Top 8 Places to Visit in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad Tourist Places

India is a land of hidden treasures, be it in the form of gigantic temples eluding the paltry human's eyes, hidden for centuries under the ground, or be it in the form of the calm yet daunting snow-covered mountains that make us question our existence. There is no challenge in accepting the fact that from the tip to the last meter of land in India, the country keeps throwing pleasant curveballs towards anyone curious enough to venture into the vast subcontinent. 

Curiosity has always gotten the best of us. Interest led us to travel to the ends of this vast landmass, allowing our ancestors to interact in different tongues, share trade secrets, explore the myriad of cultures, and bring back home something new. Today, every demarcated state varies concerning language, culture, geography, climate, and food. One such place that takes extreme pride in its culture and heritage is Gujarat, a state that is flanked by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Pakistani province of Sindh. And home to the largest city in the country: Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad, once Gujarat’s capital city, is a bustling, vibrant city. It has a myriad of colors, and an abundance of food, paan, tea, and business people. It has old pols in contrast to high rise buildings. The entire city hustles and works hard all day, and ends its day with a massive bowl of dish gola or a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice. Ahmedabad has seen leagues after leagues of dynasties come and go, like the Delhi sultanate, Mughals, the Marathas, and even the British Empire. Today, Ahmedabad is one of India’s most developed cities, and more so, one of the most important financial hubs in North-Western India. There are many places to visit in Ahmedabad that will tell you all about its wonderful history and culture.

Yet, despite its modern cityscape, Ahmedabad wears its badge of being India’s first UNESCO world heritage city with utmost honor and pride, preserving what gives it that honor, yet keeping up with the times. Gets your attention, doesn't it? In this piece, we shall try to explore the city of Ahmedabad, not just a tourist, but as a resident, exploring the best and exploring the underrated. In the end, it shall, of course, be a matter of personal choice for any of you wishing to visit the colorful city. We shall look into the staples of all the places to visit in Ahmedabad lists, the not-so-staples of every tourist place in Ahmedabad, and then some more. But before we jump into it, let us answer the age-old "What's the best time to visit" and “how to reach” question. Well, optimally, Sankranti (The festival of spring) is what most backpackers would suggest because it is when the city is the most vibrant, with kites flying from almost house, pleasant weather accentuating the beauty of the city. However, it is never a "bad time" to undertake an Ahmedabad tourism mission and enjoy the vacation while staying in Ahmedabad resorts. And what better way to do this than with Club Mahindra?

Capturing the top 8 tourist places of Ahmedabad? Yeah, good luck.

Once out of the resort, Ahmedabad starts to pull you in with its eccentric charm. There is no shortage of spots worth visiting and soaking in the culture of Gujarat. Here, we try to list out the Top 10 tourist places to visit in Ahmedabad, the famous, and the not-so-famous alike. Here we go!

SABARMATI ASHRAM - Places to Visit Ahmedabad

The Sabarmati ashram has to be in every “places to visit in Ahmedabad” list ever. Not Just because the Mahatma resided here, but because the place is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Sabarmati Ashram, although right at the heart of the city, feels like a different planet altogether. It is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, and it is quaint, clean, and simply relaxing.

The Ashram is also host to a museum. The museum is well kept, with newspaper clippings about every update about every single step taken towards freedom is framed and maintained. It is like a mini-history tour, culminating in the news clipping about Mahatma Gandhi's unfortunate demise. The library can be found on the right-hand side across the mown lawns. The library houses a wide range of books and souvenirs for sale, including vintage postcards with important events printed on them, books you would find online, and handcrafted items. What is even more interesting is that the ashram is constructed at the exact spot Sage Dadhichi sacrificed his spine towards the construction of Lord Indra’s great weapon, the Vajra, making the Sabarmati ashram the first pick of this top-ten tourist places to visit in Ahmedabad list.

Dandi Kutir - Places to Visit Ahmedabad

Although not compulsorily part of Ahmedabad, the Dandi Kutir is a must-visit. Roughly 25kms outside Ahmedabad, part of the mega Mahatma Mandir complex, the Dandi Kutir is a modern addition to the plethora of options one can opt to visit as a tourist in Ahmedabad. It is a modern marvel, with the outer dome supposedly designed to look like a mound of salt, the Dandi Kutir silently explains everything the Dandi March stood for. Essentially an interactive museum revolving around the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the museum employs the use of technology like 3-D holography and mapping, augmented and virtual reality, 360-degree projections, lasers, and digital LED floors in a gripping 90-minute show. The Dandi Kutir is touted to be the world's ONLY museum to be built around the life of one man. It is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad for history buffs and anyone keen enough to learn through modern technology alike.

Kankaria Lake - Places to Visit Ahmedabad

This is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad. Built by some of the most beautiful Mughal architects of the era, the Kankaria lake is a man-made water body and a staple of every tourist place in the Ahmedabad list made.  Sultan Qutbuddin had the lake built with the intention of establishing it as a tremendous common bath for kings. One of the busiest tourist attractions in Ahmedabad today, Kankaria lake, consists of an island that encompasses a beautiful summer palace that goes by the name Ghattamandal. And bang in the middle of a lake is an enchanting little garden called Nagina Wadi, which roughly translated means Jewel Farm or Jewel Garden. The garden now has a variety of fun activities, including a serene boat ride into the lake.

Bhadra Fort

A beautiful fort inside the walled city, Bhadra was constructed under the orders of Sultan Ahmad Shah I in the year 1411 and is touted as the city's cultural center. During the British Raj, the fort even served as a jail. Today, the fort houses government offices and the hosts the flag hoisting ceremonies on both Independence Day and the republic day of India. With its massive gates, wide-open spaces, and impressive mosques, Bhadra fort does not fail to impress and finds a permanent place in our top-ten tourist places in Ahmedabad list.

Adalaj Stepwell

Built circa 1498 A.D, the Adalaj stepwell, also known as Rudabai Stepwell, is a step well that was constructed by Queen Rudadevi in memory of her husband Rana Veer Singh, a Vaghela chief. This stepwell has served as a resting place for hundreds of years, catering to the needs of weary travelers and pilgrims along their trade route. The walls have intricate carvings and murals. The Indo-Islamic architecture is so brilliantly planned and seamlessly blended that at no point during the day does the sunlight touch the steps or the landing except for a brief time period during noon, hence keeping the temperature an estimated 6 degrees lower than the outside. Other attractions at the Adalaj stepwell include the Ami Khumbor (Pot that holds the water of eternal life) and the Kalpavruksha (Tree of life). This, with the story of the devout Rudabai culminating in a rather tragic ending of her suicide in this very well, gives this place a fascinating backstory.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham (The house of God) or Swaminarayan Akshardham is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world and one of the places to visit in Ahmedabad that are an absolute must. Sprawling over a 23-acre swathe of land, the Akshardham temple is a modern architectural marvel, and a sight to behold. The vast stretch not only houses the 7-foot-tall gilded Lord Swaminarayan statue, but the complex also serves as a center for arts, education, and devotion. Primarily composed of pink sandstone, it is said that the construction of the complex took a little over 13 years to complete. The temple itself can be divided into two divisions: The Vibhuti Mandapam and the Prasadi Mandapam. Apart from the temple and the vast, grand complex, anyone visiting the place should add the Sat-chit-Anand Water Show to his/her to-do list as a tourist in Ahmedabad. The Sat-Chit-Anand water show employs the use of lasers, water animations, pyrotechnics, screen projections, and music in an enthralling 45 minutes of storytelling on the life of Nachiketa, an influential Hindu character with an unbreakable resolve of attaining Moksha.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Gujarat, known for its textiles, would be bereft without a place to showcase its prowess and expertise. Although, it is interesting to note that the Calico Museum of Textiles did not start as a tourist place in Ahmedabad and had rather humble beginnings. Founded in 1949 by industrialist Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai on an idea inspired by Ananda Coomaraswamy, a pioneer in Indian art interpretation for the western world, the museum evolved into an establishment focusing on handicraft textiles instead of industrial fabrics over time. The collection is awe-inspiring, with Persian and Mughal textiles manufactured in the 18^th and 19^th century A.D. The museum also contains temple hangings, paintings, sculptures, and religious textiles.

Jhulta Minara

An integral part of the Sidi Bashir Mosque, or for that matter, in the top 8 tourist places to visit in Ahmedabad list, Jhulta Minara, as the name suggests, literally translates to Swaying Minarets in English. Playful in its rights, the mystery of the swaying minarets confounds design engineers to date. Rumors say that if one minaret is shaken, the other one starts swaying on its own accord without affecting the connecting passageway between them. Unfortunately, these experiments cannot be carried out anymore as it is believed that British engineers had these minarets dismantled to study the swaying phenomenon, but were unable to restore them to their original assembly. Today, only two of the central gates remain.

Honorable Mentions

It is difficult to encompass the wonders of Ahmedabad in simple top-ten tourist places in Ahmedabad list. Here are some honorable mentions from in and around Ahmedabad.

Pols and Havelis of old Ahmedabad: If nostalgia is what you seek, the narrow criss-crossing lanes of Ahmedabad is what you are looking for. Each shop is a mini-museum in itself, with intricate ancient doors and sneaky delicate windows adorning this photogenic feature of the city.

Poet Dalpatram’s abode: Situated in Lambeshwar pol, Kavi Dalpatram was a reformist poet who played a significant role in the development and promotion of the Gujarati language. The little statue that sits on the veranda of the house is a beloved sculpture and is maintained by the Heritage Department. Although the place finds its place in somewhat limited quantities on essential tourist places in Ahmedabad, the place is worth a visit to understand Gujarati culture and pride.

Teen Darwaza: A majestic congregation of three gorgeous arches, the Teen Darwaza is another gift Sultan Ahmad Shah has bestowed on us. Situated adjacent to the famous Bhadra Fort, the Teen Darwaza is yet another example of the extremely skilled Mughal architecture. Another inclusion in your list of places to visit in Ahmedabad if you want to learn more about the history of Ahmedabad.

Siddi Sayyed ki Jali: One of the smallest mosques of Gujarat, this mosque is famous for its jaw-dropping lace-like stone sculptures. The intricate work on the windows is mind-blowingly precise, and the beauty of it all undermines the painstaking efforts the sculptor might have taken, especially considering the era.

Sarkhez Roza: Although the lake has now dried up, it is a fantastic sight when the lake does fill up in a godsend monsoon. The Sarkhez Roza was originally built as a tomb in honor of Shaikh Ahmed Khattu by Sultan Ahmed Shah II in 1451. Famously nicknamed as the "Acropolis of the East," the Sarkhez Roza is a perfect place to see th3e sunset as the azaan spreads across the golden sky.

Huteesingh Jain Temple: A serene place of prayer, the temple was a dream of a Jain trader who went by the name Sheth Hathisingh Kesarisinh. Following his unfortunate demise at the age of 49, his third wife, Sethani Harkunawar took up this daunting task and supervised the construction of this temple throughout. Studded with ornate stone carvings, the temple is constructed in stunning white marble.

Restaurants in Ahmedabad

Although we have covered most of the tourist places in the Ahmedabad segment, this article would be incomplete without a list of eateries in Ahmedabad.

- R Kitchen

- Bayleaf

- Swati Snacks

- Rajwadu

- Atithi

- Agashiye

- Gordhan Thal

- Vishalla

- Sasuji

- Gopi Dining Hall

Keep in mind that these restaurants serve authentic Gujarati food, and that is why these restaurants in Ahmedabad list does not have restaurants serving international cuisine. However, if you are bored with restaurant food and want to explore the street food culture, here are some of the best places to find street food.

- Manek Chowk: Fafda Jalebi, Methi na Gota (Fenugreek leaves infused in fried dough)

- Law Garden: Paani Puri, Pulao, omelets

- Asharfi Kulfi: Malai/Badam/pista/Mango Kulfi

- Das Khaman House: Khaman and sev

- HL College Road: Cheese Maggi, vada pav, Frankie

- Municipal Market: Chole Kulche, Pav bhaji, shakes

- Food truck park: Bhajipav, Samosa and Puffs, Chulha Dosa

- Ambika’s Dalvada: Dal Vada, tea coffee

- Bhatiyar Gali: Kabab, Chaap, Bheja masala, tava biryani

- Baghdad Fry Centre: Chicken Amreen, Keema chops, kharode soup

As with every Ahmedabad travel guide, this comprehensive list is subjective and based on personal experiences. Ahmedabad leaves no stone unturned in its attempt to please its audience.

Happy traveling!

About Club Mahindra Ahmedabad Resort

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Apart from these amenities, Club Mahindra offers a golf course tour, and horse riding as outdoor activities in the green pastures. Club Mahindra also organizes outings to Nal Sarovar, Lothal, and the Blackbuck National Park.  And if your timing is just right, you might be in luck, as Club Mahindra hosts Uttarayan and Navratri like none other. The Club Mahindra Kensville Golf Club Resort is truly, in a worldly sense, out of this world!

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading player in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays as also stated by Club Mahindra Reviews, primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra is the flagship brand offering Club Mahindra Membership, the other brands offered by the company are –Club Mahindra Resorts Fundays and Svaastha Spa. As on Mar 31, 2019, MHRIL has 100+ resorts across India and abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy, Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain. Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com

FAQs

What are the top sightseeing places in Ahmedabad?

Sabarmati Ashram, Sarkhej Roza, ISKCON Temple, Akshardham Temple, Bhadra Fort, Vastrapur Lake, Sidi Sayid Mosque, Rani no Hajiro and The Pols are some of the top places to visit in Ahmedabad.

Is Ahmedabad worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! There are many things to do and places to visit in Ahmedabad. The city is sprawling with cultural, historical and religious buildings, monuments and elements that makes it one of the most fascinating cities in India. Don’t worry - there is something for the foodies, adventure-seekers and all other kinds of travellers too!

What food is famous in Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is largely dominated by Gujarati food which is purely vegetarian. The cuisine is vibrant, hearty and delicious. One of the major highlights of Gujarati food is the Gujarati thali which is basically a spread of dishes served in one plate and satisfying all taste buds. Some of the most famous dishes include dhokla, fafda, khandvi, dabeli, dalvada and khakhra. There are many places to visit in Ahmedabad where you will get to feast on authentic Gujarat cuisine.

How expensive is Ahmedabad?

For two people travelling to Ahmedabad and staying there for a week, the total cost will come up to 20-25k, depending on the accommodations, transportation for travelling, food, shopping, places to visit in Ahmedabad, etc.

How many days are enough for Ahmedabad?

3N/4D are enough for anybody travelling to Ahmedabad to explore the vibrant city and soak in its many elements.

What are the best day trips from Ahmedabad?

Some of the best day trips from Ahmedabad to enjoy with your family include the Polo Forest, Gir National Park, Mount Abu, Hingolgadh Sanctuary and Bhuj.

What should I buy in Ahmedabad?

Tie and dye fabrics (bandhani), antique jewellery, wooden furniture, patola silk, Gujarati snacks are some of the things you should buy in Ahmedabad. In your list of places to visit in Ahmedabad, make sure to include some local markets where you can shop for all such things.

What are the amenities provided in the resorts in Ahmedabad?

Indulge in comforts and special luxuries that you deserve. Rest your mind and body in the spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms. Catch up on social media with Wi-Fi. While our Svaastha Spa takes away all the weariness at one go. Relish sumptuous delicacies and unwind at our multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. Kindly note, the amenities mentioned here may vary from resort to resort. Please call our Front Desk before booking.

Are resorts in Ahmedabad Covid-19 Safe?

Yes, absolutely! Club Mahindra Ahmedabad resorts make sure that guests enjoy their #CMSafeStay without having to worry at all about the health and hygiene aspects. Club Mahindra has partnered with Bureau Veritas to ensure that every resort is cleaned and sanitised regularly.

Do resorts in Ahmedabad have free parking?

Yes, there is complimentary parking at the resort for guests.

Do any family resorts in Ahmedabad have a spa on-site?

Yes, Club Mahindra Ahmedabad family resorts have a spa on-site.

Which resorts in Ahmedabad have rooms with a private balcony?

At Club Mahindra Ahmedabad resorts, rooms come with private balconies so that you can soak in the beautiful surroundings.