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Travel Guide » Asia » Ahmedabad
Explore: The World | India
Ahmedabad
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(Gujarat)


Gujarat's Bustling Hub

Ahmedabad is the city which relives history. The city is associated with the freedom struggle and has managed to retain its old world charm while evolving into a modern city. The Kohinoor amongst Indian cities, Ahemdabad envelops you into its vibrant folds- be it the allure of the traditional mirror work and the tie and dye prints or the ghamthi prints as the famous Law Garden hawkers would call it or in the glorious nine nights of Navratras (celebrated during October) or the famous Makar Sankranti festival (Kite flying festival held in January). The historic appeal is not lost on you as you run into a historic monument at every corner and you cannot escape the warm smile or the richness that engulfs you. So indulge in this old world charm that promises a mystique in the midst of a bustling city.
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To See & Do

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Historical Places
  Gandhi Ashram Without doubt the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad, Gandhi Ashram symbolises the city's unique association with India's freedom movement and the Father of the Nation. Founded by Gandhiji in 1915, it lies on the banks of the Sabarmati River and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous Dandi March in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings in the ashram premises. His only possessions-a pair of spectacles, spinning wheel, walking stick, and a pair of dhotisare displayed in the room where he lived. The ashram today continues the work started by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade-paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. Timings: 9.30 am-5.30 pm, Mondays closed. Sidi Sayed Mosque This beautiful mosque is renowned for its intricately designed screens (jhali), framed in ten semi-circular windows. The screens are carved out of one rock is noteworthy. Bhadra Fort Built in 1411 during the Maratha rule, the fort has charming palaces and well-laid gardens. It also boasts of a temple of Bhadrakali. Jhulta Minara An architectrural marvel, Jhulta Minara or Shaking Minarets are a part of the mosque of Siddi Bashir. It is said that if you shake one minaret the other one will also begin to quiver. One of the minarets was partly demolished by an Englishman to assuage his curiosity about the architectural principles employed in this structure. The mosque was built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism that leads to the vibration is still a mystery. Kankaria Lake This circular lake was built in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In its centre is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.

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Religious Places
  Hathisingh Jain Temple An impressive white structure, the Jain temple built of white marble and elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath, the 15th Jain apostle. Vaishnodevi Temple A replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple near Jammu, this is located at SG Highway. Juma Masjid An excellent example of Muslim architecture, this mosque is built of yellow sandstone, stands on 260 pillars that support 15 domes at varying elevations. It was built by Ahmad Shah in 1423. Timings: 9 am- 5 pm.

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Museums
  Calico Textile Museum Housed in a traditional Gujarati Haveli (house), the museum displays a magnificent collection of rare textiles dating back to the 17th century. There is also an excellent reference library on textiles. Also to be seen is a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts. Timings: 10 am-12.30 pm and 2.30 pm-5.30 pm; Wednesdays closed. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum It is one of the best art museums in the city, with a wide collection of Indian miniature paintings, cloth paintings, stone sculptures, terracottas, paintings of Tagore, art of Nepal and Tibet, bronzes, and coins. Timings: 10.30 am-5.30 pm; Mondays closed. Tribal Research Institute Museum haas re-creations of tribal hamlets of Gujrat besides weapons, implements, wall art, terracotta figurines and textiles. Timings: 11.30 - 1930. Sat 1130 - 1430; Sunday closed. The caves of Amdavad-ni-Gufa were an inspirational venture by the architect Doshi and the famous artist M F Hussain to display their work. These can be viewed at the University Campus.

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Festivals
  Makar Sankranti (Festival of Kites/Uttarayan, 14 January): A unique festival where earth and sky are both part of the celebration. Kites of all shapes and sizes is all that you can see when you look up. Be part of it, the feeling is electric. The festival marks the end of winter and return of the sun to the northern hemisphere. Children and adults fly kites through the day and night, marking the sky with myriad colours. Navratri (October/November): Navratri is a fun filled festival celebrated with full-blown enthusiasm in Ahmedabad. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, it celebrates feminine power and is marked by nine days and nights of music, dance and revelry, especially the Garba dance. Women, colourfully dressed in long skirts with exquisite mirrorwork and beautifully crafted cholis (or blouses) dance in abandon, accompanied by foot-tapping music. It's awesome! You may wonder how they twirl and whirl and yet the sticks keep the rhythm. Try to plan your trip this time of the year, and get invited to one of the night long dance melas.
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