| Ahmedabad
is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the seventh largest city and
seventh largest metropolitan area of India, with a city population of approximately
4.05 million and metropolitan population of 6.2 million. In 2010, the Forbes
magazine rated Ahmedabad as the fastest growing city in India, and third
in the world after two Chinese cities — Chengdu and Chongqing. Ahmedabad
is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, 32 km from the state capital
Gandhinagar. The city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district
and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted
to Gandhinagar thereafter. In the middle of 1990s it was the fifth largest
city in India. In colloquial Gujarati, the city is commonly called Amdavad.
Booking.com
Ahmedabad
Travel Guide by Vinay Chaubey
Hotels
in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the largest
city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban agglomeration
in India, with a population of almost 51 lakhs (5.1 million). Located on
the banks of the River Sabarmati, the city is the administrative centre
of Ahmedabad district, and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970;
the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter. The city is sometimes
called Karnavati, a name for an older town that existed in the same location;
in colloquial Gujarati, it is commonly called Amdavad.
Places to see in Ahmedabad:
 Gandhi
Aashram
Located near vadaj the Sabarmati
Aashram was once house of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram was founded by Mahatma
Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt it is the biggest tourist attraction
in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and
was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma.
It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930
to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the
three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the ashram
premises.
Akshardham
It is a unique cultural complex
built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swami Narayan. It is an intricately
carved, majestic monument built of 6000 tons of pink sand stones. The entire
monument was built without the use of steel and consists of a 7 feet gold
leafed idol of Lord Swami Narayan and his holy relics.
 Calico
Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum
housed in a carved wooden haveli boasts of an amazing collection of antique
and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings
and costumes and also some older weaving machines. The collection of the
museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference
library on textiles. Closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays, this museum
is not to be missed.
Sidi Sayed Mosque
Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique
for its exquisite screens, which are praised for their amazing Jhali screen,
framed, in the ten semi-circular windows. The screen carved out of one
rock is just exceptional. A visit to this superb and outstanding example
of delicate carving is an absolute must.
Jama Masjid
Is one of the finest mosques
in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations.
Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the
old city.
 Kankaria
Lake
It is a circular lake constructed
in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the center of the lake is an island
garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.
Fairs and Festivals in
Ahmedabad:
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti or kite festival
held on the 14th January, the, marks the end of winter and return of the
sun to northern hemisphere and is hence named "Uttar ayan". On this particular
day everybody in Ahmedabad starts the day with kite flying and continues
into the night by attaching lamps to kites so one can see them in the sky.
 Rath
Yatra
Rath Yatra In the months
of June or July a massive procession takes place from the Jagannath (Juggernaut)
temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns,
a sacred chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra.
If in the area, this shouldn't be missed. Don't forget you camera!
Tarnetar Festival
Tarnetar Festival August
or September Just 3 hours drive from Ahmedabad, Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet
is transformed into a whirl of colour & excitement in the first week
of Bhadrapad. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in
Gujarat & is attended by various tribes of Gujarat. During the festival
match making is celebrated over 3 days and 2 nights. It's another fun filled
festival worth viewing.
 Shopping
in Ahmedabad
Shopping in Ahmedabad is
fun wandering through this city of fabrics and curios with a strong old
world charm. Premier shopping areas in Ahmedabad are C.G.Road, Ashram Road,
Law Garden, and Relief Road. The Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Hastkala,
Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, and Bandhej are some
of the places where one can get cotton garments, handicrafts, and curios.
Gurjari, the Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, has some of the best products
not only from Ahmedabad but also from Gujarat. Teen Darwaja in old city,
once a great place for antique, will be a fascinating shopping experience
if one has the time and inclination for bargaining.
How to get there:
By Air
Ahmedabad airport is 10 km
north of the city and has both the domestic and international terminal.
By Rail
Ahmedbad has direct train
services to major cities in India.
By Road
Ahmedabad has good highways
connecting it to all major places in Gujarat and other states. Interstate
buses of different states of India provide services to and from Ahmedabad.
top
Hotels
in Ahmedabad
|
