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Sunday 5 April 2009

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Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 51 lakhs (5.1 million). Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, the city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district, and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter. The city is sometimes called Karnavati, a name for an older town that existed in the same location; in colloquial Gujarati, it is commonly called Amdavad.

Gandhi Aashram

Located near vadaj the Sabarmati Aashram was once house of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt it is the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the ashram premises.
Akshardham
It is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swami Narayan. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument built of 6000 tons of pink sand stones. The entire monument was built without the use of steel and consists of a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swami Narayan and his holy relics.
Calico Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum housed in a carved wooden haveli boasts of an amazing collection of antique and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes and also some older weaving machines. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference library on textiles. Closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays, this museum is not to be missed.

Jama Masjid
Is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the old city.
Kankaria Lake
It is a circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the center of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.
Fairs and Festivals in Ahmedabad:
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti or kite festival held on the 14th January, the, marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and is hence named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in Ahmedabad starts the day with kite flying and continues into the night by attaching lamps to kites so one can see them in the sky.
Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra In the months of June or July a massive procession takes place from the Jagannath (Juggernaut) temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns, a sacred chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. If in the area, this shouldn’t be missed. Don’t forget you camera!
Tarnetar Festival
Tarnetar Festival August or September Just 3 hours drive from Ahmedabad, Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet is transformed into a whirl of colour & excitement in the first week of Bhadrapad. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in Gujarat & is attended by various tribes of Gujarat. During the festival match making is celebrated over 3 days and 2 nights. It’s another fun filled festival worth viewing.
Shopping in Ahmedabad
Shopping in Ahmedabad is fun wandering through this city of fabrics and curios with a strong old world charm. Premier shopping areas in Ahmedabad are C.G.Road, Ashram Road, Law Garden, and Relief Road. The Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Hastkala, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, and Bandhej are some of the places where one can get cotton garments, handicrafts, and curios. Gurjari, the Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, has some of the best products not only from Ahmedabad but also from Gujarat. Teen Darwaja in old city, once a great place for antique, will be a fascinating shopping experience if one has the time and inclination for bargaining.



Sidi Sayed Mosque
Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique for its exquisite screens, which are praised for their amazing Jhali screen, framed, in the ten semi-circular windows. The screen carved out of one rock is just exceptional. A visit to this superb and outstanding example of delicate carving is an absolute must.


How to get there:
By Air
Ahmedabad airport is 10 km north of the city and has both the domestic and international terminal.
By Rail
Ahmedbad has direct train services to major cities in India.
By Road
Ahmedabad has good highways connecting it to all major places in Gujarat and other states. Interstate buses of different states of India provide services to and from Ahmedabad.
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