Considering that it is the largest city in the state of Gujarat, there are a number of things that one can do in Ahmedabad and the city ensures that you never have a dull moment. As opposed to just visiting one place and another, there are a number of activities here as well and the city is a perfect blend of historicity and modernity, rolled into one. So if you are in the city, do not fail to try out the various activities that follow:
Perhaps no one can leave Ahmedabad unless they had paid their respects to Sabarmati Ashram. This was Gandhiji’s ashram and abode and today it has been converted into a museum, the Gandhi Smarak Sanghahalay. A walking tour can also be planned here if one attains prior permission from the secretary of the Gandhi Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust and it is sure to make you appreciate the effects of the Mahatma even more. The ashram is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and is entry is free for all.
Perhaps some of us may have seen such drive in cinemas, in movies, but to experience it first hand is quite unique. Ahmedabad is home to the largest of such drive- in cinema and has a massive screen, with a capacity of holding 665 cars at a time. There is also a very popular restaurant here which will give you a chance to grab a bit while you watch your favorite film here. The show timings are at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
Also known as the Shaking Minara, the Jhulta Minara is one of the most historic landmarks in the city. It is so named because whenever one minaret is shaken, the others start to vibrate as well and people still consider it a mystery how the engineers of the by- gone eras achieved such a feat. Entry is absolutely free and the minaret is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
There is something about vintage cars that makes everyone go Wow, and this museum happens to be the biggest and largest home for such vintage automobiles in the country. Those who are in love with cars will be able to feast their eyes on vintage Daimler, Lincolns, Bentleys and Rolls Royces. But the fact that one can also drive some of these cars is what makes the car lovers throng here in huge numbers, because where else will you get such an experience? Timings for these museums are from 8 am to 9:00 pm and only INR 50 is the entry fee.
Shopping at Law Garden is something that one has to try out. Those who love to collect and gift souvenirs will find this to be an amazing place. All kind of handmade goods are to be found here which are very integral to the region and thus make for great mementos. You may get all kinds of keepsakes from here and your loved ones are going to feel very special indeed when you gift it to them. The garden is open from 11 am onwards and is located on Netaji Road in Ellisbridge.
Unlike other cities, the municipal corporation of Ahmedabad itself organizes various heritage walks throughout the city so that the people may get acquainted with the culture of the land. The walks are mostly organized in the older parts of the city and you will come across impressive old buildings and courtyards which are sure to make you awestruck. The costs are very inexpensive and only INR 30 for students and INR 50 for adults.
The Victoria Garden is located in the southern part of the Bhadra Fort and is a very tranquil and beautiful spot. Couples mostly come here to spend some quality time. It is the perfect spot to sit and rest after you have spent the day city hopping.
Touted as one of the most beautiful mosques in India, this edifice was built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah and is a great of art and architecture in the region. Although it can be visited at any time of the day, the place looks especially dream during the evenings. It is one of the cultural high points of Ahmedabad. The mosque is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
If you are interested in clothes, fashion and textiles and are interested in their history, then visiting Calico Museum of Textiles is a must. It is one of the most elite museums in India dedicated only for textiles, and some of the specimens here are 500 years old. You will get to admire amazing craftsmanship and embroidery skills of the artisans and tailors of the previous eras. The museum is closed on Wednesdays and on other days it is open from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Entry is free for all.
It is the biggest lake in the city and visiting the lake is one of the most interesting things to do in Ahmedabad with friends and family. You can enjoy water rides and tethered balloon rides which takes you high on the sky and gives you an amazing panorama of the city, which is quite thrilling. There are also a number of picnic spots here. You may also go for boating in the lake. The lake is open from 9 am to 10 pm.
If you have children traveling with you, then this can prove to be a most educational trip. The Science City was set up by the Gujarat Government as early as 1960 to show the progress of technology and science in the country and there are many kinds of activities that one can participate in. Today there is an IMAX 3D theater which showcases a number of scientific films. There is an exhibition hall as well as an amphitheater and a number of thrill rides can be enjoyed here. The place is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
If you like all things old and vintage, then visit Manek Chowk in the older part of the city and here you can taste the best street food that you have ever come across. It is also the place where the jewelers come together and you can have a great time buying silver jewelry. The place is teeming with life throughout the night and so if you want to satisfy the midnight hunger pangs, then you have to come here.
One of the more offbeat things to do in Ahmedabad is to visit the Electron Lounge. It happens to be one of the coolest clubs in the city and has a great mocktail bar. It is the perfect place to meet new people and simply let your hair down. The lounge is open from 6:30 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Given the fact that Gujarat is known for kite flying, it is no wonder that an entire museum is dedicated to them. The museum is a very interesting place to visit and you can know all about kites, kite flying and their significance in Indian culture. The place was established by Mr. Bhanubhai Shah and today houses over 125 varieties of kites. The visit is sure to take you back to your childhood. No entry fee is required for this museum and you can visit from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
If you want to indulge is adventure activities in Ahmedabad of some sorts, then you have to visit this water park in Ahmedabad where you will find all kinds of amazing water sports waiting for you. It is the perfect place to enjoy some leisure time and just have fun. On weekdays, when the place is less crowded, it is the perfect spot to relax. There is a onetime entry fee to the park that is INR 500 for weekdays and INR 600 for the weekend.
So, if you are in Ahmedabad, you will find no dearth of activities and you will love your stay here for sure.
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