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Ahmadabad, also known as Karnavati, is located in Gujarat state of India, and is considered to be the seventh largest city of the country. The city is situated on the banks of River Sabarmati and was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411. It houses a number of multiplexes, malls, beautiful gardens, museums and monuments of historical importance. The city is an important political and commercial hub and was the state capital for a decade after 1960.
Being an important center of trade, it is regarded as the commercial heart of the state and is visited by a lot of people for business and sight seeing, as it is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. The city was incorporated in the province of Bombay region during the rule of the British. Owing to its involvement in the textile industry, it soon became an important center for the industry and transformed into a booming center of business.
Ahmadabad is often referred to as ‘The Manchester of the East’ and has shown a high rise in various industry segments, education centers, scientific industries and information technology centers. It is an important travel destination and reflects the commercial and cultural importance of Gujarat.
History of Ahmadabad
The history of Ahmadabad dates back to 1411, when it was a place named ‘Karnavati’. Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered over the Solanki rulers and the city was renamed as ‘Ahmadabad’, based on his name. Ahmadabad has been an important place and has witnessed major historical events in the past. During 1753, it was taken over from the Mughals by the combined armies of Damaji Gaekwad and Raghunath Rao. It was under the Peshwa and Gaekwad rules, till the British took over in 1818. It served as an important military base in the British rule and has been an important center in the Indian Independence movement in the early twentieth century. It was here, that Mahatma Gandhi established an Ashram on the banks of River Sabarmati after returning from South Africa in 1915.
Special attractions in and around Ahmadabad
- Shaking Minarets: Also known as ‘jhulta minars’, the shaking minarets at the Sidhi Bashir Mosque are believed to respond to the movement of each other.
- Bhadra Fort: This fort houses lush gardens and palaces, apart from the famous Bhadrakali temple which was built during the Maratha rule in 1411.
- Science City: This newly built Science City is a major attraction for visitors.
- Vaishnodevi Temple: This is a replica of the original temple.
- Kankaria Lake: This lake was built by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din in 1451 and holds an island garden amidst it. A history museum, zoo, boat club and aquarium surround this circular water body.
- Hathisingh Jain Temple: This Jain temple is made of white marble and is dedicated to the 15th Jain Apostle-Dharamnath.
- Calico Textile Museum: This is amongst the finest textile museums all over the world and showcases n amazing textile collection from the seventeenth century. This old museum was built in 1949 and also displays temple artifacts, furniture and craft items.
- Juma Masjid: This is an old mosque built in 1423 by Ahmad Shah, and is situated in the olden parts of the city. The structure was built with yellow sandstone and is recognized for its Muslim architectural styles.
Best Time to Visit Ahmadabad
The best time to visit Ahmadabad is during the winter season, from November to February.
Location
State: Gujarat
District: Ahmadabad
Distance of Ahmadabad from nearest cities: The nearest city is Gandhinagar, located approximately thirty kilometers away.
How to reach Ahmadabad
Nearest airport: Ahmadabad has its own airport which is well linked to other important destinations in the country.
Nearest railway stations: Ahmadabad is an important railhead and is well connected to other Indian cities.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Ahmadabad is well connected to other important cities like Mumbai, Surat, Gandhinagar and Vadodara.
Tourism Department
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd.
Narmada Bhavan, C-Block
Indira Avenue, Baroda
Ph: 91-265-2427489
91-265-2431297
Email:
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Climatic Conditions:
The climate of Ahmadabad is hot and moist. Weather is cool and pleasant in winter. In summers temperature can reach up to 42.0°c. The city experiences a good rainfall in the monsoon season which gives relief to Ahmadabad from the hot summer.
Clothing:
Light cotton clothes in summers and light woolen clothes in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Ahmadabad
- Adalaj Step-Well: This small village is located around 18 kilometers from Ahmadabad and is popular for the stepped corridor.
- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: This is located approximately 65 kilometers from Ahmadabad and houses many water animals and plants. A number of bird species like openbill storks, grebes, cormorants, stints, sandpipers and plovers are found here.
- Sabarmati Ashram: The Ashram was found by Mahatma Gandhi in 915, after he returned from South Africa and has served as the headquarters during the independence struggle of the country. You can find many photos of that period in this ashram, which is located around 7 kilometers from the city centre.
- Akshardham Temple: This temple is located in Gandhinagar, which is around 20 kilometers from Ahmadabad and represents a wonderful and rich architecture.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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