Situated on the banks of the sabarmati river, Ahmedabad was founded by the Muslim ruler, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 Ad. This city is also called as "Manchester of the East" because of its thriving textile industry.
The old walled city with its intriguing labyrinth of bylines called pols and the exquisitely carved wooden mansions, or havelis, is still the center of commercial activity. This is a city of architectural delights, home to the indo-Saracenic style, a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural ideals. The newer part of the city is dotted with architecture of more contemporary design.
Apart from being a vibrant and prosperous business center, Ahmedabad has a great deal more to offer to visitors.
| Places To Visit : |
| Kankaria Lake: |
| Constructed by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din, this lake is a popular recreational spot for people of Ahmedabad. The lake is surrounded by landscaped gardens, terraced slopes, zoo, aquarium & 'Balvatika'. |
| Teen Darwaja : |
| This triple-arched gateway was originally meant to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or Royal Square. |
| Hatheesing Jain Temple : |
| This temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain apostle-Dharamnath. It is built of pure white marble and embellished with intricate carving. |
| Sarkhej Roza : |
| Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches & the use of pierced stone trellises. |
| Shaking Minarets : |
| The Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir's Mosque have generated tremendous curiosity. The two minarets are designed such that if one is shaken, the other trembles as well. |
| Sidi Saiyad Mosque : |
| Ahmedabad has a large number of mosques. One of the most famous is Sidi Saiyad Mosque built in 1571 AD, which is acclaimed for it's splendid filigree screen, framed in the ten semicircular windows. |
| Dada Hari Vav : |
| This step-well manifests a unique architectural feature of Gujarat. Step-wells were builds to provide travelers with water and cool resting place. |
| Jumma Masjid : |
| It is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in western India. This mosque, built in 1423 AD, is outstanding for its grand scale, superb proportions and exquisite workmanship. |
| Rani Sipri Mosque : |
| A small, exquisite mosque built in 1514 by a queen of Mohammed shah Begda. The queen herself lies buried here. |
| Gandhi Ashram : |
| The Gandhi Ashram along the Sabarmati River, was once Gandhiji's nerve-center for the Indian Freedom Movement. The Gandhi Memorial Center, Library and much more can be seen at the Ashram. |
| Pols : |
| Pols are and integral part of old Ahmedabad. It nurtures in its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture. |
| Showcasing Culture : |
| The museums definitely worth a visit are the Calico Museum with an impressive collection of old textiles with associated machinery and tools, the Tribal Museum which depicts the history, culture and lifestyle of the numerous tribes in Gujarat & The Shreyas Folk Art Museum, which houses a collection of traditional folk arts, crafts, costumes & jewelry of various communities from the state. |
Excursions From Ahmedabad |
| Akshardham : |
| This temple in Gandhinagar is built in the memory of Lord Swaminarayan. Built of pink sandstone, Akshardham is a unique and majestic cultural complex, housing exhibitions and multimedia shows. |
| Adalaj Vav : |
| It is the best preserved well of its kind in Gujarat. It was built in 1499. The three-stepped entrance descend into an open court from where a single arched heavily decorated entrance leads to a corridor. The corridor has four pavilion constructions and is five stories underground up to the well. |
| Lothal : |
| The ruins of a complete township of the Indus Valley Civilization has been excavated about 80 kms from Ahmedabad, Known as Lothal. |
| Patan : |
| This city is famous for its architectural wonders built during the Solanki dynasty. Patan is an important weaving center for geometrically patterned Patoda Sarees. |
| Modhera : |
| The Sun Temple at Modhera, built between 1026-27, is positioned in such a manner that the rising sun's rays illuminate the deity in the inner most sanctum sanctorum through the main entrance. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The stone sculptures here, are similar to those found at Konark and Khajuraho temples. |
How To Get There : |
Local transport within the city is provided by city bus service. Taxis can be hired from the airport, railway Station or through hotels and travel agencies. City and other tours are organized by Gujarat Tourism office at H.K. House, Ashram Road. |
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