Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. The city located on the banks of the river Sabarmati was the former capital of the state and is one the rapidly growing cities in the country. Ahmedabad offers a beautiful amalgamation of harmonious past and vibrant present. The city is also called as the “Manchester of the East “due to many textile industries present here.
Ahmedabad has many historical monuments which is a blend of the Hindu and Muslim art and culture. The city is famous for its association with the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who had established his ashram on the bank of the river Sabarmati. Uttarayan which is an annual kite-flying day on 14 January and Navratri are celebrated with great grandeur here. During Navaratri people perform Garba which is the folk dance of Gujarat. Ahmedabad known for its rich cultural heritage of art and architecture and home to some of the exquisite monuments is an important tourist’s destination in Gujarat.
Attractions & Tourist Places to visit in Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram situated on the west bank of the Sabarmati River was founded by Gandhiji in 1915. This ashram was the centre for the Indian Freedom movement. This ashram was known as Satyagraha Ashram during the time of independence movement. The famous Dandy March of 1930 began from this Ashram. Today the ashram has a museum known as “Gandhi Smirk Sangrahalay” which houses photographs, commentaries and other personal belongings of Gandhiji. His cottage “Hriday Kunj” preserves his charkha, glasses, mattress, personal letters, books etc.
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is about 20 km from Ahmedabad. The temple was built in 1992 and dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan. This temple famous for its architectural beauty is chiselled out of pink sandstone and was built without using any iron rod. Akshardham houses a 7 foot tall idol of Swaminarayan which is made of 1.2 tonnes of gold. The temple complex also houses three exhibition halls.
Jumma Masjid
Built in 1423 AD by Ahmed Shah, this mosque in yellow sandstone is one the finest examples of Indo-Sarcenic architecture as it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim Architecture. The mosque stands tall on 260 pillars which support the 15 domes of different elevations. Juma Masjid houses the graves of Ahmed Shah I who was the founder of the city, his son- Mohammed Shah and the grandson- Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah II.
Ahmed Shah Mosque
This is one of the oldest mosques of Ahmedabad. The mosque was constructed in 1414 A.D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah. The prayer halls or Mehrabs of the Ahmad Shah mosque have been intricately designed using black and white marbles. There is a separate chamber for women in the mosque which is more popularly known as ‘Zenana’. This mosque was initially meant only for the royal class.
Hathee Singh Jain Temple
One of the prettiest Jain shrines in India, Hathisingh Temple was built by a rich Jain merchant in 1850. The temple is built of pure white marble and is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jain tirthankar. The temple is adorned with rich carvings. The courtyard of this magnificent temple contains 52 shrines of the Jain Tirthankaras. Each of these shrines has ornate cravings.
Vaishno Devi temple
Vaishnodevi Temple is a popular religious shrine situated on Ahmedabad - Gandhinagar road. The temple is a replica of the original Vaishnodevi Mandir of Jammu and Kashmir. Well landscaped garden and numerous small restaurants are set up on the way uphill.
Bhadra Fort
Built by Ahmed Shah in the year 1411 the fort has derived its name from the Mother Goddess Bhadrakali whose temple is also present inside the fort. The fort is situated amidst beautiful natural settings. In recent years the fort serves as the venue for conducting flag hoisting ceremony during the occasion of Independence Day & Republic day.
Teen Darwaza
Teen Darwaza built in 1411 AD by the founder Ahmed Shah is the triple domed gateway that faces the majestic Bhadra Fort. It served as the entrance to the Royal Square of the Bhadra Fort. The emperor Jahangir used to sit atop and watch the royal procession that started from this magnificent monument. The structure has gorgeous arched gates and finely carved designs on walls and pillars. Five palm trees are shown that are covered with snakes.
Jhulta Minara (Shaking Minarets)
Jhulta Minara is a finest example of master craftsmanship. ‘shaking minarets’ is a part of the Siddir Bashir Mosque. The twin minarets are constructed in such a way that if you apply a little force on its upper arc, the Minar tends to sway along with the other minaret. Till date nobody has been successful to unravel the mystery of this architectural marvel.
Sidi Saiyad Mosque
Sidi Saiyad mosque known for its architectural splendour was built by Sidi Saiyad, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah in the 1573. The mosque built in Indo-Sarcenic style consists of semi-circular beautifully carved stone windows. The designs in the window depict the intricate intertwining of the branches of a tree.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Calico Museum of Textiles is widely regarded as one of the finest textiles museums in the world. It was established in 1949 and founded by Ms Gira Sarabhai. The museum is situated in the vicinity of Shahibaugh Palace. This museum displays rare and unique textiles from 17th century till date. Carpets and pillows that were used to furnish Muslim palaces in olden days are displayed here. A wide array of fabrics is available here like woven, spun, printed and painted. The museum also has excellent collection of heavy brocades, mirror work, screen prints, block prints , fine embroideries, sarees, carpets, turbans, rare tapestries, wall hangings etc. Apart from fabrics the museum also has finest collection of furniture, temple artefacts and crafts.
Kankaria Lake
This circular lake was constructed by the Sultan Qutab-ud-Din Ahmed, the Grandson of the Sultan Ahmed Shah in the year 1451. This lake was frequently visited by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Island garden at the centre and a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi are the main attraction here. The musical fountain show adds to the beauty of Kankaria Lake during night. 'Bal Vatika' or the children's park, aquarium, a boat club, a natural historical museum and a zoo surround the lake.
Rani Rupmati's Mosque
Rani Rupmati's Mosque was built between 1430 and 1440 and was named after the Hindu wife of the Sultan. Rani Rupmati was the princess of Dhar. The mosque was built with a mix of Hindu and Islamic design and architecture. The mosque which is fine example of the Indo-Sarcenic style has high central arch, three domes supported by pillars, carved galleries and an exquisite mihrab. The central dome is elevated to allow natural light into the mosque.
Sarkhej Roza
Sarkhej is Situated 8 km from the city of Ahmedabad. It is known for its Rauza which is an architectural complex of mosques, palaces, pavilions and tombs. Sarkhej Roza was the home of the spiritual guide of Sultan Ahmed Shah named Ahmed Kattu Gang Baksh. three major complexes housing the tombs of three important persons Ahmed Kattu Gang Baksh, Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen Rajabai are also main attraction here. Unique feature of this Roza is that there are no arches and the Roza is almost built completely in Hindu style.
Dada Hari Wav
Dada Harir Vav is at a place called Asarwa about 6kms from Ahmedabad. Built around 500 years ago this step well can be reached by descending the stairs that reach the bottom. The walls of step well are adorned with carvings in Sanskrit or Arabic script.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a famous bird sanctuary in Gujarat which is situated about 60 kms from Ahmedabad. The Nalsarovar lake is a seasonal lake spread over an area of 115 square km. The lake attracts a large variety of migratory birds. This place is a bird watchers paradise and some of the commonly found birds here include osprey, harriers, flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, wading birds, geese, cranes, spoonbill, swallows and fishing eagles.
Hussain Doshi’s Gufa
Hussain Doshi’s Gufa, also known as ‘Amdavad ni Gufa’ is an underground art gallery that displays the works of the famous Indian painter named M.F.Hussain. It has been designed by the famous architect B. V. Doshi.
Tomb of Ahmed Shah
The tomb of Ahmed Shah is situated just outside the east entrance of the Jama Masjid. The tomb of his son and grandson are also present here. Adorned with latticed windows and exquisite art work Tomb of Ahmed Shah is a major attraction in the city. Across the street is Rani-no Hajiro where you can see the tomb of his queens.
Modhera Sun Temple
Modhera sun temple is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat at a distance of 102 kms from Ahmedabad. The temple located on the bank of the river Pushpavati was constructed in the year 1026 AD. The temple which was built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty is dedicated to the Sun god. The Modhera sun temple comprises of three prominent chambers namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Guda Mandap is the sanctum sanctorum which is the seat of Lord Surya.
Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary
Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of 93 kms from the Ahmedabad city. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq. ft. in area and it is the only home for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. The sanctuary also supports a thriving population of wolf, blue bull, gazelle, jungle cat, Indian foxes, jackal, hare etc. The sanctuary also is home to variety of bird species like flamingos, pelicans, ducks, cranes, francolin partridge, bustard quails, pelicans, desert wheatear, vultures, laggar etc.
How to reach Ahmedabad
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport at Ahmedabad is 10kms north of the city. The airport has both domestic as well as international terminal and is connected with all major cities in India and also with many cities in abroad. Ahmedabad Railway Station is located east of the old city and has direct train services to major cities in India. Ahmedabad has good network of state as well national highways connecting it to all major places in Gujarat and other states.
Accommodation
There are numerous places to stay in Ahmedabad that covers a wide range of budgets. You can choose from 5 star hotels, deluxe hotels, budgets hotels, guesthouses or lodges according to your budget, choice and requirement