Ahmedabad Information :
Location : Situated in the state of Gujarat, lying to the western part of India.
Tourist Attractions : Juma Masjid, Jhulta Minara, Hathising Jain Temple, Bhadra Fort, Sidi Sayed Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake
Best Buys : Textiles.
Best Hangouts : Sabarmati Ashram
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Gandhinagar, Porbandar.
When to Visit : October to March
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh largest city in India. It has a population of almost 5.1 million. The city is located on the banks of River Sabarmati and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970.
There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Gandhi ashram is situated on the banks of Sabarmati River and was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. It has become a place of pilgrimage since its inception. Kankaria Lake is south east of the city. This is an artificial lake complete with an island summer palace. The lake was constructed in 1451 and has 34 sides, each 60m long. It is now a local picnic spot. Bhadra fort is another attraction. The foundation of this fort was laid in 1411. The Juma Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. This mosque was built by the city's founder in 1423. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city. Rani Rupmati Masjid is a monument that is built between 1430 and 1440.
The shaking minarets of Sidi Bashir's Mosque are unique in its own way, when one minaret is shaken, other minarets vibrate too. Famous tourist spots in and around Ahmedabad include Dada Hari, Akshardham temple, Law garden, science city, bhadra fort and ISKCON temple. There are a number of museums like Calico Museum, Lalbhai Dalapatbhai institute of Indology and Utensils museum which are worth spending time. Sarkhej Roja, Adalaj Vav and Shanku Water Park are tourist attractions nearby. The entire tourists spots in and around are accessible by rail and road. Ahmedabad is well connected to most of the Indian cities and important cities in the world by flights. The accessibility, spectacular tourist locations and friendly people will make you trip to Ahmedabad an ever memorable one.
Tourist Attractions in Ahmedabad :
Adalaj :
Situated 19 km north of Ahmedabad, Adalaj is one of the finest of the Gujarat step wells or baolis. Built by Queen Rudabai in 1499, it provided a cool and secluded retreat during the hot summer months.
Lothal :
Lies about 80 km south of Ahmedabad towards Bhavnagar, and is of great interest to archaeologists as the city which stood here, 4500 years ago was closely related to the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Nalsarovar :
From November to February this 116 square km lake is a home for vast flocks of indigenous and migratory birds-ducks, geese, pelicans, and flamingoes.
Patan :
Situated about 120 km north-west of Ahmedabad, this was an ancient Hindu capital before being sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former glory, it still has over 100 Jain temples and is a centre for the manufacture of beautifully designed Patola silk saris.
Pavagadh :
Is about 190 kms from Ahmedabad situated in Halol on Panchmahal district. The hills of Pavagadh rise in three stages from Champaner. The plateau at an altitude of 1471 feet is known as Machi Haveli. The two points on the hill are named after Goddess Bhadrakali and Mahakali.
Sidi Sayed Mosque :
This elegant mosque is noted for its twin windows of pierced stone, worked in a style of a tree with palm leaves and curving tendrils. A superb and peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into. filigree.
Akshardham :
Is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swaminarayan. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument built of 6000 tons of pink sand stones. The entire monument was built without the use of steel and consists of a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics.
Cambay :
The old sea port of Ahmedabad is situated to the south-west, at the northern end of the Gulf of Cambay.
Gandhi `Ashram :
Known as Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi Ashram is situated on a quiet stretch of the Sabarmati river. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma began his famous `Dandi March` to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the . British. `Hridaya Kunj`, a cottage where he lived, is preserved as a National Monument.
Gandhinagar :
Is Gujarat's new capital city which rises on the west bank of the Sabarmati river, about 32 kms north east of Ahmedabad. Occupying an area of 57 sq. kms Gandhinagar presents a spacious, well designed look of an architecturally integrated city. Extensive planting of trees and large recreational areas along the river give the city a fresh, green garden city atmosphere. The famous temple of Swaminarayan is also built in Gandhinagar.
Hatheesing Jain Temple :
Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, this temple is one of the best Jain Temples in Ahmedabad. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hatheesing Temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jina or Jain apostle.
Hussain-Doshi`s Gufa :
It is a gallery located in the campus of the Center for Environment Planning and Technology, housing the collaborative efforts of artist M.F.Hussain and architect B.V.Doshi where art and architecture fuse together and complement each other magnificently.
Jama Masjid :
Is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the old city.
Kankaria Lake :
It is a circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the center of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.
Getting There
Air : Ahmedabad airport, located 10 km north of the city, receives both national and international flights.
Rail : Ahmedabad is well connected by trains with Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodra and Udaipur.
Road : Ahmedabad has a good road network. By road it is linked with towns like Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar.
