|
| |
AHMEDABAD ATTRACTIONS |
| |
| CITY ATTRACTIONS |
 |
|
|
| AHMEDABAD EXCURSIONS |
 |
|
|
| RELIGIOUS PLACES |
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
AHMEDABAD CITY ATTRACTIONS |
Top |
|
| Gandhi Ashram |
 |
|
Among the most reputed places in India, Sabarmati Ashram was set up in 1915 and was the nerve center of India's Struggle for independence. Surrounded by shady trees and set in traditional environment, the ashram was Gandhi's home till 1930.
Gandhiji left this Ashram and went for Dandi March, vowing not to return until India is free. During India's struggle for independence, it was also called Satyagrah Ashram and latter on as Harijan Ashram.
The Ashram houses a museum with five sections- office, library, photo galleries and an auditorium. The museum has eight life-size colour oil paintings and an exhibition on Gandhiji’s life; “My life is my message” and “Gandhiji in Ahmedabad”.
An archive is also set up, which stores 34,066 letters written by Gandhiji, manuscripts of his 8,633 articles, negatives of 6,367 photographs, 134 reels of microfilms of his writings and 210 films on Gandhiji and the freedom struggle. The library has over 30,000 books, 155 letters of felicitation received by Gandhiji. |
|
| Bhadra Fort And Teen Darwaza |
 |
|
A grand gateway at Ahmedabad with three arched gates is an example of magnificent Gujarati architecture. It is one of the oldest and longest gateways in Ahmedabad. Located adjacent to Bhadra Fort, this darwaza was built by Ahmed Shah in 141 A.D.
The intricately carved darwaza was used by Mughal emperor, Jahangir and his wife Noor Jahan to watch the processions from the place to Jama Masjid. This grand gateway was also used as an entrance to Royal Square at Bhadra Fort.
The darwaza served as a witness ground to watch processions and religious ceremonies that took place at the huge ground between the gate and the fort of Bhadra. |
|
| Calico Museum of Textiles |
 |
|
One of the rarest museums and also the best in the world, the Calico museum of Textiles, was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1948. It is the finest museum of textiles and has one of the richest Collection of Indian textiles covering all regions of India. Exhibits include a wide range of embroidered shamianas, wall hangings, costumes, saris and embroideries. There are exhibits from historic era and the impression that the art and craft had during that period is quite evident. Various kinds and various designs of textiles ranging from the 12th century and even earlier leaves one spell bound. |
|
| Dada Hari Vav |
 |
|
One of the convoluted monuments at Ahmedabad, Dada Hari Vav is a stepped wall built during the reign of Mehmud Begda in 1501. This well is situated behind the tomb of Dada Hari.
This magnificent masterpiece was constructed to provide a cool resting place and water to the travellers. It is one of the finest example of rich Gujarati Architecture. The well has a flight of steps leading down to lower platform at a small octagonal shape well. Situated entirely underground, dust and heat does not affect the temperature inside.
The lower parts remain cool even during the hottest days in Ahmedabad. The well has been splendidly carved in typical Gujarati designs. The pillars, walls and steps leading to different levels has been beautifully placed. A perfect example of fine stone work of Gujarat, this well attracts throngs.
The visiting hours are from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. One visit to the well takes 30 min. |
|
| Shaking Minarets |
 |
|
The Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad is one of the most interesting tourist attractions of Ahmedabad which you can see on your tour to Gujarat. Each of the minarets is 3 storeyed tall and they have intricate designs carved on them with stone balconies that are around 21.34 meters high. If any one of the minarets is shaken then the other minaret even vibrates. However the most surprising fact about the Shaking Minarets in Ahmedabad in India is their connecting passage which remains free of any kind of vibration. From intricate designs to the exquisite artwork the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad are one of the major tourist attractions in Gujrat.
It is also said that Britishers in order to learn the mystery of the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad destroyed one of the minarets in the Raj Bibi mosque. There are a number of Shaking Minarets in Ahmedabad. You can get to see them in Jami-Masjid and Bibi-ki-Masjid. However the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad can be best seen at the Siddi Bashir’s Mosque.
One of the most beautiful architectural marvels, the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad is one of the finest tourist places in the city. On your tour to Gujarat visit this ancient monument of the Mughal era and enjoy the art and architecture of the bygone era. Besides this the massive earthquake of Gujarat had an effect on these monuments.
Just a kilometer from the Ahmedabad Railway Station and you can also take a flight to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and then take a drive to the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad. |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Adalaj |
 |
|
The Adalaj Step Well , located on outskirts of Ahemedabad, was built in 1499 A.D. by Ruda Rani, wife of Raja Virsing, a Vaghela Rajput. It has an entrance from three sides with open colonnades of increasing height and complexity rise over the staircase landings. Before the main well is reached, there is open octagonal surrounded by galleries on four levels with circular well at the bottom. The Dada Hari Vav was built in 1501. It has a flight of steps leading down to lower and lower platform terminating at a small, octagonal well. These wells are cool even on the hottest of the days and make a good resting places and providing drinking water for the weary travelers. |
|
| Dwarka |
 |
|
One of the oldest and most prominent tourist sites in India, Dwarka is famous for its association with Hindu Lord Krishna. The city houses famous Dwarkadheesh Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the ruler of the city. This place has great mention in Hindu vedas, upnishads and purans. Visiting Dwarka during Janamastmi (festival to celebrate birth of Lord Krishna) can be very exciting.
Hordes of Hindu pilgrims across the country visit this place annually. Dwakadheesh temple situated here is about 2500 years old and houses Jagat Temple and Nij Temple within its vicinity. Among 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Dwarka and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are other temples like Rukmini Devi Temple dedicated to Krishna's wife Rukmini (incarnation of goddess Laxmi). There is also a Math for holy saints established at Dwarka.
|
|
| Daman & Diu |
 |
|
Famous for its scenic beauty, Daman & Diu are yet another important get away destination from Ahmedabad. Diu's crowning glory is its huge fort, limestone cliffs, rocky caves and sandy beaches. Like Daman, Diu was also a Portuguese Colony for some centuries. Today, it is a union territory and administered by Government of India.
Diu is very popular destination among travelers. You can hire bicycles and move around the place with utmost pleasure. Its beaches with their charming beauty lures all. So let your hair down, sit back with cold beer and have a good time at its beaches. The best time to visit Diu is from October to May.
|
|
| Pavagarh |
 |
|
According to ancient mythology, Pavagarh was actually a piece from Himalayan mountain that fell here while Lord Hanumana transferring it to Sri Lanka during the epical war between Rama and Ravana. A small town in Gujarat, Pavagarh is a religious and historic mountain which also has its association with Patai Raval Family. Legend has it that king Vanaraj Chavada established Champaner at the foot of Pavagarh in memory of his wise minister Champa. It is know a well renowned place in Gujarat.
This place has some religious significance as well. Navaratras are celebrated here with great zest and zeal here. It is believed that during one of the Navratas, Mahakali joined Garbha (traditional festival of Gujarat). The king was drolled over by immense beauty of goddess and tried to lure here. Goddess got angry and cursed him. That is considered to be the reason how Mohammed Begda defeated and won this fort. Pavagarh is also a birthplace of famous singer Baiju who preceded Tansen. This place has been declared as world heritage site by UNESCO.
|
|
| Surat |
 |
|
South of Vadodra lies historic city of Surat which is famous for its textile mills and ancient port. The city of riches, of gems and diamonds is ironically renowned for its association with a simple man, Mahatma Gandhi and reminds of India's struggle for independence. The city is also famous for its beaches as well.
Located on the banks of river Tapti, the city is renowned for its silk and silver threads. The workshop of Gujarat has diamond cutting centers, ivory and wood artwork centers. Although there has been industrialization but Surat holds back to its traditional values and culture. The best time to visit the city is between October and March. |
|
|
|
| |
RELIGIOUS PLACES IN AHMEDABAD |
Top |
|
| Siddi Saiyyed Mosque |
 |
|
The Mosque of Siddi Saiyyed , near Lal Darwaja is world famous for its magnificent stone tracery. The tracery is acclaimed for its splendid carved net screen of ten semi-circular windows. This unique architecture was built by the so called slave of Ahemed Shah, Siddi Sayyed in the mid 16th century. The mosque is the best example of the Indo Saracenic architecture with delicate carvings which transform stones into filigree. The models in miniatures of this splendid structure are best to carry as souvenirs from the city. |
|
| Akshardham Temple |
 |
|
It is believed that there are three forms of visual art : Painting is art to look at, sculpture is art you can walk around, and architecture is art you can walk through While you walk down the streets of Ahmedabad, this is one place where you will experience the treasure trove of Gujarati architecture.
A unique edifice celebrating the teachings of Swaminarayan faith is an amazing example of great craftsmanship and sandstone carvings. The famous Akshardham temple temple, located at Gandhi Nagar, is visited by over 2 million visitors annually. This architecturally diaphanous masterpiece is a symbol of humanity and has glorified the Indian Culture. The temple houses idol of Hindu Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of Swaminarayan Faith.
This 10 storey high temple is one of the architectural marvels of the century. Akshardham Temple is made out of 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstones, placed intricately together. The most amazing part of this splendor is that not even a single iron rod was used to construct the temple. Its just the accurate placement of the stones that brought out this bewitching building. The temple is a work of 900 skilled craftsmen who created 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees. |
|
| Hatheesing Jain Temple |
 |
|
Situated outside Delhi Gate in Ahmedabad, Hatheesingh Temple was built in 1850 AD by Seth Hatheesing who was a rich Jain merchant. The temple is much famous for its intricate carvings and profuse architectural designs.
Built in white marble, it is dedicated to 15th Jain Trithanakara (Jain Proponent), Dharmnath. The courtyard around the temple, is surrounded by a row of abbey of 52 holy places with each one having an image of a Trithankara.
This two storied structure has a dome at the front while other two sides have ornately carved out galleries. One of the most beautiful Jain Temples in India, is a must visit. |
|
| Jama Masjid |
 |
|
At the eastern side of Teen Darwaza, Jama Masjid is located opposite to Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. The grand edifice was built by Ahmed Shah in 1423 A.D. from the items ransomed from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
Built in yellow sand stones, this marvelous mosque has a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. There are about 260 columns within the mosque to protect its roof. There used be two shaking minarets as well but they got completely demolished during the earthquake of 1819 and 1957.
|
|
| Bhadrakali Temple |
 |
|
Located inside Bhadra Fort, Bhadrakali Temple was built during the rule of Aazam Khan. Bhadrakali is worshiped as goddess of prosperity and wealth in Ahmedabad. One of the most powerful deity in Hindu pantheon, the goddess is visited by hordes of devout across the country.
The goddess is worshiped during famous Navaratri Festival which is also the main festival celebrated here with nine days of roars, cheers, dances and colourful outfits. This song and dance festival is the best time to visit this temple as you can dance to the tunes of traditional music, eat hearty food and enjoy to your fullest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
