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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.
Ahmedabad
Travel Guide by Vinay Chaubey
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.
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