Top 5 Ahmedabad Attractions

Top 5 Ahmedabad Attractions

All photos in this post were not shot by me, and are credited to their respective sources.


City: Ahmedabad
State: Gujarat
Country: India

The former capital of the state of Gujarat in India, Ahmedabad today remains an important economic and industrial hub. The place is known for its strong education, medical, sports, and technology industries. Despite having few tourist attractions, Ahmedabad has a long cultural history, and a wide variety of festivals such as Uttarayan, an annual kite-flying event held every January.

Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Ahmedabad, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.


1. Adalaj Vav Step-Well

Source Credits

Located in the village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad in the Gandhinagar district of the state of Gujarat, the Adalaj Vav Step-Well is the finest example of its kind, which are common throughout West India. In ancient times, these places provided water for drinking, washing, and bathing, and were also venues for colourful festivals and rituals. Built with sandstone in the Solanki architectural style, the structure is 5 stories deep and shaped like an octagon, with intricate carvings adorning the walls.



2. Sabarmati Ashram
Source Credits

On the banks of the River Sabarmati, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the Sabarmati Ashram. As the main residence of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the India independence movement, the place has strong cultural significance, and the government has since preserved and converted it into a museum. Spanning 5 galleries, with artefacts related to Gandhi such as his teachings, paintings, photographs, letters, books, relics, and more, the museum offers insights into his life work.



3. Hutheesing Jain Temple
Source Credits

The best known temple in Gujarat, India, the Hutheesing Jain Temple was constructed in 1848. Commissioned by a wealthy Ahmedabad trader and his wife, the double-storied structure was built during a time of famine, and its construction employed hundreds of skilled artisans, keeping them employed and fed for over 2 years. It is beautifully adorned with exquisite, ornate carvings and sculptures, capped off with unique ridged domes. As one progresses into the area, the artwork becomes increasingly complex, yet maintains a dignified beauty without confusion.



4. Jama Masjid / Jumma Mosque
Source Credits

The Jama Masjid / Jumma Mosque is the most splendid of its kind in Ahmedabad. Built in 1424 within the old walled city and originally intended for private use of the ancient sultans of Gujarat, the sprawling complex is noted for its use of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which combines styles from India and Victorian England. The main prayer hall has over 260 columns supporting the roof and its 15 domes, making a walk through the hall a beautiful maze of light and shadows. Also located nearby is the Bhadra Fort, with its palace, clock tower, and the Teen Darwaza triple gateway.



5. Calico Museum Of Textiles
Source Credits

The Calico Museum Of Textiles showcases the rich history of the textile industry in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and is among the foremost textiles museums worldwide. Highlights here include exquisite handmade pieces from the courts of the royal Mughal empire, exhibits on textile making techniques, elaborate tribal garments, festive clothing, and regional embroideries of the 19th century. As a private museum belonging to the Sarabhai family, advance reservations are essential as visitors are limited to 20 people per day.





.....


CONVERSATION