Places to Visit in Ahmedabad

Swaminarayan Temple is one of the most popular religious sites in Ahmedabad. This magnificent Temple is dedicated to Lord Narnarayanan and it is the first temple of the Swaminarayan sect. The Temple is exquisitely designed and intricately carved in Burmese Teak.

There are several brightly colored arches and brackets surrounding the Temple and beautifully adorned galleries and domes. The image of Lord Narayanan in the main hall is made of pure marble while the inner walls and the exterior of the Temple is covered in colorful Gujrati designs depicting the culture and lifestyle of Gujarat.

There are many idols of Swaminarayan all around the temple including some of his personal belongings.

Location: Swaminarayan Mandir Road, Kalupur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380001

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timing: 5 AM to 12 Noon; 3 PM to 10 PM

Best Time to Visit: All year round

The Dada Harir Stepwell is a marvelous example of refined architecture and masonry of that era. It is one of the most tranquil places to visit in Ahmedabad. Here you can enjoy some peace and quiet as you observe the fine craftsmanship and the various inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian on the walls and pillars of the stepwell.

As you gaze down at the stepwell you can find birds flitting about as the whole essence of this structure takes you back in time. Another feature that attracts visitors here is the sudden cooling effects that can be felt the moment you enter.

It provides for a lovely respite from the hot Ahmedabad sun, especially during the summers. It is best to visit the stepwell in the late mornings when the rays of light falls on the depths of the well.

Location: Hanumansingh Rd, Haripura, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timing: Monday - Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, on Sundays 9AM - 6PM

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this is one of the most popular tourist places in Ahmedabad. Once a residence of Mahatma Gandhi, now it is one of the best Ashrams in Ahmedabad. It has been divided into several sections.

The most interesting part is the Museum section where the personal belongings of the Mahatma and several of his letters are on display. The Ashram was one of the main centers of the Freedom Struggle of India. Some of the main attractions here are the Upasana Mandir, Magan Niwas, Hriday Kunj, Udyog Mandir and the Ashram Museum.

The Library has several manuscripts, books, photographs and other objects of interest. Till today, you will find the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi such as the round glasses, wooden slippers, the hand-operated chakra and other personal memorabilias for visitors to witness.

Location: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timing: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

The Auto World Vintage Car Museum was established by Shri Pranlal Bhogilal in 1927. He was a vintage car enthusiast himself and converted his own private collection into a museum. There are over 100 exclusive vintage cars on display in this Museum.

Each one is the finest example of high end brands like Bentley, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Maybach, Austin, Chrysler, Cadillacs and many more. The most interesting and special part is that each of these cars are custom-made according to the specifications of the buyer.

There is also a section of special cars meant for special occasions such as the convertibles for evening rides, limousines for ceremonial events, boats, station wagons, motorcycles and horse drawn carriages as well.

Location: Dastan Estate Sardar Patel Ring Road Kathwada, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382430

Entry Fee: INR 50 per person. 

Timing: 8 AM to 9 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Kankaria Lake was earlier known as Hauz-E-Qutub and served as a bathing area for the sultans of that era. It now features a beautiful island-garden in the center with a splendid summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. Kankaria Lake is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad to indulge in a picnic.

You can also enjoy the various activities such as toy train rides, tethered balloon rides, kid’s city and boat rides  at the entertainment zone. The area around the lake is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening stroll.

There are also other activities that you can indulge in here such as archery, gymnastics and water rides. The Kankaria Lake Carnival, held here during the last week of December is celebrated with great enthusiasm with people visiting from around the country during this time.

Location: Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Entry Fee: Free for all between 4 AM to 8 AM. Rs. 5 for kids below the age of 12 and Rs. 10 above the age of 12.

Timing: 4 AM to 11 PM every day except Monday. No entry between 8 AM to 9 AM and 10 PM to 11 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Jhulta Minar is one of the most unique monuments in the world.  Featuring a most fascinating style of architecture. When one of the minarets is shaken the other corresponding minarets start vibrating after a few seconds but the area between the minars do not exhibit any vibrations at all.

This phenomenon has had many archaeologists and other experts stumped. Till date there is no explanation to this phenomenon. The Minars also exhibit exquisite architectural splendour and reflect Mughal and Rajputana styles of architecture.

The Minars were to be the entrance to the Sidi Bashir mosque but it was torn down during the Gujarat Sultanate uprising. Learn more about this unique structure by adding it to your bucket list of places to visit in Ahmedabad.

Location: Kalupur Road Sarangpur, Laxmi Bazar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380002

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Law Garden is a beautiful oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the vibrant city of Ahmedabad. This is one of the most fascinating places to see in Ahmedabad. It is a public garden both locals and tourists love to visit this place to indulge in some relaxing and recreational activities.

The Law Garden Night Market is very famous amongst the locals and visitors. This market offers a unique shopping experience as the goods sold here are handcrafted by local artisans. The Garden also serves as a venue for several cultural and music festivals, concerts and other activities.

This area is famous for street shopping and delicious Gujrati street food and snacks. The lush greenery of Law Garden is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing walk or spend some quality time with family and friends in the evening.

Location: Law Garden, Maharashtra Society, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009

Entry Fee: No Entry fee

Timing: 5AM - 12 Noon, 2PM - 10PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Bhadra Fort is an imposing ancient fort located on the eastern banks of the Sabarmati River.  It was built by the founder of the city of Ahmedabad, Sultan Ahmad Shah I in 1411 AD. Over the years many rulers conquered the Fort and in 1817 the British defeated the ruling Marathas and took over the Fort.

They turned it into a prison during the entire British Rule in India. The Maratha rulers built a Bhadra Kali Temple in the Fort which in turn gave the Fort its name. The Fort lies on a sprawling ground of about 43 acres and it has an elegant palace, the Bhadra Kali Temple, the Nagina Baug, Teen Darwaza and Ahmad Shah’s mosque.

The Fort was mainly built using bright red colored stones and the palace within the Fort has ornate arches and intricate carvings. Today, the Fort is used for several Government offices.

Location: Court Rd, Old City, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry fee

Timing: 9AM - 5PM

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Located in Old Ahmedabad, Manek Chowk is a bustling market place surrounded by several historical buildings and popular streets. This vibrant market is the second largest in the country and the busiest too. Manek Chowk plays three main roles every day of the week.

In the mornings, it is a bustling fresh fruit and vegetables market, in the afternoon it is a jewellery market as there are many jewellery stores here and in the evenings till late at night it turns into a bustling street food joint with many night market stalls.

Try out the famous pav bhaji, Gujarati sandwiches, different flavored dosas, local Gujarati snacks and delicious kulfis whenever you visit this amazing city square.The vibrant ambiance that Manek Chowk provides is enough to make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Ahmedabad.

Location: Old Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: 6 AM to 2 AM

Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year

The Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The mosque was built by Ahmad Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad in 1423 AD. The structure is a magnificent blend of Hindu, Muslim and Jain architecture.

There is a massive archway at the entrance that is complete with intricate carvings on stone. Made of yellowstone the mosque has about 260 pillars and each pillar is covered with intricate carvings. The other unique feature is the vibrant flow of light through the beautiful latticework screens that floods its interiors.

The Jama Masjid is one of the most interesting places to visit in Ahmedabad because of its architectural splendour and history.

Location: Manek Chowk, Gandhi Rd, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Sabarmati Riverfront is a beautiful waterfront area on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It has been developed very artistically turning this area into one of the most enchanting tourist places in Ahmedabad. This is a beautifully developed area on the banks of the Sabarmati River.

Initially it was started as an effort towards environmental improvement but over the years it has become one of the most visited places in Ahmedabad for both locals and tourists. The beautiful promenades, parks and plazas have turned into a relaxing place for people around the city, especially in the evenings.

The project features two levels of developed areas where the lower level is meant for pedestrians and cyclists and the upper level has parks, plazas, venues for social and cultural events, etc. It is a great place to enjoy a family picnic. The Riverfront is also perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or you can enjoy a boat ride on the River.

Location: Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway East, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timing: 9AM - 9PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

The ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is a magnificent Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. The Temple grounds are spread over a sprawling 4 acres and the main hall is one of the largest in the country with a capacity to hold over 4000 devotees at a time.

The architectural style reflects a harmonious blend between Gujrati Sompura architecture and Rajasthani Khamira designs. The Temple has some very ornately carved marbles, colorful murals, beautiful columns and stunning marble floors. Within the Temple complex you will also find a library, a hostel, a meditation room and a restaurant.

Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav are the two main festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the devotees here. Believers from across the globe visit this Temple, especially during the festivals making it one of the most popular places to visit in Ahmedabad.

Location: Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, near BRTS Bus Stop, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380059

Entry Fee: No Entry fee

Timing: 4:30AM - 9:00PM

Best Time to Visit: Year round, Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is a museum dedicated to the memory of Sardar Patel. The structure itself was once a palace built by Shah Jahan, Moti Shahi Mahal. Later, during the British rule it was converted into a cantonment area for them which housed the senior officials of the Company.

It was then converted into a Museum in 1978. The Museum features more than 10,000 exhibits of traditional arts as well as the personal belongings and biographies of Sardar Patel. The Museum is also well equipped with the latest technologies like LCD displays, multi-touch tablets and multimedia.

In the evenings, a light and sound show is held where the legendary tales of our country are narrated right from the Vedic period till the Freedom Struggle.

Location: Gandhi-Sardar Smruthi Chowk, opp. Circuit House, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004

Entry Fee:

Museum - Rs. 20 for Adults and Rs. 10 for Children

3D show - Rs. 30 for Adults and Rs. 10 for Children

Timing: 9.30 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Monday

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Sarkhej Roza is an elegant architectural complex of tombs, mosques and palaces built around the Sarkhej Pond. It is an important site of Sufi culture and this is where the Sufi Saint, Ganj Baksh resided. After his demise the mausoleum along with the mosque was built in his memory.

This is the largest Roza in Gujarat and it is a fine example of Mughal and Indian architectural designs. Besides the tomb of the Sufi Saint, Sarkhej Roza also houses the tombs of the kings and queens of that era. The area around the mosque also has a large courtyard, colonnades and prayer halls.

The Sarkhej Roza is a great place for history buffs to visit and learn about the cultural heritage of this place. It is important to remember that women are not allowed in the main hall of the mosque and the men should always wear full pants and not shorts.

Location: Post Jivraj Park, Sarkhej Makarba Rd, Makarba, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380051

Entry Fee:No Entry Fees

Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Teen Darwaza is an amazing structure established by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 141 AD. It is the longest and oldest gateway in Ahmedabad. The three arches of this gateway are intricately carved, the windows are semicircular with the famous Ahmedabad jali works adorning it.

Teen Darwaza was the gateway used as an entrance to the Royal square through which the royal procession would pass. The arches are about 25 feet in height and it features Indo-Islamic architecture.

One of the most striking features of the Teen Darwaza is the inscription by the Maratha Governor Chimnaji Raghunath. The plague was engraved with the decree that a daughter deserves equal rights on her father’s property.

Location: Old City, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Hutheesing Jain Temple is an architectural marvel built with white marbles and filled with stunning stone carvings, 238 stone images, shrines of the Tirthankaras and ornate pillars. The latest addition to this beautiful temple is the 78 feet high Manastambha which is similar in design to the famous Kirti Stambh at Chittor, Rajasthan.

The Temple also has a tiled courtyard surrounded by pergolas. There are 52 shrines in these pergolas each showcasing magnificent designs and craftsmanship. Devotees from far and wide come to this Temple especially during the festivals of Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti.

Location: Shahibaug Rd, Bardolpura, Delhi Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timing: 9 AM to 12 Noon, 5 PM to 7 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

The Kankaria Zoo was established in 1951 by Reuben David. What makes this Zoological Park one of the most special tourist places to visit in Ahmedabad is that it does not only display the various wild animals but it also helps conserve the endangered species as well.

The Zoo has over 450 mammals, over 2000 birds and 140 reptiles. It also serves as a breeding ground for rare species of pythons, bear cats and crocodiles. It is a perfect place to enjoy a lively picnic with friends and family.

Location: Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Entry Fee: INR 20 per head. Entry free on Thursday for educational tours

Timing: March to October 9 AM to 6:15 PM; November to February 9 AM to 5 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Vastrapur Lake is located right in the heart of the city, this Lake is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Ahmedabad.  The Lake is surrounded by a lush green garden that adds charm to the whole ambiance. The path around the Lake is perfect for early morning jogging or walking.

You can also enjoy a family picnic in the garden area and club it with a relaxing boat ride in the Lake. The lush green lawn near the Lake also serves as an open air theatre for cultural and musical programs. There are several street food stalls near the entrance where you can enjoy some mouthwatering snacks.

Location: Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380052

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: 8 AM to 10 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to  March

Sanskar Kendra is a museum that was created to showcase the city’s cultural heritage, art and lifestyle. The structure itself is a marvel and a delight to those who are interested in architecture. The Museum was built by renowned architect Le Corbusier.

The Museum exhibits the rich art and cultural aspects of the city and its glorious past making it one of the best tourist places to visit in Ahmedabad. There are stunning photographs showing the journey of the development of the city of Ahmedabad.

Many of the exhibits showcase the artistic skills of the people of Gujarat. You can also find manuscripts and pictures that narrate the Freedom Struggle and loads more here.

Location: Bhattacharya Road, Near Sardar Patel, Bridge, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM everyday of the week

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Nagina Wadi is a beautiful themed garden and entertainment park which is located right in the heart of the Kankaria Lake. A beautiful tree-lined walkway is used to get to Nagina Wadi. This entertainment park and garden is the perfect place for a family or friends outing in the evenings.

There are several activities that you can enjoy here such as jet skis, speed boat rides and other water sports, musical fountains and laser light shows. While you enjoy these activities you can also munch on some tasty Gujarati snacks.

Location: Nr.Kankaria Lake, Front Gate No.6, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380002

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timing: 9 AM to 10 PM. Monday Closed

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Rani No Hajiro is a tomb complex constructed specially for the wives of the Mughal royalty. This complex is located near the famous Manek Chowk. The tombs are in a courtyard and the complex is like a peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling area of the city.

An imposing gateway leads to the enclosure which is built on a higher platform. The courtyard itself is surrounded by  trellised cloisters which are fitted with stone screens with intricate carvings. The streets leading to the complex is a bustling market place from where you can shop for some traditional clothes and accessories as well as souvenirs.

Location: Gandhi Rd, Manek Chowk, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry fees

Timing: 6 AM to 10 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Located in the Sanskar Kendra, the Kite Museum in Ahmedabad is the brainchild of Bhanubhai Shah. The Museum is one of a kind in our country and it is the second one in the world.

The collection includes mirror work kites, a Japanese hexagonal kites, kites with images of famous personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, hand painted kites, block print kites, a kite made from 400 pieces of paper and so much more.

The exhibits in this museum can definitely take you back in time to your childhood so do add it to your list of places to visit in Ahmedabad.

Location: Sankar Kender, Bhattacharya Road, Kocharab, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM, Closed On Mondays

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Maniar’s Wonderland is an amusement park with several interesting sections and exciting rides. The Snow Park is a part of the Maniar’s Wonderland and it is the perfect place to beat the scorching heat of Ahmedabad.

Here you can enjoy a snowball fight, build your own snowman, roll about in the snow, sip on a cup of coffee in sub-zero temperature and simply enjoy the feeling of being transported to a whole different place. There are snow huts where you can sit and enjoy the ambiance.

Location: Highway, Behind Kiran Motors, Sanand - Sarkhej Road, Sarkhej, Gujarat 382210

Entry Fee: Adults - INR 450 per person, INR 400 for children

Timing: 10 AM to 8:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Shanku’s Water Park is a complete family entertainment and amusement park. The place is filled with thrilling rides and adrenaline pumping activities. Some of the most exciting ones include Tumble Jumble, Shanku’s Twister, Racing Slide, Aqua Shuttle, Crazy Wave Pool and loads more.

Shanku’s Water Park also has a separate section for kids with special rides and slides for their entertainment. The Park also provides for a full range of accommodation facilities, a spa, a gymnasium and naturopathy center. You can also choose from a wide variety of mouthwatering cuisines ranging from Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi, Kathiyawadi, etc.

Location: Amipura, Ahmedabad- Mehsana Highway,, Mehsana, Gujarat 384435

Entry Fee: Mon to Fri - INR 650; Sat to Sun - INR 750

Timing: 10 AM to 5:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: September to March

The Vechaar Utensils Museum brings to you a most unusual yet spectacular collection of utensils from the Gujarati kitchens. This Museum was the initiative of Surendra Patel, the owner of the Vishala Restaurant.

This massive collection of utensils, nut crackers and nut cutters have been gathered from various villages, towns, antique dealers and other places. Here you will find uniquely designed and crafted pots, pitchers, betelnut boxes, incense burners, hookahs, lamps and many other accessories.

The most unique exhibits are the variably shaped nut crackers such as animals, birds, angels, dancers in different poses, etc.

Location: Opposite A P M C Market, Vasna, Vishala, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380055

Entry Fee: Adults - INR 20, Kids - INR 10, Foreign Nationals - INR 50, Camera and Mobile phones - Extra INR 100.

Timing: 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Monday Closed

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is a museum exhibiting a massive collection of manuscripts, Gujarati Jain style paintings, rare diagrams on cosmology, a diverse collection of sculptures, a Japanese style ancient wooden cupboard, Tibetan mandalas in bronze, Indian drawings and miniature paintings and so much more.

The Museum is divided into four sections and three galleries. It also has its own conservation and restoration lab and an art library. This is an ideal place to visit if you are a history buff or an art lover. 

Location: L.D. Institute of Indology Campus, Navarangpura, Gujarat University Clock Tower, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009

Entry Fee: No Entry fee

Timing: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday closed.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Adalaj Step Well is an architectural marvel and it seamlessly blends Hindu, Jain and Islamic designs. The Step Well is five storeys deep under the ground and there are three sets of stairs leading down to the first floor.

The route near the Step Well was once a trader’s route and many used it as a rest stop or a place to spend the night before the advent of hotels. The whole structure is filled with intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures and images of Jain and Hindu deities. There are also carvings that depict the everyday life of the people here such as women churning butter.

Location: Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat 382421

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Nehru Bridge is the main connecting bridge of the two banks of the Sabarmati River. This Bridge connects the old and new city and offers some of the best views of the nearby attractions.  This Bridge is 950 meters in length and made of steel and RCC slabs. Pandit Nehru inaugurated the Nehru Bridge in 1962.

IF you take a walk along the Bridge you can get a fantastic view of the Sabarmati Riverfront and the attractions around the area. There are wide footpaths on both sides where you can enjoy a leisurely walk as you enjoy the view or click perfect instagrammable pictures.

Location: Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: Always open

Best Time to Visit: November to February, June to October

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Narayan. It is a fine example of nineteenth century Indian architecture. This Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad the day after Diwali, when people from all over the country and abroad come for ‘darshan’.

The deities within the sanctum are elaborately decorated with ornately carved ornaments and colorful fabrics. The intricate carvings within the Temple premises showcase the artistic craftsmanship of the artisans. The Temple has also preserved all the personal artefacts of Swami Narayan.

Whenever you visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, do not miss out on the morning Aarti to experience one of the most mesmerizing rituals of all time. The Temple also has a fascinating water show and a light and sound show in the evenings.

Location: J Road, Sector 20, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382020

Entry Fee: Entry is free. Abhishek Rs 50

Timing: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Light and sound show - 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: July to October

Calico Museum of Textiles is one of the oldest textile museums in the country and one of the most interesting places to visit in Ahmedabad. The exhibits in this museum are phenomenal which includes a massive collection of all kinds of fabrics, artefacts, rare collections of antique fabrics, tie and dye,  pichwai paintings, traditional Indian miniature paintings, rare collections of bronze artefacts and lots more.

The Museum is divided into two sections - In the first section there is the  Haveli where the exhibits include religious textiles, miniature paintings, artefacts, etc. The second section is the Chauk which has a collection of costumes of the Mughal era, carpets, furnishings etc.

Location: The Retreat, Airport Rd, Opp. Rani Sati Mandir, Jain Colony, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timing: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM; Closed on WednesdaysBest Time to Visit: All year round

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