Ahmedabad is the largest and most populated city of Gujarat, which is located on the bank of River Sabarmati. It is one of the largest producers of cotton garments in the world, earning the title of ‘Manchester of India’ along with Kanpur. However, this city is also known as a popular tourist destination, as there are many heritage sites to visit.
Best time to visit Ahmedabad
Winter is the best time to visit Ahmedabad for spending a vacation, due to the mild climatic coolness at this time. Moreover, winter months from November to February hardly experience any rainfall, for which sightseeing becomes easier for tourists. The weather is uncomfortably warmer at other times of the year, making tours less preferable.
Visa requirements for Ahmedabad India
All foreigners need a valid visa to enter India for any purpose. They should apply for a tourist visa in the Indian Embassy at their homelands, with a photocopy of their updated passports, photographs, and the required visa fee, to visit Ahmedabad.
How to travel to Ahmedabad
Tourists can fly to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which is connected to numerous other airports in India and abroad. Many airlines offer regular domestic and international flights from various destinations to Ahmedabad. Many people prefer Spicejet booking due to its low-cost flights that help in saving their money. Since Ahmedabad is lined by train routes to most cities of the country, people can travel by Express trains to reach Kalupur Railway Station in Ahmedabad. There are also interstate bus services available between Ahmedabad and several nearby cities, run by Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service.
SIM cards and Wi-Fi in Ahmedabad
Several telecom service providers offer SIM cards with Wi-Fi connections in Ahmedabad. Tourists can buy SIMs from Reliance Jio, Vodafone, Airtel, and BSNL so that they can continue net surfing and connect with their loved ones back home. There are numerous authorized dealers of these telecom companies in this city.
Where to Exchange Currency
Foreigners can visit the branches of banks or reliable financial organizations authorized by the Reserve Bank of India. These money exchangers offer currency exchange services at reasonable rates, which can be compared online to choose the best service provider. People can also order online for currency exchange, by paying the quoted service charge. They can collect the exchanged money from the nearest counter of that money exchanger or ask for delivery to their hotels.
Transportation In Ahmedabad
Tourists can move around the city of Ahmedabad in buses, as plenty of buses are run by Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) as well as by Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). They may also hire auto-rickshaws for sightseeing, as all local drivers can speak Hindi and some even can understand English.
The culture hubs of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is known for preserving the ethnic Gujarati culture. Tourists can experience a taste of local culture, by visiting different museums, art galleries, and handicraft centers. Gandhi Memorial Museum and Library provides an insight into the life of Mahatma Gandhi. World Vintage Car Museum displays various models of vintage cars. Calico Museum of Textiles, Shreyas Folk Art Museum, Kite Museum, and Lemon grasshopper Art Gallery are other popular cultural hubs available in this city.
Ahmedabad Foods That Will Blow Your Taste Buds
Different kinds of bread, like Rotli, Thepla, Bhakhri, Puran-Pohli, Maal Purah, and Puri are very popular among Gujarati people and also relished by food lovers. Khakra, Dhokla, Fafda, Undhiyu, Khaman, Farsan, and Sev Mamra are a few Gujarati foods that are universally adored due to their unique tastes and healthy recipes. Though most Gujarati people are vegetarians, tourists can find delicious non-vegetarian dishes, like Bhuna Gosht and Mutton Chaap in various restaurants of Ahmedabad. As Gujarati meals always end with a dessert, Basundi, Shrikhand, Jalebi, Ghari, Kulfi, and Mohanthal are the popular Gujarati sweets.
Places to visit in Ahmedabad
Statue of Unity is the tallest statue of the world, which is the bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, 179 Km from Ahmedabad, overlooking Sardar Sarovar Dam. Dada Hari Wav is the step-wells 4 Km from the city centre while Rani ki Vav on the bank of River Saraswati is the step-well 101 Km from the city and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sabarmati Ashram, Sabarmati Riverfront, Adalaj Stepwell, Modhera Sun Temple, Jama Masjid, and Bhadra Fort are other notable tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. Kankaria Lake, Vastrapur Lake, Thor Lake, Parimal Garden, Hathee Singh Temple dedicated to 15th Jain Tirthankara, Ahmed Shah Mosque, Sarkhej Roza, and Balvatika Park are included in the itinerary of the Ahmedabad tour.
Shopping in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a great place for fulfilling the shopping spree of people, as lots of high-quality materials are available here. Sindhi Market, Lal Darwaja Market, Law Garden Market, and Manek Chowk Market are the best places for buying expensive saris and lehangas, jewelry, fresh fruits, home furnishings, fancy handbags, and mini curios. Dhalgarwad, Rani-no-Haziro, and Chimanlal Girdharlal Road are the ideal places to buy fashion garments, handicrafts, and traditional footwear. Ramakada Market is the best place for buying toys while Fernandes Bridge or Shahid Bhagat Singh Bridge is famous for selling huge collections of old and new books.
Weekend getaways near Ahmedabad
People can spend their weekends at some interesting places near Ahmedabad. Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is 346 Km away from the city and a popular getaway for spending weekends amidst nature. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur, and Mount Abu in Rajasthan are favorite places of many people, due to the remarkable scenic beauty and the presence of many temples and palaces there. People also visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary preserved in the Little Rann of Kutch, which is only 179 Km away from Ahmedabad. Vijaynagar Forest at a distance of 152 Km houses some ruins of ancient temples while Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is closer to this city, only 65 Km away.
Nightlife in Ahmedabad
The nightlife is not too lively in Ahmedabad, as bars, pubs, and nightclubs are not available in this city. As alcohol is prohibited here, people can only enjoy quality time in cafés and restaurants at late night. Amnesia Lounge, Sphere Lounge in Hotel Ramada, The Dark Roast, Makeba, Spirit O Soul, and Mocha Café are popular places where people relish delicious foods and drinks while relaxing with their friends or families.
Where to stay in Ahmedabad
Several 5-star hotels are available for tourists in Ahmedabad, like Hyatt Regency, the House of MG, Courtyard by Marriott group, Four Points by Sheraton group, and Dodhia Heritage Suite. They may also rent bungalows or luxurious apartments in posh areas or rooms in a French Haveli. Tourists may book homestays at lower rates or may rent homes amidst woods.
Therefore, tourists can opt for visiting Ahmedabad to spend memorable vacations with their families, which is a unique location compared to popular destinations.