In and Around

About Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the 11th century, when it was known as Ashaval (or Ashapalli). At that time, Karandev I, the Solanki ruler of Anhilwara (modern Patan), waged a successful war against the Bhil king of Ashaval, and established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati. Solanki rule lasted until the 13th century, when Gujarat came under the control of the Vaghela dynasty of Dholka. Gujarat subsequently came under the control of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. However, by the earlier 15th century, the local governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar established his independence from the Delhi Sultanate and crowned himself Sultan of Gujarat as Muzaffar Shah I, thereby founding the Muzaffarid dynasty. The area finally came under the control of Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 A.D. who while at the banks of Sabarmati liked the forested area for a new capital city and laid the foundation of a new walled city near Karnavati and named it Ahmedabad after the four saints in the area by the name Ahmed. It is said that the birthday of Ahmedabad city is February 26, 1412.

More than 6 years later, Ahmedabad flourished from within its walls and thrived into the megapolis we see today. Culturally, Ahmedabad can prove to be a delight. Ahmedabad observes a wide range of festivals. Popular celebrations and observances include Uttarayan, an annual kite-flying day on 14 and 15 January. Nine nights of Navratri are celebrated with people performing Garba, the most popular folk dance of Gujarat, at venues across the city. The festival of lights, Deepavali, is celebrated with the lighting of lamps in every house,decorating the floors with rangoli, and the lighting of firecrackers. The annual Rath Yatra procession on the Ashadh-sud-bij date of the Hindu calendar at the Jagannath Temple and the procession of Tajia during the Muslim holy month of Muharram are important events.

One of the most popular forms of meal in Ahmedabad is a typical Gujarati thali which was first served commercially by Chandvilas Hotel in 1900. It consists of roti (Chapati), dal, rice and shaak (cooked vegetables, sometimes with curry), with accompaniments of pickles and roasted papads. Beverages include buttermilk and tea; sweet dishes include laddoo, mango, and vedhmi. Dhoklas, theplas and dhebra are also very popular dishes in Ahmedabad.

There are many restaurants, which serve a wide array of Indian and international cuisines. Most of the food outlets serve only vegetarian food, as a strong tradition of vegetarianism is maintained by the city’s Jain and Hindu communities. The first all-vegetarian Pizza Hut in the world opened in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad has a quite a few restaurants serving typical Mughlai non-vegetarian food in older areas like Bhatiyar Gall, Kalupur and Jamalpur.

So enjoy your stay in the vibrant city of colors, festivals & experiences Ahmedabad.

Place to Visit

Near by visiting places to Ahmedabad

• Gandhinagar
  
  Distance – 30mins from Ahmedabad
  Gandhinagar, administrative division of Gujara and the capital city,
  offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful Akshardham temple,Sachivalay, Sarita Udhyan, Indroda Park (Deer park), GIFT City, Adalaj Stepwell and serene environment to all its visitors.
• Vadodara
  
  Distance – 2 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Home to some of the most exemplary displays of architecture, Vadodara is a fitting memorial to Maratha leader Sayaji Rao Gaekwad ill who had envisioned a dream to make this Big Lil City an educational, industrial and commercial centre.
• Patan
  
  Distance – 3 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Rani Ka Vav, the latest Indian entrant to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated here, making Patan one of the newest tourist hubs in India. As the royal entrance gates open into a city comfortably residing within the huge walls that surround it, you will be welcomed by the ancient yet young and warm city of Patan.
• Pavagadh
  
  Distance – 3 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Being included in the elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, this marvellous archaeological park set in the heart of the city of Champaner and amidst the Pavagadh hills is one of the most sought after places in Gujarat.
• Junagadh
  
  Distance – 6 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Being the capital of Junagadh Princely State once, the town shines with historical significance with many historical monuments to see.
• Bhuj
  
  Distance – 6 Hours from Ahmedabad
  A desert city with long history of kings and empires make Bhuj one of the most interesting and unique historical places to see.
• Kutch
  
  Distance – 7 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past.
• Sasan Gir(National Park)
  
  Distance – 7 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Gir National Park is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions that are almost a definition to this park in Gujarat, which has a lot more to offer.
• Silvassa
  
  Distance – 7 Hours from Ahmedabad
  With the hills of the Western Ghats and surrounding lush greenery, it is an ideal indulgence into the wild side for a tourist and its Portuguese heritage makes it famous amongst the history enthusiasts as well.
• Somnath
  
  Distance – 6 Hours from Ahmedabad
  The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval, is the first
  among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important tourist spot for pilgrims and tourists. Somnath means “Lord of the Soma”, an epithet of Shiva.
• Dwarka
  
  Distance – 6.5 Hours from Ahmedabad
  Dwarka is a municipality of Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the state of Gujarat.The city’s Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Krishna was originally built around 2,500 years ago, but was destroyed by Mahmud Begaciarulers and subsequently rebuilt in the 16th century.