With endless opportunities for varieties of water sports, these beaches have become most preferred tourist destinations for the domestic as well as the international visitors. Read this article to know more about beaches of Gujarat.
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
Considered as one of the best beaches of Gujarat, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is an ideal holiday retreat for the tourists of all genres. Popular for its stretches of white sand, tourists enjoy nature walks on this firm and beautiful beach. This beach is situated along the coastline of northern part of Gulf of Kutch. The water here is considered as the best for swimming.Many other types of water sports like water scooting, para-sailing, surfing, water skiing etc. are also enjoyed by the tourists coming here. Staying at Magico Do mar, a resort with sea-facing lawns, gardens fringed with palm trees and a restaurant offering sumptuous Nawabi meals, would definitely add more to your holiday at this most beautiful beach of Gujarat. Mandvi Beach is about 288 KM away from Ahmadabad. The best time to visit this beach is from July to March.
The major attraction around Mandvi Beach is the Diu Beach. With many architectural excellences created during Portuguese rule in India, Diu Beach is also liked by visitors for its diverse birdlife, clean blue water and colorful fishes.
Dwarka Beach
Dwarka is the city that is known for its immense religious significance but at the same time this city houses an excellent beach for the tourists of all ages. Though primarily famous for its Dwarkadhish Temple, this city is also visited by many beach lovers. Tourists enjoy visiting this small island Bet Dwarka which is known for its coral reefs. Ferries are available to reach this island from Okha North, a jetty in Dwarka. Different types of marine animals can be spotted here around the beach e.g. different types of fishes, octopus, and tortoises.Dolphin Watching is a favorite activity here at this beach. Not only nature walk or marine life watching but Dwarka Beach is an ideal place for the foodies. In and around the beach area, different types of food stalls and permanent eating houses offer excellent local and other cuisines at affordable price. The temple located near the beach is the prime attraction for all tourists and is an ideal place for photo shoot especially during sunrise and sunset.
Dwarka is very easily reached by train from Mumbai and Ahmadabad. Budget Guest houses and hotels are there in Dwarka to cater tourists as per their preferences. The best time to visit this beach is from July - April.
Chorwad Beach
Chorwad used to be a tiny village but now it has become an excellent beach destination for the tourists. Chorwad is also a gateway to cities like Somnath and Porbandar. The beautiful beach of Chorwad is located about 23 KM from Junagadh. Rocky shores with splashing waves engage tourists in different types of activities at Chorwad. For few days of peaceful holiday, Chorwad is an ideal place.Beach Weddings are also arranged here at a holiday resort which is far away from the crowd and hustle-bustle of the city. This resort used to e a palace built by Nawab Mohabbat Khan as his summer retreat. The pleasant weather of Chorwad attracts tourists throughout the year. Porbandr is the nearby attraction from Chorwad Beach. This historic place is famous worldwide as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Kirti Mandir, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, is now converted into a museum depicting things associated with Gandhiji. It also has a library.
Chorwad can be reached from Ahmadabad through rail. It is also well connected to Junagadh by road. The famous Somnath Temple is only 20 KM away from Chorwad. State Transport buses are available for local sightseeing and other excursions. The best time to visit this beach is from July - March.
Gopnath Beach
Located about 80 KM away from Bhavnagar, Gopnath used to be summer residence of the then ruler of Bhavnagar, Maharaja Krishan Kumar Singhji. Gopnath boasts a spectacular coastline with panoramic views, limestone cliffs, colorful birds and cool sea breezes. The beach is firm and sandy therefore ideal for walking. The shallow waters of shore make them perfect for wading. This beach is not advisable and ideal for long swims as the water becomes murky because of high tide difference. Gopnath Beach offers captivating views to the beach lovers. It is located on the Gulf of Khambhat.One of its main attractions is the Gopnath Bungalow Heritage Hotel, a place that used to be the staying place for Gohil Kings, the rulers of Bhavnagar during their vacation. From the beach, tourists can easily reach Gopnath Temple, a temple more than 7 centuries old. This is the only temple in India that has got two-colored flag in the dome. The saffron color of the flag is for Lord Shiva and white color is for Lord Vishnu. Another attraction very near to Gopnath Temple is Talja Temple which is a Jain Temple on the top of a hill. Jhanjmer Fort and the Ship Breaking Yard of Gopnath are also must-visit places during your Gopnath tour.
Gopnath is very well connected to Ahmadabad by rail and bus. Within the city, buses are available for local sightseeing and also for visiting surrounding areas.
Veraval Somnath Beach
Known for its stupendous views, cool pleasant breeze and gushing waves, Somnath Beach is one of the preferred beaches for beach vacation. Veraval Beach is only 6 KM away from Somnath. Somnath Temple is another important attraction of Somnath Beach. The temple with the backdrop of beautiful Arabian Sea not only captivates the devotees but all genres of tourists. Veraval was the port town of the rulers of Junagadh. Right now, most of the walls of this fortified town got damaged but visitors can get to see Patan Gate and Junagadh Gate which have wonderful carvings done on them. The Old Palace depicting the Old Gothic Features is visited by almost everyone who comes here.
Tourists can also enjoy visiting the fishing port of Veraval where numerous country crafts, dhows, and trawlers are used for catching fishes. Veraval can be reached from Jundagadh by rail and bus. For visiting different places within the city, bus services can be availed. The best time to visit Veraval and Somnath Beach if from July to March.
Madhavpur Beach
Fringed with tall coconut trees, the sandy beach of Madhvpur is not so popular yet a wonderful holiday retreat for the beach lovers. This place has got religious and historical significance. As per the legends, Lord Krishna got married to Devi Rukmini at this beach. To commemorate that marriage, a fair is held here in the month of Chaitra every year. The Temple of Madhavraiji is an important attraction of Madhavpur.All beaches of Gujarat offer excellent entertainment opportunities for individuals, families and adventure seekers.
