About Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, is one of the largest cities of India and the former capital of Gujarat. Ahmedabad has emerged as an important economic and industrial hub in India. It is the second-largest producer of cotton in India, due to which it was known as the ‘Manchester of India’ along with Kanpur. Cricket is a popular sport in Ahmedabad; a newly built stadium, called Narendra Modi Stadium, at Motera can accommodate 132,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the world. Stadium Photograph Sabarmati Riverfront is a waterfront being developed along the banks of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad, India. There are nine bridges on the river Sabarmati that connect the eastern and western regions. RIVERFRONT & BRIDGES Photographs Sabarmati Riverfront is not just a beautified waterfront promenade, but the focal point of leisure and recreation in Ahmedabad. While you are in the city, don’t forget to spend an evening here in peace while the serene river continues to flow at its own pace.
Major Attractions in Ahmedabad
Adalaj Stepwell
Set in the quiet village of Adalaj, 19 km from Ahmedabad, this step well or ‘vav’ has served as a resting place for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-storey stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge. It is believed that villagers would come everyday in the morning to fill water, offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls and interact with each other in the cool shade of the vav. The stepwell has three entrance stairs and is a spectacular example of Indo-Islamic architecture and design with intricate Islamic floral patterns and Hindu and Jain symbolism.
Kankaria Lake
The Kankaria lake is a multi-sided artificial lake, representing a rejuvenated pedestrian urban space in East Ahmedabad. The lake front has been redeveloped to offer a modern urban space with entertainment facilities like the tethered balloon safari, train ride and the high speed rides.
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram was the centre of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle against the British for the independence of India. His aura still lingers here and one can travel back in time to get a sense of his ideology and remarkable life. At this ashram, Gandhiji tried his hand at farming, learnt the art of spinning and weaving, and led the production of khadi. Nearby is the Environmental Sanitation Institute and a shop, Kalam Kush, where handmade paper is manufactured and sold. There are khadi stores and a khadi weaving workshop here as well.
Jama Masjid
Built by Ahmed Shah in 1423, the Jama Masjid is one of India’s most beautiful mosques. Made of yellow sandstone, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The prayer hall’s 260 columns support 15 domes at different elevations. It provides a refuge of profound serenity, accompanied by people in quiet prayer.
Jhulta Minar
Also known as the Shaking Minarets, they are within the Sidi Bashir Mosque built in 1452 AD. The Minars are three storeys high with carved balconies. These structures have left the best of architects and pioneering design engineers intrigued and in unresolved wonder. What one cannot unravel is when one minaret is shaken the other begins to vibrate.
Sidi Sayyed’s Masjid
The Sidi Saiyyed mosque built in 1573, is thelast of the major mosques to be built in Ahmedabad under the Mughal rule. The carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall of the mosque are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. The carvings look like fine lace filigree work, but are hewn from solid stone. The craftsmanship of this mosque places it on a level nearly unequaled in the world.
Teen Darwaza
A triple arched archway, Teen Darwaza is a landmark of the city and is an architectural masterpiece. The gateway was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah and is known for its extraordinary proportions and ornamentations.