Showing posts with label Gujarat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gujarat. Show all posts

Porbandar Birds Sanctuary


Porbandar Birds Sanctuary is situated in the western part of the Gujarat state and was established in the year 1988. This is a small bird sanctuary which is approx 1km in area and home for a variety of wildfowl, teals, ibis, curlews, flamingoes and a number of migratory birds.

Porbandar city is well connected to different cities of Gujarat and the bird lovers come down to visit this park and enjoy whenever they close to the birth place Mahatma Gandhi. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is located in the heart of the city and visiting in winter would be the best time to see this park.

This is the best place to catch the glimpse of different birds residing and nesting in this area.

Attractions: 

Birds         
Flamingoes, grebes, pelicans, ducks and geese, avocet, coots, cormorants, herons, egrets, bittern, storks, ibis, spoonbill, cranes, whistling teals, gulls, terns, jacanas, ruff, red shanks, Indian roller, shoveller, whistling teal pintails, ruffs, Indian roller, little cormorants, little grebe, whistling teal, coot and spoonbill

  
Things to do:
Bird safari and Photography

Best Time to visit:
October to March

How to Get There:
Nearest Airport – Porbandar Airport is well connected with Ahmedabad.

Nearest Railway Station – Porbandar Railway Station is well connected with other cities of India.

By Road – Porbandar can be reached by luxury bus services from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad and Junagadh.

Things to do in Daman



Daman is a stunning and gorgeous paradise on earth. The name of DAMAN is traced to the 1st Century A.D.  In the latter part of the XIII Century when the Timmur Invasion expedited the fall of the Sultanate of Delhi.  It was formed out of the dismembered Sultanate and was governed by MLEI MOLUK who governed the Throne of Cambay, under which jurisdiction it fell.

Daman is situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea are exotic locations that are blessed with sun, sand & sea. They offer excellent potential for tourist traffic. Daman is having a pleasant climate all over the year.  In summer, Daman is blessed with cool breeze coming from over the Arabian Sea.

Daman can boast of a rich and multi - faced cultural heritage. Dance and Music are very much part of the daily life of Damanite. Here is a true fusion of cultures - tribal, urban, European and Indian. This ornate amalgam is reflected in the traditional dances of Daman.

The beaches and religious places of Daman are an invigorating combine silver talcum sands, stretches of lazy palms and ancient monuments. Add these attractions to the amazing attitude and zeal of the locals and you get festive occasions with illuminated parks throughout the year. 

City Attractions: 

Moti Mahal Fort
This is a massive fort dating back to 1559 AD. The colossal structure encompass of 30,000 sq mts with 10 bastions and two gateways.

Nani Daman Fort    
Small fort with three bastions and two gateways. This fort has a giant gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome and two giant human figures.

Jampore Beach
Jampore Beach is situated on the border of Gujarat and a pleasant spot for its visitors. It’s a danger free and best for swimming.  You can enjoy swimming, water sports, pony rides and fishing. 

Jampore beach is a great place for family picnic.

Church of Bom Jesus
This is 17th century church dedicated to Bom Jesus is one of the holy place in Daman. This was built bu Portuguese architects and artisans in ornate and intricate Church building. There are a total of six statues build in traditions of Roman church art and architecture.

Devka Beach
The long short-line at Devka has always fascinated the tourists. The beautiful and well tended amusement park with its musical fountain and kid's corner has become very popular, attracting busloads of tourists every weekend. When the park is illuminated on festive days, it provides an enchanting sight.

Mirosal Water Park
Mirosal Water park in Daman gives you a chance to enjoy go carting, jumper boat, striking car and other thrilling rides.

House of Bocage
Bocage the 18th century Portuguese poet once lived near the gates of the Fort.

Pargola Garden
This is a place where monument was built in the memory of Portuguese soldiers who fell during the liberation uprising of at Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

Kadiaya Garden
Kadiaya Garden is a manmade wonder offering a variety of cuisines. There is a lake surrounding the two islands connected by a bridge. Fountains and beautiful boats add to the remarkable greenery which meets the eye in every direction.

Things to do:
Picnic Spot
Water Sports
Holiday getaway
Beaches – Swimming and sunbathe

Places nearby to visit:
Diu
Vapi
Mumbai
Pune

Famous for:
Temples and Churches
Beaches
Forts
Water sports activities
Picnic spot
Family Outings

Suggestions:
Best place to see Portuguese culture and for family outing.
Daman is about 5-6 hours drive from Mumbai and 7-8 drive from Pune.

Things to do in Diu



Diu is known as former Portuguese enclave. Diu as a perfect mixture of sun, sand and sea. Diu is currently a union territory of India and considered as a naval and sea port. Merchants of various lands carried on trade here.

Diu also has a mix culture of Gujarati and Portuguese similar to Daman. Both the cultures reflect in daily lifestyle and keep alive their priceless heritage in their folk arts.

With a pleasant climate throughout the year, it affords unprecedented peace and tranquility to tourists. The beautiful tiny island is lying on the west coast of India, with a coastal length of 21 kms.

City Attractions: 
Nagoa Beach
An exceptionally beautiful and quiet beach, it has various facilities for water sports. It is also safe for swimming. Plenty of Palm Hoka trees whisper and sway here in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond expression. 

Jallandhar Shrine   
Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome, contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen.

St Paul Church
St Paul’s Church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Begun in 1601, the church was completed in 1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by floodlights adding to the evening city glow.

Diu Museum or St Thomas Museum
The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed. 

Diu Fort
Diu Fort is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This one most visited and famous place for its visitors.

Ghoghla Beach
Ghoghla beach is one of the six beaches in Diu which has all the amenities and facilities for its tourists.

Chakratirath Beach
Chakratirath beach is one of the famous beach of Diu which is located centrally and nearby by to the town in Diu. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape have been beautifully illuminated by artificial lighting. An open air auditorium on the sea side of the hillock stands nearby. 

Gangeshewar Temple  
Gangeshwar temple is situated around 3km away from Diu town in Fudam village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are five lingas here that are located in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, and are washed by the waves of the sea. 

Things to do:
Picnic Spot
Water Sports
Holiday getaway
Beaches – Swimming and sunbathe

Places nearby to visit:
Daman
Vapi
Mumbai
Pune

Famous for:
Temples and Churches
Beaches
Forts, Museums
Water sports activities
Picnic spot
Family Outings

Suggestions:
Best place to see Portuguese culture and for family outing.
Diu is about 5-6 hours drive from Mumbai and 7-8 drive from Pune.

Gir National Park in Gujarat


Gir National Park covers an area of 300kms and 1150 area comes under Sanctuary which was established in the year 1965 in the state of Gujarat, India. Gir is the only habitat of Asiatic Lions located around 90kms from Keshod Airport in the district of Junagadh.  

Asiatic Lions are smaller in size compared to its cousins the ‘African Lions’. The best view of the Lions can be done through jeep safari. The counts of Lion have recently increased to 411 (97 males, 162 females and 152 cubs) due to the lion counting and breeding program conducted in Gir.

Gir National Park is a natural habitat for 300 Lions and 300 Leopards which also includes 38 species, 300 species of birds, 38 types of reptiles and more than 200 species of butterflies.


Attractions:

Animals / Mammals

Asiatic Lions, Panther, Leopard, Wild Ass, Chital, Chinkara, Four Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Jackal, Hyena, Langur, Porcupine, Black naped Indian Hare, Blue Bull, Sambar, Palm Civet, Jungle Cat and Spotted Cat.

Birds

Flycatcher, Bonneli’s Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpecker, Flamingo, Quails, Greenish Warbler, Saras Crane, Long necked Vulture, Falcon, Oriental honey buzzard, Fish Owl and Spotted Owl.

Around 200 species of Butterflies.

Reptiles

Marsh Crocodiles, King Cobras, Python, Viper, Krait, Indian Star Tortoise and Monitor Lizard.

Things to do

Lion safari, Wildlife safari, Jeep safari and Butterfly watching.

Best Time to visit:

November to June is most pleasant for Wildlife lovers.

How to Get There:

Nearest Airport –Keshod, Rajkot and Bhavnagar

Nearest Railway Station – Sasan Gir, Rajkot, Bhavnagar

By Road –Junagadh and Verawal.