Gandhinagar

The Mini Amarnath temple has been created in the absolute likeness of its famed namesake, the hallowed Amarnath temple perched amidst the lofty mountain ranges of northern India. This much-venerated replica of the original temple is surrounded by lush greenery and is located just a few minutes away from the resort. Here, hi-tech instruments ensure that the main idol of the temple, which is the Ice Shivling, remains perennially frozen, even within the comparatively warmer climes of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It also features twelve other exact replicas of idols that are found in its northern counterpart.  

The temple is a must-visit, even if one has been to the original Amarnath shrine. Pilgrims believe that prayers offered in this temple are almost definitely answered by the almighty.

Location - 10 min driving time from resort.

Dine under the sky, while at the Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, with a twinkling canopy of stars smiling down on you. It promises to be nothing short of a magical experience. The cool, bracing atmosphere and the breeze whispering sweetly through tall, fragrant trees adds to the special thrill of this escapade.

While you sit back and relax, our ever-attentive and polite staff will be busy serving you with finesse and aplomb. You can choose from a wide array of delicious dishes, freshly conjured up by our world-class chefs. The joy of harmonising with pristine nature while tucking into a delicious meal is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. All you have to do is get in touch with us to make a reservation, and then let the bliss take over.

Bhoga Maharaj Temple is an ancient and beautiful edifice with a history that dates back to over 200 years. The temple was erected by the local populace  in honour of Bhoga Maharaj who was a compassionate protector of cows and was renowned to be staunchly devoted to these holy animals. His dedication to these gentle creatures inspired people far and wide and this Temple is a wonderful testimony to his selfless pursuit.

Today, the Temple is an important pilgrimage as well as historical site. Devotees throng to it, to offer prayers to Bhoga Maharaj, seeking the blessings of one who spent a lifetime protecting the sacred cow. The temple also serves to inspire those who are keen to peruse a life of service to both fellowmen and fellow creatures.

Location - Limbodra village, driving time 10 minutes.

For those with a scientific bent of mind, or child-like curiosity, the Gujarat Science City is sheer joy to behold. Less than an hour’s drive from the Hotel lies this modern temple of knowledge that also offers various avenues of rich entertainment.

You will be regaled at the magnificent Imax 3D theatre, whereas the Hall of Science will open your eyes to exciting new worlds in arts and mechanics. If thrills and nerve-tingling excitement is what you crave, the Thrill Rider will more than satisfy you. Whereas Asia’s largest musical fountain will have you awe-struck with its exciting range of tunes and jingles. A Life Science Park and Energy Education Park are further attractions. All the while, your knowledge of science will be updated, but in a fun, absorbing and entertaining manner.

 Gujarat Science City is a wonderful experience to learn with joy. A must visit for the entire family and especially for children and the child in you. 

Location – 45 km away, 50 min drive from the Hotel

An evocative fact about the Mahatma Mandir is that for its foundation, sand was bought in urns by representatives of all the 18l,066 villages of Gujarat. This will give you an inkling about the unifying significance of this famous convention and exhibition centre situated in Gandhinagar. Yet another interesting piece of information is that during the groundbreaking ceremony for this structure in 2010, a time capsule that contains the history of the State, was buried underground. This is a place of unity, progress and development. It reflects the very ethos of the Gujarat of today.

This expansive venue is spread over 34 acres and can accommodate over 15,000 people in its air conditioned halls. It also comprises four seminar rooms, three exhibition centres, and seven conference halls. It is connected by a suspension bridge to the Dandi Kutir nearby, so both these stunning venues can be visited in tandem.

Location – 20 kms away, 30 min drive from the property

Flamingoes swooping down gracefully in front of you. Geese flapping their wings at hand-shaking distance. Herons, whistling teals and sarus cranes keeping you company. Is this some far-fetched fantasy? Not at all. It is just a beautiful normal occurrence at Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary situated a mere 50 kilometres from Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa. 

 The serenity of this lake and sanctuary nestled in lush foliage, is only broken by the call or rustle of wings of over 100 species of rare birds who regularly visit this site on their migratory journeys. Sitting on the banks of the lake while  viewing this paradise teeming with birds in the sweetly flowing water, is surely a nature-lover’s and bird-watcher’s dream.

Though monsoons are the best time to visit Thol Lake spread generously over a verdant 1730 acres, the winters and early spring also pose wonderful opportunities for nature enthusiasts. 

So pack your sandwiches, gather your binoculars and head to Thol for a day of making some serious bird besties!

India’s answer to Jurassic Park is the Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park and it is located right here in Gandhinagar. Flanking both banks of the Sabarmati river, the park is a veritable treasure trove of history and precious wild life. It houses fossilized remains and petrified eggs of dinosaurs, that will leave you and your children wide-eyed with wonder. The eggs are of varied sizes, some even as large as cannonballs. Fossil trackways of these gigantic animals are also on display here, amidst dense green thickets and foliage. Life-size models of legendary dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Titanosaurus are also featured, along with details about their characteristics and the period in which they existed. 

Another segment of this historical treasure is a Wilderness Park where you will encounter exotic species of birds, reptiles, hundreds of nilgais, langurs, and peafowls.

 This is a huge true- to-life experience, much more tactile and real than what one would witness in cinema halls! 

Location - 25 km away, 30-minute drive from the property

Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Dandi March, in protest against the Salt Laws imposed by the British government, was seen as creating a huge momentum shift in India’s thrust for independence. The Dandi Kutir located in Gandhinagar, is in honour of this great event and is shaped like a graphic mound of salt. Besides celebrating the Dandi March, the Dandi Kutir is India’s largest museum dedicated solely to the life, events and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Using sophisticated technology comprising audio, video, 3-d visual, 360 degree shows and state-of-the-art displays, the museum enables you to come face-to-face with the Mahatma’s early life, youth, marriage, his ideals and experiments with truth that ultimately led to inspiring the entire nation to march purposefully for independence. Incidentally, this is the world ‘s only museum that uses immersive new-age technology to take you on the spell-binding journey of the Father of the Nation. 

The Dandi Kutir is a beautiful blend of architectural design and integrated modern technology to explain the sterling efforts of a man who fought the British right from the onset of the 20th century. It also houses a cafe, library, bookstore and souvenir shop where one can select keepsakes of a memorable visit.

Location - 20 km away, 26 min drive from the Resort.

Swaminarayan Akshardham temple Gandhinagar is a spellbinding piece of architecture, that has spirituality emanating from every one of its 6000 tonnes of magnificently carved pink sandstone. It displays almost all ancient art and architectural forms which can scarcely be found anywhere else. Replete with spiritual messages of culture, tradition and mythology, this is a grand and unique journey through the glory, happiness, values, harmony and progress of India.

The shrine, which ranks among the temple masterpieces of India was conceived from a wish expressed by his holiness Shri Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, that a temple should be built on the banks of the River Yamuna. This wish was given beautiful shape by his successor and son the great HDH ShriPramukh Swami Maharaj. After years of unstinted work, dedicated craftsmanship and divine blessings, the Akshardham temple of Gujarat was created as one of the largest and most fascinating tributes to Lord Swaminarayan. 

The beautiful complex hosts the Akshardham Mandir, which is a towering 108 feet tall, 131 feet wide and 240 feet long, featuring 97 intricately carved pillars, 17 distinct domes, 8 breezy balconies, 220 solid stone beams and 264 supremely-sculpted figures. The Mandir has been erected sans teel or iron, in adherence to Vedic architectural principles. 

 Spread across 23 acres of land, this majestic sanctuary of spirituality is a must-visit for any seeker of peace, spirituality or creativity. 

Location - 18 km away, 25 min drive from the hotel 

This is a sacred Jain derasar, considered to be extremely holy by the community. Taj Gandhinagar Resort and Spa is located en route to this temple, that is situated in Mahudi, Mehsana District.
Known as Madhumati in ancient times, the history of this area dates back to over 2000 years, based on relics and inscriptions in the Brahmi script, discovered here. It became a highly sought-after pilgrimage site after Acharyadev Buddhi Sagarsurisvarji was inspired in a dream to install the idol of Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev here in 1923 A.D. Since then, the idol which is considered to have miraculous powers, has has been having Jain as well as devotees from other faiths flocking here by the thousands, to receive blessings.
Even today, the idol carries the distinct bow and arrow of Ghantakarna Mahavir, who was a Kshatriya (warrior) king named Tungabhadra in his previous birth and considered to be the protector of the less fortunate.
One of the quaint fables surrounding the temple is that Ghantakarna Mahavir was very fond of sukhadi in his previous birth, and so most devotees offer this sweet during prayer. However, it is also believed that the sukhadi should be consumed or donated before leaving the premises, otherwise it could lead to bad luck.
There is also a famous bell at a height of about 30 feet, next to the shrine.  Devotees climb up to ring it while requesting for fulfillment of their wishes.
Location - 21 km away, 20 min drive from the property