Ahmedabad - A Tapestry of History and Modernity

Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, is the largest city and former capital of Gujarat, a state in western India. It is a vibrant metropolis that offers a rich cultural heritage, a thriving business district, and a rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries. Ahmedabad is also the first city in India to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage City, owing to its remarkable architecture and historic monuments.

If you are planning to visit Ahmedabad, here are some aspects that you may want to consider:

Location

Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, which divides the city into two parts: the old city and the new city. The old city, also known as the walled city, is where you can find many ancient temples, mosques, stepwells, bazaars and pols (traditional neighbourhoods). The new city, on the other hand, is where you can see modern skyscrapers, malls, museums and parks.

Accessibility

Ahmedabad is well-connected by air, rail and road to other major cities in India and abroad. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. The Ahmedabad Railway Station is one of the busiest in the country and has trains to various destinations across India. The city also has a network of buses, taxis, autorickshaws and metro for local transportation.

Accommodation

Ahmedabad offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxury hotels, heritage hotels, budget hotels, guest houses, homestays and hostels. Some of the popular hotels in Ahmedabad are Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Vivanta Ahmedabad SG Highway, Four Points by Sheraton Ahmedabad, Fortune Landmark and Novotel Ahmedabad Hotel.

Attractions

Ahmedabad has many attractions that showcase its history, culture and diversity. Some of the must-see places in Ahmedabad are:

• Sabarmati Ashram: This was the residence and workplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, from 1917 to 1930. Here you can see his personal belongings, photographs, letters and books. You can also visit the museum, library and prayer ground.
• Jama Masjid: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in India, built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1424. It has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes, carved with intricate designs. The mosque also has a spacious courtyard with a water tank for ablutions.
• Kankaria Lake: This is a man-made lake that was built by Sultan Qutubuddin in the 15th century. It is surrounded by gardens, amusement parks, zoo, aquarium and other recreational facilities. You can enjoy boating, balloon rides, laser shows and musical fountains here.
• Adalaj Stepwell: This is a five-storeyed stepwell that was built by Queen Rudabai in 1499. It has ornate carvings of Hindu and Islamic motifs on its walls and pillars. The stepwell also has a cool and refreshing atmosphere due to its underground location.
• Hathee Singh Jain Temple: This is a stunning marble temple that was built by Seth Hathee Singh in 1848. It is dedicated to Dharmanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankara. The temple has intricate carvings of flowers, animals and deities on its domes and spires.

Activities

Ahmedabad offers many activities for different interests and tastes. Some of the things that you can do in Ahmedabad are:

• Shopping: Ahmedabad is famous for its textile industry and handicrafts. You can shop for traditional fabrics like bandhani (tie-dye), patola (double ikat) and khadi (hand-spun cotton) at places like Law Garden, Lal Darwaja and Manek Chowk. You can also buy jewellery, pottery, woodwork, metalwork and leatherwork at various markets and emporiums.
• Food: Ahmedabad is a paradise for food lovers, especially vegetarians. You can savour the local delicacies like dhokla (steamed rice cakes), khandvi (gram flour rolls), fafda (fried gram flour strips), jalebi (deep-fried sweet spirals), thepla (flatbread with spices) and dal vada (lentil fritters) at street stalls and restaurants. You can also try the Gujarati thali (platter) that consists of various dishes like roti (bread), sabzi (vegetable curry), dal (lentil soup), rice, pickle and sweet.
• Heritage Walk: Ahmedabad has a unique heritage walk that takes you through the old city and its pols. You can explore the architecture, culture and history of the city with a guide. The walk starts from the Swaminarayan Temple and ends at the Jhulta Minar, covering 20 heritage sites in between.
• Science City: Ahmedabad has a science city that is spread over 107 hectares of land. It has various attractions like IMAX 3D theatre, energy park, musical fountain, hall of science, planetarium and amphitheatre. It is a great place to learn and have fun for kids and adults alike.

Safety

Ahmedabad is generally a safe city to visit, but you should take some precautions like:

• Avoid travelling alone at night or in isolated areas.
• Beware of pickpockets and scammers in crowded places.
• Dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions.
• Carry your valuables and documents in a secure bag or pouch.
• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat only hygienic food.

Cost of Living

Ahmedabad is a relatively affordable city to visit, compared to other major cities in India. The average cost of living in Ahmedabad for a tourist is around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per day, depending on your accommodation, food, transportation and activities. You can save money by using public transport, staying in budget hotels or homestays, eating at local eateries and bargaining at markets.

Local Hospitality

Ahmedabad is known for its warm and friendly people, who are always ready to help and welcome visitors. You can experience the local hospitality by staying in a homestay or a heritage hotel, where you can interact with the hosts and learn about their culture and lifestyle. You can also join a local tour or activity, where you can meet other travellers and locals.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Ahmedabad is a city that is striving to preserve its heritage and environment, while also developing its economy and infrastructure. You can contribute to its sustainability and responsible tourism by:

• Respecting the cultural and religious sentiments of the people.
• Avoiding littering and using plastic bags or bottles.
• Supporting the local artisans and businesses by buying their products.
• Participating in eco-friendly activities like cycling, walking or volunteering.
• Donating to social or environmental causes that work for the city.

Personal Experience

I visited Ahmedabad last year with my family and had a wonderful time. I was amazed by the contrast between the old and new parts of the city, and the diversity of its attractions. I enjoyed visiting the Sabarmati Ashram, where I felt inspired by Gandhi’s life and teachings. I also loved shopping for colourful fabrics and handicrafts at Law Garden, where I bargained with the vendors. I tasted some delicious Gujarati food at a restaurant called Essence, where I had a thali that was so filling that I skipped dinner. I also joined a heritage walk that took me through the pols of the old city, where I saw some beautiful havelis (mansions) and temples. I learned a lot about the history and culture of Ahmedabad from the guide, who was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Best Timings

The best time to visit Ahmedabad is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when many festivals are celebrated in the city, such as Navratri, Uttarayan, Diwali and Holi. These festivals add more colour and joy to your trip, as you can witness the rituals, dances, music and fireworks.

Ahmedabad is a city that has something for everyone. It is a place where you can experience history, culture, modernity, spirituality, fun and adventure. It is a city that will surprise you with its charm and hospitality. It is a city that you will fall in love with.