If you think of Indian states that have grown and developed quite a bit in the last decade or two, Gujarat will be the one that will pop into your head, right? But it is not just the infrastructural development that makes Gujarat special, there are lots of other things that can wow you. If you have never paid attention to Gujarat as your bucket list state to visit in India, then you’d be adding it to that list of yours right after finishing this post. Why? Well, we are here to talk about 12 super interesting facts about Gujarat, that’s why.
1. Coastline That Stretches Forever
Did you know that Gujarat has India’s 1,600-kilometer longest coastline? Consequently, the sea is always close by wherever you live in the state. For that very reason, Gujarat has always been an important hub for maritime trade and cultural interactions thanks in great part to this long coastline.
2. Ancient Civilization Marks Under Your Feet
As you stroll throughout Gujarat, you are on ground previously inhabited by the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, you know? Sites such as Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro expose a sophisticated urban life from thousands of years past.
3. Fast Food Gets a Veggie Makeover
The vibrant center of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, has a special claim to glory in the fast-food industry. What’s that exactly? To serve the sizable vegetarian population in the city and highlight Gujarat’s creative cuisine, international chains including Subway, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut launched their first totally vegetarian stores here.
4. Diamonds? Yes, We Are Talking About Lots Of Them
Globally, Surat, also known as the Diamond City of India, is a diamond-cutting and polishing center. Surat is a brilliant light in the global diamond market and a major actor in Gujarat’s economy since around 80% of the diamonds processed worldwide are handled here.
5. The Dairy Land?
Gujarat has a huge influence on the dairy sector in India, that’s for sure. Based in Anand, the Amul cooperative is a worldwide dairy giant in addition to India’s biggest milk producer. When you think of packaged milk and dairy products in India, which of course are of the highest quality, then it is Amul that comes to your mind first.
6. Home of the Asiatic Lions
Visit Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat to view the magnificent Asiatic lions in their native surroundings. These lions wander freely only in this park; nowhere else on the planet. And yes, for those who enjoy nature, you must know that conservation initiatives have raised their population, hence it is a must-see.
7. World’s Tallest Statue
Who would have thought that one day, India would be the place where the tallest statue in the world would be standing proud? But we do now. It is the Statue Of Unity, honoring none other than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man Of India. Rising to 182 meters, it is the highest statue in the world right now.
8. It’s Not Bolivia, It’s Kutch
The largest district in India, Kutch is known for its distinctive white salt desert and rich culture. Attracting visitors from all around, the region organizes the Rann Utsav, an event honoring local art, music, and handicrafts, and that’s precisely what makes this place so mesmerizing.
9. Richest State?
Many times praised as India’s economic engine is for sure Gujarat. It accounts for 20% of the national industrial output, 22% of its exports, and 51% of its petrochemical output.
10. Cricket’s Mega Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is absolutely a must-visit one for cricket lovers. Having 132,000 seats, it is the biggest cricket venue worldwide. All in all, organizing several international games, this stadium is evidence of Gujarat’s love of cricket.
11. Dive into Marine Life
Found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat has the first Marine National Park in India, did you know that already? Renowned for its varied aquatic life, coral reefs, mangroves, and different fish and bird species, it provides an underwater experience that makes it super special, both for visitors and marine researchers.
12. World’s Largest Ship-Breaking Yard
Did you know that globally operating ships arrive here in Gujarat to be disassembled and recycled? And this Alang Ship Breaking Yard is literally huge, hence the biggest one in the entire world.
