Ahmedabad is a city in eastern Gujarat state in India. The Sabarmati River flows along it. The city was founded in 1411 during the Moghul Rule in India. Ahmedabad was growing by leaps and bounds. It attracted a number of industry set ups like the cotton mills. Soon Ahmedabad became one of the largest industrial centers of India.
The old city of Ahmedabad lies east of the Sabarmati River and is divided in pols. The visitors will find a mix of Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural designed buildings all around Ahmedabad. The new parts of the city stand in contrast to the old walled city. Formerly it was the capital of the Gujarat state in India. Now Gandhinagar is the capital.
Tourist Attractions in Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Ashram
A visit to this Gandhi Ashram as it is popularly known is a must for the tourists. Sabarmati Ashram lies on the banks of the Sabarmati River. This adds a touch of natural beauty to the whole place. Gandhiji lived with his wife Kasturba for twelve years at the Ashram.
The Dandi March started from this ashram. Gandhiji led this Salt Satyagraha in 1930 on the 12th of March. A school was started here by Gandhiji to help people to become self-sufficient. The ashram now houses a museum which has many visitors. In the Sabarmati Ashram periphery, you will see an old ashram guest house, an open-air prayer ground and a cottage known as Vinoba Kutir, where Acharya Vinoba Bhave stayed. The daughter of a British Rear-Admiral followed Gandhiji’s principles and was known as Mirabhen.
The museum features galleries with paintings and photographs, a library, an exhibition place, the ashram book store and the most important one is Gandhi’s cottage ‘Hridaya Kunj’ where you will see some personal relics of Gandhiji. Lakhs of visitors visit the Sabarmati Ashram. It is open from 8am to 7pm. The priceless items at the ashram are Gandhiji’s Charkha and his writing table. The views from the ashram are beautiful.
Kankarya Lake
A must visit place Kankarya Lake is the largest lake in Ahmedabad. It is well maintained, and a lot of tourists visit it to relax and be in peace with nature. The shimmering waters of the lake look stunning at night. People have a lot of fun here. Water rides, boating, and balloon rides are enjoyed by kids. The tourists relish eating real Gujarati snacks from the food stalls. In December, the lake authorities hold the famous Kankarya Carnival. It is a weeklong festivity. Around the Kankarya Lake, the tourists can also visit the zoo, kids city, Toy Train and the Stone Mural Park.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
This famous mosque in Ahmedabad was built in 1537. The mosque is located near the Lal Darwaza. Its architecture is worth admiring. You will find ten semi-circular windows with beautifully and intricately designed jali. The mosque has gained worldwide recognition. No visitor to Ahmedabad goes away without coming to this Indo-Saracenic stone tracery mosque.
Ellis Bridge
Ellis Bridge has a historic tag to its name. It is a century old bridge. The Ellis Bridge is built across the Sabarmati River. It is an arched bridge, and the first one to be constructed in Ahmedabad, in 1870. The British had originally constructed a wooden bridge, but later in 1882 it was replaced by a steel bridge. Ellis Bridge connects people to other parts of Ahmedabad. A visit to the bridge makes you think of the history of this city.
Nagina Wadi
Nagina Wadi is one of the top places to visit in Ahmedabad. This is a themed garden for entertainment. The garden lies in the center of the circular Kankarya Lake. The tourists have to walk a tree lined pathway as they go to the Nagina Wadi. It’s a fairyland place especially at night with its large lighted musical fountains. In the Wadi laser shows are displayed at night. Since it lies in the center of Kankarya Lake, the Nagina Wadi stands out as a Jewel in the lake.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Calico Museum of Textiles is a popular tourist attraction. It is managed by the Sarabhai Foundation. The museum is one of India’s finest specialized destinations. You will find Calico Museum of Textiles in Sahi Bagh. It has been there since 1949.
Your eyes flicker as you enter the museum viewing stunning ancient cloth paintings alongside a Mughal tent of the 17th century. It’s a must visit museum for one and all. In the world, it is considered as one of the finest textile museums. One is amazed to see the exhibits of Indian fabrics here. Calico Museum truly connects people to the wonderful Indian textile industry.
The tourists can easily spend a few days in Ahmedabad for there are many other places to visit and admire. In a city like Ahmedabad, there is no problem for accommodation. It caters to all types of tourists with Heritage hotels, resorts, world class hotels to budget hotels. Restaurants and eateries are in plenty. Local transport is easily available.
Ahmedabad caters to many International and national flights at its airport. Nationals of many countries can avail of the visa on arrival. Within India, it is well connected by air, road and rail. Best time to visit Ahmedabad is from January to March and from September to December.
