7 Offbeat Places in Gujarat You Must Visit

Gujarat – also known as the Jewel of Western India. One of the most sought after tourist destinations. Often you must have heard Amitabh Bachchan campaigning – “Kuch din to guzaariye Gujarat mei (Spend at least some days in Gujarat)”. Well, he is right. Gujarat is full of surreal natural beauty with Rann of Kutch and Saputara Hills to adorn the state. Birthplace of great figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this state truly has a lot to offer to the tourists. Here is a list of best offbeat places in Gujarat which you must visit:

Plan by region: Combine Ghumli with the Jamnagar–Porbandar side, Patan with north Gujarat, and Saputara, Gira and Girmal with a Dang trip. Gopnath and Ninai belong to different regions, so do not treat all seven as one short circuit.

 

1) Gopnath Beach

Gopnath Beach is situated on the Gulf of Khambat. It is at an approximate distance of 70 km from Bhavnagar. Away from the hustle bustle of the city, this place is a must visit if you ever plan a trip to Gujarat. The beach is famous for its surreal natural beauty, limestone cliffs and rich biodiversity. Apart from this, Gopnath Temple which is located nearby can also be visited. It boasts of a 700 year old shrine and is often visited by tourists. A palace near the beach is renowned for its architecture and is a must visit for all the history and architecture buffs. Not many housing facilities are available in this area. Therefore, it is advisable to stay in Bhavnagar which has many hotels. Overall, Gopnath beach is a good getaway if you are looking for a relaxed weekend amidst the nature.

 

2) Narara and the Pirotan marine landscape

Narara (also written Narala) and Pirotan are different visitor locations in the Gulf of Kachchh marine landscape near Jamnagar. Do not use the names interchangeably when arranging a trip. Mangroves, tidal flats and coral habitats are the attraction, with access shaped by tides, permissions and conservation rules. Pirotan is an island reached by boat; check the exact departure point and current permission process. Use Gujarat Tourism’s Marine National Park guide and the Jamnagar district Pirotan information to clarify the visit. Confirm timing with an authorised local guide and do not touch or collect marine life.

 

3) Navlakha Temple

Navlakha Temple is situated at Ghumli near the Barda hills. The Jethwa rulers built this Sun temple in the twelfth century. Its carved pillars, sculpted panels and surviving architectural details make it an absorbing stop for anyone interested in Gujarat’s temple heritage. Take time to look at the structure rather than expecting an intact working complex. The official Incredible India Ghumli guide provides historical context.

 

4) Saputara

Saputara is a hill station in Dang district, close to Gujarat’s border with Maharashtra. The lake, viewpoints and nearby forested hills suit a relaxed stay. Waghai Botanical Garden and Gira Falls near Waghai can be included as separate excursions with road time allowed; they are not all within the hill station itself.

Gira Falls near Waghai is especially impressive when seasonal flow is strong. Do not confuse it with Girmal Falls, another waterfall in Dang. Check the weather, current approach and any barriers before travelling, and enjoy the view from permitted areas rather than entering fast-flowing water.

 

5) Girmal Waterfall

Girmal Waterfall is in Dang district and is known for its broad, dramatic drop and forested surroundings. It is a good addition to a carefully planned Dang itinerary rather than a quick extra stop beside every Saputara attraction. Seasonal rain controls the flow and can also disrupt access. Check conditions before leaving, carry what you need for the drive and stay behind viewing barriers. The Gujarat Tourism Dang guide helps locate the region’s separate attractions.

 

6) Ninai Waterfall

Ninai Waterfall is in Dediapada taluka of Narmada district, not a waterfall on the main Narmada River. The wooded setting near the Shoolpaneshwar landscape is the draw. The Narmada district visitor page places it about 35 km from Dediapada and describes a drop of more than 30 feet. Plan the final approach and return transport, and check local restrictions after heavy rain.

 

7) Patan

Source: flickr.com/photos/sapanparikh/7774494956

Patan is an ancient town located in Gujarat. It was founded under the Chavda rulers in the eighth century. For quite a long time, it functioned as the capital but was destroyed in an attack in 13^thcentury. A new town was formed but many buildings of the area are still in ruins. Rani ki Vav is a spectacular step well which Queen Udaymati built to honour the death of her husband, King Bhimdev. This has been declared a World Heritage Site. Patola of Patan is another important tourist attraction. Apart from these, many stepwells, temples and lakes are present which attract many tourists. The area of the old city is a site of archaeological importance and must be visited by all the history buffs. Modern day Patan has all that must be present in a modern city. Accommodation is easily available and reaching Patan should also not be a problem.

This list is definitely not complete. There is so much more to do in a state as grand as Gujarat. Any tour of India is incomplete without a visit to this state.

Practical access and seasonal checks

Marine visits depend on tides and permissions, while waterfalls depend on rain and local access rules. For Patan, confirm Rani ki Vav’s current hours and tickets through ASI’s official resources. Winter usually makes long sightseeing days more comfortable; a monsoon trip needs a flexible route and current weather checks.

For a wider heritage route, see our lost cities and archaeological sites guide. For a longer drive from Mumbai, compare the Gujarat and Kutch road-trip ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Credits and last update

This post was originally published on Trodly Travel Blog. 

Featured image by Andrea Kirkby

 

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Last updated: 17 October 2026. Geographic and access information reviewed, regional planning added, and original photographs and credits retained.