Ahmedabad, the everlasting pride of Gujarat, has stood the test of time and has gracefully transformed itself into a thriving hub of culture, traditions and a hot spot for tourism activities. Although it has garnered the position among one of the most prominent metropolis it hasn’t lost its ethnic charm. The city is a beautiful blend of old and new structures and sites of tourist interest that attract visitors from all over the world. from being the abode for our father of the nation to the mesmerizing craftsmanship of its temples, mosques, and palaces, this place is a treasure trove for history buffs, art lover and even wildlife enthusiasts and a City Tour of Ahmedabad will. When in Ahmedabad you will never run out of things to do and places to visit due to its plethora of options.

Planning a trip to Ahmedabad? Here are a few places which you should not miss out on:

01. Sabarmati Ashram

Lined by the glimmering river Sabarmati, and located in the suburbs of the city of Ahmedabad, Sabarmati Ashram is known for being one of the numerous homes of Mahatma Gandhi where he had stayed for almost 12 years with his wife Kasturba and a few of his followers. An interesting aspect of this farm was that the holy Bhagavad Gita was recited here every day as a part of its schedule. This was also the starting point from where he had embarked on the legendary movement of Dandi March.

Ashram Timings: 8 am to 7 pm

02. Jama Mosque

Located right outside the Bhadra fort area, the iconic Jama mosque was built in the year 1424 by the emperor sultan Ahmed Shah. This mosque is known for its intricate and fragile craftsmanship which truly displays the glories of the Indo – Islamic architectural style. Each pillar, prayer room, minaret, wall and column is adorned with classic craftsmanship and is an oasis for architecture enthusiasts. The entire mosque is constructed with yellow sandstone and holds a large courtyard along with a refreshing water fountain.

Mosque Timings: 6 am to 10 pm

03. Pols of Old Ahmedabad

Literally speaking a Pol is a tightly knit collection of traditional houses which was built to ensure the safety of the resident staying there. A unique feature about pols was the fact that it had two different entrances and a secret exit gate which was only known to the people living in these pols. In the past, these conglomeration of houses were the heart of the city and you will be greeted with intricate works of artwork which adore its house walls and pillars. These pols are truly a breathtaking sight.

Pol Timings: Open 24 hours

04. Sarkhej Roza

Ahmedabad is host to a range of mosques among which the mosque complex of Sarkhej is one of the most pristine representations of the importance of religion in Ahmedabad. Just like almost every monument dating back to that era, this structure is a wonderful fusion of Indo – Islamic architecture. The entire mosque is decorated with intricately designed pillars, elaborate brackets and mesmerizing motifs. This opulent structure is built around an artificial lake and was constructed by the rulers of Gujarat which to present day is a treat for the eyes.

Mosque Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

05. Kankaria Lake

Built in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-din Ahmad Shah II, this artificial lake is popular for being the second largest lake in Ahmedabad. Although the lake has been present for a really long time the entertainment lakefront was developed recently. This is the perfect place if you are looking to have a relaxing time with your family. These entertainment options range from a plethora of food stalls, tethered balloon rides, Water Park, Zoo, toy trains and so much more. By sunset, the colorful lights that line the lake come to life making it a beautiful site for a night stroll.

Lake Timings: 4 am to 11 pm (except Mondays – no entry between 8 am to 9 am and 10 pm to 11 pm)

06. Adalaj Stepwell

Built in the year 1498 in the loving memory of Rana Veer Singh by his beloved wife Queen Rudadevi, this step well is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture at its best. The entire state of Gujarat is dotted with numerous step wells and not even a single inch is spared in representing fine craftsmanship. Each pillar and wall is decorated with opulent and elaborate carvings of geometrical and floral motifs. The Vav also consists of a number of intricately and finely carved steps which used to lead the people to the water.

Stepwell Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

07. Manek Chowk

Surrounded on all sides by some of the most iconic monuments of Ahmedabad like Baba Maneknath Temple, Badshah No Hajiro, Muhurat Pol and others, Manek Chowk is one of the most legendary and prominent city squares in Old Ahmedabad. This market area has a unique feature about it, where this place functions as a vegetable market in the morning which turns into a bullion market by noon and finally it turns into every foodie’s paradise by night time.

Chowk Timings: Open 24 hours

08. Calico Museum of Textiles

Founded in 1949 and managed by the Sarabhai foundation, this is one of the most unique museums in the world. It is home to a plethora of textiles belonging to various different eras. The items that are put on display consist of rare textile items ranging from Mughal clothing items to tents and carpets from royal households. Other interesting items that are well preserved and put on display include a collection of 17th and 18th-century clothes, embroideries, Kashmiri shawls and brocades among a whole range of other fine painting and bronze artifacts.

Museum Timings: 10:30 am to 1 pm

09. Hutheesing Jain Temple

Built in 1848 AD by Seth Hutheesing, this opulent temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankara – Shri Dharamnath. A huge amount of cash went into the making of this temple which cannot go unmistaken and people from Sonpura and Salat communities were employed who are known to have built iconic palaces, temples, and forts. The temple premises are host to a sprawling courtyard along with a range of stunningly carved domes, pillars and minarets, decorative columns, magnificent porches and intricately carved motifs that cannot be copied anywhere else.

Temple Timings: 9 am to 1 pm and 5 pm

10. Bhadra Fort

Built in 1411 by Ahmad shah 1, this fort is one of the most pristine and royal forts in Ahmedabad. Named after an incarnation of goddess Laxmi, Bhadra, this iconic fort is a grand representation of classical indo architectural style. During the British Raj this fort was used as a prison which was later on renovated by the archeological survey of India in 2014 who restored the fort back to its bygone glory. There are numerous structures that Makes up the fort compound.

Fort Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Things to Do:

• Heritage Walk: The entire city of Ahmedabad is a wonderland of various interesting and age-old monuments where a heritage walk is a great option. If you are a history buff and want to explore the city in a more close personal manner then a heritage walk of the city will definitely leave a lasting impression. During the walk, you can go from Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur to Ahmedabad.
• Sound And Light Laser Show At Kankaria Lake: This manmade lake in Ahmedabad is one of the prime tourist attractions here which witnesses a huge visitor turnout on a daily basis. The sound a light laser show which takes place hereafter sundown is among one of the most attractive features of this lake. You can also visit during the Kankaria carnival which is the pride of this lake.
• Visit Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden: Established in 1951 and sitting next to Kankaria Lake this zoo is home to a number of animals including some endangered species like flamingos, Indian wild ass, mouse deer and the legendary Asiatic lion. You can also witness some albino animals like the red-necked wallaby. Spread over a sprawling area of 117 acres this zoo was created to protect endangered animals from going extinct.
• Science City: Created by the government of Gujarat in 1960 with an aim of spreading awareness and evoking a sense of wonder about science among the young minds, this city consists of an IMAX 3D theatre an exhibition hall, fun ride and an Amphitheatre. The parks and features here are guaranteed to ignite an interest in the minds of young ones.
• World Vintage Car Museum: Established in the year 1927 by General motor India, this museum is considered to be one of the best vintage car museums in the world. This place houses a massive collection of antique vehicles, utility vehicles, motorcycles, buggies and more. You can enjoy a ride of 3.5 Kms on any car of your liking after paying a sum of rupees 500.