Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat. The city has split personality, one is the old world that is visible through some ancient monuments that are also the most popular tourist attractions. The other half is the modern world where you'll see Malls, World Class transport system that signifies the development story of Gujarat.
Ahmedabad is rich with Muslim history and monuments. The city got its name after Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered the town in 1411. At that time it was called Karnavati which he changed to Ahmedabad. The city got some of its important landmarks during the Muslim era.
Ahmedabad is not one of the popular tourist destinations in India, although the city has lots of potential. The Gujarati people are wonderful host and they greet all tourists very nicely. Traditionally Ahmedabad is a pit stop for tourists either visiting Mumbai or Rajasthan. It also serves as the gateway to rest of the Gujarat since Ahmedabad is the only city in Gujarat with international airport.
It doesn't matter what is the reason for your Ahmedabad travel. Whats matter is that there plenty for tourists to do in the city. Today Ahmedabad is part of famous Gandhi tourism circuit of Gujarat. This wonderful city once played very major role in India's independence. Our father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi used to live here. The Sabarmati ashram is the biggest tourist attraction in the city.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel Ahmedabad is winter. The temperature will remain around 13 to 4 degree during this period. The summer can be extremely hot, up to 45 degree Celsius. To have the most fun, travel Ahmedabad during the monsoon. You will definitely enjoy the rich Gujarati cuisine in the monsoon as well the Janmastami celebrations in the city.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Gandhi Aashram - The Sabarmati Ashram was established by the Mahatma Gandhi in 1915. For several years Mahatma Gandhi stayed in the ashram and started several movements to oust Britishers from India. The famous Dandi March to protest Salt Tax started from this very place. There's plenty to see at the ashram like the room where Gandhiji used to stay. There's a library that has thousands of books on Mahatma Gandhi.
Kankaria Lake - The lake is nice spot for romantic couples as well the families. The lake is surrounded by several parks and offers recreation activities like boating. The Musical Fountain Show is very beautiful and popular among the locals. There's a aquarium, zoo and museum around the lake.
Calico Textile Museum - The museum presents the history of booming textile industry in Gujarat. Housed in a wooden haveli, Calico Textile Museum is the best textile museum in India. The museum exhibits some very rare textiles. Onsite is a library that has several interesting books on textiles.
Juma Masjid - The Juma Masjid is great example of Muslim architecture in the region. The mosque is built of yellow sandstones. Over 260 well crafted pillars carry the load of entire mosque.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary - The sanctuary is located around 65km from Ahemdabad. its a nice place for day trips with several varieties of birds and plants. This sanctuary is one of the best place in Gujarat for Birdwatching with rare species of birds like stints, grebes, plovers, cormorants etc.
Hathisingh Jain Temple - The temple is a fine structure built of white marble along with beautiful carvings as you see in all Jain temples.
Sidi Sayed Mosque - This skillfully carved mosque has become a architectural brilliance and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. The mosque is famous for the Jali screens on the windows. These jaalis have become symbol of Ahmedabad.
Bhadra Fort - A trip to Ahmedabad can not complete without visiting Bhadra Fort. This wonderful fort with beautiful lush green garden is a prime attraction in Ahmedabad. The fort is famous for the Bhadrakali Temple. The flag hoisting in the city on the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day takes place at the Bhadra Fort.
Jhulta Minar - The minar is fine example of brilliance engineering in India. The Jhulta Minar is part of the Siddi Bashir Mosque. Such is the design og these minars that if you put some force on its upper arch, the minar tends to sway. Despite several attempts this minar still remains a mystery.
Hussain Doshi Gufa - The Hussain Doshi Gufa is one of its kind underground art gallery. This gallery showcases works of great Indian artist M.F. Hussain. The design of the gallery itself is very popular among tourists.
Sardar Patel National Memorial - This is the memorial dedicated to whom Indians refers as Iron Man. The museum gives a insight into the life of Sardar Patel through several paintings and other interesting facts about his life. The museum also have a garden called Sardar Open Garden, here one can view peacocks and monkeys.
Akshardham Temple - The temple is actually located in Gandhinagar some 30km from Ahmedabad. Akshardham Temple is one of the most important temples in Gujarat. Built in 1992, the temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
FESTIVALS
Gujarati people have the reputation of celebrating some of the important Hindu festivals in grand style. Visiting Ahmedabad during the festivals is a great way to understand local culture. Foreign tourists would definitely love visiting Ahmedabad during this period.
Makar Sankrant - Also known as the Uttarayan, takes place on 14 January. The festival marks the end of winter thus is very important festival in India. Makar Sankrant in Ahmedabad is famous for the Kite Festival. The people of Ahmedabad fly kites of unique designs and colors during this day. The celebration continues even at night. After sunset, people attach lamps to their kites that glows the entire sky.
Navratri - The Navratri is celebrated for 9 days 2 times in a year. Each day of Navratri represents a different Hindu goddess. The first Navratri takes place around April that marks the birth of Lord Rama (Ram Navmi). Second takes place during September - October and marks the Killing of Evil Emperor Ravana by the hands of Lord Rama. This Navratri of Ahmedabad is world famous for hosting several garba dance celebration.
Janmastami - Janmastami is the celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday. There is no fix date for this festival. Usually it takes place somewhere between Mid August to Early September.
AHMEDABAD HOTELS
Ahmedabad has plenty of hotels to accommodate travelers. Some popular hotels are Courtyard Hotel Ahmedabad, Royal Orchid Central Hotel Ahmedabad, Pride Hotel Ahmedabad and many more. Book hotels in Ahmedabad using our price comparison tool and get best deals possible.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Ahmedabad has a international airport located some 15km from the city centre. There are direct flights to Ahmedabad from Dubai, New York, Singapore and several other destinations. The airport is also connected well with some major domestic cities like Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Mumbai etc.
By Train - All major cities in Gujarat are connected well with Ahmedabad. There are direct trains to Ahmedabad from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur several times a day.
By Car - From Mumbai you can reach Ahmedabad through National Highway 8 within 8 hours. However you can find huge traffic on this highway therefore it is recommended to reach Ahmedabad by either train or plane from Mumbai.
On the other hand, traveling Ahmedabad from Delhi could be a fun ride. You can add places like Ajmer, Jaipur and Udaipur to your journey by Car.
