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Ahmedabad
[ Edit ] Overview
Ahmedabad, the largest city of the state of Gujarat and the 7th largest city in India (population of 6.5 million) is located on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Founded in 1411, the name Ahmedabad is derived from its founder - Sultan Ahmed Shah and is also called as Amdavad. Today the city is the commercial capital of Gujarat and is reputed for its textile industry which thrived specially during the times of Mughal rule in th city. Ahmedabad figured prominently in India’s movement for independence, with Mahatma Gandhi setting up his ashram on the banks of the river from where he continued the non violence movement for independent India. Although it is not very well known as a tourist destination, Ahmedabad is often the first stop for any one looking to follow the history of Indian freedom movement. However, in addition to the Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad is full of historically significant monuments that date back to the 15th century. The architectural styles combine both Hindu and Muslim traditions.
The kite flying festival- Uttarayan is celebrated very widely in Ahmedabad, which also celebrates with great pomp the Navratri festival- Garba, the famous Gujarati folk dance being performed at various centres accorss the city.
Today Ahmedabad has earned a reputation for a base for many of the world's finest education institutions like Indian Institute of Management and National Institiute of Design etc.
[ Edit ] History
In the 11th century the city was ruled by the Solanki ruler, Karandav and was named Karnavati. Later in the 13th century the city came under the control of the Sultanate of Delhi and yet later in the 15th century it was ruled under the Muzaffarid dynasty when it changed its name to Ahmedabad after its ruler Ahmed Shah. Mahmud, the grandson of Ahmed Shah, fortified the city. In 1573 Gujarat was conquered by Emperor Akbar of the Mughal dynasty. During this period Ahmedabad became a thriving centre for textile trade. Later when the Marathas captured the city and its fortunes declined, it was taken over by the East India Company. It was declared the capital of the newly formed state of Gujarat in 1960, but lost that position in 1970 when Gandhinagar was made the capital.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Gujarat, India
[ Edit ] Location
Driving distances to Ahmedabad from:
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
October to February are the best times to visit Ahmedabad.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), HK House, Off Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380009
[ Edit ] STD Code
079
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Bhadra Fort
Named after the Badrakali temple in its premises, Bhardra Fort was built in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah. Covering an area of approximately 43 acres the fort has several palatial buildings within its complex.
[ Edit ] Calico Museum
Calico Textile Museum is one of the finest textile museums displaying a magnificent collection of rare textiles like carpets, tents, garments, religious cloth paintings, brocades, shawls etc dating back to the 17th-18th century. The museum was established 1949 by the Sarabhai family along with textile mill owners and philanthropists of Gujarat. Set in Shahi Bagh gardens, the gallery is spread across 2 floors with each of the 12 rooms representing a particular craft, tribal region or religious sect.
In another haveli in the Sarabhai Foundation Galleries bronze icons, rare paintings and other valuable exhibits are housed.
- Open Tuesday to Thursday.
[ Edit ] Juma Masjid
Located centrally in the old city, Juma Masjid was constructed in 1423-24 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of the city. The architecture of mosque is typical of that period, built with yellow sandstone and 15 domes at varying elevations. The Juma Masjid is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in India and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ahmedabad.
[ Edit ] Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology
The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology is a museum housing an amazing array of invaluable exhibits in the form of ancient manuscripts, books, paintings and other unique documents relevant to ancient Indian civilizations. There are around 45,000 books and 75,000 manuscripts pertaining to varied subjects like Buddhism, Jain Darshana, Tantras, Vedas, Agamas, Indian philosophy, Jain philosophy, etc.
[ Edit ] Sabarmati Ashram
Built in 1917, Sabarmati Ashram or Gandhi Ashram as it commonly known, is located few kilometers outside Ahmedabad. The ashram was the historic base from where Gandhiji waged his successful non-violent movement for the independence of India. It is a collection of simple tiled buildings reflecting the simplicity of the Mahatma.
Hridaykunj, the house where he lived, has exhibits of his personal belongings, including the rounded spectacles that became symbolic of him. Many photographs and other historically significant items connected with his life are exhibited in the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay.
- Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.
- No Entrance fees.
[ Edit ] Sidi Sayed Mosque
North east Bhadra fort is the well known Sidi Sayed mosque renowned for its yellow stone lattice work or jaalis framed in the ten semi-circular windows. Situated close to Lal Darwaja the jaali screen is a good example of Indo Saracenic architecture. Constructed in 1572, the mosque was made by a slave of Ahmad Shah.
[ Edit ] Teen Darwaza
The historically significant Teen Darwaza, meaning three gates, was the entrance for nobles entering the Royal Square in the fort. A tri-arched gateway, it is a prominent landmark of Ahmedabad. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah, Teen Darwaza has beautifully engraved gates leading into a bazaar with several shops of both sides of the streets.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
The airport is 10 km from the city and has regular flights from all major airports in the country.
[ Edit ] Rail
Ahmedabad station is a major rail head and is linked to all major stations in the country.
[ Edit ] Road
National and state highways link the city to neighboring towns and major cities in the country. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation has a fleet of express and luxury services providing connections to the rest of the State.
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available in most areas.
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
Ahmedabad is known for its textiles, handicrafts and other traditional items. Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, Bandhej and Hastkala are good places to shop. Teen Darwaza has a charming bazaar where lovely antiques are sometimes available.
[ Edit ] Food
Famous food
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