Ahmadabad is the largest city of Gujarat, lies on the banks of the river Sabarmati. The place has rich historical and cultural heritage. Ahmadabad of starting point of Gujarat sightseeing and it afford to have rich architectural wonders of both Hindu and Islamic styles. The ' Manchester of the East' is famed for its booming textile industry. Ahmadabad has stunning cosmopolitan ambiance with rich Muslim history, a beautifully restored old city, nice, amazing museums, fine restaurants and fabulous night markets. Many travelers stop off briefly on route to Rajasthan or Mumbai.



Ahmadabad experienced a tumultuous history where there were many ups and downs. The city was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the 15th century. But the city declined after a century. During the reign of Emperor Akbar, the city again came into prominence and became an important business center. After the death of Aurangazeb, the city again doomed. British seized it in 1818 and set up number of textile mills.

Ahmadabad has number of tourist attractions including medieval monuments, amusement parks, museums, forts, mosques and temples. It is a perfect blend old charm with contemporary life. Some of the frequent visited tourist attractions are Sarkhej, Adlaj Vav, Lothal, Modhera, Patan, Gandhinagar, Mahudi, Nalsarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sights And Activities

Bhadra Fort & Teen Darwaza
The grandiose fort was built by the founded Ahmed Shah, in 1411, now houses government offices. It is a good place to see the medieval architecture, a perfunctory gallows and a nice view of surrounding streets. The bastion was partially collapsed in the 2001 earthquake. The fort is a venue for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations and has a temple devoted to goddess Bhadrakal. To the eastern side, stands the Teen Darwaja(triple gateway), which was the royal entrance to the royal square or Maidan Shahi where royal procession and polo games were played.

Mosques & Mausoleums
On the eastern side of the Teen Darwaza there is large mosque known as Jama Masjid, built by Ahmed Shah. The mosque was constructed by the materials of demolished Hindu and Jain temples. This huge mosque is established of 260 columns support 15 domes at different elevations. The beautiful of Tomb of Ahmed Shah stands outside the Jama Masjid east gate and also has the cenotaphs of his son and grandson.
Temples
There are two prominent temples in Ahmadabad: Hatheesingh Temple and Swaminarayan Temple. The Hatheesingh temple is fine example of Hindu temple architecture and made up of delicately carved white marble. Built in 19th century, the temple is devoted to the 15th Jain tirthankar(great teacher). Swaminarayan temple is more of a Haveli ( palace) built in 1850 enclosed in a large courtyard.

Sarkhej Rosa
This fascinating cluster of Islamic buildings are located around 8km southwest of the city. The collections of monuments were built by Sultan Mahmud Shah I (1458-1511).

Museums
Ahmadabad has a wide range of museums. The best of all is Calico museum of textile, houses world's finest collection of textile antiques and modern Indian textile. The other museums are City Museum, Kite Museum, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, NC Mehta Gallery, , Shreyas Folk Museum and Utensil Museum.

Water Wonders
Gujarat and Rajashthan is drought prone states so water has most significance factor in this region. They store water in step wells, known as baolis, eleaborate construction unique to northwestern India. The water storage construction was first developed by Hindus and then Mughals. In ancient Hindu scriptures venerate those who build communal wells. The wells are dependent on rainwaters and ground water and fulfilling the need of water to the villagers. The wells are certainly not hygienic but beautiful.