Location : Situated in
the state of Gujarat, lying to the western part of India.
Tourist Attractions : Juma Masjid, Jhulta Minara,
Hathising Jain Temple, Bhadra Fort, Sidi Sayed Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram,
Kankaria Lake
Best Buys : Textiles.
Best Hangouts : Sabarmati Ashram
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Gandhinagar, Porbandar.
When to Visit : October to March
About Ahmedabad
Situated on the banks of the river Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is the former
capital city and most important developed city of Gujarat. The city is haven
of the fine amalgam of Indian and Muslim architecture. Unlike the old
Ahmedabad, the new Ahmedabad has more of up-to-the-minute design
architecture. Ahmedabad is also world renown for Gujarat handicrafts, such
as, bandhani (tie / dye) work.
Known as the Manchester of India, Ahmedabad is presently famous for its
textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.
Besides,
Ahmedabad has got numerous places of interest for tourists, ranging from
monuments to amusement parks. The charisma of the various museums, mosques,
and forts adds charm to the simplicity of the Ahmedabad city.
Major Tourist Attractions in Ahmedabad
Juma Masjid
Juma Masjid is amongst the most popular tourist sights in the city. Built
of yellow sandstone this mosque stands on 260 pillars which support 15 domes
at varying elevations. The mosque was built by Ahmad Shah in 1423. It is
easily accessible as it stands in the centre of the old city. This imposing
structure reflects the Muslim architecture of that period.
Jhulta Minara
Quite an unusual structure, Jhulta Minara or swaying minarets are a part of
the mosque of Siddi Bashir and can be moved back and forth by applying a
little force at the topmost arch. One of the minarets was partly demolished
by an Englishman in his endeavours to unravel the mystery of the swaying
minarets. The mosque was built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism
that leads to the vibration is still a mystery. The other interesting fact
here is that these minars stand the test of the rumbling trains that pass
not very far away from them.
Hathising Jain Temple
An impressive white structure, the Jain temple built of white marble and
elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath - the 15th Jina or Jain
Apostle. Similar to all Jain temples, this temple too is rich in intricate
carvings displaying among other things - musicians.
Bhadra Fort
To add special charm to the varied sights of the city there is the Bhadra
Fort, which once housed royal palaces and well-laid gardens. It boasts of
the temple of Bhadrakali and was built in 1411 during the Maratha rule.
Sidi Sayed Mosque
Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique for its exquisite screens, which are praised
for their amazing Jhali screen, framed, in the ten semi-circular windows.
The screen carved out of one rock is just exceptional. A visit to this
superb and outstanding example of delicate carving is an absolute must.
Sabarmati Ashram
The ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt it
is the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil
stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram
during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, that the Mahatma began
his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by
the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's
teachings at the ashram premises. The ashram today continues the work
started by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory
and a spinning wheel factory. Besides, there are several other attractions
for the tourist.
Kankaria Lake
A circular lake built in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the centre of the
lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. The lake
is a popular recreation centre surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika' - an
aquarium, a boat club, a natural history museum and a zoo.
Getting There
Air : Ahmedabad airport, located 10 km north of the city, receives
both national and international flights.
Rail : Ahmedabad is well connected by trains with Delhi, Mumbai,
Vadodra and Udaipur.
Road : Ahmedabad has a good road network. By road it is linked with
towns like Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar.
Accommodation
There are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, being a major tourist destination and a vibrant modern Indian
city, has a good variety of accommodation to chose from. The city has
numerous hotels in the range of luxury to budget, to fit into everyone's
pocket.
