Ahmedabad

Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Rahul Sharma
11/08/2025
Aerial view of a historic tower in Ahmedabad, India at dusk surrounded by urban cityscape.
Mukund patel, Pexels

Ahmedabad, India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, presents a captivating blend of historical grandeur and modern vitality. It offers a rich tapestry of culture, impressive architecture, and a vibrant culinary landscape.

For engaging with the city's lively atmosphere, Manek Chowk transforms into a bustling street food market by night, providing an energetic setting to sample local delicacies and interact with locals. The Law Garden Night Market is another dynamic hub where visitors can explore traditional handicrafts and enjoy a variety of street food. The Sabarmati Riverfront also serves as a popular public space for leisurely evening strolls.

Top 6 Things to do in Ahmedabad

Exploring Ahmedabad involves a journey through historical landmarks, intricate architecture, serene ashrams, and bustling local markets.

1. Sabarmati Ashram

Stepping into Sabarmati Ashram offers a tranquil experience, allowing visitors to walk through the humble residence where Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked. The ashram provides insight into his life, philosophy, and India's independence movement. Exploring the various huts and the museum helps one understand the principles of non-violence and self-reliance that Gandhi championed.

Cost: Entry is free for all visitors.

Transport: Sabarmati Ashram is approximately 3 km from the city center. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi, with fares typically ranging from ₹50-₹150 depending on the starting point. Public buses also serve the area, costing around ₹10-₹20.

2. Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav)

Discovering the Adalaj Stepwell is like descending into a subterranean architectural marvel. This five-story deep stepwell, crafted with intricate carvings and Hindu-Islamic fusion architecture, was built to harvest rainwater. Walking down its ornate levels reveals detailed sculptures and cool, calm air, providing a glimpse into ancient engineering and artistry. It is best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the play of light on its carvings.

Cost: Entry costs ₹25 for Indian citizens and ₹300 for foreign visitors.

Transport: Located about 18 km from Ahmedabad city center, Adalaj Stepwell requires transport. A taxi ride costs approximately ₹400-₹480 and takes about 20 minutes. Public buses (like Line 401) are a more economical option, costing around ₹25 and taking about an hour, including walking from the bus stop.

3. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Visiting Sidi Saiyyed Mosque allows one to admire its renowned 'Tree of Life' jali, an exquisite stone lattice window that has become an unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad. This 16th-century mosque showcases the unique Indo-Saracenic architectural style through its delicate stone filigree work. It is advisable to visit outside of prayer times, especially Fridays, to fully appreciate its detailed craftsmanship in a peaceful environment. Remember to remove footwear before entering.

Cost: Entry is free.

Transport: The mosque is centrally located near Lal Darwaja, approximately 6 km from Ahmedabad railway station. It is easily reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi for around ₹50-₹100, or by walking if staying in the old city area. The nearest BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) stop is Lal Darwaza.

4. Ahmedabad Heritage Walk

Embarking on a Heritage Walk through Ahmedabad's Old City provides an immersive experience into its labyrinthine 'pols' (traditional neighborhoods) and ancient structures. This guided tour, typically starting from the Swaminarayan Temple and concluding at Jama Masjid, unveils hidden temples, communal wells, and intricately carved wooden houses. It is an excellent way to understand the city's 600-year-old legacy and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Morning walks are popular, offering cooler temperatures and an active city awakening.

Cost: The official Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's morning heritage walk costs ₹200 for Indian citizens and ₹300 for foreigners. An evening walk option costs ₹250 for Indians and ₹350 for foreigners.

Transport: The morning walk typically starts from Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple, which is accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi from most parts of the city. Fares will vary depending on distance, usually ₹50-₹150. The evening walk often starts from Sidi Saiyyed Mosque.

5. Kankaria Lake

A visit to Kankaria Lake offers a diverse recreational experience, especially popular for families and those seeking relaxation. This large artificial lake features a developed lakefront with various attractions including a zoo, a toy train, balloon rides, and an amusement park. Strolling along the promenade, taking a boat ride, or enjoying the musical fountain show, particularly in the evening, provides a lively atmosphere.

Cost: Entry to the lakefront is ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children. Individual attractions within the complex have separate fees; for instance, boating ranges from ₹20-₹130, and toy train rides cost ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children. The musical fountain show is around ₹20.

Transport: Kankaria Lake is located in the Maninagar area. It is well-connected by bus (around ₹10-₹20) or auto-rickshaw (around ₹50-₹100). The Apparel Park Metro Station is about 2 km away, from where an auto-rickshaw or a walk can complete the journey.

6. Manek Chowk

Experiencing Manek Chowk transforms from a bustling daytime jewelry market into a vibrant street food haven by night. Sampling the wide array of local delicacies, from traditional Gujarati snacks to unique ice creams, is a must-do for any visitor. The energetic atmosphere, with numerous food stalls and people enjoying the local cuisine, provides an authentic taste of Ahmedabad's culinary scene.

Cost: Food prices vary depending on what is ordered, but it offers affordable dining options. A full meal or selection of snacks can cost approximately ₹200-₹500 per person.

Transport: Manek Chowk is located in the heart of the Old City. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Fares will depend on the distance, typically ranging from ₹50-₹150. Many heritage walks conclude here, making it convenient to visit after exploring the old city.

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