Ahmedabad: Best Time To Visit, History, How To Reach & Places

Name:	Ahmedabad (Amdavad)
Location:	Ahmedabad District, Gujarat, India
Climate:	Summers: 470 C (Max), 210 C (Min) | Winters: 350 C (Max), 120 C (Min)
Best Time to Visit:	September to March
Nearest Airport:	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
Railway Station:	Kalupur Railway Station
Must Visits:	Tombs of Ahmed Shah and his queens, Kankaria Lake, Bhadra Fort, Dada-hari-di-Vav and Hathee Singh Jain Temple
Language Spoken:	Gujarati, Hindi and English
STD Code:	079

The city of Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram, Ahmedabad is located in the heart of Gujarat. It is peacefully sited on the banks of River Sabarmati and just 32 km away from the state capital, Gandhinagar. The city comes under the administrative centre of district Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is crowned as the seventh largest city in India and the largest city of the state, with an area of 205 square kilometers. The city is sited at an elevation of 53 meters above the sea level and thus experiences a hot semi-arid climate. The summers (April-June) are extremely dry and hot with temperature as high as 46⁰C. Winters, contrarily, are cool and range from the month of November to February. The city experiences an average rainfall of about 760 mm yearly during monsoons (July-September). It has an effective transport system with easy connectivity with world from Rail, Road and Airways.

Ahmedabad city was established as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 and was named after him. Thereafter, it was ruled by Muzaffarid dynasty till 1573 and was later, conquered by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Mughal Empire lasted till year 1758 after which the city was taken over by the Marathas. In the year 1818, the city came under the reign of British Raj which indeed was a golden era for the city, as its infrastructure was modernized and expanded immensely during the English rule. However, in 1858 the city was established as a municipal government. Ahemdabad is the fastest growing city of India and is ranked third amongst the fastest growing cities worldwide. The city established itself as the home of a booming textile industry, which earned it the nickname the “Manchester of the East.”

Ahmedabad is also a flourishing center for chemical and pharmaceutical industries, being home to two of the most popular pharmaceutical companies of India. The city of Ahmedabad also has world-renowned business school, IIM-Ahmedabad. Apart from its industrial and educational significance, it holds a firm position in tourism industry as well. Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram is the most favourite tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. Some of the other tourist attractions that one can explore whilst in the city are tombs of Ahmed Shah and his queens, Ahmed Shah’s Mosque, Mosque of Sidi Sayid, Teen Darwaza, Rani Rupmati’s Mosque, Rani Sipri’s Mosque, Hathee Singh Jain Temple, Kankaria Lake, Bhadra Fort, Dada-hari-di-Vav (an architectural step well) and Victoria Gardens.

Best Time To Visit Ahmedabad

The intellectual and artistic hub of Gujarat – Ahmedabad paints a rich portrait with its architectural monuments and artistic splendors. The city, which offers unique style of architecture expression, is admired for its creative blend of Hindu and Islamic styles of design. Today the city of Ahmedabad, which has emerged as the leading industrial land of the country, attracts number of tourists with its scenic surroundings, variety of old charms and appetizing food. Along with its old legacies, Ahmedabad fascinates its visitors with its modern ambience and recreational sites. Adding to the city’s splendor are the vibrant celebrations like Deepavali, Dussehra and Navratri that sates the city with its own unique appeal. The journey to this wonderland promises to be a riveting experience for anybody. However, before you pack your bags and head out for Ahmedabad, make sure that you visit the place at the right season so that you can make the most of your trip. To know all about the best time to visit Ahmedabad, read on.

Ideal Time To Visit Ahmedabad

Seasons

Situated at a height of 55 m above sea level, Ahmedabad experiences extreme climatic conditions, resulting in a very hot and humid climate. Summer, monsoon and winter are the integral part of Ahmedabad’s climate. From March to May, the city experiences extremely hot temperature with the average mercury level shooting beyond 34⁰ C and more. The monsoon, which persists from June to October, offers a relief from the scorching heat of summer. Ahmedabad receives a heavy seasonal rainfall that sweeps the land with the cool air of the monsoon. With an average rainfall of 93.2cm, Ahmedabad is often at the high risk of heavy floods triggered by torrential rain. From November to February, the city enjoys the cool and dry breeze of winter. The temperature in winter ranges from 15⁰ C to 35⁰ C is apparently touted as the best time of the year to make your visits to the city.

Best Time To Visit

The temperatures in Ahmedabad vary greatly from season to season. Of all the seasons, the cool and pleasant winter is by far the choicest season of the year. With mild temperature and pleasant weather, winter tots up as the ideal season for enjoying the resplendency of Ahmedabad. If you have plans to visit Ahmedabad, then any time between November and February should turn your visit into a perfect outing.

Things To Do

Ahmedabad, the textile city of India, allures huge number of tourists with its monumental heritages like Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza, Sarkhej Roza and other memorials. On the chilly evenings, a walk down the temples, mosques and other religious and patriotic sites will fill you with a sense of awe and admiration. Winter being the season of celebrations, you can experience most of the cultural heritage of the city during this time. Along with its captivating sites and deferential culture, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Ahmedabad is likely to get you begging for more. You can hog on spicy chats and snacks to sate your appetite or eat your heart out at the famous multi cuisine eateries. After the luscious food, the next big thing on every tourist’s ‘to-do’ list is shopping. Ahmedabad being the shopper’s ecstasy is noted for its exclusive saris, handicrafts, embroidery works and other traditional wears. So come to Ahmedabad and splurge your heart out!

History Of Ahmedabad

‘The Manchester of East’ and the heart of Gujarati culture – Ahmedabad holds up its stunning history with �lan. Situated on the banks of River Sabarmati, the city has drawn great admiration for its architectural delights, which stands as a dazzling testimony to the imperial era of Hindu and Muslim ascendance. The history of Ahmedabad is best depicted through its beautiful monuments, stunning museums and splendid shrines that have served as a true mirror of Indian culture and its deep-rooted beliefs. The history of Ahmedabad is marked by instances of the rise and fall of several empires, which have contributed to give this city its own novel appeal. Once home to the country’s most esteemed leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, today, much of the Ahmedabad’s grandeur rests on its inspiring history. With an eventful and appealing history to boast of, Ahmedabad serves as an alluring destination for those who seek to discover real India. Go ahead and explore the majestic history of Ahmedabad to know more on this.

Ahmedabad History

Solanki Dynasty

The spectacular history of Ahmedabad dates back to the 11th century when the city was under the dominance of Karandev I, the famous Solanki ruler. Earlier known as Ashapalli, the place eventually changed its name into Karnavati under the rule of Karandev I. The glorious rule of Solanki’s continued until 13th century during which the territory witnessed enormous economical and cultural growth. However, with the invasion of Sultanate, the Solanki rule came to an end.

Sultanate Rule

With the decline of Sultanate’s rule in Delhi, Sultan Ahmed Shah decided to establish an independent kingdom in Gujarat. During the celebrated reign of the Sultanate, emperor Ahmed Shah set up Karnavati as his capital and renamed it has Ahmedabad in 1411. Later in the year 1487, Mahmud Begada fortified the city with huge walla to protect the capital from foreign invasions. However, despite of all the defensive measures, the land was seized by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1573.

Mughal Dynasty

The history of Ahmedabad flourished under the regal rule of Akbar. Akbar, who made Ahmedabad as the nerve centre of his kingdom, helped the city to prosper as the important trade centre. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s glorious architecture Moti Shah Mahal proudly stands even today as the witness to the incredible Mughal rule. Ahmedabad served as an important business center until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, after which the Mughal rule began to decline. Eventually the glory of the Mughal rule came to an end with the invasion of Maratha rulers in 1758.

Maratha Dynasty

During the middle of the seventeenth century, the armies of Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad fought against Mughals and seized control over Ahmedabad in 1758. In early years of Maratha rule, Ahmedabad witnessed great progress. However, due to internal communal conflicts, most parts of the city were destroyed that eventually led to the decline of Maratha rule.

British Era In Ahmedabad

The British East India Company, which took over Ahmedabad in 1818, established a colonial rule in the province. With the introduction of railways and several industries, Ahmedabad grew rapidly under the British rule and also earned the title of ‘The Manchester of East’.

Struggle For Independence

As the center for Independence struggle, Ahmedabad played a vital role in pre-independence era. In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the struggle for independence from this place and established two ashrams – the Kochrab Ashram and Satyagrah Ashram here. The Salt Satyagrah, which shook the entire nation, owes its roots to Ahmedabad. Apart from Mahatma Gandhi, the city was home to many other national leaders like Vithalbhai Patel, Dadabhai Naroji and Pherozshah Mehta. The freedom struggle, which sustained for 47 years served as the notable period in the history of Ahmedabad.

Post Independence Era

After the Indian Independence in 1947, Ahmedabad became the provincial town of Bombay but soon came out as the capital of Ahmedabad in 1960. However, Gandhinagar was officially declared as the capital of Gujarat in 1970 and the city remained as the significant place through its monuments, educational institutes and research centers ever since.

How To Reach Ahmedabad

Ranked as the seventh largest city in India, Ahmedabad is an important metropolitan city in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the River Sabarmati, this former capital city of Gujarat is colloquially known as ‘Amdavad’. The city is said to have been established in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah after which the city was passed on to the supremacy of British Presidency. Home to Bhadra fort, Jama Masjid, Swaminarayan Temple and the famous Dandi march, the city holds great significance in Indian history and its independence. Ahmedabad today is highly progressive and flourishing due to active industrialization. The city houses pharmaceutical, chemical, IT, gemstones and the textile industries. Due to its expanding textile industry, the city is nicknamed as the ‘Manchester of the East’. Because of its growing infrastructure and commercialization, Ahmedabad boasts of excellent transport facilities in India. Read the article to explore more on how to reach Ahmedabad.

Traveling To Ahmedabad

By Air

The city’s airport is located 15 km away from the city centre. The Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is always bustling with activity. The airport is said to operate both international and domestic airlines and has an average of 250 flights landing and taking off each day. Some of the global destinations the airport caters to are Australia, USA, Dubai, London, Singapore, Sharjah, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Bangkok, etc. Ahmedabad is an important business and tourist centre. Hence, you can avail several domestic flights that will take you to any other Indian city in a matter of hours.

By Rail

Ahmedabad falls under the Western Railways division and it is the main means of transport for those who want to reach the city from different parts of the state. The railway station is situated around 8 km away from the international airport and is one of busiest railway stations in India. The railways connect Ahmedabad to various smaller towns, villages and other major urban places in India. The railways are comparatively cheaper and frequently used by all sections of the society. Since the railways are the most popular means of travelling, sometimes it can be difficult for you to get a ticket at short notice. So, make sure to get your bookings done in advance.

By Road

If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi to Ahmedabad and decide to commute by road, then take the National Highway 8. This route not only connects the city to the metropolis, but is also the fastest and safest way to reach the place. The city is also well-connected to the nearby towns of Gandhinagar, Vadodra, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Palitana. Several taxis and buses travel back and forth to the city. The state government has introduced several A/C buses that will take you to Ahmedabad and other places within the state of Gujarat or to other metros. Bus facilities aim to offer comfortable transport at a moderate price to the travelers. Apart from this, several private buses will take you around the city. Not only are they fairly priced, but are also quicker and convenient than other modes of transport. If you don’t wish to loosen your purse strings, then you can avail the ordinary or sleeper buses.

Ahmedabad Food

Remarkable history, magnanimous monuments and appetizing food unquestionably entices you to explore the exquisite culture of Gujarat’s economical hub – Ahmedabad. The quaint city of Ahmedabad, which beckons tourists with its architectural beauties and gastronomical delights, stands up as a paragon of Gujarati culture and the food here is a rich testimony to this fact. The city of Ahmedabad, which caters to some of the most the mouth-watering delicacies of the region, is most admired for its rich blend of traditional and international dishes. If you are a true-blue vegetarian, then Ahmedabad is your food paradise. Gujarat, being the land of hard-core vegetarians, offers you a string of vegetarian eateries, good enough to scarf out one’s appetite for authentic vegetarian Indian delicacies. However, if ‘dal and dhokla’ isn’t your thing, then you don’t have to despair. Ahmedabad is equally famous among food freaks for its exciting array of non-vegetarian delights and a wide range of international cuisines. With its rich culinary heritage and mouth-watering offerings, Ahmedabad truly stands out as food metropolis that has something to offer to every gourmet lover. Go ahead and explore the finger-licking feasts of Ahmedabad with this write-up.

Ahmedabad Food Guide

Gujarati Cuisine

Ahmedabad food, far-famed for its zesty, tasty authentic Gujarati cuisines, attracts tons of bon vivants with its exciting array of traditional delights, which primarily comprises of wheat breads, rice, delicious chutneys and pickles. The mouthwatering local fare here isn’t just high on taste but nutrients as well, making it hard for the food lovers to pass by without grabbing a mouthful. Popular Gujarati snacks like kadhi, dhokla, kachoris, khandvi and shrikhand aren’t just popular among the locals but are equally loved by tourists from all across the country. On your trip to Ahmedabad, don’t forget to gorge on the famous Gujarati thali that consists of rice, roti, curries, pickles and sweets. You can experience the delight of bingeing on an authentic Gujarati thali in ‘Vishala’, a popular restaurant well known for its ambience and exceptional taste. ‘Agashiye’ near Lal Darwaja and ‘Aadhar’ in Navrangpura are some of the other noted Gujarati restaurants in Ahmedabad where you can feast on authentic local fare.

Fast Food

If you like to savor the quick bite of scrumptious food, then Ahmedabad has wide options for you. From desi pav bhaji to luscious pizzas and burgers, you can snack out on almost anything here. Street side fast food stalls across the city are popular for their luscious foodstuffs and reasonable rates. Apart from the roadside stalls, the city is flooded with a host of well-known eating joints. Freezeland near Law Garden is one such eatery that is famous for its finger licking pizzas, burgers, idli, dosas and other foodstuffs. Havmor outlets, located at many places across the city, are renowned for their burgers, sandwiches, chole-bhature and more. Some of the other noted fast food joints are Anand Fast Food in Naranpura and Anurag Purohit Namkeen and Sweet in Navrangpura.

Indian Cuisine

The cultural diversity of Ahmedabad is well reflected in its elaborate cuisines. From mild South Indian dishes to royal North Indian delights, the city is home to almost an exotic variety of Indian delicacies, which are hugely popular among the locals and tourists. To serve the voracious appetite of its dwellers and visitors, Ahmedabad has a number of restaurants, which offers the regional aroma from around the country. Mirch Masala in Chandan complex at C.G. Road is one such restaurant popular for its North Indian cuisines. Collegian at Ellisbridge and Sankalp at C.G. Road are the other noted Indian restaurants here.

Multi Cuisine

With the origin of a large number of multi-cuisine food joints, Ahmedabad surprises you with its wide variety of appetizing feasts from around the globe. Italian, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese and Continental, Ahmedabad indeed has an impressive list of cuisines to offer to its foodies. ‘Master Cook’ in C.G.Road at Navrangpura is one of the best multi cuisine restaurants that serve a variety of continental and Chinese delicacies. Orchid at Ashram Road, Narmada at Hansol and Haute Peppers at Bodakdev are the other noted multi cuisine restaurants in Ahmedabad.

Shopping In Ahmedabad

With its unique blend of old-world charm and new-world thrills, shopping in Ahmedabad promises to be one-of-its-kind of an experience for the tourists. The emerging contemporary style, which is beautifully blended with the cultural roots of the city, is very well reflected in the everyday life of the people here. Fondly referred to as the ‘Manchester of the East’, Ahmedabad is quite famous for its textile industries and handicrafts, which is the major means of sustenance for the people here. If you are the one who seek to explore the kaleidoscope of traditional art and ethnic stuff, then Ahmedabad is the place for you. With a wide range of colorful fabrics, ethnic furniture, antique jewelry, potteries and handicrafts, Ahmedabad serves as the treasure house for shopaholics. Widely known for its embroidered saris and colorful bandhani fabrics, you cannot play stringent with your purse while on your trip to this city. With its wide range of availability, Ahmedabad has something to offer for every taste and pocket. Go ahead and explore the article to know everything about shoppers’ odyssey – Ahmedabad.

Shopping Places In Ahmedabad

Teen Darwaza

The shopping zone, situated close to the magnificent Teen Darwaza, offers a wide variety of goods at great prices. Shopaholics can shop for anything here, right from handicrafts, jewelries, antiques, ethnic furniture to traditional, hand loomed and embroidered fabrics, which have gained enormous popularity worldwide This shoppers hub is particularly admired for its traditional wears and artifacts that is a huge hit with the buyers. With its wide collection of various items, Teen Darwaza poses as the gold mine for shoppers.

CG Market

If you like to explore the glitter and glamour of contemporary Ahmedabad, then CG Market is the place for you. With number of boutiques, branded stores and gift shops, CG road welcomes you to the land of exciting shopper’s paradise. Shops in this area are popular for their ethnic fabrics, patola silk saris, silver and gold jewelries, furniture, handicrafts, pottery and traditional wall hangings. If you are looking for any gift or memento, then there is no better place then CG Market. To sum up, with its great quality and best deal, shopping in CG road definitely makes for a memorable shopping spree.

Law Garden Market

This famous evening market in Ahmedabad is packed with a great variety of stalls selling handicraft items and delicious Indian goodies. The market, which is known for its white metal ornaments and ethnic fabrics, acts as a popular hangout for the teenagers. The famous bandhani saris and kurtis are some of the most famous sellouts here. Apart from fabrics, Law Garden market is famous for its embroidered and mirror wall hangings. The market, which is usually flooded with foreign tourists, proudly upholds the ethnic flavor of the land through its stunning artifacts.

Dhal Garwad

Dhal Garwad is apparently the busiest market areas in Ahmedabad. Admired for its colorful and extremely beautiful traditional fabrics, this shopping destination is quite famous for its wide variety of availability. This market, which remains exclusively crowded during the festive seasons, offers some of the best choice during the eventful months of the year. Along with its wide range of availability, Dhal Garwad is also noted for its reasonable rates and quality goods.

Shopping Malls

With the host of shopping malls, shopping in Ahmedabad is really fun and entertaining. From colorful fabrics, ethnic furniture, renowned handicrafts to popular foodstuffs, shopping malls caters to all the needs of its buyers. Today, malls being the ideal place for shopping and hangouts, huge crowd visit these shopping odysseys every day. The R3 Mall at Memnagar is one of the premier shopping paradises that houses more than 200 shops and eateries. Some of the other famous shopping malls of Ahmedabad are Gallops Mall in Satellite Area, Pyramid Mall near Parimal Garden at Ellisbridge and Parsvnath Mall at Vastrapur.