Ahmedabad City Guide

Ahmedabad is the largest city and former capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. The city is an administrative centre of Ahmedabad district as well as the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court is in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, 32 km from the state capital Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad was founded on 26 February 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate, and was named after him.

Swaminarayan Temple

Located in the Kalupur area of Ahmedabad, Shri Swaminarayan Temple (also known as Akshardham Temple) is a shrine dedicated to Narayan Dev. This splendid temple was built in the year 1822 on the instructions of Swaminarayan, who was the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Embellished with vivid colours and intricate carvings, Swaminarayan temple is a marvellous example of the architecture of the nineteenth century. Inside the sanctum, the deities are decorated with ostentatious ornamentations and beautiful fabrics. The temple attracts a million people on the day after Diwali for darshan.

Dada Hari Wav

Situated in Asarwa, 15 km from Ahmedabad, the Dada Harir Wav, initially known as the Bal Harir Stepwell is among the two famous step-wells of the region. Established during the Mehmud Begda era, this octagonal stepwell designed in sandstone is a remanence of the Solanki style of architecture. It is a space of respite for the locals during the summers. The seven-levels of the stepwell, which is a great source of water conservation, can also accommodate several visitors at the same time.

Sabarmati Ashram

Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, Sabarmati Ashram is the site where Gandhiji started the famous Dandi March from. Situated in the 5km north of Ahmedabad's centre, it is located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River. Also referred to as the 'Gandhi Ashram', 'Mahatma Gandhi Ashram' and most importantly, 'Satyagraha Ashram', it is believed that Mahatma Gandhi chose this site for it is located between a prison and a cemetery and a Satyagrahi is likely to end up in one of these.

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Located in the Dastan of Kathwad, the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is a connoisseur of over 120 vintage cars including old utility vehicles, motor vehicles and ancient carriages. It is organised and maintained by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India. The museum also houses a cafe and a museum shop with ample parking space and toilet facilities. Started by Shri Pranlal Bhogilal Patel who transformed his private collection into a renowned museum, the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is presently managed by the Director, Mr Nitin Dosin. The museum also houses an array of royal cars and carriers ranging between 1900 to the 1970s.

Hutheesing Jain Temple

Established in 1848, the Hutheesing Jain Temple is one of the most revered Jain temples in Ahmedabad. Situated on Shahibaug Road of Bardolpura, this temple project, initially taken up by Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh was further completed by his wife, Shethani Harkunwar and posthumously named after Kesarisinh. Dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara of Jains, Lord Dharmanath, this two-storied white marble structure is home to 11 deity sculptures.

Jhuta Minar

Located in Ahmedabad, Jhuta Minar is one of the most intriguing architectural wonders that the world has ever seen. They are still an unsolvable mystery. What makes the minarets unique is if one of the minarets is shaken then the other minaret shakes within a few seconds, while the connecting passage doesn't transmit any movements or vibrations. Many architects and historians have tried to understand the physics and logic behind the unrelated movements of the minarets. It is these movements that have led to its name, Jhulta Minar which translates to swinging minaret