Situated on the western part of the Indian sub-continent, Gujarat derives its name 'Gujaratta' meaning the land of Gurjarts. Being the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat is a remarkable coastal state rich in crafts, history and natural beauty. Punctuating the skyline with chimneys of sophisticated textiles mills, Gujarat is one of India's most industrialized states in western India.

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh largest city in India. It has a population of almost 5.1 million. The city is located on the banks of River Sabarmati and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970.

There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Gandhi ashram is situated on the banks of Sabarmati River and was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. It has become a place of pilgrimage since its inception. Kankaria Lake is south east of the city. This is an artificial lake complete with an island summer palace. The lake was constructed in 1451 and has 34 sides, each 60m long. It is now a local picnic spot. Bhadra fort is another attraction. The foundation of this fort was laid in 1411. The Juma Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. This mosque was built by the city's founder in 1423. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city. Rani Rupmati Masjid is a monument that is built between 1430 and 1440.

The shaking minarets of Sidi Bashir's Mosque are unique in its own way, when one minaret is shaken, other minarets vibrate too. Famous tourist spots in and around Ahmedabad include Dada Hari, Akshardham temple, Law garden, science city, bhadra fort and ISKCON temple. There are a number of museums like Calico Museum, Lalbhai Dalapatbhai institute of Indology and Utensils museum which are worth spending time. Sarkhej Roja, Adalaj Vav and Shanku Water Park are tourist attractions nearby. The entire tourists spots in and around are accessible by rail and road. Ahmedabad is well connected to most of the Indian cities and important cities in the world by flights. The accessibility, spectacular tourist locations and friendly people will make you trip to Ahmedabad an ever memorable one.

Getting There

Air: Ahmedabad airport, located 10 km north of the city, receives both national and international flights.

Rail: Ahmedabad is well connected by trains with Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodra and Udaipur.

Road: Ahmedabad has a good road network. By road it is linked with towns like Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar.