‘Ahmedabad is a cultured city with a rich heritage of craft and theater’ – Lillete Dubey
Ahmedabad, consider yourself fortunate to have this gorgeous city on your travel route. While you do require a fair amount of energy to explore this city because of it’s chaotic nature, rest assured thrill and surprises will come along the way.
SABARMATI ASHRAM
Most of the travelers visit Ahmedabad simply because of this Ashrama. It is here where India’s famous freedom fighter and a well-known figure internationally as a promoter of non- violence, Gandhi, stayed.
It is said that he chose this particular spot because on one side you had the jail and the other side the cemetery and any nonviolent fighter would end up in either one of these places. This is now a very peaceful ashram.
You also get an in-depth knowledge of his life as there is a library here. It tells you more about his teachings and gives you a better understanding of the revolutionary movements during India’s Independence.
VISITING HOURS: 08:00 to 18:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour
COST: Free
CALICO MUSEUM
Managed by the Sabarmati Foundation, this should be a must-visit for those interested in ancient and modern textiles. While Ahmedabad was flourishing in the textile industry you get a preview of the history of over five centuries of the different textile cultures.
The museum consists of ancient handlooms, manuscripts printed on palm leaves, traditionally woven embroidery on textiles and so much more. You would require prior reservations to enter the museum.
Don’t miss out on the tour here as the guides will give you a more detailed insight into history through the years. There is also a gift shop if you cannot help yourself from purchasing a few of the textile items.
VISITING HOURS: 10:30 to 13:00 hours (closed on Wednesday)
ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour
COST: Free
THE ADALAJ STEPWELL
Just like how the Taj Mahal has a tragic and romantic story behind it, Adalaj Stepwell too has quite the drama. It is said that the king (Rana Veer) was killed in a fight by his enemy(Begada). Afterwhich, Begada fell in love with the king’s wife. However, the king’s wife agreed to marry him only if he completed the stepwell her husband was building.
The lover that Begada was, he agreed to do so, only to find that after the completion of this the queen committed suicide at the stepwell to avoid the marriage. Besides the tragic story, what makes the visit so interesting is the architecture, from the Hindu – Islamic styles used and the intricacy in the carvings.
This stepwell will have you marveling at the monument as soon as you enter the premises. Make sure to be here as early as possible to beat the crowds. This is just going to be the beginning of many more interesting yet beautiful structures that you will come across.
VISITING HOURS: 08:30 to 18:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour
COST: INR 500 per person for foreign tourists, INR 20 per person for Indian tourists
SIDI SAIYYED MOSQUE
No matter how rushed your schedule is, make sure you make time for this beautiful mosque. It will definitely make you feel like your travel to India was worth it! Built by Sidi Saiyyed in 1573, the work done on this mosque is undoubtedly out of this world.
The Indo Islamic form of architecture with its domes, arches, and famous 8 windows with latticework will captivate you. The most famous window is the ‘Tree Of Life’, the jali work done here is so detailed you will not help but continue gazing at this particular window. Considering the noise and traffic outside starting at this window will definitely give you some inner peace. Photography lovers, capturing the best shot here will be a challenge because of its height.
VISITING HOURS: 08:00 to 19:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour
COST: Free
SUN TEMPLE
Located about 100 kms away from Ahmedabad, make a stop here if you wish to get amazed by the art, culture, and craftsmanship of the people in the past. The Sun Temple was built in the 11th century by King Bhimdeva, dedicated to the Sun God.
This complex is divided into 3 parts: the Surya Kund (stepwell), Saba Madapa, and Guda Mahdapa. All the three structures will have you gazing at the craftsmanship, the symmetrical patterns, the god and goddess carved on the walls of these pillars.
Even the ceilings of these structures were not left behind; they are covered with beautiful floral motifs. You notice the hard work, dedication, and effort that would have gone into building something like this during that time.
VISITING HOURS: 08:30 to 18:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: Half A Day
COST: INR 500 per person for foreign tourists, INR 20 per person for Indian tourists
