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A
1600km. long coastline, the longest in India, binds
the state of Gujarat from the west. It is dotted
with some really fine beaches like those of Ahmedpur-Mandvi,
Kutch-Mandvi, Chorwad and Gopnath. The coast was
also a historical centre with interesting Portugese
forts, shore temples, princely port cities and beach
palaces.
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| Rozi
& Bedi Ports |
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These
are attractive seaside picnic spots and offer good
fishing facilities.
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| Bet
Dwarka |
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A
ferry ride from Dwarka to the Island of Bet, near
Okha, makes for a good picnic. About 30 km. from
Dwarka is the famous pilgrim-centre of Vaishnavas.
Here we have Rancchodrai Temple, Devki Temple and
Temples of Chief Queens of Krishna, Mahaprabhuji
Bethak, Bala Hanuman and Shankh Talav are other
attractions. Situated about 35 kms. from Dwarka
and 150 kms. from Jamnagar.
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| Ahmedpur
Mandvi |
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Set
amidst virgin beaches Ahmedpur Mandvi's main attraction
is the seaside resort, a renovated palace of the
Nawab. A few kms. away is a sun kissed beach, offering
a safe haven for swimming and water sport facilities.
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| Chorwad
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Built
in 1928 by the erstwhile Nawab of Junagadh, Chorwad
was a summer Palace retreat. It is 66 kms. from
Junagadh and 23 kms. from the fishing centre of
Veraval. It is a holiday resort with an isolated
beach and is away from bazaars, crowds etc.
The sea here is not always calm but the pleasant climate invites a host of tourists every year.
Chorwad is perfect for long beach walks and a quiet holiday.
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| Diu
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Across
Ahmedpur Mandvi lies the island of Diu, a sensuous
blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea. Diu is situated
125 kms. from Junagadh.
It is one of the country's finest beaches, and tourists who keep falling in love with it have spread its name all over the world.
The island is also dotted by three Portuguese churches one which has been converted into a museum housing some rare Portuguese artifacts.
Another cynosure at Diu is the Fort of Diu, an imposing statement of
power.
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| Dumas
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Its
is a seaside resort, 16 kms from Surat.
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| Hajira
and Tithal |
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The
industrial capital of South Gujarat, Hajira is situated
28 kms. from Surat. The pleasant Hajira beach is
fringed by feathery casurina trees and has a comfortable
holiday home for the visitors. This place is home
to the biggest industrial powerhouses in the nation.
Tithal is situated 108 kms. from Surat and 5 kms.
from Valsad. It is a beautiful sandy beach with
palm-sheltered cottages. Ubharat is another fine
sandy beach situated 42 kms from Surat.
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| Gopnath
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A
beautiful hamlet on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat
and at a distance of 10 Kms from Talaja, the taluka
headquarter of Bhavnagar district is Gopnath. Vying
for eminence on the tourist circuit with development
of a heritage hotel- Gopnath Bungalow, it was a
pleasant sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar.
The bungalow built in a European colonial style
with cottages and mansions surrounding the courtyard
faces the sea and offers a beautiful view of the
gulf . It attracts marine life and birdwatching
enthusiasts to the rocky shores on the coast. It
is also renowed for the temple of Gopnath Mahadev,
where Narsinh Mehta is believed to have performed
penance.
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| Mandvi
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Mandvi, founded in 1581
A.D. is an ancient seaport. It is well known for
its production of handicraft items particularly
its relief, filigree and enamel work and its virtually
unspoilt sea beaches. The Rukmavati bridge is the
longest stone bridge, built in 1883 A.D. and the
Vijay Vilas palace are the major tourist spots in
this destination.
Mandvi is situated about 75 kms. from Bhuj.
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| Madhavpur
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Endowed
with beautiful sandy beaches lined with coconut
trees the town finds mention in scriptures as that
of great antiquity, for it is believed that Krishna
had married Rukmini at this place, the legend is
kept alive by the Mer community by holding a fair
on Chaitra Sud 12 every year. The Haveli temple
of Madhavraiji is the chief attraction. There is
also a Bethak of Mahaprabhuji as Shri Vallabhachrya
had given discourse on Shrimad Bhagwat for seven
days over here.
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