Stepwells were introduced in the Western semi-arid regions of India during the 15th and 16th centuries to combat seasonal changes and to support agriculture throughout the year. The Adalaj Stepwell holds a position of significance because of its history and architecture.
It is believed that the project for the stepwell was undertaken by a Vaghela ruler named Rana Veer Singh for the welfare of his subjects. Adalaj Stepwell exhibits a marvelous Solanki style of architecture and is five stories deep.
This octagonal structure was supported by intricately inscribed pillars, which still serves as a significant source of tourist attractions and is one of the most visited tourist places in Gandhinagar.
Location - Adalaj Road, Gandhi Nagar
Timings - 24 hours open
Best Time to visit - Daytime
This is one of the most popular places to visit in Gandhinagar. The temple is solely a place to offer devotion and offers the tourists a serene and peaceful place for cultural and spiritual exchange. Akshardham temple, built-in 1992, is exclusively dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the various avatars and sages of Hinduism.
The temple is known to house 200 idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, not only that the beautiful traditional structure of the temple is one of the most famous examples of fine craftsmanship. Starting from beautifully carved pillars to inscriptions from the Vedas on the walls, the temple is known to generate its aura, beauty, and significance.
Location - J Road, Sector 20, Gandhinagar
Timings - 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
Best time to visit - Grand Aarti hours
This is one of the fascinating places to visit in Gandhinagar. Often known as the Jurassic Park of India, this place is a favorite among tourists, especially children. Indroda Park is known to be the only park in India which houses fossils of dinosaurs along with a dinosaur museum.
Not only that, the park comprises a zoo, an amphitheater and event centers for conducting academic research. If you are a nature lover, the variety of animals and the botanical garden located within the park is sure to attract you. The dinosaur museum is the most popular spot in the park. Overall, this is a perfect place for a picnic with your family or even for a short outing amidst nature.
Location - Sector 7, Gandhinagar
Timings - 8 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
Entry Fee - RS 30 for adults and RS 15 for children between 5-12 years of age. The park also provides subsidized tickets at RS 8 for students.
Best time to visit - Daytime
This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Gandhinagar. Commonly used as a picnic spot, this park is perfect for some nature photography. Located by the riverside in Gandhinagar, you would find plenty of peacocks and other migratory birds playing around the park
The lush green patches, along with the hustle-bustle of the birds, provide you with the most peaceful environment, away from the hubbub of the city. You can also visit the park amidst your sightseeing plan to rest for a while in the middle of the hectic day. In case you just want to explore the park, it would take you around an hour to watch everything inside it.
Location - Indroda Village Near Sabarmati River, Sector 9, Gandhinagar.
Timings - 24 hours
Best time to visit - Winters
This museum is solely devoted to the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian nationalist movement and holds a great historical value. It is symbolic of Gandhi's struggle concerning casteism and British colonialism.
As the name suggests, the museum describes through detailed audiovisuals, Gandhi's role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, especially organizing the Dandi march against the imposition of salt laws on the Indians.
The Dandi March was one of the turning points in the history of colonial India, and the museum provides an elaborate illustration of the entire event. Not only that, the museum comprises several paintings, memoirs, and relics of Gandhiji, which he used during his freedom struggle.
Location - Salt Mount, Sector 13C, Gandhinagar
Timing - 10:30 AM – 5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry Fee - Rs 10 for Indians and RS 200 for foreigners.
Best time to visit - Throughout the year
Developed in the year 2005, this is a park in Gandhinagar which is known to house around 3500 species of plants. One of the distinct features of this park is that the garden is arranged according to the various zodiac signs in Hindu Mythology.
The park is divided into various sections like the panchvati van, the nakshatra van and so on. Each of these sections resembles multiple features from the Hindu Mythology and also depicts what the zodiac signs mean through the arrangement of the trees. Puneet van also links the zodiac signs with the positioning of celestial bodies.
Location - Road Number 4B, Sector 18, Gandhinagar
Timing - Daytime on all days
Best time to visit - Throughout the year
This is a nonsectarian temple in Gandhinagar. The distinct infusion of Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism is what makes this temple is what makes it unique, distinct, and one of the most important places to see in Gandhinagar. The temple is divided into various sections which comprise of idols and different avatars of Mahavira, Shiva and Vishnu.
This conglomeration of Jainism with the two sects of Hinduism is seldom found in any other Indian temple. This temple is symbolic of how one should get rid of one's pride, desires, and other attitudes, which cause misery to human life. It champions for leading an ascetic life and encourages people to give up worldly pleasures.
Location - Dada Bhagwan Foundation, Gandhinagar.
Timing - 5:30am to 10pm on all days of the week.
Best time to visit - During Aartis
This is one of the most exciting and attractive places to see in Gandhinagar. Though it might seem to be an ordinary fountain, this spot has developed to be one of the most popular tourist places in Gandhinagar.
The fountain with LED lights all over provide water sprinklers of different shades and shapes. The site also hosts a regular sound and light show during the evening which is very popular among the tourists.
Location - Kishan Sir, Sector 7, Gandhinagar
Timing - Evening hours
Best time to visit - Evening hours
This is a popular tourist spot solely dedicated to the children. There are plenty of water rides apart from boating facilities inside the park. The water rides include water slides and a lazy river for children, while there are a few water rides for adults too.
This adventure park has grown to be very popular among the tourists because of the trips, the fun activities, and also as a spot for enjoying a family picnic. Be it the master slide or the roller coaster, both children and adults can have a gala time with their loved ones. It is also a great place to spend a short holiday in and around Gandhinagar.
Location - Opposite Infocity, Dholakuva, Gandhinagar.
Timing - 9am to 10pm.
Entry Fee - 30 RS for adults and 15 RS for children without the trips. Tickets for rides - 400 RS and combo offers - 600 RS( including rides, food, etc).
Best time to visit - All seasons
Akshardham: Akshardham is a prominent temple in Gandhinagar, often visited by Hindu devotees. This temple, apart from being a place of devotion, also provides for a famous laser show. This is a captivating show projected on a huge screen and is one of the major tourist attractions near Akshardham temple.
Location - BAPS Akshardham Temple.
Timing - 1st laser show -7pm, 2nd laser show - 8pm
Best time to visit - All seasons.
This is a dam built on Sabarmati river and is a fun picnic spot to visit with friends and family. It is a perfect place for a calm evening stroll because of the beautiful environment and surroundings. During monsoons, the dam offers an enthralling view of the river flowing with all its force.
Location - 5 km from Gandhinagar Bus stand
Timings - Daytime and evenings
Best time to visit - Monsoon
This building, famous for its architecture holds a position of political importance in Gandhinagar. This is the building where the legislative assembly of Gujarat is located. Thus, one needs special permissions in order to enter the building.
Located in new sachivalaya in Gandhinagar, this building was named after Vithalbhai patel, the brother of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. The elaborate architecture with the Ashok Chakra Stambh on the top of the building has become a major tourist spot apart from being an important political centre.
Location - Campus of New Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar.
Timing - Office hours/daytime.
Best time to visit - All seasons
Deer park in Gandhinagar is a place you should visit if you are fond of nature and wildlife. The park houses these timid animals in their natural habitat and also provides for a free breeding ground among them.
Tthe lush green area with deer running here and there provides a perfect place for spending some time alone or with your family in tranquility. One would also find peacocks apart from deer in the park. The park is also home to a number of exotic plants.
Location - Gandhinagar Bypass Road.
Timing - 8 AM – 5 PM everyday.
Best time to visit - Spring