Beaches & Coastal
Attractions Of Gujarat
by-
www.all-indiatravel.com
Gujarat has a coastline
measuring more than 1660 km, the longest among all Indian states, lined by
beaches, scenic rocky coastlands, beach palaces and shore temples. The coast
promises a holiday that blends relaxing on sea beaches with sightseeing and
other activities. A unique aspect of the Gujarat coast is the presence of royal
palaces along the Porbandar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Kutch district coastline.
One of Gujarat's prettiest beaches is Mandvi on the northern coast of the Gulf
of Kutch. Situated near Mandvi town, which has many buildings of the Jadeja
Rajput rulers of Kutch district, the
beaches of Mandvi have pretty sands and good views, and it is always possible to
find safe places for swimming and wading. While the town beach attracts a number
of visitors, it is possible to escape the crowds at the pleasant beaches of
Vijay vilas palace, a short distance out of town, with a pavilion facing the
sea, for a fee. Other beaches are Pingleshwar and Ashamata.
On the west coast of Saurashtra is the shore temple of Dwarka. and numerous
other temples in this holy coastal town. Shivrajpur is a pretty beach near
Dwarka. Good birdlife can be viewed along Dwarka coast, and dolphins near Bet
Dwarka. Offshore from the 200 km coastline from Jamnagar
to Dwarka is India's first marine national park.
Porbandar down the coast from Dwarka. is a historic coastal town convenient for
visits to numerous beaches like Madhavpur, Kuchdi and Chorwad. The chowpatty of
Porbandar is a popular place for strolls. The royal family of Porbandar built
palaces by the sea, one of which is still a private residence, another has been
opened as a college. The creeks of Porbandar are delightful bircling places,
flush with flamingos, rosy pelicans and other magnificent birds.
Further south from Porbandar is Veraval and its neighbouring temple town of
Prabhas Patan or Somnath known for its shore temples and pleasant beach views.
One of the best beaches of Gujarat is Ahmedpur Mandvi. at the entrance to the
Union territory of Diu. The long sandy stretch of beach, with Hoka palm trees to
the rear and a view over the sea to the island of Diu. is good for walks and
wading. Watersports are on offer at Ahmedpur Mandvi. It is possible to cross to
Din and enjoy numerous beach options and sightseeing of the Portuguese
monuments.
Off the road from Diu to Bhavnagar, via Mahuva, is Gopnath where from 1942-8,
Maharajah Krishnakumar Sinhji spent his summer months enjoying breezes wafting
over the sea. Gopnath has a shore temple, where it is said Narsingh Mehta
attained enlightenment, and a scenic rocky coastline. The Gopnath bungalow is
now a heritage hotel.
On the west coast of the Gulf of Camhay are Ubhrat. where the Maharajah of
Baroda had a beach house, and Tithal, near Yalsad. which has a beach fringed by
groves, popular for swimming, wading and walking. Further down the coast are the
Union territory of Daman and the beach of Deheri which offers good swimming.
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