By In the heart of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, aka “Amdavad ” is India’s largest and fastest budding metropolitan city. It is also called “The Manchester of India” for the vast sector of textiles industries here. With a high literacy rate of 88.29 %, the city is home to many educational hubs as well.
One of the most traveled places, with a percentage of tourists flocking every year, the city perfectly blends old-age architecture and modern contemporary designs.
Looking out for some of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad? Worry not; we have got you covered. Read further for detailed information about the top 10 Ahmedabad places to visit.
1.Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram, commonly known as Gandhi Ashram, has a history that goes back to India’s war for freedom. From 1917 to 1930, “Mahatma Gandhi” once lived at this ashram. The Ashram converted museum displays various intriguing artifacts, like his glasses, slippers, and books. The Ashram includes a library with approximately 35000 volumes well organized. It was also the beginning point for his well-known “Dandi March.”
Visiting Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for Travelling :
- Spare a minimum of 2 hours to explore the place properly.
- Consider taking a guide to understand Gandhi Ji’s life history profoundly.
2. Swaminarayan Temple
Famously known as the “Akshardham Temple,” lays its roots in the 19th century. The temple has a shrine devoted to Narayan dev. It was the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sect to be built. Besides its religious beliefs, the temple is famous for its beautiful architecture. The temple is carved handsomely with Burma teak wood, and every arch and bracket is painted brightly.
Visiting timings: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm (Tuesday closed)
Entry Fees:
Free of Charge.
Tips for Travelling :
- Wear appropriate attire; no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops are permitted within the shrine.
- Check for Hindu or national holidays in advance, since reservations are necessary on these days.
- If you have a reservation, make sure to arrive on time, since admittance is not permitted 30 minutes sooner or after the authorized time.
3. Kankari Lake
The largest lake in Gujarat is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad with friends and family. The lakeside has something for everyone, including a zoo, kids’ parks, a water park, amazing food stalls, a jogging track, mini golf, and many more activities. A famous festival – Kankari carnival, is also celebrated with lots of vigor here.
Visiting Timings:
- 9:00 am to 10 pm (for visitors)
- 4:00 am to 8:00 am (for joggers )
Entry Ticket:
- Adults: RS 25
- Children: Rs 10
- Joggers: Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Don’t miss the evening light show
- Grab a map or switch to an online map to easily navigate various attractions.
4. Statue of Unity :
Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, this 597-foot statue of the “Iron Man of India” is the latest and trending place to visit near Ahmedabad. This tallest statue in the World attracts millions of tourists every year. The status signifies the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during India’s freedom struggles and epitomizes his patriotism for the nation.
Visiting time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday closed )
Entry Fees :
- For Adults: Rs 150
- For children(3-15 years) : Rs 90
- For foreigners: Rs 1530
Tips for traveling:
- Don’t carry food items, as it won’t be allowed beyond the entry point.
- Attend the famous laser show at 7 pm.
5. Bhadra Fort
Built in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bhadra Fort is expanded over 44 acres of land. It is said that there are many hidden stories behind the walls of this fort. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi had come here and blessed Muslim Sultana so that his city would remain wealthy. The fort, surrounded with beautiful lawns and gardens, also has a Bhadra Kali Temple in it.
Visiting Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Tips for Travelling:
- Wear comfortable shoes for the sake of long walks in the fort.
- Try hiring a guide while visiting to learn more about the interesting historical facts of this place.
6. Jama Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, was made as early as 1424. Along with the respectable shrine, the mosque contains the tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his sons, and even grandsons. The splendid architecture of the mosque has a unique feature in its prayer hall, which allows unique illumination of light through the meshwork into the room without any direct sunlight.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm (close during Namaz)
Entry Fees:
Free of charge.
Tips for traveling:
- The best time to visit during the day is early morning or late afternoon to experience the beautiful lighting entering the mosque hall.
- Being a religious site, dress modestly.
7. Calico Museum of Textiles
Opened by our former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the Calico Museum is known for its collection of a wide range of rare textiles, including various fabrics and artifacts from all over the country. Started by Gautam Sarabhai and his sister in 1949, he has envisioned preserving various weaving materials and showcasing India’s rich history in textiles.
Visiting Timings: 10:30 am to 1 pm (Wednesday closed)
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Registration is compulsory before visiting. You can visit https://www.calicomuseum.org/information-for-visitors/tour-booking/ to register your visit.
- Make sure to visit at the allotted time in the registration form.
8. Gujarat Science City:
One of the most interesting and massive projects of Gujarat, Science City is expanded over 140 acres of land. The complex embraces multiple attractions such as an IMAX 3D theatre, an amphitheatre, a Hall of Science, a Planet Earth Pavillion, an Energy Park, a Life Science Park, and musical fountains. Besides this, you can indulge in various science experiments and learn about the workings of smartphones, the future of technology, and much more. This place can be a dreamland for your teen kid.
Visiting Timings: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Entry Fees:
Ranges between Rs 10 – Rs 150 (Depending upon the show you attend)
Tips for Travelling:
- A place to spend a minimum of 4 – 5 hours exploring all the exhibits.
- Try navigating through a map, which you can easily get at the entrance.
9. Auto World Vintage Car Museum :
“Are you a car lover?” Then, this might be the best place for you. Auto World Vintage Car Museum is a unique assortment of 120 vintage cars, including motor vehicles, old utility vehicles, and ancient carriages. Shri Pranlal Bhogilal Patel initiated this venture when he decided to transform his collection of old vintage cars into a museum.
Visiting timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry fees:
- For Adults: Rs 50
- For children: Rs 30
Tips for traveling:
- Manage your itinerary so that you can take at least an hour to look at the rare collection.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to keep the memories of classic vehicles for a lifetime.
10. Manek Chawk : For exclusive shopping and lovely food !
The city square of Ahmedabad is one of the most busy markets. Situated in old Ahmedabad, there is a vegetable market in the morning, a bullion market in the afternoon, and a foodies hub in the evening. It is a paradise for people who love to shop, filled with various women’s attires and ornaments. Best known for its street food, the market is a must-visit place to indulge in some shopping and good food.
Visiting timings: 6:00 am to 2:00 am.
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for Travelling :
- Be extra cautious of your belongings as it is a jam-packed market.
- Try to reach here by public transport, as there is not a sufficient parking lot.
Travel Ahmedabad: It can be an unforgettable experience with friends and family
Ahmedabad is a lively city that seamlessly blends history and modernity, making it an excellent choice for a great vacation with friends or family. The town offers everything at its very best. Its a heaven for food lovers, as they can enjoy the savor from street food to Gujarati thalis in every restaurant. You can locate numerous local recreational spots when out with friends. The city is well-known for its thriving textile businesses, specializing in weaving garments. With its warm hospitality and innumerable attractions, Ahmedabad lets you build amazing memories with your loved ones.
So pack your bags and go out to discover the wonderful charm of this vibrant city!
