Ahmedabad Hotels

While many see Ahmedabad as a stopover en route to the larger centres of Rajasthan or Mumbai, it is actually so much more. The city’s rich Muslim and colonial history connect seamlessly, from the scientific institutes and museums to the Juma Masjid, a sandstone mosque with over 260 pillars and 15 domes, and Jhulta Minara with its towering minarets. The Law Gardenoffers the most unusual goods from the most unusual vendors, but the real pleasure in Ahmedabad lies in soaking up the sights and sounds, and that crazy ice cream!

Ahmedabad’s Top 10

Ahmedabad History

• Calico Museum of Textiles – The best textile museum in Ahmedabad contains antique and modern handmade textiles up to 500 years old.
• Sabarmati Ashram – The place where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1930.
• Hathee Singh Jain Temple – This 150-year-old beautiful Jain temple is intricately carved.
• Jama Masjid – One of the most beautiful mosques in India, built by Ahmed Shah in 1423.
• Rauza – Beautiful marble architecture built two centuries before the Taj Mahal.

Ahmedabad Art & Culture

• Swaminarayan Temple – As you enter the sprawling temple precincts, you are draped in peace, calm and the joy of silence.
• Gujarat Science City – You can have fun and learn at the same time as you marvel the shows and pavilions.
• Sidi Saiyed’s Mosque – Intricately carved windows of this mosque look amazingly beautiful when sunlight strikes through them.
• Sheth B.J. Vidyabhavan Museum – This museum has about 11,000 ancient Sanskrit and other vernacular manuscripts.
• Shreyas Museum – It is a folk art museum in Ahmedabad that showcases cultures of diverse communities.

Ahmedabad Shopping

• Teen Darwaja – The best place in Ahmedabad to shop for old-world charms and antiques.
• C.G. Market – Specialises in traditional fabrics, pottery and antiques.
• Dhal Garwad – Famous of silk Patola Saris, bed cover, dress material and fabrics of all kinds.
• Law Garden – A small shopping hub selling ethnic clothes and jewellery at throwaway prices.
• Nehru Nagar – This market on Satellite Road is ideal to shop for funky footwear at low prices.

Gay & Lesbian Ahmedabad

• CCD Coffee Place – A popular café and GLBT meeting place.
• Escape – A popular night club with a dance floor, DJ and live band, where the entry is free.
• Anti Clock Disco Thaque – A night club in Ahmedabad with good amenities.
• Zing: The Mocktail Lounge Bar – The place that attracts gay and straight crowds for karaoke, exotic mocktails and Cuban cigars.
• Rhythm – An ideal cafe to hang out with your friends of all ages.

Ahmedabad Events

January’s Festival of Kites marks the end of winter (it doesn’t last very long in India). The skies of Ahmedabad are filled with kites by day and lamps by night.

The Holi festival takes place in February or March and is renowned for its exuberant colours and playful mock-fighting in the street.

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shakti, the Festival of Nine Nights sees Hindus dance away the night in the highly decorated streets. Best of all, it happens four times a year!

Raksha Bandhan in August celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sweet!

Ramdhan Eid sees a night of generous feasting and dancing in thanks for the lessons learned during the Islamic month of Ramadan (September).

When To Visit

• March to June brings scorching summer. The Indian heat is legendary for its ability to tax a person’s ability to move and think straight.
• November to February is arguably the best time to visit. Ahmedabad in winter is far more relaxed when not shrouded in oppressive heat.
• July to September is the monsoon season. It’s wet, but it’s also a wonderful time to visit thanks to a plethora of festivals celebrating the much-needed rain.

Getting Around

Rickshaws are the brightest and fastest forms of transportation. Not the most reliable, however, but a definite experience!

Buses are safe and usually reliable (except on religious holidays), with most drivers able to drop you at the famous landmarks.

Why not explore the city on foot? The heat and spices in the air make for an intoxicating mix.

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