Ahmedabad (Amdavad) Tourism And Travel Guide

“Aavo, Kuch Din to Gujaaro Gujarat Mein”

Located in the core of Gujarat, the city of Ahmedabad has a character like no other. Ahmedabad is the fifth largest city in India and in no way lesser than Mumbai or Delhi commercially. It is also the 6th most populated city in India and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 and 1970. The city is the soul of the state and it is one of the biggest financial centers in India. It is the fastest growing city in India and has some remarkably attractive places for visitors which leave them speechless. The rich culture, diversity, tradition along with a fine touch of westernization, make  tourism in Ahmedabad memorable. Here's a travel guide for you to navigate Ahmedabad.

Because of its liveliness and some of the best tourist attractions, the city is an important travel destination in India visited by millions throughout the year. It has one of the best rail, road, and air connectivity in India. Let’s discuss how you can reach Ahmedabad.

By Train:

There are about 80 trains available from Mumbai that connect directly with Ahmedabad. It is at a distance of 491 km from Mumbai and is the easiest and cheapest way to reach Ahmedabad. From Delhi, it is about 950 km and has excellent connectivity with trains within the state. Check IRCTC for train details and ticket pricing.

By Road:

The distance by road from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is about 450 km. The state of Gujarat has some of the finest highways that help you connect different cities, including Ahmedabad, from anywhere in India quickly. There are regular private and government busses available. You can book a private cab, Volvo, Deluxe, AC, and non-AC buses from any ticket booking website.

By Air:

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport has national and international flights available at regular intervals. This is the fastest but most expensive way to reach Ahmedabad. The air distance from Mumbai is 440 km and you can reach in 1 hour 15 mins.

Located in the western part of India, Ahmedabad like any other city in Gujarat has a hot and humid climate in Summer and Monsoon. Winter offers the finest weather conditions and it is the recommended time to visit Ahmedabad. Here is a quick summary of its weather.

Summer (March - June):

The summer season is the toughest season for visitors as the climate gets really hot between April and June. the maximum temperature can go up to 41 °C. These are difficult conditions but many people visit the city even in summer, simply irresistible, such is its attraction.

Monsoon (July - October):

Ahmedabad receives decent rainfall, which helps in bringing the temperature down. The maximum temperature in Monsoon lingers between 32 °C and 35 °C. In the last few weeks of the season, the conditions start to become favorable for travelers.

Winters (November - February):

The best time to visit Ahmedabad is the winter season. The climate during this time is extremely pleasant and therefore, the number of visitors traveling to Ahmedabad increases exponentially. The temperature at max goes up to 29 °C. Even during the day, it’s very comfortable and you can visit different tourist spots without any problem.

Visit the holy places:

There are hundreds of temples and mosques in Ahmedabad and most of them have some historical significance and a story attached. Some of the important temples that you cannot miss paying homage to are the Swaminarayan Temple, ISKCON, Akshardham, and Hathisingh Jain Temple. The Jama Masjid and the holy shrine of Hazrat Shah Alam are revered by millions of Muslims.

A Walk through History — The Sabarmati Ashram:

Also known as the Gandhi Ashram, the historic Sabarmati Ashram is amongst the top 10 places to visit in Ahmedabad. It was once the residence of the Nation’s Father, Mahatma Gandhi, and his wife Kasturba. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, one of the establishments in the Ashram, has some of Gandhi's personal letters and photographs on display, something that you cannot miss.

World Vintage Car Museum:

A collector of vintage cars turned his private collection of vintage cars into a museum. The collection comprises of the best-in-class Aston Martin, Jaguar, Bentley, and Rolls Royce amongst others. But here is the best part. Just by paying INR 500, you can get an opportunity to drive one of these world-class cars for a fixed distance. INR 500 for Rolls Royce? Surely not to be missed.

Family Fun Time at Kankaria Lake:

Looking for a fun time with your family? Head straight to the south-eastern side of Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake. Hauz-e-Qutub or Kankaria Lake was first constructed in the 15th century. Later in 2008, the government revamped it to let people spend some fun time with their families. The pathway that encircles the lake has some fascinating activities and adventures for people of all age groups. Balloon safari, zoo, toy trains and amusement park for children, Kankaria Lake has everything to amuse you. A perfect place where the culture, entertainment, and talent blend seamlessly with each other.

Get Amazed by Jhulta Minarets:

A 500-year-old structure situated in the Sakar Bazar of Ahmedabad is an interesting tourist attraction. It is the most crafty architectural wonder the world has ever seen, with a mystery which is unsolved even today. The prominent thing about the minarets is that if one of the minarets is shaken, then the other minaret shakes immediately after a few seconds. No one has been able to solve this mystery. Can you believe this? No? Get there and find out.

Fill Your Shopping Bags:

Ahmedabad has many malls and bazaars from where you can buy almost anything. From traditional to western dresses, special Gujarati items, relics, decors Gujarat is indeed the shopper's paradise. Markets are filled with vibrant fabrics, chunky jewelry, traditional handicrafts. Lal Darwaza, Sindhi Market, Manek Chowk, Teen Darwaza Market, Raipur Gate Market, and Rani no Hajiro are famous as shopping sites amongst tourists.  

Explore More of Ahmedabad:

Apart from what listed above, you can also visit, the Adalej Stepwell, Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Law Garden, Kapasi Handicraft Emporium, Lal Darwaza, Manek Chowk, Kamla Nehru Zoo, Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza, Dada Hari Wav, Gujarat Science City, Parimal Garden, Lothal, Sarkhez Roza, Nehru Bridge, Vastrapur Lake, Sabarmati Riverfront, Kite Museum, Sardar Patel National Museum, Vadla, and Sanskar Bhavan.

Ahmedabad is a heaven for foodies. There are some amazing and unique eating items that you can try like nowhere in entire Gujarat. Here is the list of a few famous outlets serving delicious eatables:

• Indu Ben Na Khakhra

• Das Kaka's Khaman Outlets

• Asharfi Ni Kulfi

• Roadside Ketli with a Maska-Bun

• Manek Chowk (pani Puri, sandwiches, dosa, etc)

• Dalvada (Ambika's Dalvada)

• Juhapura (Bera Samosa Centre offers delicate, delicious mutton crisp samosas)

• Amdo's kitchen (famous for authentic Tibetan cuisine, Momos)

• Om Sai Parantha (expensive but mouth-watering, scrumptious paranthas)

• Raipur Bhajia House And Astodia Bhajia House

• Bhatiyar Gali and Baghdad Fry Centre (for non-veg lovers)