GANDHINAGAR

1. Gandhinagar is the capital of the state of Gujarat in Western India. Gandhinagar is located approximately 23 km North from Ahmedabad, on the west central point of the Industrial ... 
3. Area: 68.34 mi²
4. Weather: 84°F (29°C), Wind SW at 7 mph (11 km/h), 79% Humidity
5. Hotels: 3-star averaging $20, 5-star averaging $60. View hotels
6. Local time: Sunday 7:32 PM
7. Population: 195,985 (2001) UNdata
8. Government body: Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation

In the 13th century, King Pethasinh of Pethapur, ruled over Shertha town. After the death of Pethasinh, the Sultanate of Patan used this land as battle ground. Sultan Ahmed Shah decided to move his capital from Patan to a new city, and built Ahmedabad. In 1960, Bombay state was split in two different states, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Ahmedabad became capital of Gujarat, and a new capital city was to be built on land which was once part of Pethapur state.

The new capital city was planned by Chief Architect H.K. Mewada, educated at Cornell University, and his assistant Prakash M Apte. Both Mewada, and Apte had worked as trainees under legendary architect Le Corbusier in the Chandigarh Project in the 1950s. Gandhinagar's streets are numbered, and have cross streets named for letters of theGujarati alphabet (e.g., "k", "kh", "g", "gh", "ch", "chh", "j"). All streets cross every kilometre, and at every crossing traffic circles decrease the speed of traffic.

The city has developed in four distinct phases:

• Phase 1: After the city's infrastructure was completed in 1970, and until 1980, it was known as 'Gandhian City,' since it was based on Gandhi's concepts and principles.
• Phase 2: Between 1980 and 1990, a time of low pollution, it was known as 'Unpolluted City'.
• Phase 3: After 1990, many trees were planted, and the city became the 'Green City.'
• Phase 4: In 2002, Gujarat's Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed a new, triple focus for the city: it should be green, It should use solar energy, and It should be cosmopolitan.

The new city is linked with Ahmedabad on the south by a direct road, having a straight alignment and a right of way 91.44 metres (300.0 ft) wide between the proposed capital and the railway station of Khodiar about ten kilometres (six miles) to the west.

This road was proposed to be extended further to the south to join the State Highway at Surkhej near Ahmedabad. A road over bridge was to be provided at the crossing of this road and the Ahmedabad Delhi metre gauge line at Khodiar. Thus, traffic from Saurashtra area could directly come to Gandhinagar without going through Ahmedabad. The road link to Khodiar also connects the new city with Ahmedabad-Mount Abu State Highway. The site is connected to National Highway No, 8 (Bombay-Delhi) across the river by 5 km (3.1 mi) link road.

The alignment of the proposed extension of the broad-gauge railway from Sabarmati to the Fertiliser Complex at Saij near Kalol and also to the thermal power station installed in the industrial area in Gandhinagar, was to run along the western boundary of the township. It was proposed to have a railway station in the centre along the western boundary of the township. The railway line was to run under proposed road over bridge at Khodiar and where it crosses the Ahmedabad-Kalol State Highway, there was to be a road over bridge. The new city was thus very well linked by road, rail and air with.all parts of the state and the country.

• Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is a temple built of pink stones with carvings. It is surrounded by gardens and fountains.

• GIFT City Tower(Tallest Building of Gujarat): This state-of-the-art, 28-storied structure is the first tower to be to built within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) that is being planned as a global hub for financial services. Over 215,000 square feet of glass, about 7,000 metric tonnes of steel and 50,000 cubic metres of concrete have been used to build the state's tallest building, which was completed in 14 months and inaugurated by Chief Minister Narendra Modi in January 2013.

• Adalaj Stepwell 18 km south of Gandhinagar. The well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. The step well or Vav, as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other ornamental designs.

• Sarita Udyan  on the bank of River Sabarmati, is a garden with a view of the river. It has a botanical garden.

• Deer Park (Indroda Park) is a large area containing various sections such as a Jurassic Park theme, deer park, snake park, birds park etc. Deer Park is also known as GEER Foundation Park or Indroda Park as it is located in a village named Indroda. It contains Dinosaurs Park where huge statues of different Dinosaurs are kept with a detailed explanation. Snake park contains various local snakes available in and around Gujarat. Birds are free to fly in a big enclosed bird park. There is also an aquarium.

• Mahatma Mandir: The Mahatma Mandir is located at sector 13. It is named as Mahatma Mandir but is not a temple. It is exibitory area of the economic and industrial development of the state similar to that of Pragati Maidain in New Delhi. The project is to be developed in two phases:

1. Phase 1 will be completed by December 2010 which will host "Vibrant Gujarat 2011". It includes construction of museum, foods court, convention center, exhibition center, service building, landscaping and pathway.

2. Phase 2 will be completed by December 2011. It includes construction of suspension bridge, open-air theatre, parking facilities, landscaping, and salt mound.

• Children's Park in Sector-28: Children's Park is a major attraction for children and holiday makers. The Children's Park has a mini train and a lake with boating facilities. It also in houses an amusement park/tricycle ground for children as well as adults with amusement rides like moon walker, brake dance etc.

• Punit Van, a botanical garden in sector 19 is a garden containing a fusion of Botanical Garden depending on Zodiac signs and an Amphitheater. Chinese Kung fu is taught in Gandhinagar. That is first time in all over India.

• Craftsmen's Village in Pethapur

• GH-4 Circle and Central Vista
• Rupal Village (pronc. Ru'paal), Known for "Palli : Rath of Maa Vardayini (Hindu Goddess)", It is celebrated on the 8th day during "Navaratri" festival. It has its own charm when you see the "Paali" (Rath of Maa Vardayini) pass through the village streets. People come from all over the country to get the blessings of Maa Varadayini. "palli"is made of wood of tree Khijada and prepared on the same day, which makes it Sacred, which is built by the Villagers only. Ghee (clarified butter) is used as prasad (Food for Good), which is poured on the Palli by the Devotees in huge amount. Gathering of devotees on the festival is approximately above 5,00,00 and is growing year by year.

                                              

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                            

                                            

                                            
                                            Information from Wikipedia and image from google image

JAMNAGAR

1. Jamnagar is a city located on the western coast of India in the state of Gujarat in the Gulf of Kutch.It is the administrative headquarters of the Jamnagar District. 
3. Area: 20.58 mi²
4. Weather: 84°F (29°C), Wind SW at 11 mph (18 km/h), 76% Humidity
5. Population: 443,518 (2001) UNdata
6. Local time: Sunday 6:59 PM
7. Number of airports: 1
8. Colleges and Universities: Gujarat Ayurved University, M.P. Shah Medical College, Government Dental College

According to the 2011 census Jamnagar district has a population of 2,159,130 roughly equal to the nation of Namibia or the US state of New Mexico. This gives it a district population ranking of 212th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 153 inhabitants per square kilometer (400/sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 13.38%. Jamnagar has a sex ratio of 938 females for every 1000 males. It had literacy rate of 66.4% in 2001 which rose impressively in a decade to literacy rate of 74.4% by 2011.

The founder of the princely state of Jamnagar was the Great Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of  Kathiawar in 1535 A.D

Jam Rawals father Jam Lakhaji ruled in Terabanu in Kutch.

According to bardic chronicles, Jam Lakhaji had two cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, they envied his reputation for valor.  Their envy was hightened by the fame of Jam Lakhaji at the siege of Pawagadh. So largely did he contribute to its capture by Bahadurshah, the Emperor of Gujarat, that he was bestowed 12 villages by him. As Jam Lakaji was going to take possession of his new fef, he was treacherously killed by his cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja. Jam Lakhajis son Jam Rawal escaped and on growing up, took vengance of his fathers murder in the same manner by killing Hamirji Jadeja.

Hamirjis two sons Khengarji and Sahibji fled to Delhi and after twelve months of waiting to meet the Great Moghul Emperor Humayun, they got the chance to join the crowd goingalong with the Emperor for lion hunting.

During the lion hunt, they got the chance to kill the lion just when it was going to attack the Emperor.  As a reward, an army of 1,00,000 was sent with them to regain back their kingdom.

When Jam Rawal heard of the two princes coming back to the Kutch with the imperial army, he started getting ready for the battle. On one night, Goddess Ashapura came in his dream and told him that as he had broken the oath taken on her name about not killing Hamirji, even though, he was the person responsible for the death of his father. She should have punished him, but as he had at all other times honored her. So he should no longer dwell in Kutch but cross the sea and take Kathiawar as a dwelling place.

Upon awakening he called his counselors and discussed the dream, they agreed that he must leave Kutch and found for himself a Kingdom across the Gulf. So Jam Rawal along with his soldiers and many traders marched out. On the way he killed and conquered the territory of King Tamachi the other conspirator in the killing of his father, and he also conquered the town of Dhrol and its dependencies and gave them to his brother Hardholji, who was later killed in battle during that period, and the State of Dhrol was given to his eldest son, Jasoji.

Thus Jam Rawal made himself master of a great territory and the need for a capital arose.

The story goes like this, that once on a hunting trip on the land of present day Jamnagar, a hare was found to be brave enough to turn on the hunting dogs and putting them to flight. Deeply impressed by this, Jam Rawal thought that if this land can breed such hares, if his capital was built on this land, the men born here would be superior than other men.

He counsulted his astrologers and wise men, and the day chosen for laying the foundation stone was the 7th day of the bright half of the month of srawan, VS 1956. (August 1540 AD) on the banks of two rivers Rangmati and Nagmati and named it Nawanagar meaning new town.

Nawanagar eventually came to be known as Jamnagar meaning the town of the Jams.

One can visit the:

• City Lake full of 75 varities of Birds...
• Islands full of sea shells, corals, birds, octopus,...
• Unspoilt Beaches, both white and golden sands...
• Hills with temples on top...
• Forest with leopards, jackals, wolves, jungle cat, blue bulls,hyena, snakes ..
• Temples ranging from the ancient to the new, also includes a Guiness World Record holder...
• Bird Sanctuaries with 250 varities of birds...
• Marine Sanctuaries with dolphins,octopus, turtles, dugong, fish ...
• Marine National Park....

Jamnagar people love to eat, so here one finds quite a many food joints scattered all around the city, they maybe a hawker with foods on display in his larry or a small shop selling food to the huge waiting list of people.

Sundays are the days when mostly people go out to have fun in Jamnagar. Fun in Jamnagar means going out for a long drive or making an 8 around the city,.(going around the lake & Pratap Palace Area). and visiting this larrys and eating the hot & tasty food. On the lake thre are so many joints for this kind of junk foods. There are also Fresh Fruit sellers who juice them in front of you and if you specify, then serve them without adding the spices and ice.

The Local Favorite Junk foods are :

• Gathiya
• Bhajia
• Pakwan
• Gughra
• Dabeli bread
• Bhel puri
• Pani puri
• american makaai
• Katka Bread
• Jotta Bread (very very spicy)
• Bhaji Cone
• Dhokla
• Ras Patra
• Khandvi
• Daal Puri
• Chana Masale
• Dry Fruit Kachori

Paans of Jamnagar

Betel chewing is a part of many Asian cultures, and preparation techniques vary from region to region. The nut is either slivered or grated, often flavored with spices according to local tradition and usually wrapped in a betel leaf ( betel leaf comes from the betel pepper plant, Piper betle, which is not botanically related to the betel palm, Areca catechu), along with some lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) to better extract the alkaloids. Some people also chew tobacco with betel nut. After about 20 minutes of chewing, the fibrous residue which remains of the nut is spat on the street, where it remains visible due to its characteristic bright red color. Trails of bright red sputum lining the sidewalks are a sure indication of the popularity of betel chewing in an area.

In Jamnagar, betel (called paan ) chewing is as popular as tobacco smoking in the whole world. Paan is often served wrapped in a betel leaf,

In Jamnagar, infact in the whole of India, paan has been playing an important part in social life and customs for hundreds of years. In the courts of Medieval Rulers, the betel leaf or pan was offered as part of hospitality, friendship and love.

In the templeof Lord Venkatesh at Tirupati in the south, the butter from the forehead of Lord Venkatesha, wrapped inside a pan leaf, is given to devotees as a special blessing from the Lord.

In olden days wives offered betel leaf to their husbands to seduce them and to wean them away from the 'Other Women' after reciting the Vashikaran mantras 108 times. The thugs, in the olden times, poisoned their victims by offering a poison filled pan after a heavy wining and dining session

In the underworld, even today, the word 'supari' is used as a cue for murder.

A paan can be offered to guests at any time.

The Different types of paans are:

'Saada paan:Just a filling of cardamom, betel nut and cloves

Chutney paan: Has a filling of cardamom, betel nut & spicy mint paste.

Meetha paan: Its filled with grated coconut, dates, gulkand (rose petal & sugar syrup) & jellied fruit.

Tobacco paan: is filled with tobacco of different brands and betel nut.

Eating pan continuously and with tobacco can cause cancer but then anything is bad in excess. Moreover, the tobacco users also need to spit it out which they do everywhere. you will see the landing of many buildings covered with the stains of pan spit making the place very ugly.

Regular betel chewing also causes the teeth and gums to be stained red; however, it may also reduce cavities.

In Jamnagar the best places to have paan are :

1. Manoobhai Paanwala, behind Hotel President

2. N.D. Paanwala, in Limda Lane

3. Bajrang Paan, on the Pandit Nehru Road

You can ask any autorickshaw driver to take you there, they are famous...

                                              

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                  

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                

                                               Information from Wikipedia, image from google image  

BHAVNAGAR

1. Bhavnagar is a city in the Bhavnagar district of the Saurashtra region of the Gujarat state of India. It was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil.
3. Area: 20.58 mi²
4. Weather: 84°F (29°C), Wind S at 11 mph (18 km/h), 75% Humidity
5. Population: 511,085 (2001) UNdata
6. Local time: Tuesday 7:50 PM
7. Number of airports: 1
8. University: Bhavnagar University

The Gohil Rajput of the Suryavanshi clan faced severe competition in Marwar. Around 1260 AD, they moved down to the Gujarat coast and established three capitals; Sejakpur,Umrala and Sihor.

In 1822–1823, forces led by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad attempted to raid Sihor but were repelled by Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil. After the war Bhavsinhji realised the reason for repeated attack was the location of Sihor (old Bhavnagar). In 1823, he established a new capital near Vadva village, 20 km away from Sihor, and named it Bhavnagar. It was a carefully chosen strategic location because of its potential for maritime trade. Naturally, Bhavnagar City became the capital of Bhavnagar State Bhavnagar Boroz.

The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important regional towns. It remained a major port for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf. The current Royal Family of Bhavnagar comprises Maharaja Vijayraj Singh Gohil and Maharani Samyukta Kumari, Prince Yuvraj Jaiveerraj Singh Gohil and Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil.

Bhavsinhji ensured that Bhavnagar benefited from the revenue that was brought in from maritime trade, which was monopolised by Surat and Cambay. As the castle of Surat was under the control of the Sidis of Janjira, Bhavsinhji brokered an agreement with them, giving the Sidis 1.25% of the revenue by Bhavnagar port. Bhavsinhji entered into a similar agreement with the British when they took over Surat in 1856.Whilst Bhavsinhji was in power, Bhavnagar grew from a small chieftainship to a considerably important state. This was due to the addition of new territories as well as the income provided by maritime trade. Bhavsinhji's successors continued to encourage maritime trade through Bhavnagar port, recognising its importance to the state.

 The territory was further expanded by Bhavsinhji's grandson, Vakhatsinhji Gohil when he took possession of lands belonging to Kolis and Kathis, obtained Rajula from the Navab Saheb Ahmad Khan, and merged Ghogha Taluka into the state. In 1793, Vakhatsinhji conquered the forts of Chital and Talaja, and later conquered Mahuva, Kundla, Trapaj, Umrala and Botad.Bhavnagar remained the main port of the state, with Mahuva and Gogha also becoming important ports. Because of the maritime trade, the state prospered compared to other states. During the late 19th century, the Bhavnagar State Railway was constructed. This made Bhavnagar the first state that was able to construct its railway system without any aid from the central government, which was mentioned in the Imperial Gazetteer. Mr Peile, a political agent, described the state as follows: "With flourishing finances and much good work in progress. Of financial matters I need say little; you have no debts, and your treasury is full.Between 1870 and 1878 the state was put under joint administration, due to the fact that Prince Takhtsinhji was a minor.

 This period produced some notable reforms in the areas of administration, revenue collection, judiciary, the post and telegraph services, and economic policy. The ports were also modernised. The two people who were responsible for those reforms were Mr E. H. Percival of the Bombay Civil Service and Sri Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza, Chief Minister of Bhavnagar State Bhavngar Boroz. In 1911, HH Maharani Nundkanvarba of Bhavnagar, was awarded the Order of the Crown of India, the highest Imperial award for women of the Empire. The former princely state of Bhavnagar was also known as Gohilwad; "Land of the Gohils" (the clan of the ruling family). The current royal family of Bhavnagar resides in the Nilambagh Palace. Part of the Palace has been converted to a heritage hotel. The current Royal Family of Bhavnagar comprises Maharaja Vijayraj Singh Gohil and Maharani Samyukta Kumari, Prince Yuvraj Jaiveerraj Singh Gohil and Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil.

                                   

                                   

             

                                   

                                  

                                  

                                  

                                 

                                

                                

                           Information from Wikipedia and Image from google image

RAJKOT

1. Rajkot is the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat, India, after Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. Rajkot is the 35th-largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population more than 1.2 million as of 2015.
3. Area: 65.64 mi²
4. Weather: 84°F (29°C), Wind SW at 7 mph (11 km/h), 73% Humidity
5. Hotels: 3-star averaging $40, 5-star averaging $60. View hotels
6. Population: 967,476 (2001) UNdata
7. Local time: Sunday 7:31 PM
8. Number of airports: 1

Rajkot has been under different rulers since it was founded. Rajkot has a long history and had a significant part in the Indian independence movement. Rajkot was home for many personalities like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Rajkot is in a transition period of growing cultural, industrial and economical activities. Rajkot is the 26th largest city of India and the 22nd fastest growing urban area of the world.

Rajkot was the capital of the then Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on 1 May 1960. Thakur Saheb Pradyumansinh ji died in 1973. His son, Manoharsinh ji Pradyumansinh ji, who has carved out a political career at the provincial level, succeeded him. He served as a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for several years and as the state Minister for Health and Finance. Monoharsinh ji's son, Mandattasinh Jadeja has embarked on a business career.

On 26 January 2001 a devastating earthquake centred near Bhuj, measuring 6.9 on the richter scale, struck the city.

The people in Rajkot are predominantly vegetarians and are vehemently against any form of hunting. The women in Rajkot are very fond of jewellery. Large chains, pendants and other heavy gold jewellery are a common sight during marriages, festivals and family functions. The attire changes with the season and approaching festivals. The ladies normally wear the Gujarati flavour of the Sari and men can be seen in flowing Kurtas and in the formal wears (shirts and trousers).

Rajkot is multicultural. One can find many languages, like Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi. However, only Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and English are well understood. Rajkot is the part of Kathiyawad. Because of this people of Rajkot are also known as Kathiyawadi.

Rajkot is frequently referred to as "Rangilu Rajkot" (રંગીલુ રાજકોટ) meaning colourful Rajkot. .. Shopkeepers mostly close their business between 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

Garba, a dance form, is popular both with men and women and is performed during the Navratri festival. The dance starts before midnight and continues until dawn. Mata Ambe, who rides a Lion, has a special reverential status with any highly religious Gujarati. The 'Janmastami Mela' organises by for five days at the Race Course grounds to celebrate Janmastami. Diwali is the New Year for Hindus and people celebrate by doing Ma Laxmi Pujan. Moharam is new year of Muslim. Muslim's also celebrate ramzan Eid and bakri Eid. Rajkot Municipality arranges the Firecracker Show for the citizens of Rajkot. People clean and paint their houses and purchase new clothes to wear on New Year's Day. Dhuleti is the colour festival and Mahashivratri is God Shiva's day. People also celebrate Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) on 14 January by flying kites from their terraces. Other holidays are Ganesh Utsava, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti etc. Since Rajkot has people from many different castes and races, their various celebrations occur throughout the year.