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Ahmedabad ( in Gujarati) or Ahmadābād is the largest
city in Gujarat and the sixth largest city in India with a population of
almost 5 million. The city is also sometimes called Karnavati, an older name
and as Amdavad in colloquial Gujarati. Ahmedabad is the administrative
center of Ahmedabad District, and was the former capital of Gujarat State
from 1960 to 1970, when Gandhinagar replaced it.
The city was founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the
Sabarmati river, and served as capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The
historic center of Ahmedabad is presently a thriving business district.
Ahmedabad is mainly divided in two parts, the old city, and new city. The
old city has developed rather haphazardly, and most of the roads are narrow
and crowded during business hours. The new city has well-structured, wide
roads. A wide variety of shops and businesses exist in the city.
In addition to its role as a commercial center, Ahmedabad is also an
important industrial center, with chemical and textile industries. Ahmedabad
is often described as the Manchester of the East, because of its
once-booming textile industry.
Ahmedabad enjoys a thriving cultural tradition, being the centre of Gujarati
cultural activities and diverse traditions of different ethnic and religious
communities. Popular celebrations and observances include Uttarayan — an
annual kite-flying day on 14 January. The nine nights of Navaratri are
celebrated with people performing Garba — the folk dance of Gujarat — at
venues across the city. The festival of lights — Deepavali is celebrated
with the lighting of lamps in every house, the decorating the floors with
the rangoli and the bursting of firecrackers. Other festivals such as Holi,
Eid ul-Fitr and Christmas are celebrated with enthusiasm. The annual
Rathyatra procession on the Ashadh-sud-bij date of the Hindu calendar and
the procession of Tajia during the Muslim holy month of Muharram are
integral parts of the city's culture.
LOCATION - Ahmedabad is Gujarat's largest city and the headquarters
of Ahmedabad district. It is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Ahmedabad airport is located 10 km north of the city center. Indian
Airlines & other private airlines have daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi.
The city is also connected to Bangalore, Goa and Chennai by regular flights.
By Rail - The city also has a good road network with good network of National
and State Highways. Ahmedabad is well connected by trains with Delhi,
Mumbai, Vadodra and Udaipur.
By Road - The city is well connected with Bombay, Delhi and other major
cities.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to visit Ahmedabad is during the Navratri time i.e. October.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Juma Masjid - It 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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WHERE TO EAT
Gujarati thalis are very famous and you can get it anywhere.
Vishalla, opposite Vana Tolnaka, serves delectable Gujarati food.
Sankalp, C G Road, is perhaps the best place for South Indian dishes.
Café Upper Crust, opposite Maharaja Palace, Vijay Cross Roads: A good
bakery, it also specialises in continental dishes.
Banjara, between Rajpath Club and Thaltej Cross Roads: Excellent Chinese and
Continental cuisine.
Chills Thrills Frills has branches all over the city: Very popular for ice
creams, fast food and Chinese food.
Pizza Hut, Abhijay Complex, Swastik Cross Roads.
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