Ahmedabad: A City of Stories Beyond the Obvious
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Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, is full of stories, flavours, and quiet surprises. Old-world traditions coexist effortlessly with a fast‑growing, contemporary city, creating a destination that feels both rooted and dynamic. From intricately carved monuments and peaceful riverfronts to buzzing street‑food corners and design‑forward cafés, Ahmedabad rewards travellers who slow down and look closely. No wonder then that it’s India’s first UNESCO Urban World Heritage City.
With easy flight bookings connecting Ahmedabad to major cities across India and its central location within Gujarat, the city also makes an ideal base to explore some of the state’s most celebrated landmarks—many of them reachable as comfortable day trips or short getaways. Below is a guide to the city’s must‑see sights, nearby monuments, shopping hotspots, and food experiences.
What are some of the must-visit places in and around Ahmedabad?
1. Sabarmati Ashram (Within Ahmedabad)
Distance from Ahmedabad city centre: ~5 km
A visit to Ahmedabad is incomplete without stepping into Mahatma Gandhi’s world at the Sabarmati Ashram. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this peaceful complex was home to Gandhiji from 1917 to 1930 and served as a nerve centre of India’s freedom movement. The modest rooms, personal letters, and photographs offer a powerful reminder of simplicity, resilience, and purpose.
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2. Adalaj Stepwell (Near Ahmedabad)
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Distance from Ahmedabad: ~18 km (north of the city)
Just a short drive from Ahmedabad lies the exquisite Adalaj Stepwell, built in 1499. This five‑storey structure is a masterpiece of Indo‑Islamic architecture, designed to store water while offering travellers respite from the heat. Intricate carvings of floral motifs, birds, and mythological scenes make it one of the most photogenic heritage sites near the city.
3. Statue of Unity, Kevadia
Distance from Ahmedabad: ~200 km (around 4–5 hours by road)
The Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres. Located in Kevadia near the Narmada River, it is much closer to Vadodara, but easily accessible from Ahmedabad as an overnight trip.
Beyond the statue, Kevadia has evolved into a full‑fledged tourism zone. Visitors can explore the Valley of Flowers, enjoy river rafting on the Narmada, walk through themed gardens such as the Garden of Senses, and experience eco‑tourism initiatives that make the area especially appealing for families.
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4. Rann of Kutch
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Distance from Ahmedabad: ~400 km to Dhordo (near Bhuj)
The Rann of Kutch is one of Gujarat’s most surreal landscapes—a vast white salt desert stretching to the horizon. From Ahmedabad, the journey typically goes via Bhuj, making it a popular 2–3 day excursion.
The highlight is the Rann Utsav (November to February), when the desert comes alive with folk music, handicrafts, dance, and local cuisine. Nearby attractions include the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch and Dholavira, the remarkably preserved ruins of an ancient Harappan city from the Indus Valley Civilization.
Click here to check Delhi to Ahmedabad flight options to witness this ethereal landscape.
5. Dwarka
Distance from Ahmedabad: ~440 km (south‑west Gujarat)
Dwarka is one of Hinduism’s four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish Temple, dating back to around 200 BC, is the spiritual heart of the city.
Travellers from Ahmedabad often combine Dwarka with Somnath and Porbandar for a spiritually rich coastal circuit. A visit to nearby Shivrajpur Beach, known for its clean sands and sunset views, adds a relaxed, scenic dimension to the pilgrimage.
Make your spiritual journeys more seamless with these Ahmedabad to Mumbai flight options.
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Where can you shop in Ahmedabad?
Ahmedabad is one of India’s best cities for textile and handicraft shopping, blending traditional markets with modern retail spaces.
Law Garden Night Market
What to buy: Bandhani dupattas, mirror‑work garments, oxidised jewellery, and embroidered handbags
A favourite with both locals and visitors, this evening market is perfect for picking up colourful Gujarati handicrafts at reasonable prices.
Lal Darwaja & Dhalgarwad
What to buy: Traditional sarees, cloth, silver jewellery, and ethnic wear
These bustling old‑city markets offer an authentic shopping experience and some of the best bargains, especially for textiles.
CG Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and the Malls
What to buy: Contemporary Indian wear, home décor, branded fashion
For a more polished retail experience, head to CG Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road, or malls like Alpha One (Ahmedabad One Mall), which balance local brands with national and international labels.
What are Ahmedabad’s must-eat delicacies and where can you try them?
Ahmedabad’s food culture is legendary, especially for vegetarians.
Manek Chowk (Late‑Night Street Food)
Must‑try: Butter pav bhaji, cheese dosa, and chocolate sandwiches
By day a jewellery market and by night a street‑food paradise, Manek Chowk is an experience in itself.
Traditional Gujarati Snacks
Where: Local farsan shops across the city
What to try: Khaman, dhokla, fafda‑jalebi, handvo, and patra
The Gujarati Thali
Where to eat: The Agashiye, Gordhan Thal, and Vishalla
A Gujarati thali is a meal and a ritual—sweet, savoury, spicy, and seasonal dishes served together in a carefully balanced spread.
Cafés & Modern Dining
Areas like Navrangpura, Prahlad Nagar, and Sindhu Bhavan Road are dotted with stylish cafés and fine‑dining restaurants that showcase Ahmedabad’s evolving culinary scene.
How to Plan Your Trip?
Ahmedabad works beautifully as a 2–3-day city break, with additional days added for nearby destinations like Kevadia, the Rann of Kutch, or Dwarka. Booking flights and accommodation in advance helps secure better deals, especially during festival seasons. Always book flight tickets in advance on Akasa Air’s website or app.
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