Ahmedabad is rich with things to see and do, combining the exuberance of a flourishing metropolis with its rich history that goes back a millennium. Founded by King Karandev and named 'Karnavati', the city got its current name in 1411 when Ahmed Shah conquered it. What followed was a rich culmination of Indo-Islamic culture. Old Ahmedabad is fascinating, with its labyrinthine alleyways, old havelis and vibrant bazaars and is best explored on foot. (Taking the Heritage Walk is a good idea.) New Ahmedabad offers the trappings of civilisation of one of the richest urban centres in Indian, complete with multiplexes, shopping malls, bowling alleys, entertainment parks and even a drive-in cinema.
Heritage and History
Fusion architecture is everywhere, obvious in the mosques and mausoleums of the city, which blend Islamic principles of design with sculpted ornamentation from Hindu art.
Mosques
Built in 1423 AD by Ahmed Shah, the Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque of Ahmedabad and stunning to say the least, with its 260 pillars that support 15 domes at different elevations. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (built in 1571) near the Lal Darwaza, has magnificent examples of stone lattice work so detailed its hard to believe the carving is done in stone. Amongst the other 50 mosques in Ahmedabad, the more famous are Rani Sipri's Mosque or Masjid-e-Nagina, Sidi Bashir Mosqueand the Shah Alam Roza, each being an example of fine workmanship and design.
One of the most beautiful places that Ahmedabad has to offer is the Sarkhej Roja (1445-1451), which is not limited to being a place of religious importance although it does have a mosque within its premises. This complex which consists of tombs of kings, a priest’s memorial and summer palaces, all surrounded by a water tank is a must see for anyone visiting the city
Hatheesing Jain Temple
Of the many ornate Jain structures, the Hatheesing Jain Temple dating back to 1850 offers a strikingly different style of architecture with its white marble structure and rich decorative carvings. The city is dotted with over hundred Derasars or Jain temples of which many lie either within people’s houses or under the ground.
* Timings - 9 am to 12 noon and 2pm to 5:30 pm.
Havelis
The havelis in Ahmedabad paint a clear picture of the lavish lifestyle led by the rich in the 19th century. Most of these have exquisite woodwork and a similar architectural design that comprises a courtyard or otla in the centre. Amongst the well known havelis in Ahmedabad, the 90 year old, Doshiwada di Pol with its gabled roof and windowless facade is appreciated the most.
Another place worth a visit is the Shahibaug Palace which was built in 1622 AD by Shahjahan and has now been converted to Sardar Patel Memorial. Some very interesting sites are the Sultanate era step wells that were built for weary travellers. The finest examples are Dada Hari Ni Vav in Asarva and Adalaj Ni Vav in Adalaj with carvings along the entire length of their stairs.
The 600 year old Bhadra Fort in the old city was initially built with a fort wall that had 12 entrance gates or darwazaas, of which Teen Darwaza is the famous one amongst the few that are intact. Besides the monuments in the city, Nagina Wadi, a summer palace on a lake island is worth visiting. Built in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din, this site comprises of a circular lake with an island in the centre where the palace stands. The Kankaria Lake is also a favourite picnic spot since it is surrounded by the Kankaria Zoo, a boat club and the Balvatika which has a collection of mirrors that deform shapes, thus providing a good laugh. For those interested in a little colonial touch, the 300 year old Dutch cemetery near the lake would provide an opportunity to see the tombs of the Dutch and English pioneers who started the industrialisation of Ahmedabad by establishing their factories here.
Museums
This ancient city is home to some of the finest museums in the country. A must visit is the Calico Museum, arguably one of the finest textile museums in the world with a collection showcasing rare textiles and costumes dating back to the 17th century, as well as furniture and crafts. Various styles of weaving are on display, patola, opulent zari, bandhni, pashminas from Kashmir. You also get to see centuries old manuscripts and painted on palm leaves. Models and diagrams explain the weaving, dyeing and embroidery processes. Taking the morning tour (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) or the afternoon tour (2:45 pm – 4:45 pm) is a god idea.
* closed on Wednesdays and government holidays. Cameras not allowed
The LD Museum of Indology and the NC Mehta Miniature Gallery at the Gujarat University are worth a visit. They house some remarkable pieces of art that date back to pre-Mughal era.
*Entry Free; Timings - 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, Mondays closed
Situated at Paldi, the famous Kite Museum with its vast collection of kites from all over the world is a must see. The upper floor of the building houses the Ahmedabad City Museum and adjacent is the theatre which is a hub for various cultural activities.
* Entry Free; Timings - 10 am to 6 pm, Mondays closed; Still camera Free, Video with permission.
Also worth a visit is the Utensils Museum at Vishalla with its collection of over 2000 varieties of traditional Indian utensils and the Tribal Museum with its perfect chronology of tribal life. Amdavad Ni Gufa with its collection of M F Hussain’s paintings and the Herwitz Art Gallery lying adjacent to each other, are worth a visit for art enthusiasts.
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram
Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, the Mahatma lived here from 1917 to 1930. You see a collection of his personal property – wooden shoes, some articles of clothing and a pair of round spectacles. A one-hour light and sound show is held, which narrates the story of his life.
* Entry is free and the ashram is open from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm. For the show, the fee is Rs. 5 per person. The show is held every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:30 pm, except during monsoon.
Entertainment
Our World
This complex offers a multiplex theatre, restaurants as well as entertainment activities such as go karting, bowling, pool. It lies near Gandhinagar, approximately 40 minutes from Ahmedabad
Drive-In Road
Enjoy a film at the only drive in cinema of the country! Lounge in your car with snacks and drinks and have a picnic with a twist.
