For many years Ahmedabad was the center of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle for India’s independence. The energy of that movement can still be felt at the Satyagraha Ashram that he established on the banks of the Sabarmati in 1917. He learnt the art of spinning and weaving, and soon the ashram began to buzz with khadi, not just as a way of producing clothes, but also as a way of thought. You can get a sense of his life, the history of the movement and those who worked alongside him, at the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, a small museum within the ashram that houses excellent pictorial and written documentation, a library of Gandhian literature and paintings, and an immense archive of letters written by Gandhiji, every single one on the back of used paper.
In the quiet neighborhood of Asarwa village, you will find Dada HarirVav. At ground level you may not see much, but as you step up to the top of the stairs, you suddenly see a deep cascade of stairs and columns plunging down several stories, with shafts of light falling on beautiful carvings and birds and bats flitting in and out of the shadowy corners. Built around 500 years ago this stepwell is made with elaborate craftsmanship and construction built underground to provide access to a permanent source of water. The well is best visited in the late morning when light penetrates down the shaft. To reach the site, it is best to find an autorickshaw driver who knows the place to take you there.
About 8 kms.from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.
Akshardham is a majestic, intricately carved stone structure, which stands amid sprawling gardens set in a 23-acre plot at Gandhinagar. The monument enshrining the seven foot high, gold-leafed Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan(the founder of the sect) is the focal point of the complex. According to the Swaminarayan philosophy whenever Lord Swaminarayan incarnates on this planet he brings with him his Akshardham, Swami Gunatitanand. Inspiring episodes and incidents from the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma are presented in sound and light form for the benefit of the visitors. The show takes the visitors through various facets of Hinduism. The wisdom of the Vedas, the epics, the Puranas is depicted on a crowded canvas by the exhibition. It is a perfect mix of modernity and ancient values. Apart from Lord Rama going in search of his kidnapped wife, the visitor can see Shravan- the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing the game of dice in the Hastinapur palace, etc.
A polygonal lake almost a mile in circumference, it was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island-garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is now a popular recreational centre and is surrounded by parks, ‘Bal Vatika’, children’s gardens, a boat club, natural history museum and a zoo.
On the street leading to the Queen’s tomb, where the female members of the royal family were buried, is now a colorful market for ladies goods, crowded with women’s clothing and other items.
Off the eastern end of Nehru Bridge stands the Sidi Sayeed mosque. Built in 1573, the carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Depicting a tree with intertwining branches, the carvings look like fine lace filigree work, but are hewn from solid stone.
This remarkably elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. A rich merchant Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jain tirthankar, Shri Dharmanatha, built it in 1848 A.D. One scholar has remarked, “Each part goes on increasing in dignity as we approach the sanctuary. The small garbhagruh (main shrine) on the east end reaches up into three stunningly carved spires and encircled by 52 small shrines dedicated to the various Tirthankars.
The Science City is an ambitious initiative of the government of Gujarat to trigger an inquiry of science in the mind of the common citizen with the aid of entertainment and experiential knowledge. Covering an area of more than 107 hectares, the idea is to create imaginative exhibits, virtual reality activity corners, and live demonstrations in an easily understandable manner. Currently the 3D IMAXTheater, musical dancing fountain, Energy Park and simulation rides interest visitors. The park is open from 12 to 9 pm.
Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park,spread on either bank of Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, is considered to be the second largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs in the world. Regarded as India’s Jurrasic Park, it is the only dinosaur museum in the country. The park consists of a zoo, massive skeletons of sea mammals like the blue whale, as well as a vast botanical garden, amphitheatre, interpretation center and camping facilities. It also has a Wilderness Park, which is home to innumerable species of birds, reptiles, hundreds of Nilgais, Langurs and Peafowls in its vast forest.
If you are looking for a quiet refuge in the midst of this bustling city, which is surrounded by trees, art and fantasy, than a visit to this underground cave gallery will do you good. It is a creative union of two of India’s most imaginative minds, the celebrated architect B. V. Doshi and painter M F Hussain. It is a lively whimsical fusion of modern art and natural design. Sit here to watch the sunset or enjoy a cup of coffee in its Zen Cafe.
Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad is one of the finest museums of the world. Founded by Ms. Gira Sarabhai, the museum exhibits an enormous collection of fabrics, which are collected from all over the country. The museum is bordered by lush green gardens and fountains that provide an enchanting view. A wide array of clothing is available, ranging from religious clothes to the ones that are worn in the royal court rooms. Differing in quality and price range, there is something for every visitor. Popular works include sequins, mirrors, beads, silk threads etc. The unique feature of this museum is that, here you can even find the fabrics that can be traced back to the times of seventeenth century.
This bustling open square near the center of the city functions as a vegetable market in the morning and a jewellery market in the afternoon, the second biggest in India, at an apparently 3 million rupees of annual turnover. It is most famous, however, for its food stalls that start to emerge around 8 in the evening, with various local street snacks and goodies. This quarter, the oldest of the city, is named after the 15th century saint Baba Maneknath, who is said to have interrupted Ahmed Shah’s efforts to build the new capital.
Built in 1981 within the vicinity of Vishalla Village Restaurant is the VECHAAR (Vishalla Environmental Centre for Heritage of Art, Architecture and Research) Utensils Museum, a brainchild of architect Mr. Surender C. Patel. It is an effort to cherish and preserve the rich cultural heritage and rare artistic skills and wisdom of the craftsmen. It is an extensive study of utensils that have evolved over different periods of history as a result of the changing needs and environment. The range varies from leaves or a gourd jug, to modern stainless steel and glass utensils. The metal utensils cover everything from brass, copper, bronze, zinc to German silver.
Ambaji, Holy Mother Goddess, teaches people that the journey of life is to cultivate the heart of a mother; to strengthen inner awareness, faith in Love, pure and unfettered. Join the 30 lakh pilgrims from a variety of religions and backgrounds who come here every year from far away to bow their heads before this goddess. Experience her, worship her, she who has been worshiped on this land since pre-Vedic times and has been praised by saints and sages of India throughout history. She who is considered the culmination of all the powers of all the gods put together, the original power of the universe, radiance with no birth or death.
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