Brightsun’s Worldwide Weekend Pocket Guides: Ahmedabad, India

This month in our blog series, Brightsun staff member Nikhil recommends a weekend break to Ahmedabad. Read on for his top recommendations on what to do, where to base your stay, travel tips, and more.

The vibrant city of Ahmedabad located in Gujarat, India, describes a beautiful image of modernity, culture, and history. Ahmedabad offers something for every kind of traveller, from its busy marketplaces and mouth-watering cuisine to its rich heritage sites.

What to Get up to on a Long Weekend Break to Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Ashram

This beautiful Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi is located in Ahmedabad and is so peaceful, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati Riverfront. Enjoy and learn about the life and brief of Mahatma Gandhi in the museum of Ashram located here.

Many politicians and celebrities visit Ashram when they are in Gujarat. Donald Trump visited the Ashram when he was on an India trip with Indian Prime Minister, the honourable Shri Narendra Modi. Cultural activities like yoga also take place in Ashram some days.

Siddi Sayed Mosque

This mosque is famous for its Indo-Islamic architecture with a design that replicates the tree of life and its intertwining branches.  The mosque was built between 1572-73 AD, which was around the time of the Mughal era in Gujarat.

Jama Masjid

People can experience the magnificence of Jama Masjid, an iconic mosque renowned for its expansive courtyard and architecture made of yellow sandstone. The Former PM of Japan & UAE Foreign Minister also visited this mosque along with the Prime Minister of India.

Adalaj Stepwell

The historic stepwell is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its exquisite architecture and design. This heritage site was used for the photoshoot of the Cricket World Cup with the team captains for India and Australia.

Sabarmati Riverfront

This beautiful riverfront was built when Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and the objective of this project was for environmental improvement, social upliftment, and sustainable development. Many cultural events, international summits and exhibitions take place at the Sabarmati Riverfront, including the famous Kite Festival and Flower Park. Also, the Atal Bridge on the River gives the riverfront a fantastic look.

Kankaria Lake

This lake is unique in its view with many public leisure attractions such as a zoo, play train, balloon rides, water rides, a water park, amusement park, plus street food stalls. The Kankaria Carnival is a huge carnival that is held here for a week in the last week of December.

Where to Stay in Ahmedabad: Accommodation Recommendations

Hyatt Regency

Centrally located in Ahmedabad with a beautiful view of the Sabarmati Riverfront, Hyatt Regency offers contemporary amenities and amazing service. Experience sheer luxury and comfort here. Many cricket teams stay here when there is a match in Ahmedabad. Local attractions close to this opulent five-star property include the Sabarmati Riverfront.

Fortune Landmark

Highly rated for its cleanliness and hygiene, this upscale contemporary business hotel is another fantastic accommodation option. Many sports teams are known to stay here. Local attractions within close proximity to Fortune Landmark include the local markets of Navrangpura.

Taj Skyline

Newly added to the city with its elegant design, the Taj Skyline is in high demand. Local attractions close to this property include the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre.

Vivanta Ahmedabad SG Highway

This five-star property is a subsidiary of TATA Group, situated in a modern area with connections to the airport and Motera stadium.

Where to Eat in Ahmedabad: Top Restaurants & Dining Hotspots

Manek Chowk

Manek Chowk is situated in Old Ahmedabad, surrounded by historical structures. Manek Chowk usually hosts 3 markets throughout the day. In the morning, it is famous for its fresh vegetables and fruits. Come noon time, the gold market is open, and at night the area transforms into a colourful street food market.

Agashiye

This iconic heritage restaurant situated in old Ahmedabad serves traditional Gujarati Thalis and other tasty local dishes.

Urban Chowk

This is Ahmedabad’s premier high-end food and lifestyle park that has successfully become a go-to dining destination. It is famous for its food stalls serving delicious street snacks with live entertainment every day.

Other Tips & Recommendations for a Weekend City Escape in Ahmedabad

• The best time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter, which lasts from November to February, when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the city’s attractions without being too hot.
• The nightlife of Ahmedabad will be best witnessed at SBR, SG Highway.
• The Kite Festival of Ahmedabad is the main attraction at the Riverfront during winter in January.
• Gujarat’s Garba (Navratri Festival) is famous in Ahmedabad for 9 Garba nights where youth, couples, kids, and everyone plays Garba for 9 nights in traditional costume. We worship Goddess Durga for nine days for her nine forms. The last day is Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama. Garba is now becoming famous all over the world, showcasing the culture of Gujarat.
• The best place for families to visit in Ahmedabad is Science City located at SG Highway, where kids and youth can experience science more deeply. People can explore the Robotic Gallery, Aquatic Gallery, Nature Park, Hall of Science & Space, and Planet Earth exhibitions. You can book entry tickets on the Science City website or via mobile application. Please note it is closed on Mondays.

Reasons to Love Ahmedabad

With its rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, delicious food, and historical sites, Ahmedabad is truly a loveable city. Ahmedabad is a must visit location for a weekend city vacation since it has plenty to offer everyone, from history buffs to foodies and cultural enthusiasts.

I recommend any avid traveller to visit Ahmedabad mainly because of the amazing opportunity to explore heritage sites like the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, sample some good street foods at Manek Chowk and Urban Chowk, and visit the famous Sabarmati Ashram which will give you a deeper understanding of India’s fight towards Independence.

3-4 days will be enough to check out all of these highlights of Ahmedabad and its surrounding regions. If you have the time, I also really recommend that you catch a cricket match at the Nardenra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket stadium that hosts the Indian Premier League season.