Overview

A busy economic and manufacturing hub, Ahmedabad easily endears itself to you. While the weather takes some getting used to, the infrastructure is great and the people are warm. Being one of the largest, most populous cities of the country, its importance cannot be overstated. And it has enjoyed great significance throughout its history, as evidenced by its stupendous architectural marvels.

Enjoying Gandhi Ji’s influence, the city prohibits consumption of alcohol (with some caveats). That is not to say that the residents don’t know how to live it up. It is a foodie’s heaven, with glorious street food, signature ice cream parlours, and fine dining restaurants to suit all tastes. Ahmedabad’s old walled city was India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, and a visit to its culturally, historically, architecturally rich streets is ample evidence why.

Experiences

 

  • Auto World Vintage Car Museum: Behold some of the finest pieces of automotive engineering at Ahmedabad’s Auto World Museum. Behold, or be held by, over 100 gorgeous vintage cars from the likes of Rolls Royce, Ford, Fiat, Jaguar, Mercedes, Lincoln, and many more. Some of these beauties are pretty iconic, including the Ford Model T and the first Rolls Royce Phantom 1. For a nominal fee, you can also ride in one of the 4 cars available for riding. Later, you may choose to kill time in the game zone or on the toy train ride, or enjoy some traditional Gujarati food at the restaurant here.
  • Sabarmati Riverfront & Sabarmati Ashram:On the western bank of Sabarmati, on green serene grounds, stands a certain Mohandas K. Gandhi’s former headquarters. Marvel at and be inspired by the artefacts and teachings and records of Bapu, then observe his austere living quarters where his vision of India’s freedom struggle took roots.
    A short walk away begins the lengthy walkway central to the ambitious Sabarmati Riverfront project. Stroll amidst breezy surroundings at this pleasing promenade, take a boat ride, zip line across the river or just take in the quotidian Gujarati life around you.
  • Calico Museum of Textiles: The remarkable museum houses a world-renowned collection of antique and modern Indian textiles, all handmade and extremely beautiful. The collection on display ranges from extravagant specimens of Mughal and other court fabrics, pieces of ritual and religious textiles, to regional specimens of immense virtuosity brought in from across the country. Do book in advance and you’d be overwhelmed by the intricacy of each artefact in the collection, which also includes ancient sculptures, miniature paintings, temple arts, etc.
  • Kite Museum:Kite Museum Ahmedabad

     

    Every year around January 14th, known as ‘Uttarayan’ in this part of the country, the sky comes alive in vibrant shades. Countless kites block out the Sun, so to speak, as the residents fervently partake in kit-flying. To honour this unique tradition, a certain Shri Bhanu Shah donated his humongous ‘patang’ (kite) collection to the local municipal corporation. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation duly reciprocated by setting up India’s first and the world’s second kite museum on its premises. A visit here captures your imagination as the colourful kites are an insight into the local culture and a relic of simpler times.

  • Adalaj Stepwell:
    Of the several step-wells in this region, the Adalaj step-well is certainly the most elaborate. 20 km north of Ahmedabad, the step-well, originally created for weary travellers, is remarkable for the elaborate stone carvings on the walls, and the 16 pillars around the octagonal step-well and on the platforms supported by the pillars.
  • Kankaria Lake:

    Kankaria Lake, AhmedabadA centuries-old manmade lake, the Kankaria Lake is now a fun family destination to spend a day engaged in enjoyable activities. Enjoy zorbing, boating, a hot-air balloon, and an evening sound-and-light show. The lake has an island housing a summer palace of the former royals, and is surrounded by an amusement park, a butterfly park and botanical garden, a small zoo, and old, Dutch colonial-era tombs.
  • Sunset Drive-in Cinema: A unique movie-going experience, the Sunset Drive-In Cinema is just as the name suggests: a sprawling green area with an enormous screen at one end playing the latest movies, where you can drive in with your car and enjoy a movie under the cool night sky. Grab some snacks from the stalls here, or carry a picnic with you. The kids are sure to enjoy this.

Grub

  • Vishalla: A surreal dining experience, Vishalla serves an endless thali of lip-smacking Gujarati fare, yet it is a lot more than that. Seated below a canvas awning under the open night-sky, with folk music and dance, and puppet shows for company, words defy you here. There is also the interesting Vechaar Utensil Museum here, with over 4000 pots and pans and more on display from all parts of the country and from a wide period in time.
  • Bhatiyar Gali: Every evening, the Bhatiyar Gali delights its patrons with delicious non-vegetarian delicacies. For centuries, it is believed; stalls here have served such non-vegetarian dishes as the age-old classics like Rogan Josh and Bhuna Gosht to recent innovations like skewered chicken and non-vegetarian samosas.
  • Agashiye: On the rooftop of the vintage hotel called the House of MG, Agashiye, literally meaning ‘on the terrace’, serves a daily-changing menu of absolutely yummy traditional Gujarati preparations under a canopy, a cottage roof or al fresco. You may want to book ahead.
  • Dairy Den: Ahmedabad is one of the largest consumers of ice cream in India. While there may be a connection with the prohibition on alcohol, the city nonetheless boasts of a massive multitude of ice cream parlours and cafes serving frozen delights. And Dairy Den, a chain of ice cream parlours is the oldest and probably one of the best ones here. Their chocolate brownie ice cream, thick shakes and soda pops are especially well-received.

Stay

To book from the widest range of hotels, visit SpiceVacations.com.

 

First Class

  • Renaissance Hotel: Located on the outskirts of the city, the hotel is steeped in luxury. Well-furnished rooms, with ACs, flat-screen TVs, tea-coffee makers, iPod docks and more, are designed to pamper you. Besides, facilities like a 24 hour fitness centre, sauna, multiple dining options, and a lot more, are designed to ensure you have a memorable stay.
    Distance from airport: 15 km
  • Novotel Ahmedabad: Modern property decked out in accordance with the latest in international hospitality. Lavish rooms, spa, pool, fitness centre, meeting rooms, currency exchange and more make it great for international travellers and people here for business.
    Distance from airport: 18 km

Premium Economy

  • Ramada Ahmedabad: An ideal hotel for the business traveller, with conference rooms, business centre, high-speed Wi-Fi currency exchange and more, besides multiple restaurants and a well-equipped gym.
    Distance from airport: 20 km
  • Country Inn & Suites Ahmedabad: Spacious, tastefully done rooms with modern amenities, in a hotel that suits all purposes- business or leisure.
    Distance from airport: 14 km

Economy

  • The House of MG: Surprisingly cheap for the amenities on offer, the House of MG is a grand old haveli restored to serve the purpose of a modern boutique hotel. And it does that with aplomb. The well-appointed rooms ensure a comfortable stay, while guests can enjoy other amenities like a gym, massage, multiple dining options etc.
    Distance from airport: 9 km
  • The Grand Bhagwati: One of the most preferred properties in the city, known for a very comfortable stay with all the modern amenities, interesting features like a piano café and well-appreciated food and dining, perfect for families.
    Distance from airport: 16 km

Weekend Getaways

 

  • Gandhinagar: The state capital, about 30 km from Ahmedabad, is one of India’s best-planned modern cities. Being the capital, the city is more business than pleasure, but the city’s serene nature and tourist favourites like the renowned Akshardham temple, the Children’s Park and the Adalaj step-well, besides quite a few beautiful temples, are sure to leave you impressed & entertained.
  • Udaipur:
    One of India’s best-known tourist destinations, Udaipur is a fantastic exhibition of Rajasthan’s grand history- the legacy of its Rajput kings and the Mughals. Its four lakes give it the moniker ‘the City of Lakes’, and the lakes Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Jaisamand are must-visits, as is the City palace on the Lake Pichola. There are several opulent palaces to visit, and the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, with the second-longest wall in the world, is not too far from here.
  • Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary:Nal Sarovar Bird SanctuaryJust under a two-hour drive from Ahmedabad, the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a treat for bird-lovers and adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. Spot over 200 species of vibrant indigenous and migratory birds around the 120 sq. km of the Nal Sarovar Lake and marshy land. Do visit the interactive interpretation centre to learn more about the birds here.
  • Lothal: Have your mind blown at Lothal, an ancient city of the 5700 year old mythical Indus Valley Civilization of the Bronze Age, about 2 ½ hours away. Visit the museum at the site to revel in enlightening antiquities- pottery, jewellery, figurines, agriculture equipment, copper and stone tools, and a lot more that were used by the residents of the ancient city. The residents pioneered methods of metallurgy, agriculture and town planning that have stood the test of time. Then, proceed to the site of the city, and observe ancient localities, wells, drainage system, warehouses, and burial sites, to see how they lived.

General Information

 

Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English

Public Transport: Ahmedabad has an extensive bus transport system for the general public, including general public buses and a Bus Rapid Transit System called Janmarg. Over 1200 buses ply under these two services, operated by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service.

For faster, although slightly costlier than the buses, transit, you can opt for a CNG-run auto-rickshaw that will drop you right at your destination.

The Ahmedabad metro rail is also under construction and shall be operational soon.

Weather: Ahmedabad has a typical North Indian hot, dry climate. The summer months (March-June) tend to be very hot and dry. The ravage high temperatures often soar above 40 degrees Celsius and heat waves are not uncommon. The winter months from November to February bring some relief, with temperatures ranging between 13-14 and 30 degrees Celsius. January months can also often see chilly winds. The monsoon months from mid-July to September bring humidity and decent rainfall is experienced frequently.