Best Places to Visit in Ahmedabad | Attractions in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a city where the future greets you. The financial capital city of Gujarat is high on its magnanimous achievements. In fact Ahmedabad is the only city in India to have been given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are many places to visit in Ahmedabad. A busy metropolis with a magnificent past, heritage of arts and crafts, Ahmedabad lures tourists with varied interests. There are options of magnificent temples, mosques, museums, scenic lakes and heritage sites.

The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the testimony of textiles and crafts and the relics of history makes for interesting exploration.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Ahmedabad

Gandhi Ashram (Sabarmati Ashram)
Swaminarayan Temple
Calico Museum of Textiles
Auto World Vintage Car Museum
Kankaria Lake
Vastrapur Lake
Sidi Sayed Masjid
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
Hathee Singh Temple
Adalaj Stepwell

1. Gandhi Ashram (Sabarmati Ashram)

The Sabarmati Ashram is an oasis of tranquility in the bustling Ahmedabad located on the banks of River Sabarmati. The ashram is known for Gandhiji’s stay and the start of Satyagraha March.

Mahatma Gandhi built the place after he returned from South Africa in 1915. He lived here and continued the struggle for independence. In 1930 he left the ashram and vowed to return after India had gained Independence.

Visitors from all over the world come here to honor the Life of Gandhi. A museum, library and auditorium and photo gallery is present in the ashram. This is one of the must visit attractions of Ahmedabad.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM, every day.

Entry: Free

2. Swaminarayan Temple

The Swaminarayan Temple is an ethereal vision. One of the top 10 best places to visit in Ahmedabad, the temple is definitely worth your time. Carved in Burmese teak, the grand architecture is painted in bright colors and is a charming sight against the city backdrop.

There are several idols installed by Lord Swaminarayan himself. Marvel at the display of some of his personal items and sculptures. There are quarters for pilgrims of the sect, a special section for women, and an area where ceremonies and teaching sessions are held.

The temple depicts the glory of Indian culture and tradition. Gujarat’s heritage has been treasured and represented in every corner of the temple.

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM, all days of the week.

Entry: Free

[You may also check other Famous Hindu Temples in Gujarat]

3. Calico Museum of Textiles

The Calico Museum of Textile is one of the famous place to see in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Managed by Sarabhai Foundation, it is one of the oldest textile museums in the country. The exhibited textiles span five centuries and cover many regions of the country.

The textiles were collected for the purpose to conserve, build awareness and empower the vast and deep Indian heritage. Marvel at the assortments of fabrics and artefacts, antique textiles, spectacular samples of traditional embellishments, tie and die fabrics and patterns from various parts of the country.

Do not miss to check out the exclusive art of Bronzes, Pichhwais, Jain objects and Indian miniature paintings. From the fine work of Kashmir to the vibrant colors of dyed threads, witness the 500 years of Indian textiles.

Timings: From 10 am to 12.30 pm, then from 2.45 pm to 4.30 pm; every day except Wednesdays.

Entry: Free

4. Auto World Vintage Car Museum

The Auto World Vintage Car Museum displays a marvelous collection of automobiles. The collection dates back to the time when an automobile was not just a mode of transport but a symbol of power.

Marvel at displays of more than 100 of the finest cars like Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Daimlers, Langondas, Mercedes, Packards, Maybach, Cadillacs, Buicks, Auburns, Cord, Lancias, Lincolns, Chryslers, etc. The museum also features cars that have been specially built for the rich and famous.

Experience the largest and finest automobile collection of India and one of the best in the world. The souvenir shop, a cafeteria and fun drives in these vintage cars adds to the fun.

Timings: 8 am to 9 pm

Entry: Free

Book your customized Gujarat Tour Packages from Ahmedabad

5. Kankaria Lake

One of the famous tourist place in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. Almost a mile in circumference, the 34 sided polygon water body covers 1.25 km circuit. Steps lead down to the water level where you can sit and enjoy the view. The lake is an attraction in itself but the major allure is the pleasure pavilion known as Naginavadi.

The promenade is the ideal place to enjoy leisurely walks. In the evening, crowds, food stalls and entertainment is the usual norm. Enjoy the water and light show. A zoo, a natural history museum, a toy train, a special garden for children called Bal Vatika, and an open air theatre to please the visitors.

Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm, Monday Closed.

Entry:

INR 10 per person for Adults.
INR 5 per child for Children
Free for senior citizens and children below 3 years

6. Vastrapur Lake

Vastrapur Lake located in the western side of Ahmedabad is maintained by the City Municipal Corporation. This manmade Lake is one of the most best tourist place in Ahmedabad to explore with family or friends.

Emerging as a popular destination for some family time, Vastrapur Lake is perfect to indulge in some time with nature and the company of your loved ones. The garden adjoining the lake offers pleasant stroll. Boating facility is available on the lake. Hire paddle boats for an Eco-friendly experiment.

The Children’s park, jogging track, and open-air theater for various cultural events and performances are places to not miss when visiting.

Timings: 8 am to 10 pm on all days of the week.

Entry: Free

7. Sidi Sayed Masjid

The Sidi Sayed Mosque dates back to in 1573 AD and is one of the last of the mosques to be built under the Mughal rule. It is one of the best places to see in Ahmedabad for the marvelous architecture and serenity.

The masjid is known for its exquisitely carved jaalis in the windows. The intricate net created of marble depicting a tree with intertwining branches. The engravings look like fine lace latticework work, but are carved from solid stone.

Though much smaller than other renowned mosques of the time, and different from the enclosed courtyard, the artistry of this mosque places it on a level nearly unequaled in the world.

Timings: 6AM–9PM, every day.

Entry: Free

8. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

The Lalbhai Dalpathbhai Museum, Ahmedabad was started in 1956, to preserve treasures of rare art, manuscripts and archaeological objects of India. The museum houses about 76,000 hand written Jain manuscripts, 500 illustrated versions and 45,000 printed books.

It is the largest collection of Jain scripts. Books written in languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, Hindi, Old Gujarati, Apabhramsa and Rajasthani are preserved here.

One of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad, marvel at Indian sculptures, cloth paintings , miniature paintings, terracotta, painted scrolls, bronzes, woodwork, Indian coins, textiles, etc. Get information on topics from Buddhism, Jainism, grammar, tantra and poetry, Vedas and other different branches of Indian philosophy. It’s a haven for learners.

Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Entre: Free, no photography is allowed.

9. Hathee Singh Temple

The architectural spectacle of white marble, Hathee Singh Temple is one of the top places to visit in Ahmedabad. Constructed in the year 1850 AD, the famous Jain temple was built by a prosperous merchant. The temple is dedicated of the 15th Jain Trithanakara named Dharmnath.

One of the most splendid Jain temples of India, the beautiful craftsmanship is of note. The artwork and engravings were the skill of the Sonpura and Salat communities. Witness their fine specimens. Apart from the main shrine, there are 52 other holy places. Each of the shrines consists of an image of a Tirthankara. The interiors are reminiscent of the Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Timings: 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and 05:00 pm, every day.

Entry: Free

10. Adalaj Stepwell

One of the must see attractions in Ahmedabad, The Adalaj Stepwell is a marvel. Set in the quiet village of Adalaj, this vav has been a sanctuary for many pilgrims and travelers. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-storey step well has an interesting structure and functionality. The cultural and utilitarian space also served as a spiritual refuge.

The vav is a remarkable specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture and design. All the walls are adorned in various forms of ornamentation, mythological scenes along with everyday scenes. Do not miss to check out the Ami Khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life) carved out of a single slab of stone.

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM, Everyday

Entry: Free

[ Check-out our Ahmedabad Tour Packages to plan your holiday ]

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com