Ahmedabad, also known as the 'Manchester of India' is an apt weekend destination amongst tourists who want to unwind themselves amidst nature and capture the beautiful essence of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is the western India's most vibrant city known for its cotton industries mushrooming into the cities and its cotton products burgeoning across India. The best tourist places in Ahmedabad offer an array of activities as a known shopping destination for fabrics, an exciting and pleasing vista of flora and fauna, an essence of true Gujarati cuisine and an amalgamation of architecture.
The Sabarmati Ashram situated in 1917 was the abode of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or better known as Mahatma Gandhi during the years of Independence struggle. The ashram on the banks of and named after the river 'Sabarmati' has a very subtle architecture with a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.
The ashram has served two purposes quintessentially as the epicenter of freedom struggle and as the place that united a group of people who committed to 'ahimsa' or non-violence to secure independence. Tourists get to explore nature and the place does immense justice to tourists with its varied ecosystem and an enriched heritage that provides fun, frolic, adventure and a sneak peek into India's ancient history. The city offers a number of sanctuaries, national park and lake rides with beautiful sunsets that was inhabited by Bhil king of Ashaval in 11th Century, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 C.E. and later by Shahjahan.
The marvelous architecture juxtaposed with breathtaking view serves the tourist places in Ahmedabad as a popular destination for tourists with a mixture of fun, food and frolic. The standalone architecture essays a great trip down the lane of history and magnificence.
When planning on a visit to Ahmedabad, November to February offers the best time to visit the city though one can pay a visit through the year.
Here is a month wise breakup of the months:
November to February:
Winter is the best time for planning a visit, as the climate remains gentle and pleasant to enjoy sceneries around the city. The maximum temperature does not go beyond 35 degree Celsius and the minimum dip in temperature is around 12 degree Celsius. Remember to carry woolen garments and a heavy jacket if one is not a winter person.
March to May:
Time when summer sets in and there is a considerable soar in temperature. However, if one likes to enjoy the city sans crowd and likes to explore the places all by oneself, these three months are the time to secure the best deals and hotel tariffs. The maximum rise in temperature can be up to 40 degree Celsius and it can go down to 20 degree Celsius. Remember to carry light cotton clothes.
June to October:
Monsoons offer a great time to visit the city as the temperature remains mild and does not go beyond 30 degree Celsius while the maximum drop may be up to 18 degree Celsius. Remember to carry an umbrella whenever you go out.
The vibrant city of Gujarat can be reached in a number of ways:
By Air
Ahmedabad being a major city is well connected to various other major cities of India and abroad. The nearest airport is the famous Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and is located around 14 kilometers away from the city centre.
By Train
Ahmedabad railway station also known as Kalupur railway station is located around 6 kilometers from the city center and its vast network connects to all the major cities of India such as Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Kolkata-Ahmedabad Express, Ashram Express, Jaipur-Aravali Express, Bhuj Ac SF Express, Navjeevan SF Express.
By Bus:
Ahmedabad has a wide range of roads and national highways connected to all major cities across the country via Ahmedabad Transport Service and various other interstate bus services. AC Buses, Deluxe luxury buses and state buses ply on a regular basis connecting cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru.
Ahmedabad offers a wide range of activities for tourists to heighten their stay during vacation.
Tourists in Ahmedabad are spoilt for choice, as the city has to offer opulent and exquisite hotels and resorts to stay. Known for their humble hospitality and royal decor, most resorts offer very relaxing and enjoyable stay that one cannot forget soon. Some of the best resorts are:
The city offers numerous modes of transports to hop from one place to another
Ahmedabad, also known for the comprehensive and rich clothing it has to offer. The city is known for its clothing mills and is fast becoming as one of the most important business hubs in India. Listed below are some of the unique places one can shop for ethnic clothes:
One can experience the best Gujarati vegetarian contemporary thali in various places in Ahmedabad and it will be a sin not to try the famous Gujarati snacks - Fafda, Khaman, Dhokla, Khakra, Dalwada Thepla and Chavana. To explore one's taste buds one can always visit these places:
The distance between Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch is around 400 kilometers and takes up to 8 hours to travel by road. If travelled by train it takes up to 7 hours to reach Rann of Kutch. And, one can travel by air that will take up to approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes as there are no direct flights between Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch.
Often known as the most vibrant city and the heartbeat of western India, Ahmedabad proposes an excellent pastiche of the old and the new India through architecture that keeps tourists on their toes. Ahmedabad offers an amalgamation of different cultures, mesmerising landscapes and a glimpse of intricate Indo-saracenic artisanship of ancient India.
Some of the most popular places which one can't miss on a trip to Ahmedabad:
Ahmedabad offers an assorted number of historical architecture that narrates the rich past of the city, highlighting its importance in military achievements and at every fold of Indian history. Some of the famous historical splendours are:
Ahmedabad, besides offering a mélange of old and new history also offers a perfect getaway into the wilderness and helps oneself to engage in a wildlife safari to experience the diverse flora and fauna. Ahmedabad's wildlife parks have created a niche for itself and they are the quintessential places to getaway from the city to revive and refresh:
Gir National Park: Gir National Park is Gujarat's most well-known national park and home to the Asiatic lion. The park also houses the endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures and has the marsh crocodile.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in India. The best time to visit this place is in winter as almost 210 species of migratory birds like Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and herons attract tourists and serves as a great weekend getaway in Ahmedabad.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary: It is a protected zone for Indian sloth bears. The sanctuary also houses Leopard, Sambar, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Indian Flap-shelled turtle, Cobra, Krait and Monitor Lizard.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary has Leopard, Indian Civet cat, Barking Deer, Chital and Jungle Cats. November to March is the best time to visit this sanctuary.
Wild Ass Sanctuary: Touted as India's biggest wildlife sanctuary, the park provides protection to the endangered wild ass subspecies Indian Wild Ass belonging to the Asiatic Wild Ass species Onager. Giving the endangered species company are also Indian gazelle, African lynx, Nilgai, Blackbuck and Jackals. One can also sight birds like Flamingoes, Saras cranes, Spoonbills and Pelicans.
Thole Lake Sanctuary: It is an artificial, shallow, freshwater lake giving many opportunities to diverse species of birds to survive in a hydrological ecosystem. This place attracts tourists chiefly for the birds as one can spot Whistling Teal, Flamingo, Egret, Heron and Spot Crane.