Ahmedabad is the commercial center of Gujarat is Ahmedabad. The city also brags about being a textile hub, a tourist attraction, and a center for educational tourism. Magnificent mosques, serene temples, and charming lakes are some of the places to see in Ahmedabad. The historical charm and contemporary lifestyle coexist in this city.
Ahmedabad offers something for everyone as a synthesis of art, culture, and innovation. The Old City preserves the past with carved monuments, opulent gateways, old forts, pols, and havelis.
Ahmedabad, where there are cement jungles but also some historical-unique places that one would like to visit once. Even though Ahmedabadi people are fond of food, they are equally fond of traveling, that’s why they have preserved all the places to see and enjoy in their city with the same heart. So let’s go to Ahmedabad.
Historical Significance of Ahmedabad in Gujarat Tourism
Ahmedabad holds immense historical significance as it played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and witnessed significant socio-political movements. Established in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the city served as the capital of Gujarat Sultanate and later became an important center of trade and commerce. Ahmedabad became a hub for textile production during the British colonial period, leading to the emergence of the famous textile industry that propelled India’s economic growth.
Furthermore, Ahmedabad was the epicenter of Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent movement for independence. The Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, served as the residence and headquarters of Gandhi. It became a significant site for organizing satyagraha campaigns and promoting the philosophy of nonviolence.
The Dandi Salt March, a historic event led by Gandhi, originated in Ahmedabad and marked a major milestone in the Indian freedom struggle. Today, Ahmedabad stands as a testament to its rich historical heritage, showcasing architectural marvels, vibrant cultural traditions, and the enduring legacy of the freedom movement.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
Let’s have a look at the Ahmedabad places to visit with friends and family to enjoy. You can see such places from Sabarmati Ashram to Jama Masjid in your 1-day trip. Let’s know more about it
1. Sabarmati Ashram
So let’s visit Gandhi Ashram
Gandhi Ashram, located in the proximity of nature, is where our father lives in peace and harmony. This ashram was established on 10 May 1963 and was originally named Gandhi Memorial Museum. The history of the Ashram is very long, which can be known and understood only by going to the Ashram. This Gandhi Ashram is one of the residences of Bapu.
Let’s talk about the places included in the ashram:
Nandini: Ashram’s guest house, where accommodation is provided for people coming from abroad.
Vinoba Cottage: A cottage where first Vinoba Bhave and then Meeraben lived.
Upasana Mandir: A temple with an open sky and pleasant air where 6-night prayers are offered and Prathana[Achi Bapu listens and solves the questions.
Magan Niwas: The residence of Ashram manager Maganlal Gandhi
Apart from this, there is also a museum with a collection of many books, Gandhi Bapu’s charkha, a writing table, and a collection of such items, which are still intact in this ashram.
Address: On the banks of Sabarmati River, Wadge and R.T.O. Near Circle, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad
Nearest Bus Stand: Ranip, R.T.O. Circle
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stands: Sabarmati Ashram, Wadj, Ranip, R.T.O. Circle
2. Kankaria Lake
Let’s go for a dip in the gravel lake
Kankaria Lake is Gujarat’s second-largest lake. It was created in 1451 by Qutbuddin Ahmed Shah II(2).
Here is information about Kankaria Lake attractions,
- Zoo: Original name Kamala Nehru Zoological Garden. It has about 450 mammals, about 2000 birds, and 140 reptiles. Many wild animals like tigers, lions, anacondas, snakes, and elephants are also seen.
- Balwatika: A park for children named Jawaharlal Nehru Park. This Balwatika includes a boathouse, playroom, mirror house, and planetarium.
Amusement Park: Roller coaster, merry-go-round, and some rides have been placed in the park. - Kids City: A city for children in which a total of 18 types of different activities have been included. Many activities like a science lab, court, fire station, radio station, hospital and bank have been placed for children where children can gain knowledge along with entertainment.
- Toy Train: The main attraction of Kakariya Lake is the Atal Express. A trip to this Atal Express with a capacity of 150 people is a must.
- Balloon Safari: A unique opportunity to travel in the sky is this balloon safari
Nagina Wadi: This wadi is in the middle of Kankaria Lake where the musical fountain has been its main attraction. - Stone Mural Park: This park contains many things like Ahmedabad, freedom struggle, literature, culture, and art.
Address: Maninagar, Ahmedabad
Nearest Bus Stand: Maninagar
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stand: Kankaria Lake, Maninagar
3. Science City
Let’s learn about science in Science City
The government established Science City in 2001 to make the common man easily aware of science species. Science City has the following departments.
- IMAX 3D Theatre
- Energy Park
- Hall of Science
- Planet Earth
- Amphitheatre
- Life Science Park
- Dancing Fountain
Address: Hebatpur, Science City Road, Ahmedabad – Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad
Nearest AMTS/BRTS stand: Science CT
Local Conveyance: By Auto or OLA/UBER
4. Sarkhej Roza
So let’s go and enjoy Sarkhej Roja
Sarkhej Roja, which Muhammad Shah II built in memory of Sikh Ahmad Khattu Ganj Bakhsh, was completed by his son Ahmadshah II. Sarkhej Roja is famous for its pillar and dome construction. The touch of Islamic architecture is seen in its masonry, which is seen as a symbol of Islamic culture.
Apart from this, some Raees (2016) scenes were also filmed in Sarkhej. So now I have to go there and relive the Raees moment once.
Address: Sarkhej-Makarba Road, Ahmedabad
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stand: Sarkhej, Makarba
Local Conveyance: By Auto or OLA/UBER
5. Sidi Saiyad Mosque / Sidi Saiyad Mosque
So, let’s go look at lattice carving
The Jali/Mosque of Sidi Syed was established in 1572-73 by Sidi Syed. The Jali is mainly known for its carvings. Sidi Syed’s Jali is a glimpse of how a sculptor can create unique carvings. This carving work must be seen once.
Address: Lal Darwaza, Ahmedabad
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stand: Lal Darwaza, Geeta Mandir, Raikhad
Local Conveyance: By Auto or OLA/UBER
6. Jama Masjid / Jama Masjid / Jumah Mosque
So let’s go on a trip to Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, also known as Jumma Masjid, was built by Ahmad Shah in 1414. It is also known as Bhadra Fort / Ahmed Shah’s Mosque. There are three entrances to this mosque. This mosque is highly praised for its carvings, minaret, the design of its namaz hall, the arrangement of pillars, and the water fountain.
Address: Manek Chowk, Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stand: Lal Darwaza, Geeta Mandir, Raikhad
Local Conveyance: By Auto or OLA/UBER
7. Auto-World Vintage Car Museum
So let’s go to see the unique MUSEUM
We have seen many museums related to historical constructions, objects, religion, and norms, but this AUTO-WORLD VINTAGE CAR MUSEUM in Ahmedabad is a unique museum that is a museum for VINTAGE CAR.
The ticket price to visit the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is only 50 Rs which allows you to see many cars that are usually rare. Apart from this, FOODCOURT is also arranged here. So, if you are even slightly fond of cars, then definitely visit this unique museum.
Address: Dastan Farm Sardar Patel Ring Road, Kathwara, Ahmedabad
Nearest AMTS/BARTS Stand: Kathwara
Local Conveyance: By Auto or OLA/UBER
8. Sabarmati Riverfront
Let’s dig more into the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Riverfront is the place which is on the bench of Sabarmati River. This place is the most visited place for people who love to spend some quality time with family or couples.
9. Atal Bridge:
Atal Bridge is one of the iconic places to visit on the Sabarmati riverfront. The atal bridge is constructed between the area of Sardar Bridge and Ellis Bridge for the visitor. Construction of the Atal Bridge was completed by June 2022. And it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of 27 August 2022. The length of the Atal Bridge is 300 meters (980 ft) long and 10 meters (33 ft) to 14 meters (46 ft) wide. Visitors can stay at the bridge for up to 30 minutes at a single buying ticket.
Atal Bridge Ticket Price:
Visitors can buy tickets offline at the place itself. Currently, the ticket price of Atal Bridge Ahmedabad is 30 Rs per person. The general opening time of this bridge is 9 AM to 9 PM, but it may change depending on the time (Mostly, it increases up to 11 PM on vacation or any festival time).
10. Riverfront Park & Garden:
Riverfront Park is divided into two major parts. One is Usmanpura Riverfront Park & the other is Shahibaug Riverfront Park.
Usmanpura Riverfront Park has many garden parks to visit. This project aims to transform this Park into an Urban Retreat and strengthen the green space network in the western part of Ahmedabad. The time to visit Usmanpura Riverfront Park is From 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Another one is Shahibaug Riverfront Park, which is located on the opposite bank of the Sabarmati Ashram and it has the longest green stretch of around 1.5 km. It has multiple attractions like a walking area, Sun Dial, Amphitheater, Thought Garden, Children’s Play area, Street area, Food area, and Shopping plaza. The time to visit Shahibaug Riverfront Park is From 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Flower Park & Biodiversity Park:
Flower Park & Biodiversity Park are the other two places you can visit on the Sabarmati Riverfront. Flower Park has more than 72 collections & variety of flowers to enthuse the feeling of joy and happiness in oneself. It is located near Ellisbridge.
Biodiversity Park is located at the edge of Vasna Barrage and near to Ambedkar Bridge. It will give the citizens a space to find ‘solitude’, away from the humdrum of city life.
Children Park:
Riverfront Children Park is built to provide holistic well-being through children’s physical, mental, and social development. It has an area of 0.55 hectares where children can play with Swings, Playground climbers, and Seesaw.
Cycling:
At Riverfront, you can also go cycling by getting the cycles on rent at the place. Most people do visit this place during the morning time.
11. Adalaj Vav/Stepwell:
Adalaj Stepwell is about 20 km north of Ahmedabad. The great monument’s architecture was done by Sultan Mahmood Begda’s time.
The story of Adalaj is not only amazing from the point of view of beauty, but the story of love, war, sacrifice and revenge is also hidden behind its creation. So let’s take a journey through words tired of words today.
Years ago, kings and emperors also had to travel miles and miles to get water, just like ordinary people. Then in the year 1499, Hindu king Rana Veer Singh started building a dam in Adalaj village to provide water relief to the residents of Adalaj and its surroundings.
But even before the construction of the Vav was completed, the neighboring Muslim king Mehmud Begda started a war in which Raja Veer Singh was martyred. Mehmud Begda fell in love with the beautiful Rani Rudabai, the widow of Veer Singh and proposed marriage to the queen.
Queen agreed to accept Mehmud Begda’s proposal but put a condition that first she would have to complete the unfinished architecture of her dead husband. Mehmud Begda accepted the condition, and the incomplete construction of Adalajni Vav started.
That’s why Solanki-style sculpture and carving of Hindu and Jain idols are seen in Stepwell, the influence of Islamic style is also seen in them.
As soon as the construction of the Stepwell was completed, Mehmud Begda reminded the queen of his promise, but not intending to marry the Muslim king Mehmud Begda, Queen Rudabai prayed to the Vav and sacrificed her life by jumping into the Stepwell. Fortunately, Mehmud Begda did not harm the architecture but it is said that Begda killed the six labor who built the Stepwell so that no one else could replicate this Vav, the graves of these six Kadiyas are located near the Vav.
Best Time to Visit Ahmedabad
The best time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter season, which spans from November to February.
The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration and sightseeing. The month of January is particularly popular among tourists as it offers comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
To make the most of your visit to Ahmedabad, the best time to roam around the city would be early morning or late evening.
During these hours, the temperatures are cooler, and the streets are less crowded, allowing you to explore the city’s attractions easily. Additionally, the city’s vibrant street food scene comes to life during these times, allowing you to savor delicious local delicacies.
How to Reach Ahmedabad?
By Air:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is well-connected to domestic and international destinations. Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Ahmedabad. To find affordable flight options and make your journey even more convenient, consider using flight comparison sites like Wingie for cheap Ahmedabad flight tickets. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or public transportation to reach your desired location within the city.
By Train:
Ahmedabad is well-connected to major cities across India through an extensive railway network. Ahmedabad Junction is the main railway station in the city. Trains from different parts of the country operate regular services to Ahmedabad. You can check the train schedules and book your tickets through the official Indian Railways website or various third-party travel portals.
By Road:
Ahmedabad has a well-developed road network, which can be easily accessed by road. National Highways such as NH8, NH14, and NH47 connect Ahmedabad to various cities in India. You can either take Cabs to drive to Ahmedabad or opt for bus services provided by state-owned and private operators. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities, and you can book tickets either online or at bus stations.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 places to see in Ahmedabad, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and architectural splendor. But Ahmedabad is more than just these popular tourist spots. It’s a city that beckons you to explore beyond the ordinary to embrace the unconventional.
Step off the beaten path and wander through the narrow lanes of the old city, where you’ll stumble upon hidden gems and delightful surprises. Discover the art and creativity that thrives in the city’s bustling art districts and graffiti-filled alleys. Engage with the locals, taste the flavors of Ahmedabad’s street food, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of its markets.
Write us at faceofgujarat@gmail.com if you need more information or want to share your experience of the Ahmedabad journey.
