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Another name used for Ahmedabad is Amdavad. It is the largest city of Gujarat and one of India’s most vibrant cities. It is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Ahmedabad is considered as the twin city to Gandhinagar, the present capital of the state.

Through the years, Ahmedabad has been transformed into an economic gold mine and an industrial foundation of India. In the year of 2017, the Old Ahmadabad was given the title of India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO. Besides its diverse culture and its evolving economy, this city is also known for its tourism. Following are things one can do in Ahmedabad –

Lake Kankaria

Kankaria more was built by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din in 1451. The hotel is located in Ahmedabad, one of the largest lakes in the city. Nagina Wadi, a summer palace in the garden of the island, located in the middle of Lake Kankaria. The lake would be a natural choice for tourists because it has something for all ages. Parks, kindergarten, recreation, boat club, zoo and museum are the main attractions here. Kankaria Zoo is 21 acres and houses various animals like tigers, elephants, anaconda, python and more. The playground has a number of entertainments for children and boat house, house mirror, planetarium and playhouse. Toy trains are available around the lake to take. The balloon safari near Lake Kankaria attracts tourists in large numbers.

Akshardham Temple

Almost all travel to Ahmedabad is synonymous with paying homage at the grand Akshardham Temple. Built pink stones with intricate carvings, this beautiful structure is amongst the country's largest temple complexes. A statue of Lord Swaminarayan is the principal deity here. This statue stands seven feet tall and is plated with gold leaf. The temple structure is located amidst serene sprawling gardens. The approximate measurements of this colossal monument are 40 m width, 73 m length, and 108 feet height. The garden around the temple is no less impressive and has a waterfall, lake, herbal garden, cultural areas, play zones for children, and a sculpture of Swaminarayan carved out of a single piece of marble. Akshardham Temple's importance towards the Gujarat travel tourism industry remains unparalleled.

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram is a well-known and a popular location for various reasons. A visit to the Sabarmati Ashram is one of the top places to visit in Ahmedabad. In the year 1917, Mahatma Gandhi established this ashram in Sabarmati. The main center of India’s freedom movement, the ashram was also called the Satyagraha Ashram. It was the main base from where Gandhi led the Dandi march or the salt satyagrah.

This place now holds the museum that has preserved a detailed, informative record of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his teachings. The ashram has various guest houses where visitors from India and abroad are accommodated.

Vinoba Kutir is a cottage is named after Acharya Vinoba Bhave who stayed at this cottage. Upasana Mandir is an open -air prayer ground, where after Prayers Mahatma Gandhi would refer to individual’s questions and as head of family would try to analyze and solve these queries and the Magan Niwas is a hut used to be the home of the ashram manager. The ashram is open from 8:30am to 6:30pm. There is no cost for visiting this ashram. The ashram is located in Old Wadaj

Beautiful Vintage Cars in the Auto World Vintage Car Museum

The Auto World Vintage Car Museum in the city is one of the biggest museums in the world, specifically for automobiles. The museum has a huge collection of motorcycles, cars etc. the museum is known to have more than 100 such amazing cars which range from popular brand names such as the Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Daimler and Lincolns. The auto world also has facilities such as souvenir shops, auditoriums etc. Along with these major attractions, the most enticing and anticipated activity in this museum is the chance to drive the vintage cars. A nominal fee of INR 50 per person is charged as entry fee. The museum is open from 8 am to 9 pm.

Visit the Remarkable Jama Masjid

It is regarded as one of India’s most beautiful mosques. it was built by Ahmed Shah in 1423. The best time to visit here is during the evening, when you can feel the peace and appreciate the architecture. The garden is located at Gandhi Road.

Bhadra Fort

This fort, Bhadra Fort, was built in the 15th century by the Muslim king Ahmad Shah I, this fort, Bhadra Fort serves as Ahmedabad’s cultural center housing palaces, Masjids and huge gates. The structure was rebuilt again and again and expanded several times in those times and after the British conquered Ahmedabad in 1817, this fort served as a jail during the British occupation.

At present the fort contains only the government offices and is used for hoisting the Indian national flag during the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

Bhadra Fort Address:

• Bhadra Fort, Court Rd, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Bhadra Fort Timings

• 9:00 A.M – 5:00 PM all days of the week.

Adalaj Step Well

This well, Adalaj Step Well was built by a Muslim king for his queen Rani Roopba in 15th century. This well is a engraved water reservoir and is 5 stories in depth. The well, Adalaj Step Well was built in the Hindu Solanki construction style.

This well is one of the best examples of the Persian-Muslim influenced construction mixed with the local architecture, the paintings, carvings, figurines and the writings depicts the story of the well’s origin.

Adalaj Step Well Timings

• 6:00 AM -6:00 PM all days of the week  

Kamala Nehru Zoo

This zoo, Kamala Nehru Zoo, is also known as the Kankaria Zoo. This zoo, Kamala Nehru Zoological Park was built by Ruben David in 1950s and was also regarded as ‘Best Zoo of Asia’ in 1970s.

The park houses more than 500 animals, 3000 birds and 150 reptiles and is located in an area of 31 acres. In addition to these the zoo also houses an amusement park, children’s park, toy train and balloon safari.

Kamala Nehru Zoo Address

• Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Temples and Mosque

Akshardham Temple, Vaishnodevi Temple, Amar dham, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, Hathisingh Jain Temple, Swaminarayan Gurukul, Sidi Sayed Mosque, Juma Masjid, Jhulta Minara.

Universities

Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Nirma University, National Institute of Design.

Museums

Museums, Zoos and Gardens: Science City, Kankaria Lake, Kamla Nehru Zoo, Vastrapur Lake, Law Garden, Calico Textile Museum, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, L. D. Institute of Indology, Veechar Utensil Museum.

Festivals

Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or “Uttarayan”, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Navratri (festival of nine nights), Eid-Ul-Fitr.