|
The name 'Gujarat' is said to have been derived from the
Prakrit Gujjar Ratta or Gujjar Rashtra - the land of Gujjars -
a tribe that entered India with the Huns in ancient time and
wandering through Punjab and Rajasthan, settled in western
India. Even before the advent of the Aryans, Gujarat had trade
links with the ancient civilisation of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria
and Egypt. The pre-Arayan Harappan culture survived here for
over five centures after it was destroyed in Sind and Punjab.
The ancient port of Lothal excavated recently has been
identified as one of the most important centres of the 4500
years old Indus Valley Civilisation. Gujarat is a complete
destination in itself. Imposing buildings, ancient monuments,
mosques, temples attract a large number of tourists to
Ahemdabad. The most fasincating Palitana Temples at Shetrunjay
Hills, dominating the landscape for miles is one of the most
sacred places for Jains. Ancient temple of Somnathpur near
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Union Territory of Diu with its
Portuguese characteristics; the house of majestic Lion at
Sasangir and imposing forts at Junagardh are some of the
highlights of visit to South of Gujarat. The west is dominated
by Runn of Kutchh, the breeding ground of Flamingo, Pelican
and the heart of Gujarat's handicrafts buisiness flourishing
for many centuries. The tribal belt at Bhuj - The Rabaris can
be seen all around in their traditional dresses, busy in the
fields of art and culture. Maharashtra, India's third largest
state in area and population is one of the foremost state in
agricultural and industrial production. Marathi is the
predominant language of the state. The deep sense of
nationality and unity among the Maharashtrians, whose
ancestors defied the mighty Mughals under the leadership of
their great hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The pride city
of Maharashtra, the commercial capital of India, Bombay famous
for Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and many other imposing
buildings, museums is also the gateway point for tours to
South India and Goa. The other most important tourist town of
Aurangabad,named for the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, is most
famous for Buddhist Cave paintings at Ajanta and rock cut
Kailash Temple at Ellora. Pune, another fast grown industrial
town with pleasant climate year around is also an
institutional centre of Maharashtra, 170 kms from Bombay.
Besides, Maharashtra's Ghat areas near the Konkan coastal
houses several small hill stations. The closes to Bombay is
Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla. Karla and Bhaja Caves are
12 km from Lonavla.
|