Located on the banks of river Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is the largest city in the whole state of Gujarat. From the year 1960 to 1970, it served as the capital city of Gujarat. However, later on, the capital was shifted to the Gandjhinagar city. It was founded in the year 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah. It is owing to this reason that, sometimes, it is also referred to as the city of Ahmed Shah. Ahmedabad is the hub of trade and commerce in Gujarat. The commercial importance of Ahmedabad makes the city an important travel destination in India. Besides being home to a number of important industries, Ahmedabad also has a number of majestic monuments, which remind us of the great historical and cultural past of the city. Ahmedabad was incorporated into the Bombay Presidency during the British rule but remained the most important city in the Gujarat region. Over a period of time, Ahmedabad established itself as the home of textile industry and earned the nickname of "the Manchester of the East." A rising centre of higher education, information technology and scientific industries, Ahmedabad continues to remain one of the important cultural and commercial centers of western India.
Air : Ahmedabad has daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata. There are a few direct international flights to London, New York, San Francisco and Chicago, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah and Qatar and Singapore.
Rail : A commercial hub, the city's station is busy flagging off trains to the metros. It is connected with all the states through direct or through-fare trains.
Bus : The roads in Gujarat are well maintained. State transport as well private operators ply luxury buses to Vadodara, Mount Abu, Udaipur and Jaipur.
Gandhi Ashram : Without doubt the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad, Gandhi Ashram symbolises the city's unique association with India's freedom movement and the Father of the Nation. Founded by Gandhiji in 1915, it lies on the banks 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 in the ashram premises. His only possessions-a pair of spectacles, spinning wheel, walking stick, and a pair of dhotisare displayed in the room where he lived. The ashram today continues the work started by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade-paper factory and a spinning wheel factory.
Hathisingh Jain Temple : An impressive white structure, the Jain temple built of white marble and elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath, the 15th Jain apostle. Vaishnodevi Temple A replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple near Jammu, this is located at SG Highway. Juma Masjid An excellent example of Muslim architecture, this mosque is built of yellow sandstone, stands on 260 pillars that support 15 domes at varying elevations. It was built by Ahmad Shah in 1423. Timings: 9 am- 5 pm.
Calico Textile Museum : Calico Textile Museum Housed in a traditional Gujarati Haveli (house), the museum displays a magnificent collection of rare textiles dating back to the 17th century. There is also an excellent reference library on textiles. Also to be seen is a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts.
Kankaria Lake : South-east of the city, this artificial lake, complete with an island summer palace, was constructed in 1415 and has 34 sides, each 60m long. Once frequented by Emperor Jehangir and Empress Nur Jahan, it is now a local picnic spot. There's a huge zoo and children's park by the lake, and the Ghattamendal pavilion in the center houses an aquarium.
Jama Masjid : The Jama Masjid, built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah, is beside Mahatma Gandhi Rd, to the east of the Teen Darwaja. Although 260 columns support the roof, the two 'shaking' minarets lost half their height in the great earthquake of 1819, and another tremor in 1957 completed their demolition. Much of this early Ahmedabad mosque was built using items salvaged from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. It is said that a large black slab by the main arch is actually the base of a Jain idol, buried upside down for the Muslim faithful to tread on.
Must-buys are the traditional hand-embroidered and tie and dye clothes. However, haggling is the name of the game when it comes to shopping in the open markets of Ahmedabad. The city's main market area is at Ratan Pol and Manek Chowk near Lal Darwaja. It is crowded but you get maximum choice. The roadside shops near Law Garden also offer good bargains. Bargaining is an art and the Gujaratis are no doubt, the masters of this art. So bargain to your hearts content and you may walk away with a beautiful embroidered bed sheet or pillow covers which would cost heaven and earth in a showroom. Shops such as Bandhej (Tel: 64221810) and Sanskruti (Tel: 6443341) offer these traditional items at fixed (and maybe overpriced) rates. Browse through a fascinating range of Patola silks, ethnic fabrics, silver jewellery, furniture and handicrafts in these shops. In the evening try the Law Garden market for ethnic and traditional clothes and white metal jewellery. Be there by 5 pm to have an early start. Some addresses to shop for traditional Gujarati arts and crafts are: Banascraft (Tel: 6405784) Gurjari (Tel: 6585505); Hastkala (Tel: 53543970); Seva Kalakruti (Tel: 6301503); and Khadi Gramodyog (Tel: 7540584).
Apna Amdavad loves food. And this is evident in the tongue-tickling range of delicacies that the city offers. You will find at least one eating joint in the narrowest of lanes. You can tuck into the slightly sweet Gujarati fare: dal, bath, roti, dhokla, kadhi, theplas, srikhand, doodhpak and the rich flavours of undhyoo. Or you can go in for spicy corn and chaat at Khau Galli in Law Garden area and Khan Pan Bazaar at Manek Chowk. Various stalls start operating in both these places in the evening and run till late in to the night.
Vishalla, opposite Vana Tolnaka, serves delectable Gujarati food and is a famous tourist destination for its utensils museum. Rajwadu, near Malav Talav serves traditional Rajasthani food. The place is done up like a Rajasthani village.
Sankalp, having more than 10 branches, is perhaps the best place for south Indian dishes. Havmore, located at CG Road (fastfood and ice-creams), Navrangpura and Judges Bunglow Road (Indian and Continental cuisines) is famous for its chhole bhature. But legendary are its range of innovative ice-creams like Raja Rani, Cassata Roll Cut, and Tall Beauty. Cafpper Crust (opposite Maharaja Palace, Vijay Cross Roads) is a good bakery that also specialises in Continental dishes.
It's a non-stop celebration in Ahmedabad all the year around. Apart from the fun and frolic of the festivals of Gujarat, there's plenty to do. Head for the superbly comfortable multiplex cinemas in Gandhinagar or stretch your legs at the drive-in cinema. Darpana Academy of Performing Arts is one of the most prestigious performing arts academies in the city. It's amphitheater Natarani is a terrific performance venue overlooking the Sabarmati River and is one of the few places that hosts performances by celebrated artists. The National Institute of Design (NID) hosts art, craft, design and photography exhibitions by visiting artists as well as by its own students. Do, do catch them.