Former capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is largest city of Gujarat and is also considered as one of the oldest city of India. Beautiful and amazing city nestled on the bank of Sabarmati River. Rich History of India tells us that the city has been populated since from 11th century and has been ruled by many dynasties that reigned during different period of time. From Mughals, to Marathas to the British, the city has been bestowed with rich heritage and culture in each era which today plays a vital role in India tourism.
Recently Ahmedabad declared India’s first World Heritage Site. According to Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent representative to UNESCO announce this news. On this occasion we have brought to you best places to visit in Ahmedabad that will make your tour memorable and relaxing.
Sabarmati Ashram
The Sabarmati Ashram is one of the most prominent attractions of Ahmedabad. It is often called as the second home of Mahatma Gandhi. The house also plays an important role in terms of Indian history as this house has witnessed inception of many battles of independence. According to the legends, the ashram is situated at the place where sage Dadich sacrificed his ribcage to make weapons for Indra, king of Gods. The major attractions of Sabarmati Ashram are Hriday Ashram and a museum namely Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. The other attractions of this place are Nandini, Upasana Mandir and Vinobha Kutir which are named after the people who were closed to Gandhi.
Bhadra Fort
This beautiful heritage fort of UNESCO declared World heritage city of Ahmedabad, Bhadra Fort plays an important role in tourism of Ahmedabad. The fort was constructed in 1411 AD. This beautiful fort serves as the city’s culture and is compact with various palaces, mosques and massive gates. According to the historians the fort has been destroyed and built several times and when British capture this fort in 1817 this fort has been converted into Jail. The major attractions of Bhadra Fort include Bhadrakali Temple which is dedicated to different form of Goddess Kali. Then there is Teen Darwaza which was the royal entrance of royal square that was used to held polo games.
Today the fort is compact with many government offices where National Flags gets hosted on every Independence Day and Republic Day.
Adalaj Step Well
This monument is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. The step well held a great importance in the history of Gujarat as it was the only source of water in the dry region of Gujarat. Adalaj Step Well was built by Muslim King for the Queen of Vaghela Rani Roopba in 1499. The structure is beautiful and was built in the Hindu Solanki architectural style. The carved pillars in the well are flooded with diffused light and provide an ideal resting place. This monument is certainly one of the finest places in Ahmedabad.
Akshardham Temple
One of the finest temples dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Akshardham Temple is located 25 km from Ahmedabad and is quite famous for its contemporary architecture and style. Built in 1992 this temple is visited by 2 million people approximately every year. The major attraction of this temple is the gold idol of Swami Narayan which is 10 story tall.
Spread in 23 acre the temple of Akshardham, is featuring as the centre of devotion, arts and education.
Kankaria Lake
This is another attraction which was built in 15th century by a Muslim ruler Sultan Qutub-ud-din. The lake used to serve as the bathing ground for the king. The architecture of the lake is quite different. It is built in a 34 sided polygonal shape with the steps that lead into the water. People on their cultural and heritage walk in India can visit this lake which is now featuring as an ideal picnic spot and has been developed into an entertainment zone. This kids friendly zone is compact with zoo, toy train, water rides, food stalls and many other entertainment facilities.
Jumma Masjid or Jama Masjid
Built in 1423, the beautiful structure of Jama Masjid is one of the finest architectural specimen which was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in year 1423 AD. This mosque was constructed for the Muslim devotees to congregate for Friday prayer which is also called “Jumme Ki Namaaz”. According to the sources, the yellow sandstones used for construction of mosque were from the destroyed pieces of Hindu and Jain Temples. According to other story, the mosque was used only by the Sultans and their family.
Here are some more names that you would love to explore during your north India tour packages –
- Calico Textile Museum
- Jhulta Minar
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
- Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
- Manek Chowk
- Kamla Nehru Zoo
