Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the main gateway, offering both international and domestic flights with full amenities. Additional airports in Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Bhuj, and Kandla provide direct access to key destinations, including Kutch, Gir, and Diu, along with major airports at Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, and Keshod that further expand regional connectivity.
Gujarati is spoken natively by over 85 percent of the population. Regional varieties include Kathiawadi, Surti, Charotari, and Kutchi. In urban and tourist areas, Hindi and English are widely used, especially in business and administrative settings.
Gujarat’s culture blends tradition with enterprise, shaped by historic trade routes that welcomed influences from Persia, Arabia, and beyond. Intricate arts like bandhani tie-dye, patola silk, and fine beadwork remain vibrant. Hand-carved havelis, elegant stepwells such as Adalaj, and Jain temples showcase enduring craftsmanship. Gujarati cuisine—famous for vegetarian delights like undhiyu and thepla—reflects both frugality and finesse. At its heart, the spirit of sahakar (community cooperation) and the maxim Atithi Devo Bhava—“the guest is god”—make hospitality a way of life.
Gujarat’s festivals turn this cultural richness into public celebration. Navratri (September–October) brings nine nights of Garba and Dandiya dances, uniting towns and cities in rhythm. Uttarayan in January fills the skies with kites, while the Rann Utsav from November to February transforms the white salt desert into a showcase of music, craft, and folk performances. Also explore other festivals like Tarnetar Fair, Ravechi Fair, Dhrang Fair, and Kawant Gher Festival.
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Airports, hotels, banks, and authorised bureaux de change offer exchange services, and most urban ATMs accept international cards. Digital payments via UPI, credit and debit cards are widely used.
India’s country code is +91. Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports and city outlets, subject to ID verification. Coverage is reliable in cities and tourist sites.
The region is a hub for traditional textiles, including Bandhani and Patola sarees, which feature rare double ikat and vivid tie-dye prints sourced from Patan, Rajkot, and Kutch. Urban areas also offer a variety of crafts, jewellery, and modern retail options in malls. Street markets allow for local bargaining.
1. Visa is required to visit India
The culinary scene emphasises vegetarian food with distinctive sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. Signature dishes include fermented steamed cakes such as dhokla and khandvi, wheat-based snacks like thepla and fafda, as well as hearty meals like undhiyu, dal dhokli, and vegetable handvo. These are often enjoyed with condiments like chutneys, pickles, yoghurt, and jalebi.
Gujarat showcases remarkable architectural diversity, from UNESCO-listed stepwells and ancient cities to modernist landmarks. Rani ki Vav in Patan, the archaeological site of Dholavira, and the historic Champaner-Pavagadh Park are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect the region’s layered history. Modern Gujarat also bears the imprint of great architects Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier, and B.V. Doshi whose iconic designs in Ahmedabad fuse global vision with local context.
The state operates under a democratic framework, with power shared between an elected legislative assembly and a governor appointed by India’s President. It comprises 34 districts and over 265 talukas, overseen by various departments, including agriculture and infrastructure, ensuring administrative cohesion. The Gandhinagar city is the state capital of Gujarat.
The standard supply is 230–240 V at 50 Hz, using socket types C, D, and M. Most modern devices (laptops, phones) support dual voltage (100–240 V), so travellers typically need only a simple plug adapter unless using single-voltage appliances.