It may not be the first metropolis in your list when traveling to India, but the things to do in Ahmedabad are worth adding to your bucket list. A vibrant city in Gujarat, this destination boasts beautiful palaces, museums, mosques, delectable dishes, and more. Listed below are some of the best and most fun things to do in Ahmedabad!
Formerly known as Satyagraha Ashram, Sabarmati Ashram located at the banks of its namesake river was became the home of Mahatma Gandhi when he returned from South Africa. This structure was once the primary planning hub for the Indian independence movement and is a witness to quite many significant historical events. Apart from its rich history, Sabarmati Ashram is also known for its peaceful and unique atmosphere. The complex has been converted into a simple yet engaging museum showcasing many of Gandhi’s photographs and memorabilia.
The Adalaj Stepwell is a five-storey stepwell located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Built in the 14th century mainly for water conservation, this beautiful structure provides refuge for the locals and travelers who had to walk miles for water. What makes it so enchanting is its series of carvings, galleries, and platforms on both sides. The fifth floor is especially breathtaking as it offers a view of the deep turquoise waters of the well itself. Today, the Adalaj Stepwell is famous for photo walks.
Said to be the second largest lake in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake serves as a recreation space and a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Formerly known as Hauj-E-Kutub, this lake was once a bathing place for the royalty. Kankaria Lake now has an island-garden in the centre with a summer palace called Nagina Wadi. You can also find multiple tourist attractions, such as a zoo, toy train, water rides, and hot air balloon ride.
The Calico Museum of Textiles is the premier textile museum of India. Located in Gujarat, this attraction contains one of the world’s finest collections of modern and antique Indian textiles, some dating up to 500 years old. The museum has two sections: the Haveli, which houses religious textiles, miniature art, and Jain art, and the Chauk, which houses carpets, royal tents, and furnishings and clothing of the Mughals. Some of the notable displays you’ll find here are regional embroideries, double-ikat fabrics, and Kashmiri shawls.
Built by 5,000 artisans, Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The structure was ordered to be constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who is known as the patron of Islamic architecture; one of his other famous works is the Taj Mahal in Agra. Jama Masjid stands on the Bho Jhala, which is one of the two hills of the old Mughal capital city of Shahjahanabad. It boasts three great gates, four towers, and two unique minarets made of white marble and red sandstone.
Bhadra Fort is a citadel commissioned by the Sultan of Gujarat, Ahmad Shah, during his reign in the 1400s. Consisting of a magnificent palace that displays tastefully decorated balconies and arches and lush green gardens, this fort was built as part of a larger urban foundation. Many temples, mosques, and other structures were also built in the fort. Today, it houses government offices and a Kali temple and is mainly famous for Teen Darwaza, the entry to Maidan Shah.
A waterfront area on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Sabarmati Riverfront was developed into one of the most enchanting tourist places in Ahmedabad. Since 1411, this place has been an important water source and served a backdrop for both recreational and cultural activities. Pop-up exhibitions and boating stations are built along the river; over the river are 11 bridges, connecting the old and new parts of the city. The promenade also has parks and plazas, making it a relaxing place for locals and tourists especially at night.
Dargah Hazrat Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Bakhs RA, also known as Sarkhej Roza, is one of the prominent landmarks of Ahmedabad and one of the most unique architectural complexes of the city. Located 8km southwest of the old centre in Makarba, this mosque, tomb, and palace complex commemorates Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, the spiritual advisor of Ahmed Shah I. Its sides are filled with stone trelliswork and inside is a tomb surrounded by a beautifully cut open metal screen.
Near the city’s textile centre, Sarangpur, stands the Sidi Bashir mosque, an iconic and famous monument due to its unique construction. What’s left of the structure are mainly two minarets about 21 meters high and 3 stories tall, also known as the Shaking Minarets. It’s named as such because when one minaret is shaken, the other begins to vibrate even though the connecting archway between the two doesn’t move. What causes the vibration is unknown to this day.
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a place of worship worth visiting for its impressive architecture. Built in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah, this historical place is a system of domes, arches, vaults, and squinches and is known for its uniquely carved stone latticework windows. It is documented as the last major mosque built in the city under the Mughal rule and a symbol of the time when Gujarat prospered under the rule of Muslim sultans.
Ahmedabad is known for its incredible buildings, from the Hutheesing Jain Temple to the Sidi Sayde Mosque. It’s also the best place for jewelry shopping as the craftsmen of Ahmedabad are famous for their silverwork. Festivals take place throughout the year in the city, too.
The peak travel in Ahmedabad is December to February as it is the mildest season in terms of heat and also has the fewest chances of rainfall. Some notable events include the International Kite Festival in January, Navratri or “Nine Nights” in September or October, and Diwali in October or November.
One of the best areas to stay in Ahmedabad is the riverside Ellisbridge on the western part of the city. It offers both budget and luxury accommodations and is also known for its green spaces; there are nearby food stalls that dish up taste-worthy Gujarati snacks as well. Another good option is Paldi as it is near bus stops and most of the tourist places are nearby. Small temples also dot the area.