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Gujarat is one of the most leading states in India. Stretching out into the Arabian Sea, like an open jaw of an lion, the Saurashtra peninsula and the Kachchh desert marks the mid-western border of the state of Gujarat, home to one of the most enterprising communities of the country. The state that has done proud to the nation in socio-cultural, agricultural and industrial fields, has also earned its rightful place on the national tourist circuit by adopting the right mix of tourism product and services. Conveniently situated between the golden triangle of Delhi-Agra-Rajasthan and the popular trio of Mumbai-Goa-Aurangabad, Gujarat is among the most richly rewarding regions to visit in the country. Ancient archaeological sites, historic architecture, natural beauty, religious places, hills, beaches, palaces, forts, temples, havelis, wildlife sanctuaries, handicrafts, cuisines, colourful cultures and a tradition of hospitality, blended with modern amenities like airports, railway stations, bus connections, car rentals, hotels, resorts, restaurants, excellent roads and highways, extensive communication networks from STD-FAX public call offices, postal facilities and couriers to internet cafes and e-mail bureaus, waterparks, amusement parks, gardens, museums and shopping complexes, make it a paradise for a contemporary traveller. Despite the progress of the state, which is one of the national leaders in at least 10 different industries from cement, textiles, petroleum, LPG and pharmaceuticals to ports, some traditions remain rooted in the culture of the people, from the tribal fairs of north and east Gujarat, the aura of devotion at the temples to the nine night festival of Navaratri and the kite flying festivals in the city, and even distinctive cuisines, attires and lifestyles that continue in spite of global influences. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday with your family and friends, a sightseeing tour, a pilgrimage, adventure, wildlife and outdoors, a study tour or a business visit, a place just to get away from it all at a beach resort or a hill station, Gujarat must rank high on your list of priorities! There are many legends associated with Ahmedabad. One of them narrates how Sultan Ahmed Shah of the Gujarat Sultanate, while camping on the banks of the Sabarmati river, saw a bare chasing a dog. Intrigued, the Sultan asked his spiritual adviser for an explanation. The saint pointed out to the unique characteristic of the land which had nurtured such rare-qualities which turned a timid hare to chase a ferocious dog. Impressed the Sultan who had been looking for a place to build his new capital, on advice of the saint, decided to found his capital here. Thus, was Ahmedabad born. Besides such interesting legends the archaeological evidence also points to the occupation of the site from a much earlier periodd. It was known in the ancient times as Ashapalli or Ashaval, the capital of a Bhil king. In the 11th century, King Karnadeva Vaghela invaded Ashapalli and founded his capital, which came to be known as Karnavati. The Sultan's new capital was located in the vicinity of Karnavati. The Sultan had been looking for a new site because Patan which had been the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate was not strategically situated. He saw the advantages of this new location - it was situated on the bank of a river and was on the highway to the interior India. Moreover, he could keep an eye on Patan for possible invasion since it was not very far from Ahmedabad. The foundation ceremony was conducted with great religious fervor. It was blessed by Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh of Sarkhej - the spiritual adviser of the Sultan - and twelve Qalandar fakirs who were the direct disciples of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi. the city was built according to Hindu and Muslim canons. A great wall enclosed the city and one could enter it through one of the twelve gates. The Sultan built the Bhadra fort, Teen Darwaza, Jumma Masjid, Ahmed Shah Masjid, and the hajiras in Manek Chowk. The Sultan's successors built more masjids, palaces, and other buildings. Ahmedabad soon became as a thriving commercial center and travellers to the city described its wealth in glowing terms. The
premier city of the State of Gujarat on the banks of the Sabarmati river was
founded in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah – I. Premier institutions like the
Indian Institute of Management (IIM), the National Institute of Design (NID) and
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are in the forefront of academic
and technological excellence. Ahmedabad celebrates traditional festivals like
Navratri and the kite flying with gaiety and fanfare. There are several places
of archaeological interest in the walled city of Ahmedabad. Life in Ahmedabad
reflects the variety and continuity of its tradition. The
city of Ahmedabad is well connected by Airways, Railways and Roadways to other
major cities in Gujarat and India. By Air Major
cities in India close to Ahmedabad are New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) There
are daily flights in the morning and evening between New Delhi - Ahmedabad and
Mumbai (Bombay) – Ahmedabad. New Delhi – Ahmedabad flights are 1.5 hours and
the distance is 1000 kms the Mumbai (Bombay) – Ahmedabad flights are 1 hour
and the distance is 500 kms. All major international airlines have their
services to either Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi or
Chattrapati Shivaji (Sahar) International Airport in Mumbai and passengers can
have easy connections to Ahmedabad via Indian Airlines or Jet Airways. The
approximate fare between New Delhi and Ahmedabad for Economy Class would be Rs.
4500 and Executive/Business Class Rs. 7000, and between Mumbai (Bombay) and
Ahmedabad for Economy Class Rs. 2100 and Executive/Business Class Rs. 3500 By Rail There
are many trains connecting Ahmedabad and other cities in Gujarat and India. A
train journey from New Delhi to Ahmedabad would take 16 hours and from Mumbai
(Bombay) to Ahmedabad would take 8 hours. There are AC coaches also. A train
ticket from New Delhi to Ahmedabad by AC would be Rs 1200 and non AC would be Rs
600, and between Mumbai (Bombay) and Ahmedabad AC would be Rs 800 and non AC
would be 400 Places of interest include -
Citadel of Bhadra
- Hatheesing Jain Temples -
Jumma Masjid
- Gandhi Ashram -
Rani Rupmati’s Mosque
- Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum -
Sarkhej Roza
- The Calico Museum of Textiles -
Kankaria Lake
- Akshardham (Gandhinagar) -
Shaking Minarets -
N. C. Mehta Gallery of Indian Miniature Paintings
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