Gujarat, a state in western India bordering Pakistan, is one of the most modernized regions of the country. At the same time, it is home to numerous ancient heritage sites that reflect its glorious past. Here are 15 interesting facts about Gujarat. Let’s read.
15 interesting facts about Gujarat
1. Overview
Gujarat is the fifth-largest state in India by area and the ninth-largest by population. It is bordered by three states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Gujarat has an international border with Pakistan and a long coastline with the Arabian Sea.
2. Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states
Gujarat has the longest coastline in India among all states (not considering Union territories), now officially measured at approximately 2,341 km, based on an updated 2025 survey using advanced mapping methods.
3. The largest district of India is in Gujarat
The largest district in India, Kutch, lies in Gujarat and spans an area of 45,674 square kilometers. It is renowned for the Rann of Kutch, one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
4. The tallest statue in the world is in Gujarat
The world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, is located in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Standing at 182 meters (597 ft), it is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the “Iron Man of India.”
5. The largest cricket stadium in the world is in Gujarat
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 1,32,000.
6. Forest cover and National Parks in Gujarat
The total forest cover in Gujarat is 15,017 square kilometers which is 7.65% of the total geographical area of the state. There are 4 National parks in Gujarat.
- Vansda National Park
- Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park
- Gir National Park
- Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park
The Gir National Park is famous for its Asiatic lions. Gujarat is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lions are found in the wild.
The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat was established in 1982. It was the first “Marine” National Park of India.
7. Ahmedabad is the state’s largest city
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. With a population of nearly 9 million (2024 estimate), it is one of the most populous cities in India.
8. Capital of Gujarat
The capital of Gujarat is Gandhinagar, which is a planned city. The city is known for its greenery. It has a green cover of over 50 percent.
9. Tourism in Gujarat
Gujarat is one of the most visited states in India. Millions of domestic and international tourists visit Gujarat every year. Some famous tourist destinations in the state are Gir National Park, Somnath temple, Dwarka, and Rann of Kutch. There are four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gujarat.
- Historic City of Ahmadabad
- The Harappan city of Dholavira
- Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
10. Gujarat has some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world
Some of the world’s oldest and most significant archaeological sites are located in Gujarat. Notably, Dholavira, one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, is located in the Kutch district.
11. Dwarka, one of the Char Dhams
Dwarka, a major pilgrimage city in Hinduism, is located in Gujarat. It is one of the four sacred Char Dham sites, along with Badrinath, Puri, and Rameswaram.
12. The famous Somnath temple is in Gujarat
The famous Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
13. Surat – The Diamond City of India
The city of Surat, known as the “Diamond City of India”, is where the majority of the country’s diamonds are cut and polished. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in India.
14. Jainism in Gujarat
Gujarat has one of the largest Jain populations in India. The state is home to many famous Jain temples, including the Palitana Temples and the Girnar Temples.
15. The highest mountain in Gujarat
The Girnar Hill is the highest point/peak in the state of Gujarat. It has an elevation of about 1,100 meters.
(Also read: Madhya Pradesh facts – The heart of India)
Gujarat state basic facts
| Capital city | Gandhinagar |
| Largest city | Ahmedabad |
| Area rank | 5th |
| Population rank | 9th (2011 census) |
| Most spoken language | Gujarati |
| Literacy rate | 78.03 % (2011 census) |
| State animal | Asiatic lion |
| State tree | Banyan tree |
| State bird | Greater flamingo |
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