Exploring Gujarat's Coastal Charms: A Journey Through the Most Diverse Beaches
Gujarat, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, boasts the longest coastline in India, stretching over 1600 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. This coastal stretch is adorned with a myriad of beaches, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. Let's embark on a journey to discover the top five beaches in Gujarat, uncovering the coastal wonders that make this region a must-visit for beach enthusiasts.
Understanding Gujarat's Geography:
Before we start, one must understand about the geography of the Gujarat. Because Gujarat is the big state with diversify culture and regions. The financial capital of the Gujarat is obviously Ahmedabad whereas the official capital of the Gujarat is Gandhinagar which is not separated from the Ahmedabad city in geography. It need just 20-25 min ride to reach the Gandhinagar from Ahmedabad. Other known big cities of Gujarat in term of financial status and population are Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot. But surprisingly non of above city have any coastal area despite of 1600km long coastline of Gujarat. That means there are hidden gems that need to be explored to witness cultural heritage of Gujarat's costal area.
I divided the coastline of Gujarat in 6 different belts as in the image below to make it more easy to understand. Let's explore each one by one.
Gujarat's 1600km Long Coastline:
1 . Daman -Vapi- Surat - Daher -Khambhat | West Facing | Sunset View
The first costal region of Gujarat is from Vapi to Surat including Daman. Where Daman can be considered as one of the best beach of this coastal line. In term of water this beach is not good for taking bath or swim inside as water is chocolaty colored mudddy.
This coastline is west facing and so beaches offers beautiful sunset view like the coastal line of Goa.
How to Reach: Starting from Ahmedabad, embark on a scenic road trip towards Daman, passing through Vapi and Surat.
2. Bhavnagar - Ghogha, Kuda, Koliyak, Hathab, Mahuva | East Facing | MorningView | Gulf of Khambhat
In this belt water is also muddy but you can found some beautiful places and beached to relax and chill. Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Koliyak beach is one of the most famous beach around the nation for their unique immersed ancient temple and story from Mahabharata. Other beautiful beach to chill at evening with some music and tea together with loved once is Kuda beach though last 4 km road n not so good. Hathab beach is also fun to spend evening and even with night stay facility with duplex cottage in most economical range. Zanzmer beach near Gopnath is famous for stunning outdoor shooting due to beautiful rock formations and big waves. Gopnath beach is also famous as tourist destination and temple. Mahuva's bhavani beach offers beautiful top view of beach with some activities like off road vehicle ride and food stalls. Alang is also popular coastline popular worldwide as ship breaking yard.The well known port Pipavav is also part of this coastal belt.
This coastline is east facing and so beaches offers beautiful morning with pleasant sunrise view like the coastal line of Goa.
3. Diu Point- One and only location to enjoy both Sunset as well as Sunrise.
Diu, though technically a Union Territory, is geographically nestled within Gujarat and tops our list of the best beaches in the region. Known for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, Diu Beach is a tranquil haven for those seeking a serene escape. The beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm, with the historic Diu Fort overlooking the coastline. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore ancient forts, and enjoy the vibrant local culture that makes Diu a must-visit destination.
Diu is one of the only beach which offers view of the pleasant sunrise in the morning as well as beautiful sunset due to it's unique south facing location as shown on the map.
4. Somnath - Porbandar - Dwarka | West Facing | Sunset View
This belt for covers extremely beautiful blue green colored beaches which also includes a famous travel destinations like Somnath Jyotirling, Nageshwar Jyotirling and Dwarka. Even though is it less souted, baches in the Porbander are also very beautiful and well maintained. Road side beach near Porbander called Madhavpur beach is also attracts many tourist due to road tour beach and other activities. However best beach to swim and enjoy full day in this belt is the Shivrajpur Beach near Dwarka famous for stunning blue water, activities including scuba diving and best to enjoy swiming like a giant swimming pool and with facility of security guard.
Beaches in this belt are west facing and so provide a beautiful sunset points along the coastline.
5. Jamnagar | North Facing | Gulf of Kutch
This belt includes Balachadi Beach near Jamnagar are known for marine life like turtle and star fish. This coastline is west-north facing and many points provide good sunset view. Pirotan bet Island from this belt is quite famous for marine life which is a part of Marine National Park.
6. Mandvi - Mundra | South Facing
The coastline of the Gujarat is still not over. The Mandvi beach from this region is a stunning blue water beach and a famous tourist destination. Visitors can also explore the nearby Vijay Vilas Palace, known for its stunning architecture and lush gardens.
The Mundra port, one of the most famous port of the Gujarat is also a part of this coastal line.
This belt is south-west facing and provides beautiful sunset from may points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gujarat's extensive coastline unfolds as a tapestry of diverse experiences, from picturesque sunsets to unique cultural gems. Whether you're a sunseeker, pilgrimage, history enthusiast, or nature lover, Gujarat's beaches offer an enchanting blend of experiences waiting to be discovered. Embark on this coastal odyssey and let the waves of Gujarat's beauty wash over you.