Ahmedabad Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Sightseeing Higlights:

From temples to mosques, museums to lakeside pleasures, step wells to historic ashrams, Ahmedabad is a gateway to Gujarat's many attractions.

Sabarmati Ashram

One of the city's biggest tourist attractions, this was once the riverside home of Mahatma Gandhi, converted into an ashram in 1918. Known as Satyagraha Ashram in his lifetime, it was a focal point of the Mahatma's non-violence movement. It was from here that in 1930 he started his well-known Dandi March. Apart from documenting these important events in the Mahatma's life the ashram also makes handmade paper and spinning wheels and runs a handicraft centre originally begun by the Mahatma. It also has a library which includes some of Gandhiji's correspondence.

The Temples:

Swami Narayan Mandir

Dating to 1850 it is a fusion of Jain and Maratha architectural lines. At the entrance keep a look out for the rich detail in carving on its exteriors.

Hathisingh Jain Temple

Located on Shahibaug Road, this elaborate temple with its white facade is dedicated to Dharamanath, the 15 Jina of the Jain faith. Focus your attention on the rich carvings on its ceiling. It was commissioned by one of the city's leading merchant princes, belonging to the Jain faith, Sheth Hatheesingh Kesrisingh, in 1848.

The Mosques:

Juma Masjid

The grand golden sandstone mosque's 15 domes are supported by 260 pillars. Built by Ahmad Shah II in 1424, it is located in the old quarter, which is home to about 50 odd mosques dating between the 15^th-16^th centuries.

Rani Sipri's Mosque

Filled with Islamic and Hindu motifs, the sandstone mosque is renowned for its splendid architecture and delectable carvings.

Siddi Bashir Mosque

This 1461 mosque is renowned for its swaying minarets. Built by a master craftsman the mystery of this strange phenomenon has still not been unfolded.

Siddi Saiyyad Mosque

Its fabulous lattice carved windows are a marvel of human skills.

The Museums:

Calico Textile Museum

It has the distinction of being one of the world's finest textile museums. Located in a beautifully carved traditional Gujarati haveli it has exhibits of textiles, some dating to the 17^th century. Located in Shahi Bagh it was set up by the Sarabhai family in 1949 in their old house. The extended collection of books on textiles is a treasure trove. You'll also find displays of furniture, temple artifacts and crafts sourced from around India.  The museum has two galleries, one focusing on religious textiles, and another on secular textiles.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum of Indology

Located in the Gujarat University campus the L.D Museum has on display miniature paintings, bronze and stone sculpture work, textiles and coins.  Also located on the campus is the N.C Mehta Miniature Gallery with its pre-Mughal and pre-Rajasthani era paintings.

Do find time to visit the Kite Museum, located across the road from the National Institute of Design. Housed here is a fascinating collection of kites from around the world.

The Entertainment:

Manek Chowk

Near the Ellis Bridge, this open-air space is a regular hangout for local residents. Join the crowds who come here to enjoy the sunsets and sample the offerings of the street food vendors.

Kankaria Lake

Just 3km from the city outskirts is a serene lake built in 1446 by Sultan Qutubuddin Ahmed Shah. On a small island in the lake, amidst extensive gardens is the musical fountain - a big attraction with visitors today.

Darpana Academy of Performing Arts

One of the oldest performing arts academies in the city, it is very active in winter. International artists of high acclaim perform at the Natarani amphitheatre overlooking the Sabarmati River.

Heritage Walk

It’'s been a popular attraction since it was started by the Municipal Corporation of Ahmedabad and the Cruta Foundation.  The daily walk takes you through the old quarter of the city beginning from the Kaulpur Swaminarayan Mandir and terminating at Manek Chowk near Ellis Bridge.

Kite Festival

Held on the 14^th of January on Makar Sankranti this is one of the city's most colourful festivals. The skies come alive with thousands of ingenuously designed kites. Tukkal lamps attached to the kites rival the magic of the star-filled skies at night.

Garba Dance

Gujarat's traditional Dandiya and Garba dances are at their colourful best during the annual Navratri. This is a very festive time to be at this place.

Other activities:

Shopping

Ahmedabad is the place to splurge on some of Indias oldest textile traditions. Pick up tie and dye fabric, Kutch embroidered ghagras and dupattas from boutiques or street stalls in the popular markets depending on your budget. Check out the Manek Chowk area and the streets near Law Garden. Paldi is the place for Kutch embroidery, while bandhinis can be sourced from the craftsmen at Rangeela Pol. You'll be overwhelmed by the choice of mirror work crafts near Law Garden.

Cuisine

Vegetarians have it really good here as the city has many pure vegetarian restaurants. Savour the delights of a traditional vegetarian Guajarati thali. Popular too are its variety of pickles and pappads. Prohibition rules, so remember that it's not easy to tipple here.

Excursions:

Adalaj Step-Well (18km)

Just 18 km north of the city is the village of Adalaj renowned for its beautiful step well or vav. The Adalaj takes its name from Ruda, the wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh, who commissioned the well some time around the 15th or 16th century. The well has three entry points which open on to a common stepped corridor. The facades of the walls are beautifully embellished with scores of sculpted images and ornamentation

Asarva (6 km)

This is another stunning step well near the city attracting visitors who enjoy the rich architectural splendour of Gujarat's famous vavs. The seven tiered, 16th century Dada Hari Vav is ornamented with beautiful detailing along the facades.

Gujarat Tourism

H.K House

Ashram Road

Ahmedabad

Ph: 079-26589172

Website: gujarattourism.com

Ahmedabad is  old textile city is inextricably linked to India's independence movement. It is from here that Mahatma Gandhi launched his famous Dandi March, as a protest against the Salt Tax, putting India on the path of non-violence. A throbbing commercial and cultural hub, Ahmedabad was home to some of India's top business and cultural families renowned the world over. The city finds its beginnings as the capital of Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411. In the British era it became an important military base, and expanded and modernized to cater to the need of the new rulers who absorbed it into the Bombay Presidency

The city which rose to become one of India's most important textile hubs attracted the epithet Manchester of the East. It comes as no surprise that Gandhiji used the charkha  as one of the most important symbols of  India's bid for independence from British rule in the 20^th century. With Gujarat achieving statehood in 1960 it was natural that Ahmedabad became its administrative and economic capital.

Set upon the Sabarmati riverside the city is filled with a delightful range of tourist attractions. Split into the old quarter and the new urban spaces Ahmedabad offers visitors a variety of holiday experiences that are at once entertaining and culturally enriching. Wander the bustling bazaars, explore old mosques, museums and ancient step wells. Check out the landmarks of India's history before taking on a cultural performance at one of the performing arts centres.