Ahmedabad is the capital of the Western Indian state of Gujarat, a major commercial and industrial center rich in culture and history. It is home to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and a number of beautiful mosques and temples including the Sidi Sayyid Mosque with its intricate lattice work, the magnificient Jama Masjid and the opulently carved Akshardham Temple. It is also the gateway to other state being a major domestic airport with increasing number of international flights.
Exploring the nooks and alleys, temples and passageways in the old city
The history of Ahmedabad begins in the eleventh century with the Solanki King Karandev I, ruler of Anhilwara (modern Patan). He waged a war against the Bhil King Ashapall or Ashaval, and after his victory established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati at the site of modern Ahmedabad. Solanki rule lasted until the thirteenth century, when Gujarat came under the control of the Vaghela dynasty of Dwarka . Gujarat was conquered by the Sultanate of Delhi at the end of the thirteenth century. At the beginning of the fifteenth century an independent sultanate ruled by the Muslim Muzaffarid dynasty was established in Gujarat, and in 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah renamed Karnavati Ahmedabad and established it as his capital. Ahmedabad was the capital of the sultanate for 162 years ( 1411 - 1573 ).
Ahmedabad has a hot dry summer (Mid-March to Mid-June max 46 deg C) followed by the monsoon (Mid June-October with average annual rainfall of 93.7 cm).
The best time to visit is November to February when the sky is clear and the weather is moderate. The temperature varies between 15 and 30 deg C. Early mornings and late evening can be cold at times and a light pullover/shawl is recommended.
No permits are required to travel to Ahmedabad other than a visa for India. Gujarat is a prohibition state and alcohol is available only for foreign nationals at select outlets. Most large hotels have such an outlet. Consumption of alcohol is not allowed in public places.
Bigger hotels exchange currency/travellers cheques. Some banks offer better rates though. There is also an exchange centre at the airport.
Most shops and establishments accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express is accepted in very few places. There are a number of ATMs around the city. Credit and debit cards issued by foreign banks are accepted by most establishments.
Ahmedabad is served by the Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport on the outskirts of the city which is about 8 km from the city centre. Indian Airlines, Air India and a few Gulf based airlines operate services to several destinations in the Middle East. Air India (occasionally via Mumbai) and Jet Airways have services to London Heathrow. Singapore Airlines also connects Ahmedabad to Singapore and beyond. Ahmedabad is one of the busiest airports in the country, with services to a number of cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Kolkata. International Flight:
Ahmedabad is connected to London on Air India, to Singapore on Singapore Airlines and Malaysia on Malaysian Airlines.
Ahmedabad is connected to Kuwait by Indian Airlines and Kuwait Airways. Kuwait Airways offers onward connections to many destinations in Europe and America.
By Road: Ahmedabad is a 7-8 hour drive from Udaipur, Rajasthan. An ideal stopover is Dungarpur, where one can stay overnight at the DungarpurPalace.
By Train: It is an overnight train journey from Mumbai (several excellent trains) and Delhi (Rajdhani, Sampark Kranti and Ashram Express).
By Air: Ahmedabad is well connected by air from Delhi and Mumbai, apart from a number of other cities
Ahmedabad Heritage Walk – Most mornings from the Swaminarayan Temple to the Jama Masjid, through the alleyways and passages of the old city, visiting many Pols (closed gated residential colonies inhabited by specific communities or guilds) and temples.
Excursion: Nearby excursion from Ahmedabad include
Adlaj Vav, half an hour's drive outside the city is a intricate step well in excellent repair.
Lothal is a recently excavated Indus Valley Civilization port, about 2 hours drive away, recommended as a half-day excursion in the morning.
The Sun Temple at Modhera is one of very few temples dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It was built in 1026 AD and is about 3 hours away from Ahmedabad. Recommended as a full-day excursion
Where To Eat:
Ahmedabad is famous for its 'Gujarati Thali' meals showcasing the best of the local cuisine. A thali meal is like an all you can eat buffet served at your table. Waiters bring a constant stream of mildly spiced (and occasionally sweet) vegetarian dishes, sweatmeats and breads that are typical of the region, all cooked in ghee (clarified butter).
There are several excellent restaurants in the city where you can sample a thali meal. Ask your hotel staff or tour guide for recommendations.
Gujaratis enjoy eating out and Ahmedabad is blessed with a number of excellent restaurants offering authentic North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and a number of other options. Try restaurants on CG road, Navrangpura, Sattelite and on the Gandhinagar Highway
Where To Stay:
Many of the city's better known hotels are along the east bank of the river. The Taj hotel is close to the airport, in the outskirts of the city. A couple of hotels have now opened in the new section of town. The House of MG is a heritage boutique hotel, formerly the mansion of a rich city merchant.
Not recommended on its own, but is an excellent starting point for an extensive tour of Gujarat or as a start/end point for a tour of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Palitana – Complex of marble 1250 temples on a hilltop – very sacred to the Jains.
Modhera – 11 Century temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
