Places to avoid
“There are so many different possibilities to explore in Gujarat. Each destination has a variety of things to offer and every part of Gujarat has a different history, architecture and landscape. However, there are also places that I wouldn't recommend visiting. Places like: Vapi, Hazira and Mundra. These are all very industrial towns and probably worth avoiding.”
Genuine Gujarat gifts
“There are many places where ethically made souvenirs are available from cultural craft and art centres. In Ahmedabad, for example, you can buy locally made wooden sculptures inspired by the beautiful stone screen work on the city’s monuments. In Dasada, small beadwork souvenirs made by nomadic Mir women can be found. In Bhuj, block printing, tie-dye, and examples of Rogan art, are available from the artisans that created them. Visit the village workshops where handicrafts are handmade or ask your local guide about where to buy authentic artwork and genuine Gujarati gifts.”
Cultural connections
“My most memorable traveller tale from Gujarat is when a group of African American high school students visited a Sidi (African Indian) society in Ahmedabad. The group interaction went really well and turned into two hours of traditional dancing. At the end of the visit both groups of people had tears in their eyes over their shared heritage and cultural connections.”