Ahmedabad, India

Located on the banks of river Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is the largest city in the whole state of Gujarat . From the year 1960 to 1970, it served as the capital city of Gujarat . However, later on, the capital was shifted to the Gandjhinagar city. It was founded in the year 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah. It is owing to this reason that, sometimes, it is also referred to as the city of Ahmed Shah .

Ahmedabad is the hub of trade and commerce in Gujarat . The commercial importance of Ahmedabad makes the city an important travel destination in India . Besides being home to a number of important industries, Ahmedabad also has a number of majestic monuments, which remind us of the great historical and cultural past of the city.

Ahmedabad was incorporated into the Bombay Presidency during the British rule but remained the most important city in the Gujarat region. Over a period of time, Ahmedabad established itself as the home of textile industry and earned the nickname of "the Manchester of the East." A rising centre of higher education, information technology and scientific industries, Ahmedabad continues to remain one of the important cultural and commercial centers of western India .

Monuments

1) Bhadra Fort

When it comes to monuments in Ahmedabad, Bhadra fort is one name that indeed deserves a special mention. Constructed in the year 1411 A .D. during the rule of Marathas, it was established by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Bhadra fort in Ahmedabad is a royal fort that occupies the top most position in the Ahmedabad sightseeing tour. Read on to know more about Bhadra fort in Ahmedabad , India .

Consisting of splendid palace and beautiful lush green garden, the charm of Bhadra fort is unbeatable. The fort is well known for the Bhadrakali Temple that was built in the dedication of Hindu Goddess 'Bhadra, a different form of Goddess Kali. In the present times, the fort more often serves as the venue for conducting flag hoisting ceremony during the occasion of Independence Day & Republic day.

Within the vicinity of the Bhadra fort, there are located a couple of Government offices. On the eastern side of the fort, lies the well known Teen Darwaza, which is another important tourist attraction spot in Ahmedabad. Bhadra fort, which is made by using the beautiful deep red stones, stands majestically even today. It is the maiden Muslim edifice that was constructed long back in the Ahmedabad city.

The fort houses a magnificent palace, the arches and balconies of which are ornately embellished. People are of the belief that, Goddess Lakshmi had once visited the Bhadra fort and blessed the Sultan that, his city would always remain prosperous. Since times immemorial, people of Ahmedabad have been wealthy and in fact, Ahmedabad has throughout been the hub of trade and commerce in the state of Gujarat.

2) Dada Hari Vav

Built during the reign of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav is an elaborately designed stepped well. The well lies just behind the tomb of Dada Hari. It is one of the most complicated structures of the Ahmedabad city. The basic purpose of setting up the well was to provide the travelers with cool water and a place for relaxation. To know more about the Dade Hari Vav in Ahmedabad , India read on.

Dada Hari Vav is an octagonal shaped well, which is located below the ground level. This underground well has been intricately carved in the typical Gujarati designs. Made from fine stone work of Gujarat , the well has been drawing more and more tourists year after year. While designing this stepped well, adequate attention was paid to its each and every detail. This is indicative from the fact that, right from pillars to walls to steps, everything has been beautifully decorated. The visiting hours of the well are from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm .

3) Jhulta Minar

Ahmedabad is well known for its swaying minarets, more commonly known as Jhulta Minar. A classic example of superb craftsmanship, Jhulta Minar is actually a part of the mosque Siddi Bashir. The mosque has been constructed in such a manner that, if you apply a little force on its upper arc, the Minar tends to sway. For kids, Jhulta Minar in Ahmedabad , India is a real fun place.

An Englishman made an attempt to demolish one of the minarets of the mosque, but all in vain. He did so to unravel the mystery behind the swaying of minarets. The mechanism that leads to vibration is still a mystery. An interesting thing about Jhulta Minar is that, it can even withstand the pressure of fast moving trains that pass from a distance not lying very far from the minaret.

4) Sarkhej Roza

Lying at a stretch of 8 kms on the south western side of Ahmedabad, Sarkhej Roza was the home of the spiritual leader of Sultan Ahmed Shah named Ahmed Kattu Gang Baksh, who was a Muslim religious leader. It contains a cluster of monuments, the origin of which can be dated back to the times of Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. Read on to know more about Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad, Gujarat .

It is a platform where three distinctive worlds coexist, namely royal, religious and social. The palaces and tombs form part of the royal world, the mosque constitutes the religious realm and the tanks and pavilions have given rise to the social world. The carved stone grills create an atmosphere of tranquility, thereby serving as a great retreat for people seeking peace.

When you visit Sarkhej Roza, do not forget to take a look at the tomb of Saint Ahmed Khattu Baksh, the spiritual guide of the founder of Ahmedabad city. It also houses the tomb of the Emperor Mehmud Shah Beguda and his queen. Sarkhej Roza of Ahmedabad is renowned for the marvelous buildings that lie within its premises. The architectural pattern of Sarkhej Roza is mesmerizing. The reflection of sunlight creates beautiful impressions.

5) Teen Darwaza

Teen Darwaza is an architectural marvel, the beauty of which is surely going to leave you awestruck. Consisting of gorgeous arched gates, Teen Darwaza is one of the longest as well as the oldest gateways of the Ahmedabad city. It was established in the year 141 A .D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded the city of Ahmedabad . Read on to know more about Teen Darwaza of Ahmedabad, India .

Lying adjacent to the famous Bhadra fort, Teen Darwaza has been intricately carved. Initially, it served as an entrance to Royal Square at Bhadra Fort. The great Mughal emperor Jahangir used to come here along with his beloved wife Noorjahan, to take a look at the procession that started from this grand gateway and went non stop till Jama Masjid. The walls and pillars of Teen Darwaza are beautifully designed.

Teen Darwaza of Ahmedabad, India is truly an epitome of the fine Islamic architecture. The windows of this fabulous monument are semi circular and adorned using mesh work. The central window depicts the tree of life. Five palm trees are shown that are covered with snakes. This portrayal also serves as the symbol of the Gujarat Government. This regal citadel is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Ahmedabad.

Culture

1) Ahmedabad Cuisine

Ahmedabad is a paradise for food lovers. The typical Gujarati thali that is served in the restaurants consists of real mouthwatering dishes. The cuisine of Ahmedabad , India has a peculiar taste. A different kind of sweet flavours is prevalent in almost all the food items. Ahmedabad cuisine mainly consists of vegetarian dishes. However, non vegetarian delicacies are also available in the restaurants. Read on to know more about the traditional food of Ahmedabad, Gujarat .

Gujarati meal usually consists of rice, bread, rotli and vegetable curry called 'Shaak'. Different kinds of breads are served in the meal such as rotli, thepla, maal purah, puri, bhakhri, and puran-pohli. For snacking, the people of Ahmedabad usually have Ghari and Khakhra. Ahmedabadis cook their food in the Gujarati style, which is simply delicious. Ahmedabadis make an extensive use of ghee in preparing their meals.

There are many Gujarati dishes that are relished not just by the Gujarati community, but by the people of all communities. To name a few, we have dal-dhokli, chevdoh, Dhokla, undhiyu, Khaman, bhusu, fafda, dhokli, papdi, and Sev mamra. The meal is usually accompanied by a dessert. The cuisine of Ahmedabad is a blend of several flavors. The food of Ahmedabad is so lip smacking & yummy that it will make you fall in love with it.

2) Ahmedabad Languages

Ahmedabad lies in the state of Gujarat and it is due to this fact that, Gujarati is the most widely spoken language in Ahmedabad. Common languages of Ahmedabad , India are Gujarati, Hindi and English. In informal groups, the people of Ahmedabad usually converse in their native language, i.e. Gujarati. To know more about the language spoken in Ahmedabad, read on.

For official purposes, the global language as in English is used. Though, Ahmedabadis communicate mostly in Gujarati language, but at the same time, they very well understand and speak Hindi and English. Gujarati language, which is basically an Indo-Aryan language, is one of the fourteen regional languages of India . Millions of people speak the Gujarati language, thus making it the 23rd most commonly spoken language of the world.

3) Ahmedabad People

People of Ahmedabad , India are very lively and cherish each and every moment of their lives. They believe in living life in a very simplistic manner. When it is the time for festivity, the whole city gets excited and celebrates the festive occasion with zest and zeal. People out here are very fond of food. This explains the reason why the restaurants and cafes in Ahmedabad are always thronged by people.

Full of energy and enthusiasm, you'll never find an Ahmedabadi sitting idle. They'll always be engrossed with one or the other work. Ahmedabadi people derive great pleasure in shopping. It is owing to this reason that, the shopping malls are mushrooming in number. Other popular places include picnic spots, theatres, and water parks. Ahmedabad is a place full of colors. Wherever you'll go, you'll get to see people clad in colorful attire. Ahmedabad people are very fun loving and have a lot of respect for the traditions and customs of their community.

Fairs and Festival

1) Kite Festival

One of the major festivities of Ahmedabad is the international kite festival that is celebrated every year on the 14th of January. It falls on the same day as the festive occasion of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Many days before the arrival of Ahmedabad international kite festival, people are excited about it, especially the youngsters. Read on to know more about International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad , India .

Uttarayan international kite festival usually falls on a bright shining day with clear skies. The wind is strong enough to lift plenty of kites high up in the air. It is also celebrated to observe the end of winter season and give a warm welcome to the summer season. It is during this festive occasion that, Ahmedabad turns into a hub of life. The entire city is abuzz with activities and feasts. On the day of international kite festival, people keep aside all their work and head their way to the open fields or terrace of their house for flying kites.

It is the time for rejoicing, as it marks the shift in the movement of sun towards the Northern hemisphere. Ladies get engrossed with the task of preparing special dishes for the festivity. The kite flying competition begins at dawn and continues throughout the day. During this festive occasion, the markets provide you with distinctive varieties of kites, differing in color, design and style. Thus, there is a multitude of options available for you to choose from. This is how the Uttarayan international kite festival is celebrated at Ahmedabad in Gujarat .

2) Navratri Festival

Devoted to Goddess Shakti, the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad is celebrated with gaiety and fervor. The main highlight of the festivity of nine nights is the folk dance of Gujarat called Garba. Each day of the fiesta begins with the performance of aarti. The entire state of Ahmedabad gets energized with the thought of celebrating the Navratri festival. Well, in this article, we will provide you with information on the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad , India .

People perform the Garba folk dance around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is carried out till late midnight . The dancers usually make use of dandiya, i.e. long wooden sticks, to play garba. During this nine day long festivity, the Ahmedabad city is beautifully decorated with colourful lights. The maiden day witnesses the growing of seeds and the farmers closely watch them sprouting. Read on to know more about the Ahmedabad Navratri festival.

On the eighth and ninth day of the Navratri festivity, people offer prayers to Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami. To invoke the blessings of Goddess, people cite texts like The Devi Mahatmya. The main dance performances that take place during the festive occasion of Navratri consist of the Rasa and Garba dances, in which people of age groups participate with full enthusiasm. The next day after Navratri festival is Dussehra that is observed to celebrate the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. This is how the Navratri festival is celebrated in Ahmedabad , India .

Excursions

1) Lothal

Situated at a distance of 80 kms from Ahmedabad, Lothal city is one of the well known cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated back to 2400 BC. Lothal in Gujarat is one of the primary sites of archaeology. Though, it was discovered in the year 1954, but its excavation work began on the February 13, 1955 , which continued till May 19, 1960 . It was done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Read on to know more about Lothal in India .

Lothal has enjoyed the status of being the leading center of trade in the bygone times. It was actively involved in the trade of beads, gems and expensive ornaments that were exported to West Asia and Africa . The techniques that were used by the people of this city brought a lot of name and fame to them. People are of the say that, the scientists of Lothal were the ones to initiate the study stars and advanced navigation.

Lothal is very well connected to the Ahmedabad city via road and railways. The archaeological excavations that were carried out led to the finding of a township, dock, mound and a marketplace. Areas lying nearby the excavated sites consist of an archaeological museum, where you can take a look at the various Indus-era antiquities. So, if you have spare time, Lothal is a great destination that can be included in your sightseeing trip of Ahmedabad.

2) Sun temple

Situated at a distance of 102 kms from Ahmedabad on the bank of the river Pushpavati, the Modhera sun temple was constructed in the year 1026 AD. It was established by the King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty in the dedication of Lord Surya. It is one of the finest architectures of the eleventh century. One of the best features of the temple consists of the carved torana arches. Read further to know more about the Sun temple at Modhera in Gujarat .

From the point of view of structural designing, the sun temple at Modhera is truly the one of its kinds. The Modhera sun temple encompasses three main chambers, namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Surya Kund is basically a beautifully carved stepped tank that was named after Sun God. Sabha mandap is the hall, where people gather for discussions on religious topics. Guda Mandap is the sanctum sanctorum, also known as the main temple.

3) Rann of Kutch Wildlife

Lying at a distance of 93 kms from the Ahmedabad city in the state of Gujarat, Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries in the entire country. Covering an area of 4950 sq ft, it is famous for its attractive chestnut brown Asiatic (Wild ass), a species of wild horses. It is also the natural habitat of wolf, blue bull, gazelle, jungle cat, Indian foxes, jackal and hare. Read further to know more about Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary in India ..

It is the home of plenty of birds. To name a few, we have houbara bustard, spotted & Indian sand grouse, larks, francolin partridge, bustard quails, pelicans, desert wheatear, vultures, laggar falcon, cranes steppe eagle, flamingos, ducks, and storks . For the adventurous lot, there can be no better option than going on a short trip to this wonderful wildlife sanctuary that houses even the rarest species of birds and animals.

Rann of Kutch is easily accessible via Dasada village, which lies at a distance of nearly 93 kms from Ahmedabad. It is fun to go on the jeep safari for visiting the little Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary. To ensure your comfortable stay, there are plenty of places to stay in the Rann of Kutch , ranging from luxury and deluxe hotel to budge hotels and guest houses. The place provides you with a number of options to eat, so eating out is not a problem.

4) Shanku Water Park

Lying at a distance of 60 km from Ahmedabad at Mehsana Highway , Shanku Water Park is the first water park of the country. When this amusement park was opened for public use, it was like a pleasant surprise for the kids. The park offers excellent rides for children as well as kids, which ranges from lazy river to the thrilling tunnels. Read on to know more about the Shanku amusement water park of Ahmedabad , India .

The place is well equipped with all the modern facilities. Reaching Shanku Water Park is very easy, as it lies at a distance of one hour drive from the Ahmedabad city. Accommodation is not at a problem in Shanku water park resort. Also, available is the facility of various kinds of eatables. The main attractions of the Shanku water park comprise of a beautiful lake with clear water, blossoming garden, cottage resort, fitness club and sports complex. It is an ideal destination for rejuvenating yourself.

Museums

1) Calico Museum of Textile

Calico museum of textiles in Ahmedabad is one of the finest museums of the world. Founded by Ms. Gira Sarabhai, the museum exhibits an enormous collection of fabrics, which are collected from all over the country. Situated in the vicinity of Shahibaugh Palace , the museum is bordered by lush green gardens and fountains that provide an enchanting view. Read further to know more about Calico museum of textiles at Ahmedabad in Gujarat .

Established in the year 1949 AD, the museum has a large variety of woven fabrics. A wide array of clothing is available, ranging from religious clothes to the ones that are worn in the royal court rooms. Differing in quality and price range, there is something for every visitor. Popular works include sequins, mirrors, beads, silk threads etc. The unique feature of this museum is that, here you can even find the fabrics that can be traced back to the times of seventeenth century.

Though, the name in itself is suggestive of the fact that the museum houses textiles, but in reality, it also contains furniture and various kinds of crafts gathered from different parts of the country. Images made from sandstone, marble and bronze that can be found here are always in demand. The museum has two separate sections for textiles, one is meant for the religious clothing and the other section consists of the historic textiles. The Calico museum of textiles is definitely worth a visit.

2) Hussain Doshi Gufa

Hussain Doshi Gufa is an underground art gallery located in Ahmedabad that depicts the works of the famous Indian painter named M.F.Hussain. It has been designed by the famous architect B. V. Doshi. Thus, the art gallery has been named after the two eminent personalities, Hussain and Doshi. The gallery is more popularly known as Amdavad ni Gufa. It has been given the name Gufa, as its structural design resembles a cave.

For the art lovers, Hussain Doshi gufa is a real feast for eyes. The Hussain Doshi Gufa art gallery in Ahmedabad lies in the surrounding areas of the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology. This structure has been constructed using simple hand tools and that too by unskilled workers. The art gallery has been built on the basis of computer aided designs.

Lakes

1) Chandola Lake

Situated at the Dani Limda Road , Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad is an artificial lake. The credit for establishing it goes to the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad named Tajn Khan Nari Ali. Chandola Lake is basically a water reservoir, which is very beneficial for the people of Ahmedabad. The water of Chandola Lake is used for irrigation as well as other industrial purposes. Read on to know more about Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad , India .

Adjacent to this lake, lies the tomb of Shah Alam. The domes of this tomb are ornamented with gold and precious stones. It was Asaf Khan, the brother of the Empress Noor Jahan, who got the dome adorned. In totality, there are three big and eighteen small domes that have been beautifully carved by Saleh Badakshi. Chandola Lake also serves as a great tourist attraction spot. During the evening time, many people visit this place and take a leisure stroll.

2) Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is a multisided lake that was built by Sultan Qutab-ud-Din in the year 1451 A .D. It is basically an artificial lake with thirty four sides. Lying on the south eastern side of the Ahmedabad city, the lake also has a fascinating island summer palace. People are of the say that Kankaria lake of Ahmedabad was often visited by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with his wife Empress Noor Jahan. Read on to know more about the Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad , India .

Kankaria Lake is one of the most favourite picnic spots of the people of Ahmedabad. Adjacent to the lake, lies a beautiful garden called Nagina Wadi. For people seeking peace, there can be no better place than Kankaria Lake . The pleasing view of the lake, the humming and chirping of birds and the greenery bordering the lake will make you fall in love with this place. You can also avail the boating facility. Kankaria Lake provides a beautiful view of the sunset. There is also a zoo and children's park located nearby the lake

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