Ahmedabad – Where Heritage Meets Hustle

What is it?

·       Also known as Satyagraha Ashram.

·       Gandhi lived here from 1918 to 1930 and planned the Dandi March.

·       Simple mud houses, prayer ground, his room with charkha, slippers, glasses, letters.

Timing & Entry:

·       10 AM – 6 PM, entry free, wheelchair access available.

Why visit?

·       Feel Gandhi’s quiet discipline and India’s freedom struggle roots along the peaceful Sabarmati riverbank.

What is it?

·       Dedicated to Swaminarayan Ji, around 30 km from Ahmedabad.

·       Famous for intricate carvings, peaceful gardens, and grand idol with deities of Shiva, Krishna, Ram.

Timings & Tips:

·       Opens 10 AM – 7:20 PM, closed on Mondays.

·       Gadgets not allowed; free lockers available.

·       Best time: Arrive by 5 PM to see 7 PM Vedic Water Show with fountains, lights, and stories from Vedas.

What is it?

•    Begins at Swaminarayan Temple Kalupur, covers:

o   Pols: Old housing clusters with carved wooden facades.

o   Kavi Dalpatram Chowk: Honouring the famous Gujarati poet.

o   Mahurat Pol: City’s oldest business area.

o   Kala Ramji Temple: Unique black stone idol.

o   Ends at Jama Masjid with Indo-Islamic architecture.

Tip:

·       Start early morning to witness temple rituals and local market life.

·       Avoid 1–3 PM at Jama Masjid due to prayer timings.

What is it?

·       Built in 1573 AD, famous for the Tree of Life jali, carved from a single stone.

·       Symbol of Ahmedabad and used in the IIM Ahmedabad logo.

Best time:

·       Early morning or late evening for quiet photography.

What is it?

·       Jewellery market by day, transforms into a street food hub by night.

·       Famous for Ghagra Sandwich, Butter Pav Bhaji, Rabri, Jamun shots, Pulao.

Tip:

·       Open till midnight, best vibe after 8 PM under glowing lights.

What is it?

·       Located 30 minutes from Ahmedabad, built in 1499 by Rani Rudabai.

·       Five-storey octagonal structure with intricate floral and geometric carvings.

Why visit?

·       Underground chambers remain cool even in peak summers, once serving as a resting place for travellers.

What is it?

·       Built by Ahmed Shah in 1411 AD.

·       Had royal palaces, mosques, and courtyards within its gates.

Today:

·       Parts are under renovation, but its imposing gates still narrate Ahmedabad’s Sultanate era.

What is it?

·       Clean promenades with gardens and cycling tracks along Sabarmati River.

·       Atal Bridge, kite-inspired design, inaugurated August 2022, cost ₹70–75 crore.

Timing & Entry:

·       9 AM – 9 PM, ₹30 (₹10 children).

·       Popular for evening walks and photos with colourful lights.

What is it?

·       Recreational lake with boating, toy train, swings, aquarium, zoo, and food stalls.

Entry:

·       ₹10. Best visited 4–7 PM for evening breezes and watching local families unwind.

What is it?

·       Spread over 107 acres, includes:

o   Aquatic gallery (fish, sharks, penguins)

o   Robotics gallery with robot cafe

o   Thrill rides and IMAX theatre.

Timing & Entry:

·       10 AM – 7 PM, closed Mondays.

·       Entry ₹349–499, needs 3–4 hours minimum for full experience.

What is it?

·       Near Dasthan Circle (~12 km from city).

·       Houses 100+ vintage cars like Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes, maintained in running condition.

Timing & Entry:

·       8 AM – 9 PM, ₹100 entry, photography ₹100 extra, video ₹1000.

·       Paid rides in vintage cars available.

What is it?

·       Krishna temple known for daily aartis, bhajans, and prasadam.

·       Clean, peaceful atmosphere attracting both devotees and travellers.

What is it?

·       World’s largest cricket stadium with 132,000 seating capacity.

Visit Tip:

·       Entry allowed only on match days; visitors click photos from outside for its grand design.

·       Lal Darwaza Market: Clothes, utensils, household items at budget prices.

·       Ratan Pol Market: Women’s wear like lehengas and chunnis.

·       Jalebi Fafda near Kalupur

·       Dabeli at street stalls

·       Butter Pav Bhaji & Sandwiches at Manek Chowk

·       Gujarati Thali at Agashiye or Gordhan Thal

·       Khakhra, Thepla, Rabri, Jamun shots across food streets

·       Best time: October to February (pleasant winter).

·       Stay: Budget hotels ₹1200–1500/night for two people.

·       Local transport: Autos, rental scooters (₹400/day), expanding metro.

·       Nearby destinations: Modhera Sun Temple (~100 km), Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (~65 km).

·       Book online for Atal Bridge and Science City to avoid queues.

Ahmedabad is not just about visiting places – it is about walking narrow lanes at dawn, listening to temple bells, tasting midnight pav bhaji, and feeling how history and modern life hold hands in every street corner. A city that will welcome you with warmth, stories, and endless food aromas.