Ahmedabad travel information, India
Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat, was its former capital. The city founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD, lies on the left bank of the Sabarmati river. One of the highly industrialized cities in India, Ahmedabad is also India's Textile City. The city is full of architectural delights. Though the capital of Gujarat was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, it is still the second largest industrial city in western India. History Ahmedabad has a chequered history. In 1411, Sultan Ahmed Shah established a city and gave it his name- Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad has experienced a number of high points, . Ahmedabad city declined within a century of its being established. In 1572, Emperor Akbar seized Ahmedabad and assimilated it within the great Mughal Empire. Ahmedabad became an important business center during the Mughal period until until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, after which the Ahmedabad city again began to decline. The British seized Ahmedabad in 1818 and set up a number of textile mills here. Ahmedabad became the temporary capital of the state of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970. The late 17th century and early 18th century saw the downfall of Ahmedabad as far as its status as one of the leading Indian cities was concerned. It changed a lot of hands especially because of the numerous Mughal, Rajput and English invasions. Fair & Festivals Kite Festivals :The International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The people of Gujarat celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for a couple of days. It is also a celebration to mark the end of winter.
Navratri : Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part into it with same emphasis. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand.
Rath Yatra : In the month of June / July a massive procession is taken out from the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns the chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. It is very similar to Jagannath Puri's Yath Yatra. The procession starts in the morning from the Jagdish Mandir situated in the Jamalpur area of the city. The chariots of Krishna, Balram and Subhadra, adorned with garlands, are taken round the city amidst much pomp and show. Tarnetar Fair :- The Tarnetar fair is held every year on the 4th, 5th and 6th of the Shukla Paksha (Aug-Sep) at the Trinteshwar (Three-eyed god) temple of Lord Shiva near Surendranagar. In this unique festival the practice of Swayamvar still persists. Ahmedabad peoples assume that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.
Makar Sankranti - Makar Sankranti or kite festival held on the 14th January, the, marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and is hence named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in Ahmedabad starts the day with kite flying and continues into the night by attaching lamps to kites so one can see them in the sky.
Rath Yatra - Rath Yatra In the months of June or July a massive procession takes place from the Jagannath (Juggernaut) temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns, a sacred chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. If in the area, this shouldn't be missed. Don't forget you camera!
Tarnetar Festival - Tarnetar Festival August or September Just 3 hours drive from Ahmedabad, Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet is transformed into a whirl of colour & excitement in the first week of Bhadrapad. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in Gujarat & is attended by various tribes of Gujarat. During the festival match making is celebrated over 3 days and 2 nights. It's another fun filled festival worth viewing. Shopping in Ahmedabad Shopping in Ahmedabad is fun wandering through this city of fabrics and curios with a strong old world charm. Premier shopping areas in Ahmedabad are C.G.Road, Ashram Road, Law Garden, and Relief Road. The Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Hastkala, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, and Bandhej are some of the places where one can get cotton garments, handicrafts, and curios. Gurjari, the Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, has some of the best products not only from Ahmedabad but also from Gujarat. Teen Darwaja in old city, once a great place for antique, will be a fascinating shopping experience if one has the time and inclination for bargaining.
Ahmedabad Best Season The climate of Ahmedabad is hot and moist. Winters are cool and pleasant (November-February) but summers (April-June) are extremely dry, hot in Ahmedabad and the temperature can be as high as 46°C at times. The city of Ahmedabad experiences good rainfall during the monsoon season during the months from July to September. Tourist Attractions Gandhi Aashram - Located near vadaj the Sabarmati Aashram was once house of Mahatma Gandhi. 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.
Akshardham - It is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swami Narayan. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument built of 6000 tons of pink sand stones. The entire monument was built without the use of steel and consists of a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swami Narayan and his holy relics.
Calico Museum - This one-of-a-kind museum housed in a carved wooden haveli boasts of an amazing collection of antique and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes and also some older weaving machines. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference library on textiles. Closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays, this museum is not to be missed. Sidi Sayed MosqueSidi 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.
Jama Masjid - Is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the old city.
Kankaria Lake - It is a circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the center of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.
How to reach
By Air : Ahmedabad airport is 10 km north of the city and has both the domestic and international terminal.
By Rail : Ahmedabad has direct train services to major cities in India.
By Road : Ahmedabad has good highways connecting it to all major places in Gujarat and other states. Interstate buses of different states of India provide services to and from Ahmedabad. For more details on Ahmedabad Travel visit
Tourist Destination in India