Historic -City of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the 606 year old walled city, holds the distinction of being India First World Heritage City, an honor bestowed upon it by UNESCO for being a repository of art, history, culture and heritage. Ahmedabad in Gujarat is one of the medieval cities which is famous for its historical monuments and attracts tourists from all over the world. It is the perfect destination for tourists who wish to discover the medieval art and architecture in India. Having gone under the rule of several dynasties and emperors, it possesses a glorious legacy and heritage. Museums and art galleries, historic structures which reflect architectural excellence, bustling markets and traditional cuisines, this city showcases its heritage on various fronts.

Sabarmati Ashram- Nestled on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the Sabarmati Ashram was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Considered to be one of the nerve centers of Indian political struggle during the pre-independence period. The Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad was the center of many events that played a major role in Indian independence. Mahatma Gandhi made Sabarmati Ashram his home on 12th March 1930 and from here he sowed the seeds of non-violent revolution in the heart of millions of Indians. Mahatma Gandhi preferred this serene location on the banks of the Sabarmati River for a number of reasons.

Firstly he felt it was his homeland and secondly Gujarat was the home of wealthy merchants who would be able to contribute in the freedom struggle. On the other side of the Sabarmati River were the iron gates of the Prison while on the other shores Gandhiji sowed the seeds of freedom through non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi lived in the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad. One of the important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad it has still preserved important anecdotes, collectibles and letters of that period. On your tour to Gujarat you can get a glimpse of the important documents and memorabilia of that period in the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad.

Sidi Sayiad's Mosque- The Sidi Saiyyed mosque Ahmedabad, built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. Known for its intricate jails, the Sidi Sayiad's Mosque Ahmedabad in India, makes a travel to Ahmedabad a worthwhile endeavor. The Sidi Saiyad Mosque is also one of the holy places in Ahmedabad.

The Sidi Sayiad's Mosque was built in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque was built in the last year of the Sultanate of Gujarat and is now one of the most famous monuments in Ahmedabad.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum- Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful museums in Ahmedabad. From printed books to manuscripts based on different religions, the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad is simply a treasure trove for bibliophiles.

Established by Muni Shri Punyavijayji and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad houses a rare collection of books and manuscripts. The library was established in the year 1984 and has an excellent collection of miniature paintings, cloth paintings, stone sculptures, terracottas, bronzes, textiles, wood work, metal sculptures, coins and various paintings of Tagore and artwork of Nepal and Tibet.

Kankaria Lake- Polygonal in shape, Kankaria Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Founded by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din in 1451, this lake is almost one mile in circumference. This lake with 34 sides and a circuit of 1.25 km, also has steps that lead downwards to the water level. The eastern side of the lake has an extravagantly carved water inlet that has 3 opening in circular form. This thing can be seen at a number of reservoirs in Gujarat, being a monument on its own.

Right in the midst of the Lake, pleasure pavilion called Nagina Wadi is placed on an artificial island. This was a wonderful island summer palace, lying on the southeastern side of the city. The lake is encircled by a public pathway where visitors can enjoy a walk. In the evenings, the places bustles with a lot of activity of visitors, food stalls and other entertainment options.

History states that Mughal Emperor Janagir often visited the lake along with his Noor Jahan. Today is a popular picnic spot amid locals as well as tourists. Enjoy a long walk and savour lovely sunset views. Close to the Kankaria Lake, a water and light show is also organized. Another site can be visited near the lake is Bal Vatika. It comprises a natural history museum, a zoo, a toy train and a special garden for kids.

Kite Museum- One of the most unique Museums in Ahmedabad is the Kite Museum. The Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is located in Sanskar Kendra. This museum in Ahmedabad houses an extraordinary collection of rare kites built over 50 years by a man called Bhanubhai Shah. From kites that have been crafted from 400 pieces of paper to the different kites of unique colors, the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad.

The Kite Museum, Ahmedabad is the brainchild of Bhanubhai Shah. For 50 years Bhanubhai Shah has carefully treasured these uniquely crafted kites. From colorful to large sizes, these kites not only were meant to adorn the blue sky but stands out as an example of rare collectibles. In the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad one can get a glimpse of huge kites which are 22 by 16 feet to some of the smallest kites as well.

Calico Museum of Textiles- Intricate design, exquisite artwork and beautifully hand woven fabrics are the major attraction of the Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad. From the finest of prints to the best of designs, Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad is has an excellent collection of fabrics dating from 17th century.

Established in the year 1949, the Calico Museum of Textiles is one of the unique museums in Ahmedabad. One of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad in India, it is considered to be the ideal destination which houses a rare collection of fabrics from different regions of India. The brainchild of the Sarabhai it houses fabrics and textiles of 17th century. Originally it was housed inside the Calico Mills and then with the rising number of collectibles it was shifted to Sarabhai House and named as Calico Museum of Textiles.

Teen Darwaza- A wonderful creation in Indo-Islamic style of architecture, Teen Darwaza is one of the prominent sightseeing options in Ahmedabad. The structure is known to be built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the year 1411 AD.

The structure is situated next to the renowned Bhadra fort and has been serving as the oldest and longest gateway to the city. Earlier, this structure of arched gateways, beautifully carved pillars and walls, was used as an entrance to the fort. However, in today times it flaunts a significance of its own.

One of the unique facts that lays strong justification of this statement is the eternal lamp placed in one of the cavity off the structure. This lamp has been on a continuous lit up status for more than five hundred years. The tradition of keeping the lamp in a lit up position is continued by a Muslim family. This is done in dedication to a legend involving Hindu Goddess Lakshmi.

Legend has it that once Goddess Lakshmi in an attempt to leave the city reached the Bhadra fort. When the watchman after identifying her asked her to stop until he gets the permission from the erstwhile ruler Ahmed Shah. The watchman in a bid to keep Laxmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) beheaded himself in front of the king. Thus, the town has been prosperous ever since.

Shaking Minarets- The Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad or the Jhulta Minar is one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad. Located in Siddi Bashir's Mosque near the Sarangpur gate this is one of the beautiful tourist places in the city.

History says that a slave of Sultan Siddi Bashir constructed the Siddi Bashir's Mosque and the minarets in the year 1461. Though there a number of myths surrounding the Jhulta Minar or the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad yet according to popular belief it was done to avoid the earthquakes. It is said that a European Sanskrit scholar, Monier M Williams noticed that the minarets are shaking. So this led to the name of Shaking Minarets or Jhulta Minar.

City Museum- The City Museum, Ahmedabad is in the Sanskar Kendra building which is one of the finest museums in Ahmedabad. Located in the heart of the city, the building was built by the well-known French architect Le Corbusier. The City Museum attracts tourists from all over.

One of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad is the City Museum, Ahmedabad. One of the important places in the city it showcases the important aspects, achievements and pride of a city called Ahmedabad. On 5th April, 2000, the City Museum, Ahmedabad was established. Also known as Atit Ki Jhanki it means a window to Ahmedabad's past. Inaugurated by Mr. Kailashnathan, the City Museum, Ahmedabad is governed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Commission.

Tomb of Ahmed Shah- The founder of Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India is Ahmed Shah. In Ahmedabad near the Jama Masjid lies the Tomb of Ahmed Shah. The architectural extravagance and exquisite artwork makes the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad simply a class apart.

Just on the eastern Gate of Jama Masjid stands the beautifully crafted Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. From latticed windows to the intricately designed Islamic inscription, the Tomb of Ahmed Shah attracts tourists from all over. The cenotaphs of his son and grandson can also be seen in Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. This is one of the beautiful monuments in Ahmedabad.

Rani Sipri's Mosque- Rani Sipris's Mosque Ahmedabad, along with Rani Rupmati's Mosque is in a league of its own. Rani Sipri's Mosque Ahmedabad in India with its exquisite architecture and interesting history, is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad besides being one of the prominent and well revered pilgrimages among the local Muslims. Thus, the mosque is one of the important holy places in Ahmedabad.

Rani Sipri was one of the Hindu queens of the king of Ahmedabad. The Rani Sipri's Mosque was commissioned by Rani Sipri of Ahmedabad and speaks volumes of the inter-religious marriage trend that became quite popular among the Indian royalty, to facilitate political alliance. The mosque is believed to have been built in 1514 AD by Rani Sipri, wife of Mehmud Begada who executed their son for a misdemeanor. The Mughal sultanate had under its rule a number of smaller local sultanates ruled by Muslim rulers.

Raj Babri Mosque- The Raj Babri Mosque Ahmedabad is one of the most important monuments in Ahmedabad. The Raj Babri Mosque and the Sidi Bashir Mosque stands out among all other mosques in Amedabad, with their shaking minarets.

The shaking minarets are the most important feature of these mosques. Outside Ahmedabad, the only place where the shaking minarets are to be found is at Isfahan in Iran where they are called Monar Jonban (shaking minarets) with almost the same properties.

The Raj Babri Mosque Ahmedabad in India was built around the 15th century. The mosque had two shaking minarets in the beginning, but later, the British, who wanted to study the architecture and construction tactic of the minarets and pulled one of them down. But sadly the minaret could not be pulled together again.

Most of the mosques in Ahmedabad were built during the 14th and 15th century; mostly during the rule of King Ahmed Shah, who founded and gave his name to the city of Ahmedabad.

Gandhi Ashram- The Gandhi Ashram Ahmedabad is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It used to the nerve center for the Indian Freedom movement. During the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad India was known as Satyagraha Ashram and is now, one of the most significant monuments in Ahmedabad.

After his return from South Africa, Gandhiji decided to settle in Ahmedabad. It was for four reasons that he selected this place as the venue for his ashram- In his own words "being a Gujarati, I'll serve my country best through the use of Gujarati language. As Ahmedabad was the centre of handloom in early days, the work of spinning wheel (charkha) could be done in a better way, I believed. Being the capital of Gujarat its wealthy persons will also make larger contribution, I hoped."

And in none of this he was disappointed during his sixteen years stay in Ahmedabad. His first ashram was set up at Kochrab near Paldi of the present day Ahmedabad, which was a bungalow of his barrister friend Jivanlal Desai. However, this place had to be abandoned after two years in the wake of a plague epidemic.

The choice for the site of the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad in India now fell on a site on the bank of Sabarmati River, not far from saint Dadheechi's temple and in the vicinity of a Prison House. While laying down the objective of the Ashram, Gandhiji wrote: "To take training for the national service which is not contrary to universal wellbeing and constantly endeavoring for such national service is the aim of this Ashram."

To begin with, a few dwelling units were built and gradually the Gandhi Ashram Ahmedabad started humming with activities. The units were simple in style in celebration of the minimalistic style propagated by Gandhi. They were devoid of any extravaganza but were very functional.

Dada Hari Vav- Built in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad is one of the finest step wells in Ahmedabad which is also one of the important tourist places in the city. Built as a resting place for the travelers, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad attracts tourists from all over.

Constructed during the rule of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad is one of the intricately designed spacious step wells in Ahmedabad. Just behind the tomb of Dada Hari it is one of the most exquisitely crafted step wells in the city of Ahmedabad in India. The Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad was built in that period for Bai Harir Sultani who was the superintendent of the royal harem. The main reason for constructing the Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad was to provide a cool resting place for the travelers. 

Swami Narayan Temple- Situated at Kalupur in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is one of the most important temples in Gujarat and world over. Considered to be one of the famous holy places in Ahmedabad, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is a major attraction for pilgrims, devotees and tourists from all over.

Located in the heart of the city, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad has intricately crafted wooden carvings that attract the art lovers and tourists from everywhere. The unique architecture of the Swami Narayan Temple in Ahmedabad is simply a class apart in excellence and beauty. The different features of Gujarati art and culture can be found in the designs of Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad. Just behind the Relief Road, the towering structure of Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad with its huge and beautiful domes attracts tourists from everywhere. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Ahmedabad in India.

Nestled amidst acres of sprawling greenery, the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Resembling a traditional Gujarati mansion there are nine tombs located on the southern side of the temple. These tombs are known as 'Nau Gaz Pir' or the 'Nine Yard Saints'.

It was S.G. Ananadanand Swami who arranged to build this first temple of the Swaminarayan sect. From intricate designs in Burma teak to the exotic sculptures of mythological characters adds to the beauty of this age old temple in Gujarat. Lord Narnarayandev is worshipped here in the Swami Narayan Temple in Ahmedabad.

The idols worshipped here are Lord Narnarayandev, Lord Radhakrishna Dev, Lord Dharmadev-Bhakti Mata and Hari Krishna Maharaj. Besides this Lord Shri Ji Maharaj, Lord Balswaroop Ghanshyam Maharaj and Lord Ghanshyam Maharaj are some of the idols who are worshipped in the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad.

The mansion of the Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmedabad is the official residence of H.H. Acharya Maharaj of Shri Narnarayandev Desh. In the interiors of the temple the female spiritual leaders of the Swami Narayan sect arrange for religious gatherings.

Besides the Swami Narayan Temple there are other tourist places in Ahmedabad. On your Tour to Ahmedabad you can plan a visit Rani Sipri's Mosque, Raj Rabri Mosque, Dada-hari-di-Vav, Victoria Gardens, Kutbi Mazar, Bhadra Fort, N C Mehta Museum of Miniatures and Calico Textile Museum. Tourists also plan a tour to Lothal where you can get to see the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Shreyas Folk Museum- Amongst the museums in Ahmedabad the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad is one of the informative and educational museums located close to the suburbs of Ambavadi near Sabarmati. This museum displays the colorful and traditional folk arts of Gujarat. From textile and clothing to the decorative collectibles, the Shreyas Folk Museum brings out the traditional rustic flavor and cultural heritage of Gujarat.

Situated in the Shreyas Tekra hill near Ambavadi, the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad is named after the Shreyas Tekra hill. An exclusive collection of folk arts and other collectibles makes the museum one of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Tourists interested in folk art must plan a trip to the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad.