Top Places You Should Visit in Gujarat During Monsoon

Gujarat, with its diverse landscapes and cultural richness, offers a unique experience during the monsoon season. Here’s a guide to some of the top tourist places in Gujarat that shine during the rains:

1. Saputara

  • Location: Dang District, Sahyadri Range
  • Highlights:
  • Hathgadh Fort: Historic fort with panoramic views.
  • Vansda National Park: Rich biodiversity and dense forests.
  • Saputara Lake: Ideal for boating and relaxation.
  • Sunrise Point & Sunset Point: Stunning views of sunrise and sunset.
  • Gira Falls: Majestic waterfalls enhanced by monsoon rains.
  • Echo Point: Fun spot to experience natural echoes.
  • Saputara Tribal Museum: Insights into local tribal culture.
  • Experience: The hill station turns into a lush green paradise with cascading waterfalls and vibrant flora during the monsoon.

2. Devaliya Safari Park

  • Location: Gir National Park
  • Highlights:
  • Wildlife: Home to Asiatic lions; offers a controlled safari experience.
  • Monsoon Advantage: Flora is lush, and fauna is more active.
  • Booking: Safaris can be booked online for a 55-minute jungle tour.
  • Experience: While the main safari zones are closed, Devaliya offers a close-up view of Gir’s wildlife in a controlled setting.

3. Polo Forest

  • Location: Near Vijaynagar
  • Highlights:
  • Dense Canopy: Ideal for trekking and exploration.
  • Harnav River: Becomes a scenic attraction with increased water flow.
  • Historical Ruins: Ancient Jain and Hindu temples add historical depth.
  • Experience: The forest becomes enchanting with monsoon rains, making it perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

4. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

  • Location: Nalsarovar
  • Highlights:
  • Wetlands: Becomes vibrant during monsoon, attracting migratory birds.
  • Bird Watching: Spot pelicans, flamingos, and herons.
  • Boat Rides: Serene rides through the sanctuary’s waters.
  • Experience: A haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, with the monsoon enhancing the wetland ecosystem.

5. Wilson Hills

  • Location: Near Dharampur
  • Highlights:
  • Shankar Waterfall: Beautiful waterfall, especially during the rains.
  • Barumal Temple: A site of spiritual and cultural significance.
  • Experience: Offers a tranquil retreat with lush greenery and misty weather, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

6. Dang Forest

  • Location: Dang District
  • Highlights:
  • Gira Waterfalls: A prominent attraction, particularly impressive during the monsoon.
  • Purna Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich in flora and fauna.
  • Dang Darbar Festival: A showcase of local tribal culture.
  • Experience: Trek through dense forests, enjoy the vibrant flora, and immerse in local tribal traditions.

7. Mount Girnar

  • Location: Junagadh
  • Highlights:
  • Sacred Mountain: Important pilgrimage site for Jains.
  • Panoramic Views: Enhanced by the monsoon rains.
  • Modern Amenities: Well-maintained infrastructure for visitors.
  • Experience: The monsoon brings added beauty to this ancient mountain, making it an ideal time for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

Tips for Visiting During Monsoon:

  • Weather Preparedness: Carry rain gear and be prepared for wet conditions.
  • Travel Safety: Check road and weather conditions before traveling, as heavy rains can impact accessibility.
  • Local Advice: Seek local guidance on travel conditions and best spots to visit during the monsoon.

These destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural experiences, making Gujarat a wonderful place to explore during the monsoon season.

Valley of Flower

The Valley of Flowers National Park is a breathtaking destination, renowned for its stunning floral diversity and picturesque landscapes. Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know:

Overview

  • Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India
  • Area: 87 sq km
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
  • Altitude: Approximately 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level

History

  • Discovery: The valley was discovered in 1931 by British mountaineers, including Frank S. Smythe, who stumbled upon it while lost.
  • Name: The stunning array of flowers led them to name it the “Valley of Flowers.”

Floral Diversity

  • Species: Over 600 species of exotic flowers, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones.
  • Vegetation: Sub-alpine forests with birch and rhododendron.

Wildlife

  • Mammals: Gray langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel, black bear, red fox, snow leopard.
  • Birds: Himalayan monal.
  • Insects: Lime butterfly.

Trekking and Scenic Highlights

  • Trails: The trek to the valley includes beautiful sights like cascading waterfalls and wild streams.
  • Landscape: Picturesque views and vibrant floral displays.

Best Time to Visit

  • Optimal Viewing: May to October.
  • Peak Bloom: July to September, when the flowers are in their full glory.

Visiting Tips

  • Permits: Entry to the park requires a permit, which can usually be obtained at the park’s entry points or through travel agencies.
  • Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience and ensure safety.
  • Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather; temperatures can be quite cold even in summer.

Access and Travel

  • Nearest Town: Joshimath, which serves as a base for treks to the Valley of Flowers.
  • Trek Starting Point: The trek typically starts from the village of Govindghat.

Enjoy your visit to this natural wonderland, where the splendor of nature is at its most vivid and enchanting!