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Location : Situated in the state of Gujarat,
lying to the western part of India.
Tourist Attractions in Ahmedabad:
Juma Masjid, Jhulta Minara, Hathising
Jain Temple, Bhadra Fort, Sidi Sayed
Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake
Best Buys : Textiles.
Best Hangouts : Sabarmati Ashram
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Nearby Tourist Destinations
: Gandhinagar, Porbandar.
When to Visit : October to March
About Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is Situated
on the banks of the river Sabarmati,
Ahmedabad is the former capital city
and most important developed city of
Gujarat. The city is haven of the fine
amalgam of Indian and Muslim architecture.
Unlike the old Ahmedabad, the new Ahmedabad
has more of up-to-the-minute design
architecture. Ahmedabad is also world
renown for Gujarat handicrafts, such
as, bandhani (tie / dye) work.
Known as the Manchester of India, Ahmedabad
is presently famous for its textile
mills and is often referred to as the
'Manchester of the East'. Besides, Ahmedabad
has got numerous places of interest
for tourists, ranging from monuments
to amusement parks. The charisma of
the various museums, mosques, and forts
adds charm to the simplicity of the
Ahmedabad city. Ahmedabad Tours
will give enough opportunity to know
about the history of Ahmedabad.
Major Tourist
Attractions in Ahmedabad
Juma Masjid
Juma Masjid in Ahmedabad
is amongst the most popular tourist
sights in the city. Built of yellow
sandstone this mosque stands on 260
pillars which support 15 domes at varying
elevations. Jumma Masjid was built by
Ahmad Shah in 1423. It is easily accessible
as it stands in the centre of the old
city. This imposing structure reflects
the Muslim architecture of that period.
Jhulta Minara
Quite an unusual structure, Jhulta
Minara or swaying minarets are a part
of the mosque of Siddi Bashir and can
be moved back and forth by applying
a little force at the topmost arch.
One of the minarets was partly demolished
by an Englishman in his endeavours to
unravel the mystery of the swaying minarets.
The mosque was built by master craftsmen
and the crucial mechanism that leads
to the vibration is still a mystery.
The other interesting fact here is that
these minars stand the test of the rumbling
trains that pass not very far away from
them.
Hathising Jain Temple
An impressive white structure, the
Jain temple built of white marble and
elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath
- the 15th Jina or Jain Apostle. Similar
to all Jain temples, this temple too
is rich in intricate carvings displaying
among other things - musicians.
Bhadra Fort
To add special charm to the varied sights
of the city there is the Bhadra Fort,
which once housed royal palaces and
well-laid gardens. It boasts of the
temple of Bhadrakali and was built in
1411 during the Maratha rule.
Sidi Sayed Mosque in Ahmedabad
Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique for
its exquisite screens, which are praised
for their amazing Jhali screen, framed,
in the ten semi-circular windows. The
screen carved out of one rock is just
exceptional. A visit to this superb
and outstanding example of delicate
carving is an absolute must.
Sabarmati Ashram
The ashram was founded by Mahatma
Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt
it is the biggest tourist attraction
in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil
stretch 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 at the ashram premises. The
ashram today continues the work started
by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts
centre, a handmade paper factory and
a spinning wheel factory. Besides, there
are several other attractions for the
tourist.
Kankaria Lake
A circular lake built in 1451 by Sultan
Qutub-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake
is an island garden with a summer palace
known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is a
popular recreation centre surrounded
by parks, 'Bal Vatika' - an aquarium,
a boat club, a natural history museum
and a zoo.
Getting There
Air : Ahmedabad airport, located 10
km north of the city, receives both
national and international flights.
Rail : Ahmedabad is well connected by
trains with Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodra and
Udaipur.
Road : Ahmedabad has a good road network.
By road it is linked with towns like
Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar.
Accommodation
There are excellent accommodation facilities
in and around Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad,
being a major tourist destination and
a vibrant modern Indian city, has a
good variety of accommodation to chose
from. The city has numerous hotels in
the range of luxury to budget, to fit
into everyone's pocket.
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