Ahmedabad (also spelled Ahmadabad) was established by Sultan Ahmed Shah. Ahmedabad is the sixth largest city in India, and it's India's first UNESCO World Heritage City. It is the commercial hub of the state of Gujarat, though it is not the state capital, which is its twin city Gandhinagar, 30 km to the north. Although it is not very well known as a 'tourist' place, it is certainly worth a visit. Actually, the fact that there are fewer tourists will often get you a warmer welcome here. Also Gujaratis are known for their hospitality.
The state of Gujarat, in general, is well-connected to nearby as well as faraway states in India. Hence, it is quite convenient to reach Ahmedabad. The city can be reached via flight, bus, train and even self-drive or taxi.
The Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) caters to both domestic and international travel. Roadways are well-maintained as well. Bus options are plenty as the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service, or the AMTS is an interstate-bus network that has excellent connectivity with all the prominent states in the country. The Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) also known as the Kalupur Railway Station is efficiently connected with transit lines running across almost every major city in India. There are a bunch of expresses and superfast trains as well. Driving is also another option to reach Ahmedabad. A long drive to the city can be covered from starting points such as Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
October to March is the best time to visit Ahmedabad as the weather becomes mild and pleasant to road around the city. March to May is the time when summer sets in, the daily temperature peaks above a maximum level of 30 degrees, which is quite pleasant for sightseeing. This season is also a good time to explore the city, and there is also quite an inflow of events and activities such as the International Kite Festival in January. June to October is the monsoon season when the accommodation and travel costs reduce drastically, however, this season often brings in heavy torrential rains, thus flooding the river Sabarmati.
Ahmedabad - A rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city with a magnificent past – Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in Gujarat. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is the former capital of Gujarat, and it’s delicious food, colorful culture is making it a fast-growing tourist destination. The historic city of Ahmedabad or the old part of the city was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to a plethora of remarkable temples like Swaminarayan Temple, intriguing museums and classy markets, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is an excellent example of how a city can still retain every bit of its old-world charm while still rapidly progressing on the path of globalization.
Ahmedabad is famous for its textiles and its tie-dye bandhani handloom technique, which makes it a great place to shop. From bandhani sarees, dupattas to traditionally embroidered dress materials, and other local handicrafts.
Sabarmati Ashram, situated directly beside the Sabarmati river, is a quaint and peaceful ashram built by Mahatma Gandhi after he returned from South Africa. To this date, Gandhiji’s living quarters are preserved here and is now used as a museum where visitors can learn all about his life and his teachings. The infamous Dandi Salt March, which was a crucial point in India’s independence struggle, originated from this ashram.