India

Founded in 15th century, Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. Ahmedabad was the capital city of Gujarat before 1970 and is now the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district. Situated in Western India on the banks of river Sabarmati, this city is also named as the Manchester of East India. Being Gujarat's major city, Ahmedabad has a lot to offer to its visitors. It comprises of excellent museums, fine restaurants and fabulous night markets. Ahmedabad is also know as "Amdavad" by the locals.

HISTORY

The story is associated with Sultan Ahmed who while roaming on the banks of river Sabarmati watched a tiny hare chasing a dog. He kept on thinking over it and discussed it with a spiritual adviser. The spiritual adviser explained him that this is because of the uniqueness of this very land which developed these qualities in people. This impressed the Sultan and he decided to make Ahmedabad as his capital.

Towards the end of the thirteenth, Gujarat was occupied by Delhi Sultanate. In order to protect Ahmedabad from outside invasion, the grand son of Ahmed Shah built an outer city wall.

In the year 1573, the city was occupied by Mughals emperor Akbar. Under its rule, Ahmedabad became a leading centre of textiles in Gujarat. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan spent a major part of his life in Ahmedabad. And it was him who constructed Moti Shahi Mahal in Shahibaugh.

Then in the year 1753, the city came under the rule of Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Geakwad. Under their rule, the city became a centre of conflict between the two Maratha clans. but the city was captured by British East India Company in the year 1818 and in the year 1824, a military cantonment was set up. And in the year 1864, railway line was laid connecting Ahmedabad with Bombay. This led to the development of Ahmedabad as a leading centre trade and manufacturing. In the year 1915, people of Ahmedabad raised their voice for Independence of India.

VISIT AHMEDABAD

Since it was the land of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of The Nation), Ahmedabad has observed many movements of Indian Independence. Also, it is the seventh largest metropolitan city in the country of India. The founder of this city, Sultan Ahmed Shah, has beautified it with monuments, mosques, pavilions, lakes and mausoleums. To name some-Sabarmati Ashram, Jama Mosque, Calico Museum of Textiles, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Teen Darwaza, Kankaria Lake, Vastrapur Lake, Nehru Bridge, Parimal Garden, Law Garden, Victoria Garden and Bal Vatika. Thought of the city has come across a lot of changes since the time it had been founded, these places always have a different story to tell. You can even spend an entire day at Kamla Nehru Zoological Park. Furthermore, the city has an exquisite architecture that blends Hindu and Islamic styles, is a major attraction for tourists. The city has also become a hotspot for medical tourism in recent days with medical facilities available at low costs.

The City even boasts of world class educational institutions as well as industries. This includes IIM-A, the school of Architecture and Alliance Francaise, Indian Textiles Industries Research Association, Calic Mills and many such.

Ahmedabad has been divided into two parts- Old Ahmadabad and new Ahmedabad. The old city has been developed imperfectly and most of the roads are jam-packed and small whereas the New city is developed and well-structed. Also, a wide variety of shops and malls exist here.

The City of Ahmadabad is considered as a heaven for vegetarian food lovers. There are many food outlets which serve some authentic Gujarati cuisines which includes mouth-watering Gujarati Thali (roti, rice, and vegetable curry) and snacks like dhokla, khaman, fafda and undiyu.

Since Ahmedabad is situated in the state of Gujarat, the people of Ahmedabad mainly converse in their native language ie Gujarati. But other languages like Hindi and English are also widely spoken.

CLIMATE

There are three main seasons in Ahmedabad which includes Summer, Monsoon and Winter. The weather remains hot from march to June; the average summer maximum is 43 degree Celsius whereas average minimum is 24 degree Celsius. The climate remains extremely dry from November to February, the average maximum temperature remains 30 degree Celsius whereas the average minimum is 13 degree Celsius. South-Western monsoons sweep into Ahmedabad in mid-July and continuous till mid-September. The temperature remains humid during this time. The annual rainfall receive by the City is 800 Millimetres.

HOW TO REACH AHMEDABAD

By Air

Sardar Vallabbhai Patel airport operated all international flights. A number of Domestic flights. A number of domestic flights are also operational from here.

By Train

Kalupur station is the main railway stations of Ahmedabad. This station is connected to all the major cities of India.

By Bus

Regular buses from Delhi, Mumbai and Gandhinagar are well-connected to Ahmedabad.

WHAT TO DO IN AHMEDABAD

• Explore Calico Museum of Textiles displaying some outstandingly beautiful pieces of antique and modern Indian textiles

• Visit the famous Sabarmati Ashram which represents the life and teaching of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Shop some traditional Gujarati outfits and handicraft from the famous law garden.

• Go for a Heritage walk in Ahmadabad and Discover the charms of the city.