According to the Hindu epics, Lord Krishna and his elder brother Balarama, evacuated Mathura and established themselves at Kushasthali, now known as Dwarka and started what is known as the Yadava dynasty. Dwarka subsequently became one of the four seats (mathas) set up by Adi Shankaracharya.

The Parsees when they fled from Iran in the eighth century first landed at Sanjan on the shores of Gujarat with the holy flame, which still burns in Udwada in Valsad. The Muslim influence left its lasting imprints on the local art and architecture and it came to be known as the Indo-Saracenic style.

Among the earliest Europeans in Gujarat were the Portuguese who settled in Diu, a small island off the southern coast of Saurashtra. After that came the British who set up warehouses in Surat in 1612.

Gujarat was a part of the erstwhile Mumbai state during the British Rule. But in 1960, the 'Gujarati' population decided to secede from that union, which resulted in the formation of two new states, namely Gujarat and Maharashtra. The new State of Gujarat came into existence on May 01, 1960 because of this bifurcation.

Gujarat is the birthplace of many who played an important role in shaping modern India. Prominent among them are Shri Dadabhoy Navroji, the grand old man of the freedom fight, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of a united India and Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. These men carried the torch of national freedom and integration infusing the qualities of tolerance, brotherhood, non-violence and patriotism amongst Indians.

Gujarat gets its name from "Gujjar Rashtra", the land of the Gujjars, a migrant tribe who came to India in the wake of the invading Huns in the 5th century. The history of Gujarat dates back to 2000 BC. It is also believed that Lord Krishna left Mathura to settle on the west coast of Saurashtra at Dwarka.

The state saw various kingdoms like Mauryas, Guptas, Pratiharas etc, but it was under the regime of Chalukyas (Solanki) Gujarat witnesses progress and prosperity. Inspite of the plundering of Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings were able to maintain general prosperity and well being of the state. After this glorious respite, Gujarat faced troubled times under the Muslims, Marathas and the British rules.

The Present state of Gujarat was formed in 1st May 1960, as a result of Bombay Reorganization act, 1960. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and north-east respectively, Madhya Pradesh in the south east and Maharashtra in south.

Gujarat with its immense tourism has unending list of tourist destinations, right from Ahmedabad- the Manchester of India, Gandhiji's sabarmati Ashram, spectacular peninsula of Saurashtra, the historic Jain Temple of Palitana , Sasangiri the last natural habitat of majestic Asiatic lions, the coastal towns of Porbandat and Dwarka the semi-inland of Kutch etc, the list is unending.

The history of Gujarat that can be measured by time dates hack to the last stages of the fourth century B.C. The history of human culture prior to that period begins with the Stone Age. The references of Gujarat and Saurashtra are to be found in the Mahabharat, 'Arthashastra' of Chanakya, Deval Smriti and Buddha stories written during the 1st century A.D. Clear references to Saurashtra in the stone inscriptions at Girnar, of Maha Kshatrap Rudradama of 15O A.D, of the remains and reminiscences of the people living at Rozdi (Shrinathgadh) near Gondal in Saurashtra of 1850 B.C. and different strata of cultural life found at various places prove that the culture of Gujarat is at least no less than 4,000 years old!

Attraction in Gujarat:

Akshardham
A tribute to Lord Swaminarayan, Arkshardham is built in pink sandstone. This intricately carved monument holds a 7 foot gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan. Tourists can take in all three exhibitions on Indian culture with the light and sound show, multimedia show, and an animation show.

Ambaji
Considered the seat of Ambe Mata(mother goddess), who is celebrated during Navrati. Ambaji is situated on the Arasen Hill in the Aravale Range and is made of marble. It does not contain any idol, only a yantra engraved in a niche. Nearby is the Gabbar Hill, where it is said the goddess revealed herself, leaving behind her footprints.

Dakor
The Krishna idol of Dakor is believed to have originated from Dwarka. Legend tells how Krishna, moved by the journey of a devotee from Dakor to Dwarka, walked the devotee back to Dakor and remained there.

Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkhadish Temple honors Krishna Bhagwan. The five-storey high building stands on 60 pillars and is filled with rich carvings. The pilgrims enter through the Swarg Dwar(Gateway to Heaven) and exit through the Moksh Dwar(Gateway of Salvation).

Mt Girna
This sacred hill is the Pinnacle of Faith. Pilgrims must climb 4000 steps to reach the top. There are five important Jain temples and several Hindu shrines along the way.

Palitana
Known as the Gallery of Temples, this picturesque place of pilgrimage sits atop the Shatrunjay Hill and holds 900 temples graced with beautiful sculptures. Of all Jain temples, those located at Palitana, are the most sacred. Idols of Tirthankars are exquisitely carved with jeweled eyes. The most famous of these temples are the Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Samprati Raja, and Chomukh.

Somnath Temple
"The Shrine Eternal". Constantly washed by the Arabian Sea, this temple was destroyed and rebuilt seven times. The present and seventh temple, was constructed in the solank style. The temple commemorates Lord Somnath. According to legend, Soma(the moon god) built the temple in gold, Ravan in silver, Krishna in wood, and King Bhimdev in stone.

Modhera
"The Sun Temple". Despite its somewhat dilapidated look, the beauty of this temple's artistry and architecture is apparent. The canvas on the wall and pillars depict the legends of Gods and Goddesses in ancient times.

Festivals and Fairs

Tarnetar Mela
Held at the Trinetrshwar Temple, this beautiful matchmaking festival is based on the legend of Draupadi, who held her Swayamvara(ceremony where an Indian princess chooses her husband) at this very place. Tribal youth appear elegantly dressed. The young men hold colorful umbrellas on which they have embroidered decoration, revealing their bachelor status, in hopes of attracting the attention of unmarried girls. The fair is held for three days between August and September.

Navrati
Navrati, meaning nine nights, is a vibrant festival that honors the Divine Mother Goddess and her numerous manifestations. Celebration starts late at night and ends in the early morning. One of the dances performed is the Dandia-Ras. Men and women, donning extremely colorful costumes, join the dance circle holding small polished sticks or dandies. They strike them together as they whirl to the rhythm of the music.

Janmastami
This celebration is held in Dwarka, the city of gold and the abode of Krishna. Janmastami is the birth of Shri Krishna. Lights are lit everywhere, devotional songs are sung, and sermons are delivered. All worshipping Krishna in his infant form.