Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad, also served as the state capital until 1970, when it was moved to Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the reign of the Gurjara-Pratihara in the 11th century. Since the time of Sultan Ahmed Shah, the city has changed a lot and has become a large metropolis, but its charm has not changed. It has always been the beating heart of western India and has remained an important seat throughout history. It is one of the most beautiful destinations of Gujarat. Today, Ahmedabad is a wonderful blend of old and new that makes the city interesting for tourists. Everything has a story to tell, whether it is the amazing lattice work or the poles, the grand Jama Masjid or the Adalaj Steps.
Do you want to make the most of your trip to Ahmedabad? Then all travellers must explore the splendour of this city, which extends beyond its borders and is an important part of the sightseeing. The city exemplifies diversity and reflects the beauty of Indian culture, from Sabarmati Ashram to the magnificent Jama Masjid. Don't miss out on these fantastic tourist attractions.
On a 23-acre plot in Gandhinagar, Akshardham is a magnificent, intricately carved stone structure set among sprawling gardens (Gandhinagar district). It is made of 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone and is steel-free. It is 108 feet tall, 240 feet long, and 131 feet wide. This modern Hindu monument was constructed in accordance with Vastu Shastra. The monument enshrining Lord Swaminarayan's seven-foot-tall gold-leafed Murti is the complex's focal point (idol).
Visitors can hear and see inspiring episodes and incidents from the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through various aspects of Hinduism. On a crowded canvas, the exhibition depicts Vedic wisdom, epics, and Puranas. The visitor is introduced to the people who have shaped this land. It is the perfect marriage of modernity and traditional values. Aside from Lord Rama looking for his kidnapped wife, visitors can see Shravan, the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing a dice game in the Hastinapur palace, and so on. Sabari's long wait for Lord Rama and Draupadi's humiliation in the Kaurava Sabha are also visible to visitors.
World religions are juxtaposed in the Hall of Harmony. The monument is surrounded by a parikrama of 365 stone pillars. The Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is a cutting-edge research facility that includes a large library, study stations, and archives. The library is only available to enrolled scholars.
The Adalaj Stepwell, also known as Adalaj Ni Vav, is the most notable of Ahmedabad's step wells. It's called Adalaj Ni Vav because it's in the village of Adalaj. It is in the Indian state of Gujarat, near Ahmedabad and in the Gandhinagar district. It was built in 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of Dandai Desh's Vaghela dynasty. The five-story-deep step well, or 'Vav,' as it is known in Gujarati, is intricately carved. Step wells like this were once common in Gujarat's semi-arid regions, where they provided water for drinking, washing, and bathing.
Initially built to curb water crisis in and around the Adalaj village, the famous Adalaj Stepwell happens to be a magnificent piece of architecture in Ahmedabad. The entire structure is exemplary of the excellent illustration and masonic skills of the engineers and architects of old. And you will be able to marvel that the moment you walk in and experience a sudden yet soothing drop in temperature. In here, you will be able to breathe in tranquillity as well as gaze at the detailed carvings before heading back out. Despite being over 500 years old, it has been beautifully preserved underground, so this water temple appears new and transports you back in time.
The Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, north of Ahmedabad, was Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba's original home. The ashram is surrounded by a calm and peaceful stretch of the Sabarmati River. This is also the starting point for Gandhi's Dandi March. Gandhi believed that because it was located between a prison and a cemetery, a Satyagrahi would almost certainly end up in either a prison or a graveyard. Sabarmati Ashram will assist you in regaining your self-esteem. The museum is the most well-known of the many institutions on the grounds of the Sabarmati ashram.
Various personal letters and images of Gandhi are displayed throughout the space. Upasana Mandir, Magan Niwas, Vinoba, Nandini, and Kutir are among the other structures at the ashram. The ashram is now a historical site that has witnessed a number of historical events. You can also learn more about India's ancient history by going here. The first Satyagraha Ashram was established in May 1915 at Jivanlal Desai's Kochrab Bungalow (about 10 kilometres from here), a barrister and Gandhi associate. It was relocated to a 36-acre site on the banks of the Sabarmati River on June 17, 1917, because Mahatma Gandhi required more space to carry out tasks such as farming and animal husbandry.
Ahmedabad is a fascinating city with both historical and modern attractions. The sixth most populous city in the country is known for its diverse and welcoming culture. The Vechaar Utensils Museum, which emphasises the diverse collection of utensils, is a fascinating city attraction. An imposing museum displaying metal utensils made of brass, copper, bronze, zinc, and German silver that transports you back in time. It is slated to be one of Ahmedabad's most inspiring museums, housed within the Vishala Village Restaurant.
On April 27, 1981, this energising museum was founded to stimulate interest in and understanding of culture and history. Mr. Surendra C Patel designed and established the Vechaar Utensils Museum, which is housed in an impressive hut surrounded by massive trees, providing the ideal setting for the exclusive utensil collection from various eras. The mud, bamboo, dung, and straw huts are furnished with utensils.
The quadrangle-shaped museum contains small bodies that hold water and provide a cooling effect to visitors. In the museum's centre is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Works by artists skilled in brass, silver, ivory, wood, bronze, terracotta, and gold are on display at the museum, some of which are thought to be thousands of years old.
Auto World is a must-see for anyone who enjoys wheels. It houses one of the world's largest private collections of vintage cars, motorcycles, buggies, and utility vehicles. Two stand out among the 300+ mechanical extravaganza: the car used in Gandhi and the first May Bach ever made. A rare and wonderful collection of vehicles, including a Bentley, Lagonda, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Austin, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Auburns, is also on display. The 1923 Rolls 20 HP with a typical Barker shooting brake body is one of the most fascinating cars in the Rolls Royce collection. The incredible collection at the museum has also earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Pranlal Bhogilal founded the Auto World Museum in 1927 on his 2200-acre private estate, Dastan, and was named the owner of the world's largest private garage in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1987. Bhogilal has been a car enthusiast for many years and has amassed a collection of over 204 vehicles, 105 of which are located in Ahmedabad. He ensured that all of the vehicles were in good working order. Pranlal Bhogilal died in 2011 at the age of 73. The illustrious Maybach family's Ulrich Schmid-Maybach is said to have flown down to Ahmedabad from Germany in 2006 to persuade Pranlal Bhogilal to sell him a 6-cylinder Maybach designed by his grandfather. Bhogilal was determined to keep this treasure.
No city is complete without its own zoo. It is the perfect place to spend the day with your family, have a picnic and relax. Your children will be entertained by the wide variety of animals, and you can relax when they get tired much earlier than you.
This zoo, also known as the Kankaria Zoo (because of its location on the shores of the famous Kankaria Lake), houses a large number of rare Indian animals that are kept for both recreational and ecological purposes. The zoo also breeds crocodiles and pythons. The zoo's dedicated staff provides the best possible care and attention to all zoo residents. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is responsible for the zoo and the Kankaria lakeshore as a whole.
Some of these species are endangered or rare, and the zoo contributes to their survival by attempting to conserve them through captive breeding. White Blackbuck, Spotted deer, Indian Star tortoise, Nicobar pigeons, White Peacock and Silver pheasants, Tigers and Elephants can all be found at the Kankaria Zoo. Reuben David, a self-taught veterinarian and Padma Shri awardee in 1975, oversaw the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden project. The zoo was founded in 1951 under his direction. After being named the "Best Zoo in India" in 1974, it went on to receive national and possibly international recognition. In fact, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation invited David to build a zoo in the city.
Ahmedabad's Sidi Saiyyed mosque is one such heritage site. It is located in the city's historic district, directly across the street from the famous House of MG. The Sidi Saiyyed mosque is well-known for its unique artwork engraved on the mosque's window mesh. Ahmedabad's window mesh (Jalis) has become a symbol of the city. These jalis are famous for the incredible art engraved on the stones. The most well-known window mesh is the tree of life, which has a tree structure carved on it.
One of Ahmedabad's most popular and beautiful mosques is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, which was built in 1573. Over the years, the architectural grandeur of the entire structure, particularly the ornate latticework known colloquially as jali, has earned this attraction much admiration and reputation. Without a doubt, the setting is a photographer's and history buff's dream.
This monument was finished in the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate's reign, before the Mughals invaded and defeated them. It is one of the last mosques constructed during their reign. This magnificent mosque was built by Sidi Saiyyed, a member of the retinue of Bilal Jhajar Khan, a general in the army of the Gujarat Sultanate's last Sultan, Shams-Ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III. The mosque is well-known for its ten stone latticework windows, known as Jalis, which are located on the side and rear arches. The stone slabs are carved with intertwined trees and foliage, as well as a palm motif.
The Jhulta Minar is a well-known minaret in Ahmedabad, India. Jhulta Minar is also known as a shaking Minar because both minars shake. Despite the fact that the middle connected part is still intact, when one Minar gently pushes, the other feels vibration. Within these towers, a staircase has been constructed that leads to the first section of the tower. No one is allowed to enter these towers because they have surface cracks and are held together with steel strips. Until recently, admission to the tower was free, but now there is a fee.
The Jhulta Minar's History says that they are Ahmedabad's tallest minarets. The Jhulta Minar was built in 1852 by Sidi Bashir, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah, but the style and material of the minarets indicate that it was built during the reign of Mahmud Begada. In 1753, the Maratha and Gujarat Sultanate Khan fought a war in Ahmedabad. The back part of the swinging tower was destroyed during the war, leaving only the two minarets and the middle arch that connects the two minarets. This structure is one of Ahmedabad's oldest.
The mystery of the swinging tower remains unsolved. Three storeys above the arch, the tower rises. The distinctive feature of these minarets is that when one tower is pushed by hand, the other tower vibrates, whereas the middle of the arch remains fixed and has no vibration. It is believed that this is due to the layered construction of these minarets. The swinging towers can be found in two places in Ahmedabad: near Ahmedabad Junction at the Sidi Bashir Mosque and at the Raj Bibi Mosque.
The Law Garden Night Market is a popular Ahmedabad night market located in the Maharaja Society's Law Garden. Among the best buys at this market are traditional clothing, wall hangings, bandhej sarees, long colourful skirts (chaniyas), antique jewellery, traditional footwear, and home decor items. Food trucks serving delicious local dishes and street food line the night market. It is best to go between 8 and 9 p.m. so that you can then go to Happy Street. The Law Garden night market is especially festive during Navratri. These traditional Gujarati items can be purchased at very reasonable prices on these streets, making this market a popular destination for all city shoppers.
Law Garden is a fun and popular bargain hunting destination where they can bargain until they drop and score some great deals. Simply being persistent and wise in your bargaining will most likely persuade the shopkeeper to accept your offer. One can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs for family and friends or stroll through the stalls admiring the colourful display while avoiding the delicious aroma of street food. Law Garden is well-known for its authentic and delectable street food, and foodies from all over flock here to sample traditional Gujarati snacks. Though expensive, the Ahmedabad Banni embroidered garments are a must-buy here, along with footwear like juttis and house décor items like mud wall hangings and mirror work, which is a nice addition to your beautiful home.
Sarkhej Roza is a stunning architectural structure composed of several buildings clustered around a stepped tank known as Sarkhej Pond. These include Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh's tomb, a mosque, Mahmud Shah Begada's and his queen's tombs, and a palace. It is also known as the Ahmedabad Acropolis because its design is frequently compared to the famous Acropolis of Athens.
Sarkhej Roza was a prominent Sufi cultural center and the home of the Sufi saint Ganj Baksh, according to legend. Sultan Ahmed Shah established his capital on the banks of the Sabarmati River, a few miles from Sarkhej, on the advice of the saint. Following the saint's death in 1445 CE, Mohammed Shah commissioned the construction of a mausoleum and a mosque in his honor. Both structures were completed in 1451 AD by Mohammed Shah's successor, Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah. Sultan Mahmud Begada loved the location and added a small mosque, a mausoleum, and a palace to the complex, as well as Sarkhej Pond.
Sarkhej Roza began with 72 acres and now has only 34 acres due to local encroachment. Sarkhej Roza's architectural style is an elegant blend of Islamic and Hindu styles, as evidenced by its composite Indo-Saracenic style. The main roza, or mausoleum, of Saint Sheikh Ganj Bakhsh Khatu is located in the complex's heart. This is Gujarat's largest roza. The serene atmosphere of the saint's tomb is supported by thirteen pillars. In addition to the tomb, the mosque within this structure has a large courtyard, colonnades, and prayer halls.
Visitors flock to a historic city to celebrate its culture and heritage. Aside from historic monuments, Gujaratis have built temples that exude divinity and serenity. One such temple is the Vaishnodevi Temple. The Ahmedabad Vaishnodevi Temple is a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu Kashmir, and it serves as a pilgrimage site for devotees seeking to visit the sacred Hindu temple. It was constructed above a simulated hill to mimic the environment of the sacred temple.
Several beautiful carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses are housed on a circular man-made stone hill made of yellow sandstone. Pilgrims must ascend the man-made hill to reach the main shrine at the summit. An individual trust built the Vaishnodevi Circle on the Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway.
A sacred temple 50 feet in diameter has been built within the confines of the mountains. The temple's presiding deity is Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. A magnificent temple surrounded by a sprawling garden draws a large number of devotees. It has a 1350 square foot hall with a capacity of 5000 people. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visit this temple year after year, partly due to its scenic splendour and divinity, and partly due to the fact that this version can be visited in a matter of hours.
