About Ahmedabad City

The city founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of River Sabarmati in 1411 A.D. Legend decided to build the capital at Ahmedabad because he saw a rabbit attacking one of his hunter dogs. It occurred to him that if the rabbits of the region are so brave, the people must be even braver.

Popularly known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad's buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan, Doshi and Correa.

Ahmedabad is from the austere habitat of Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, that the 'Father of the Nation' - Mahatma Gandhi took on the mighty British Empire, and gave human race one of its most remarkable ways to fight oppression - non-violence.

The circuit of Ahmedabad, which covers the northern part of Gujarat, is a fascinating blend of history, culture and adventure. Ahmedabad is home to the Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi's famous retreat and the nerve centre of India's freedom movement, Ambaji -an important place of pilgrimage in Gujarat and some of the finest examples of Indo- Saracenic architecture like the Jumma Masjid and the Siddi Sayyad Mosque.

In this city you will also find step wells, a unique feature of this region and ornately carved temples at Modhera and Kumbharia. Most of the places of tourist interest can be conveniently accessed from Ahmedabad by road, rail and air.

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Sight-Seeing

The Jumma Masjid:

The most beautiful mosque in Ahmedabad. It was built by the city's founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city.

Shaking Minarets:
These are two minarets located at the Siddhi Bashir mosque. They are uniquely designed in a way that when one minaret is shaken the other one shakes too.

Siddi Sayed Mosque:

Siddi Sayed Mosque built by Ahmed Shah's slave, Sidi Sayed, is celebrated all over the world for its exquisite stone window tracery - a superb example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.

Sabarmati Ashram:
Sabarmati river is, 7 kms north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve centre of India's freedom movement. Hridaya Kunj, the cottage where he lived is preserved as it was in the Mahatma's lifetime. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a sound and light spectacle to offer its visitors.

The Pols:
It is a integral parts of old Ahmedabad are residential units dating back to 1714 with intricately carved facades, which line the streets. It nurtures within its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture. Notable in the present day Pols are Mhurat Pol, Mandvi-ni-Pol, and Lakha Patel-ni-Pol.

Sarkhej Roza:
It is 8 kms. from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.

Teen Darwaja:
It was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or the Royal Square. It is an imposing monument of perfect proportions and highly ornate buttresses.
Tomb of Shah Alam:
It was built by the brother of the Empress Noorjehan. The brass doors are set in carved marble frames and the floor tiled in black and white marble.

Kankaria Lake:
Kankaria lake almost a mile in circumference, it was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island-garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is now a popular recreational centre and is surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika', children's gardens, a boat club, natural history museum and a zoo.

Hatheesing Jain Temple:
It was built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hatheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain temples. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hatheesing Temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jina or Jain apostle. Within the city there are many other Jain temples with remarkable carvings in stone and wood.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary:
It is just 65 kms. southwest of Ahmedabad, is the delightful bird sanctuary of Nalsarovar nestling around the Nal Lake, extending over 11,500 hectares. Established in 1969 A.D., it is known to harbour over 250 species of wetland birds. Nalsarovar sees winter migrants from the north that includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons. A pair of binoculars and a person well -versed in the local bird life will surely make it one of your best outings. Visitors are ferried in small boats to experience a sunrise or sunset while gliding gently through the silent waters.

Rani Roopmati Mosque:
It was built between 1430 and 1440 is more representative of the pattern of mosque building in the 15th century Ahmedabad. Three domes stand on twelve pillars each with the central part raised to let in natural light without direct sunlight. The interior is richly ornamented with carvings and finely perforated stone screens.

Bhadra Fort:
It was laid in 1411 and it once enclosed the royal palaces and gardens. When the Marathas captured the fort, they converted one of its chambers into the Bhadra Kali temple.

Shahibag Palace:
It was built during the reign of Shah Jehan who, as Prince Khurram, spent the early years of his marriage in Ahmedabad as Viceroy of Gujarat. Rabindramath Tagore stayed here during his visit to Ahmedabad as a young man and the room where he wrote his famous work-'Hungry Stones'-has been preserved as a memorial to the poet.

Shreyas Museum of Folk Art:
It has a unique collection of folk culture from Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch with displays of crafts and costumes from these areas.
Sardar Patel Museum:
It is housed in old Raj Bhavan, which was also a palace. Sardar patel museum situated in Shahibaug exhibits Sardar's life and works.

Institute of Indology:
The Institute contains some of the best collections of Jainism, illustrated manuscripts and miniatures.

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Gopnath Beach:
It is a beautiful hamlet on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and at a distance of 10 Kms from Talaja, the taluka headquarter of Bhavnagar district is Gopnath. Vying for eminence on the tourist circuit with development of a heritage hotel- Gopnath Bungalow, it was a pleasant sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. The bungalow built in a European colonial style with cottages and mansions surrounding the courtyard faces the sea and offers a beautiful view of the gulf . It attracts marine life and birdwatching enthusiasts to the rocky shores on the coast. It is also renowed for the temple of Gopnath Mahadev, where Narsinh Mehta is believed to have performed penance.

Rozi and Bedi Ports:
These are very attractive and seaside picnic spots. Fishing facilities available. Rozi and Bedi Ports are two important ports on the shore of the mighty Arabian Sea. The two seaports offer wonderful sites for picnic. The seashore also provides for excellent opportunities for angling which is a popular pastime at Jamnagar.

Bet Dwarka:
It is situated 35 km. from Dwarka and 150 kms from Jam Nagar. Here we have Rancchodrai Temple, Devki Temple and Temples of Chief Queens of Krishna, Mahaprabhuji Bethak, Bala Hanuman and Shankh Talav are other attractions.

Ahmedpur Mandvi:
It is one of the finest beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. The sea water is white and very perfect for swimming. Various water sports are offered like water scooters, skiing, surfing, para sailing, speed boat trips. Cottage Resort Magico Do Mar is one of the highlight of this beach offering airconditioned rooms, pleasant lawns, palm groves. The resort bungalow facing garden towards sea offers wonderful sights which should not be missed.

Chorwad:
It is built in 1928 by the erstwhile Nawab of Junagadh, Chorwad was a summer Palace retreat. It is 66 kms. from Junagadh and 23 kms. from the fishing centre of Veraval. It is a holiday resort with an isolated beach and is away from bazaars, crowds etc.

Diu:
It is situated 125 kms. from Junagadh. Diu is one of the country's finest beaches, and tourists who keep falling in love with it have spread its name all over the world. The island is also dotted by three Portuguese churches one which has been converted into a museum housing some rare Portuguese artifacts. Another cynosure at Diu is the Fort of Diu, an imposing statement of power.
Diu is a quiet secluded island measuring less than 40 sq.km. Off the west coast of India, it is connected to the mainland of Gujarat by a causeway. The total length of the coastline of Diu does not exceed 21 km. This beautiful island in the Arabian Sea has the river Chasi running along its northern frontier. It's neat golden beaches run along merrily providing blissful solitude in blue waters beneath blu skies. A former Portuguese enclave, Diu is perhaps the most exotic destination on the West Coast of India. Gently rocked by the winds and waves of the Arabian Sea, Diu is an ideal retreat. It offers the most desirable blend of sun, sand and sea. The climate is pleasant throughout the year. Nobody and nothing is in a hurry. Here you will find undisturbed peace and a unique holiday.

Mandvi:
Founded in 1581 A.D. is an ancient seaport. mandavi is well known for its production of handicraft items particularly its relief, filigree and enamel work and its virtually unspoilt sea beaches. The Rukmavati bridge is the longest stone bridge, built in 1883 A.D. and the Vijay Vilas palace are the major tourist spots in this destination. Mandvi is situated about 75 kms. from Bhuj.

Hazira and Tithal:
It is situated 28 kms. from Surat. The pleasant Hajira beach is fringed by feathery casurina trees and has a comfortable holiday home for the visitors. This place is home to the biggest industrial powerhouses in the nation. Tithal is situated 108 kms. from Surat and 5 kms. from Valsad. It is a beautiful sandy beach with palm-sheltered cottages. Ubharat is another fine sandy beach situated 42 kms from Surat.

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Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary:
It is situated just 65 kms. Southwest of Ahmedabad, is the delightful bird sanctuary of Nalsarovar nestling around the Nal Lake, extending over 11,500 hectares. Established in 1969 A.D., it is known to harbour over 250 species of wetland birds. Nalsarovar sees winter migrants from the north that includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons. A pair of binoculars and a person well-versed in the local bird life will surely make it one of your best outings. Visitors are ferried in small boats to experience a sunrise or sunset while gliding gently through the silent waters.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:
Situated in the Banaskantha district, 35 kms. from Palanpur, and 40 kms from Ambaji, the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a safe haven of the sloth bear one of the most peculiar bear species. Unlike most other species that tend to be aloof and prefer to live alone, the sloth bear prefers to live in a community. The male of the species plays an important part in raising their offspring a trait not visible amongst the other species.
Other wildlife found there are leopards, sambar (deer), Nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, porcupine and a variety of birds.

Thol Wildlife Sanctuary:

Situated in the Mehsana district, 40kms. from Ahmedabad. Occupying an area of approximately 7sq. kms. It is home to a rich variety of wildfowl, flamingos, gray pelicans, black ibis and other wetland birds.