Fondly called the Manchester of India, Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, this city is known for its expansive and glorious history. This is also the place where the Indian freedom movement, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi, found its roots. In present times, Ahmedabad is among the biggest hubs for the textile industry in India. For people who have a deep interest in history, this is just the right place to soak in some fascinating real-world stories. However, this doesn’t mean that textile manufacturing factories and historical sites are the only two things this city has. This place is also famous for things like mouthwatering street food, magnificent temples, awe-inspiring museums, and a lot more. No matter what your interests are, you will find plenty of fun things to do in Ahmedabad.
Things to Do in Ahmedabad
Before you start exploring options for Ahmedabad tour packages, it is important to understand what makes this city worth visiting. Here is a list of all the exciting things to do in and around the Ahmedabad city, that you can try on your trip: -
- Experience the Charm of Vintage Cars
- Shop Your Heart Out at Law Garden
- Book a Heritage Walk
- Visit the Sabarmati Ashram
- Enjoy a Movie at Open Air Cinema
- Take a Stroll in Victoria Garden
- Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles
- Spend an Evening at the Kankaria Lakefront
- Have Fun at Science City
- Explore Ahmedabad’s Culinary Culture
Experience the Charm of Vintage Cars
If you’re someone who loves automobiles, especially vintage cars, going to this museum is one of the best things to do in Ahmedabad. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum boasts a large collection of stylish vintage cars, most of which can't be spotted on the road. It includes everything from Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to Daimlers and Lincolns. The regular timings of this place are from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM and you need to pay an entry fee of INR 50 per person.
Shop Your Heart Out at Law Garden
A trip to Ahmedabad is never complete without going on a shopping spree in this vibrant market. Whether you want to buy some amazing handicrafts or are looking for some authentic Gujarati-style clothes, this is just the right place. Or, even if you want to get some souvenirs to take a small part of the fascinating city with you, Law Garden Market leaves you spoilt for choice. The best part is that, like any other local market, you can easily bargain for anything you like.
Book a Heritage Walk
Other than being a fast-paced metropolis, Ahmedabad has another side as well, which is relatively slower and a little laid-back. To take a closer look at this not-so-urban side, you can book a heritage walk. It covers a number of offbeat places that are part of the old Ahmedabad and tells hundreds of untold stories about the city. These heritage tours are organised on a daily basis. Starting at 8 in the morning, this long walking tour takes approximately two and a half hours.
Visit the Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram, often referred to as Gandhi Ashram, is one of the many places where the Father of the Nation resided while leading the freedom movement. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this is a great historical site that revolves around the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The major highlight of this ashram is Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, which is a museum with a detailed, informative record of his life and his teachings. There is no entry fee to visit this place, and the timing is from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Enjoy a Movie at Open Air Cinema
There are so many things to do in Ahmedabad at night, but watching a movie in the open air is probably the best of all. Being the first of its kind, the Sunset Drive-in Cinema is a place that offers this extraordinary experience. This massive drive-in cinema has the largest screen in Asia and can accommodate more than 650 cars at a time. After watching the movie, you can also head to their in-house restaurant that serves absolutely delicious food at reasonable prices. In short, this is one of the most fun places in Ahmedabad. Generally, they run two shows in a day, first at 7:30 PM and another at 10:30 PM. But it is always best to check the show timings beforehand and make the bookings in advance.
Take a Stroll in Victoria Garden
Although there are a lot of things to see and do in Ahmedabad in the evening, relaxing in Victoria Garden probably tops the list. Situated on the southern verge of the majestic Bhadra Fort, this garden was built in the 19th century in honour of Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch of British India at the time. After almost 200 years, this garden is still standing strong as evidence of India’s colonial past. Here, you can not only spend a lazy afternoon but also take an early-morning or late-night serene walk.
Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles
Going to the Calico Museum of Textiles is definitely one of the best things to do in India, not just in Ahmedabad. Displaying a large collection of antique Indian textiles, this is considered to be one of the largest and most fascinating textile museums in the country. Some of these samples are up to 500 years old. So, if you are someone who admires incredible handiwork, this is a place you shouldn’t miss in Ahmedabad. This museum opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 12:30 PM on all days except for Wednesdays.
Spend an Evening at the Kankaria Lakefront
Wondering how to spend some time away from the chaos and rush of the city? Located in the southern part of the city, Kakaria Lakefront is one of the most visited places in Ahmedabad. This beautiful recreational spot is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike. You can either plan a day-long picnic or spend a peaceful evening here. From toy trains and water rides to tethered balloon rides, there are a lot of fun activities that one can indulge in.
Have Fun at Science City
Science City is a great initiative by the state government to spread awareness about the role of science in human life. If you are looking for a place with plenty of educational and fun activities to do in Ahmedabad, this is definitely the best option you have. Although people of all ages can have fun here, this is a great place for kids. From a well-equipped IMAX 3D theatre to a large exhibition hall, an amphitheatre to several thrill rides, this place has a lot to explore. You can visit Science City on all days from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There are several shows hosted here that you can enjoy, depending on what your interests are.
Explore Ahmedabad’s Culinary Culture
Although you can find Gujarati food almost everywhere in the country, nothing can beat the dishes you get at local food joints in Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad. This is one of the most prominent marketplaces in the old city that serves as a vegetable market in the morning. In the afternoon, it turns into a jewellery market and a busy food street at night, respectively. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you will find plenty of options here. From tempting dhoklas and fafdas to lip-smacking Methi na Gota, there is a lot that you can try here. However, people who have a sweet tooth come here to enjoy the special malai rabdi and kulfi.
With this comprehensive list of things to do in Ahmedabad, you can surely make your trip a memorable affair. If you have enough time at hand and want to extend your trip, you can cover places like Gandhinagar. Or if you want to enjoy some adventurous activities in Ahmedabad, you can visit places like Sundarvan, Thol Bird Sanctuary, etc. To avoid the hassle of planning, you can also book a suitable tour package from Ahmedabad with Veena World.
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