A Street in Old Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the largest city and commercial capital of Gujrat, is well-known for its unique festivals, historical monuments, rich culture and friendly people. River Sabarmati flows through Ahmedabad.
Also known as Amdavad or Karnavati (historically), Ahmedabad blends old and new, from centuries-old mosques and mausoleums to cutting-edge contemporary design.
Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad served as the capital of Gujarat between 1960 and 1970. Over a period of time, the city established itself as the home of textile industry and earned the nickname of the "Manchester of the East."
The city offers you outstanding museums, fine restaurants, serene Ashrams and more. Every nook and corner of Ahmedabad has a story to tell. You just need to be attentive and enjoy.
People of Ahmedabad, who prefer to call themselves Amdavadis, are lively and optimistic. They are proud of their culture and love food and festivals. They are simple and homely yet energetic.
A typical Gujarati meal consists of roti, dal, rice and Shaak (cooked vegetables, sometimes with curry), with accompaniments of pickles and roasted papads. Amdavadis keep munching on dhokla, khakra, and thepla all through the day.
Here are the popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad.
Sabarmati Ashram
Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, this serene Ashram was built in 1917. Mahatma Gandhi had driven all the major activities of independence as well as upliftment of the society from this Ashram. He spent 12 years of his life here.
The Ashram houses Gandhi Sangrahalaya, a museum which has five units and a library, two photo-galleries and an auditorium. It is also home to over 200 families.
Tens of thousands of people visit this Ashram every year. They come to see the simple way in which Gandhi lived.
The Mahatma seems to compel so much respect that even noisy tourists tend to unconsciously maintain a semblance of discipline in the Ashram premises.
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram
Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi lived in Sabarmati Ashram for 12 years?
Sabarmati Ashram Timings
Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
8.30 am | 6.30 pm |
Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake is located in Maninagar. This artificial lake has been a popular landmark since 1451. Today it is a major entertainment hub. There is an artificial island in the center of the lake.
Water and light show, zoo, ultra-modern high-speed rides, natural history museum, tree walk, tethered balloon safari, Bal Vatika, open air theater and toy train are popular tourist attractions in and around the lake.
The place is open between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. Kankaria Carnival, which celebrates cultural and historical heritage of this wonderful city, is held in December.
Kankaria Lake History
Kankaria Lake Contact Number
+91-79-32453344 |
Auto World Vintage Car Museum
This popular open-air museum showcases high-end vintage automobiles, carriages, motorcycles and other vehicles. It is located in Kathwada.
The museum showcases more than 100 fine cars, including Rolls-Rocyces, Bentleys, Daimlers, Langondas, Mercedeces, Maybach, Packards, Cadillacs, Buicks, Auburns, Cord, Lancias, Lincolns, Chryslers and many other distinguished brands from all over the world.
The museum is open between 8.00 am and 9.00 pm. In the souvenir shop, you can buy something for your loved ones back home. You can even drive a vintage car.
A Bentley at the Auto World Vintage Car Museum
Auto World Vintage Car Museum Ticket Price
The entry fees of auto world vintage car museum is Rs.50 per person for adults.
ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple
Also known as Sri Sri Radha Govind Dham, this temple is located near the Gujarat Samachar Press, in the Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway. It is well-known for beautiful architecture, delicious food, and calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The temple building is a blend of Gujarat Sompura and Rajasthani Khamira architectural styles. Covering an area of around four acres, it is decorated with marbles floors, ornate pillars and decorated ceilings. The 12,000-sq-ft hall can accommodate 4,000 people. The temple is open between 4.30 am and 9.00 pm.
Manek Chowk
Located in Old Ahmedabad, in Khadia, this popular city square is surrounded by many buildings with historical significance, including Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.
Manek Chowk is a vegetable market in the morning and a jewellery market (the second biggest in India) in the afternoon. Many street food vendors sell delicious foods after 9.30 pm. This street food market is famous for bhajipau, dosa and Amdavadi sandwiches.
Manek Chowk Timing
Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
11.00 am | 11.00 pm |
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham means abode of God. Built in 1992, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a large Hindu temple complex inspired by Pramukh Swami, the former spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
This temple covers an area of around 23 acres. Around 6,000 tons of pink sandstone were used to build this temple, which is dedicated to devotion, education and unification.
The temple is around 21 kilometers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and 32 kilometers from Ahmedabad Junction. It is open between 9.30 am and 7.30 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Calico Museum of Textiles, which is under the
aegis of the Sarabhai Foundation, is India's
premier textile museum.
It was founded in 1949 by Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai at the times when Gujarat was known for its textiles.
Safety
Ahmedabad is a very safe place to live. You can measure the safety from the fact that during festival of Navratri many girls and women roam around the city at around 3-4 am and still face no problem or threat. Even crime rate here is very low compared to other metro and mega cities.
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