Ahmedabad (Amdavad) Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s major city and it is a harmonious blend of ancient heritage and a vibrant present. The city gained prominence as the commercial capital of Gujarat in 1960. The city’s astonishing and eventful past and glorious present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture and architecture. From the tourism perspective, Ahmedabad is a suitable place to visit throughout theyear.
How to get there
By Air: The Ahmedabad airport is located 10 km north of the city center. Indian Airlines and private airlines operate services to and from the city, connecting the major cities of India.
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By Rail: Ahmedabad is on the Western Railway network and is well connected to the rest ofthe country. Rajdhani Express connects it tri-weekly to New Delhi. Shatabdi Express and Karnavati Express provide daily services to Ahmedabad from Mumbai.
By Road: The city is well connected to other major cities of the state and neighbouring states with a good network of National and State Highways. The State Transport Corporation provides better transport facility to all major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states ofthe country.
Places of interest
Ahmed Shah’s Mosque: This small but attractive mosque built in 1414 AD, lies west of the Bhadra citadel. This exclusive mosque was a place of worship for nobles and royal blood. It has exquisitely designed ‘Mehrabs’ (prayer halls) adorned with black and white marbles. The tombs of Ahmed Shah and his queens lie outside the eastern gate of the Jama Masjid.
Swaminarayan Temple: Situated at Kalupur, this temple stands behind huge gates and brightly painted walls, across Relief Road. It has intricate wooden carvings and unique patterns in Gujarati architecture. Equally amazing are the wonderful landscape outside the temple.
Jama Masjid: It is situated opposite Mahatma Gandhi Road, and is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Built by Ahmed Shah in 1423 AD, this grand edifice raised in yellow and sand stones, is a nice
blend of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The mosque is supported by about 260 columns.
Hatheesing Jain Temple: Built in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing, this temple is famous for its beautiful carvings and extraordinary architectural designs. Dedicated to the 15th Jain Thirthankara, Dharmnath, the temple is situated outside Delhi Gate.
Bhadra Fort: Built by Ahmed Shah, Bhadra Fort is a centre of attraction, which adds charm to the city of Ahmedabad with its magnificent palaces and well developed landscape. The fort houses a Bhadrakali Temple, dedicated to Goddess ‘Bhadra.’ At the eastern end ofthe fort, lies Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway), which is another major tourist attraction. Teen Darwaza served as the gateway to the Royal Square, where royal processions and polo games took place. Sabarmati Ashram: Established by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, the Sabarmati Ashram played a vital role in the struggle for India’s independence. Surrounded by shady trees and set in traditional environment, the ashram was Gandhi’s home till 1930. This ashram has an excellent pictorial record of Gandhi’s life.
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum: Located near Gujarat University, this museum houses a good collection of fine stone, marble and wood carvings from around India. There are also antique local bronzes, cloth paintings and coins on display.
Kankaria Lake: Kankaria is a polygonal artificial lake, situated in the southeast region of Ahmedabad.lt was once a favoured spot of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and his wife Noor
Jahan. This lake has 34 sides and was constructed by Sultan Qutab-ud-Din in 1451 AD. Added attractions are a beautiful sunset view and facilities for boating.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: Located about 60 km southwest of Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar is a natural lake, spread across 116 sq. km. This sanctuary is famous for housing vivid migrating birds. Between November and February, flocks of migratory birds from Siberia visit this place every year. Besides, flamingoes, a great variety of ducks, geese and pelican are some of the major attractions. Lothal: This is a prominent archaeological site, situated about 85 km southwest of Ahmedabad. Discovered in 1954, the city is estimated to have stood for 4500 years. Seals discovered at the site suggest that trade may have been conducted with the civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.