Ahmedabad

Urban Area

Gujarat

30°C / Clear

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Ahmedabad Travel Guide: History, Attractions And Things to Do

Located on the banks of the mighty Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad stands among the significant cities in Gujarat. This former capital city of Gujarat is a well-known destination that is a mix of famous festivals, serene lakes, museums, ancient temples, stylish markets, amusing historical monuments, and much more.

Ahmedabad has also been conferred with the title of the UNESCO world heritage site. Sabarmati Ashram that is located beside the Sabarmati river is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ahmedabad.

History of Ahmedabad

The history of Ahmedabad is rooted in the 15th century when it was ruled by the successors of Zafar Khan, the founder of the Muzaffarid dynasty or Ahmadabad Dynasty. Before the 15th century, Ahmedabad was inhabited by tribals and was ruled by Bhil Kings.

The Bhil kings were dethroned by the Solanki’s and later the Solanki kings were defeated by Vaghelas who ruled till the 15th century. The advent of Zafar Khan, the founder of the Muzaffarid dynasty, eliminated all the tribal and local kings from Ahmedabad.

Sultan Ahmed Shah of the Muzaffarid dynasty ruled successfully Ahmedabad until 1573, post which he was dethroned by Mughal Emperor Akbar. After the Mughals, Marathas came into power and under the leadership of Damaji Gaekwad and Raghunath Rao they successfully gained control over Ahmedabad. In the 18th century, Britishers established their administration in Ahmedabad and started developing rail routes to take the textile business to the next level.

Apart from all these invasions Ahmedabad also witnessed many freedom struggles under the guidance of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The popular salt march started from the banks of the Sabarmati River and concluded at Dandi in Gujarat.

Interestingly, even after India’s independence, Ahmedabad remained a part of Bombay till 1 May 1960, when it was separated from Bombay and was made the capital of Gujarat. In 1970s, Gandhinagar was made the capital of Gujarat.

Major Attractions in and Around Ahmedabad

1. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple stands among the best places to visit if you are in Ahmedabad. Built as per the instructions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the temple covers an area of about 5000 acres and is a fine example of notable architecture. Exhibitions, water shows, and gardens inside the premises are other highlights of the temple.

2. Kankaria Lake

It comes as the second largest lake in Ahmedabad and actually known as Hauz-e-Qutub Kankaria lake. The construction of the lakefront got completed in the 15th century. The lake is an incredible place to visit as you can see the zoo, toy trains, amusement parks in India and much more.

3. Jhulta Minar

Standing among the best architectural wonders of the world, the best thing about the structure is that when any one of its minarets vibrates then the other minaret also vibrates for a few seconds. The unique architecture of this 1452 built mosque is a must-visit site if in Ahmedabad.

4. Bhadra Fort & Teen Darwaza

Bhadra Fort offers the amazing scenic view of Ahmedabad along with the lush green forests and a Bhadrakali temple spread in a range of 44 acres of land. You can also visit the Siddi Syed Mosque that is also established within the fort which is a major tourist attraction.

Top Things to Do in Ahmedabad

Explore Historical & Cultural Landmarks
Enjoy Local Food & Night Markets
Relax at Sabarmati Riverfront
Visit Religious & Architectural Marvels
Have Fun at Kankaria Lake
Experience Science & Innovation
Watch a Cricket Match at Narendra Modi Stadium
Take a Day Trip to Nearby Attractions

Best Time to Visit Ahmedabad

Winter (October – March): Best time for tourism, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Summer (April – June): Extremely hot (up to 45°C); avoid unless necessary.
Monsoon (July – September): Moderate rainfall, but humid.

How to Reach Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a truly terrific travel getaway to explore the uniqueness of our Indian culture. It is located at an approximate distance of 948, 531, 1,962, 1,495 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.

By Air

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) located in Ahmedabad is the nearest to reach the city. The airport receives direct and connecting flights from India and abroad. Commuting from the airport is easy as the availability of local transport such as taxis and buses is good outside the airport.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Ahmedabad

By Rail

Deboard at the Ahmedabad railway station to explore the historically and culturally rich Ahmedabad. From the station, one may take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw or a bus to reach the desired location in the city.

By Road

Road journeys are an opportunity to explore a lot more than just the destination you are planning to visit. Arriving from other cities of the country, tourists may either make reservations at the inter-state tourist buses or may drive their personal car/bike to the city.