Kotada Timba. You can get a close-up view of the Harappan lifestyle and learn about the town’s brilliant water conservation system.
Some of the other places of interest to check out in Kutch are:
- Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
- Kutch Museum
- Mandvi Beach
- Aaina Mahal
2. Udaipur in Rajasthan
From the White Desert to the City of Lakes – Udaipur, West India is home to some of the most beautiful cities in India. Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan, surrounded by the majestic Aravali Hills and breathtaking architecture. Also known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is known for its natural beauty, charming temples, ancient architecture, and mesmerizing Lake Pichola. Taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola is one of the most sought-after activities here.
There are so many lakes to visit in Udaipur, each more beautiful than the other, that you will be confused about which one to visit. Begin your trip at Lake Pichola, an artificial lake located in the heart of the city. This is also the oldest and one of the biggest lakes in Udaipur. The lake is ideal for nature lovers, surrounded by majestic hills, heritage buildings, and beautiful ghats. The boat trips on Lake Pichola are in demand during sunrise and sunsets, as the entire area gets bathed in the sun’s golden hues.
Some of the other mesmerizing lakes to visit in Udaipur include:
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Jaisamand Lake
- Badi Lake
Apart from the beautiful lakes, you must also visit the City Palace in Udaipur, which is built right on the banks of Lake Pichola. This is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan, built-in 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh. There are many fascinating things to see in the palace, from an assortment of smaller Mahals, pavilions, terraces, corridors, courtyards, luxurious rooms, and its famous hanging gardens.
The Sajjangarh Palace, Jagdish Temple, Vintage Car Museum, Eklingji Temple, And Saheliyon ki Bari are other notable attractions to visit in Udaipur.
3. Gir National Park in Gujarat
Gujarat is known as the Land of the Asiatic Lions. No trip to Western India is complete without visiting the majestic Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Not many people know that this sanctuary is one of the only remaining homes for the magnificent Asiatic Lion.
Location in Talala Gir, Gujarat, this national park and sanctuary is a part of Kathiawar, the dry and deciduous forest ecoregion in Gir. The best time to visit Gir is between April and May. The park remains closed from June 16 to October 15 every year.
In 2010, the official count of Asiatic lions in Gir stood at 411. Apart from lions, Gir is also home to nearly 2375 species of fauna, 38 species of mammals, and over 300 birds. It also houses 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 species of insects. Some of the fascinating wildlife you can spot here during your safari tour include leopard, spotted deer, hyena, chausingha, chinkara, and sambar deer.
There are several safari tours you can embark on at Gir. Each safari at the Gir Jungle Trail lasts for three hours and takes you through the different parts of the forest.
Seated in a jeep, you will have a personal guide who will explain the important attractions at the park. A highlight of the safari at Gir is that visitors can take up-close pictures of the Asiatic lions. However, this is only allowed after taking permission from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office.
A typical safari at the Gir National Park takes you through 300 lion species, 30 different mammals, 24 reptiles, and over 200 different types of birds. A single jeep safari cost is INR 5300 for six adults and a child for Indian citizens. For foreigners, the price is INR 13,800.
4. Mumbai in Maharashtra
The City of Dreams, Mumbai, is the capital of Maharashtra and home to glitzy Bollywood. There is everything in Mumbai – from chaos and hope to glamor and tradition. This cosmopolitan city is one of India’s major centers of art, culture, music, theater, and dance.
Most visitors to Mumbai want to begin their trip with a tour of Bollywood. There are many tours available today that give you a personalized experience of India’s multibillion-dollar movie industry. You can take a private studio tour to check out what goes on behind the scenes in moviemaking. You can watch a live movie being shot and see the technicians busy at work. If you are lucky, you may even catch a famous movie star on the sets, or you can even drive past the stars’ homes. It is even possible to learn to shake a leg with Bollywood dancers and sing famous Bollywood songs as you tour the Film City.
Some of the other notable attractions to check out in Mumbai include:
- Marine Drive
- Gateway of India
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Elephanta Caves
- Juhu Beach
- Colaba Causeway
5. Goa
Goa is the smallest state in India and the best way to end your trip to West India. Goa is known for its endless beaches, golden sunsets, and crazy nightlife. Taste some of the most delicious seafood you have ever had in Goa as you rejuvenate and relax on the stunning beaches.
There are many things to do and places to visit in Goa. If you want to go beach hopping, some of the best beaches in Goa include Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Butterfly Beach, Arambol Beach, and many others. Check out the magnificent Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort that looks over the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River. The four-storey lighthouse located here is one-of-its-kind in all of Asia. Fort Aguada is also the best place to see some brilliant sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
Don’t forget to see the majestic Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is home to the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. The uniqueness of this church is that even after 400 years, the remains of St. Francis are in good condition. Once every decade, the remains are taken out and put on display.
For nature lovers, the Dudhsagar Falls is a must-see. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, located inside the Mollem National Park.
Goa is also one of the few places in India where you can enjoy scuba diving. Scuba diving is a very popular activity here as the lack of strong current lets you explore the wonders of the underwater world in peace.
So from the royal palaces of Udaipur to the sandy beaches of Goa, there are many things to do and places to explore in Western part of India. Each state of this region adds a unique flavor to your experience that remains etched in your heart forever
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