Top 5 Places in Ahmedabad for The First Timers
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat but still retains a certain old-world charm. The city life seems as calm as the surface of the still water which is hardly surprising given that there are about 26 lakes in and around the city. Touted as the second home of Mahatma Gandhi, this place also assumes great historical importance. Reaching Ahmedabad is also incredibly comfortable with sites like Yatra offering great deals as you can see when you book flight tickets from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Yatra. Here is a list of the top 5 places you simply cannot afford to miss.
Sabarmati Ashram
Often called Mahatma Gandhi’s second home, the ashram is also known as the Satyagraha Ashram or the Gandhi Ashram. The origin of the famed Salt Satyagraha or Dandi March, this place was home to Gandhi and his wife for almost 12 years. Steeped in historical importance, it has been well-maintained by the authorities. You can visit Gandhi’s cottage, Hriday Kunj and also see his personal belongings in addition to the vast library which has over 35,000 books.
Jama Masjid
Built in 1423, the mosque is an exquisite blend of Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture. The place is not only an architectural delight, but its yellow sandstone structure also houses the tomb of its builder, Sultan Ahmed Shah and his family. With intricate carvings and latticework, the structure is located in the heart of the city with many shops dotting the area around it.
Sabarmati Riverfront
Along the biggest river in Gujarat, this place is for those looking to get back in touch with nature. Experience the calming effect of the river with you family and friends. Perfect for an evening stroll, the view of the sun dipping into the river during sunset is a sight to behold. With plenty of open space to run around, it is also an ideal place for a picnic.
Kite Museum
A visit to Ahmedabad is incomplete without going to the kite museum. Both the city and the state are known for its entrenched kite culture. During festivals, sounds of kai po che (a saying when you cut someone’s kite) resonate through the neighbourhoods. The museum houses various kinds of kites including some scarce varieties. Established in 1985, it pays homage to the city’s vibrant kite culture. The city plays host to the International Kite Event every year.
Hathee Singh Temple
The temple is an important Jain shrine built by a Jain merchant, Seth Hathee Singh. It is built as a shrine to the 15th Jain Tirthankara named Dharmnath. Along with being a religious place, it is also an architectural marvel made of white marble. Interestingly, the basement of the temple houses an iron safe that has Queen Victoria adorned with Gujarati jewellery. The courtyard is tiled with almost 52 shrines, and intricate work on the marble walls make the temple a spectacular sight.
With the infrastructure of a big city but the soul of a small town, Ahmedabad is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family. With a host of ideal spots for picnics, places of worship and historical importance, the city has something for everyone. It is also very well-connected with all the major cities of the country. Sites like Yatra offer some great deals, see for yourself when you book flight tickets from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Yatra. Steeped in culture and history and surrounded by nature, the city is the perfect respite from the larger cities while offering all the facilities for an ideal vacation.
