Best things to do in Ahmedabad

Pay a visit to Gandhi Ashram, a former residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, and the site from where he led the legendary Salt March of 1930. The ashram was built in 1917, nestled on the banks of the Sabarmati River, and was Gandhi’s home for 12 years. Take a walking tour of the ashram and its museum to learn more about Gandhi’s life and the independence movement, visit his living quarters and seeing numerous artifacts from his time there.

At Sabarmati Riverfront, see the waterfront infrastructure created for environment improvement, sustainable development, and social gatherings. Since the city was founded in 1411, this site was an important source of water and provided a backdrop for both cultural and recreational activities. Explore the urban riverbank and all the amenities which surround it. Access the river via one of 31 ghats (riverfront steps) where you can go on boat trips. Refrain from swimming, however, as years of intensive use have made the river unpalatable.

The second largest lake in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake hosts a renovated pedestrianized lakefront, a vibrant hub of activities and entertainment. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutbuddin, in 2008 the polygon-shaped body of water underwent a regeneration project to develop numerous attractions, including an amusement park, children's play center, and a mini golf course. A walkway to the lake's center leads to a lively garden, hosting numerous food vendors and laser displays. Circling the lake, a mural park features some 292.6 sq m (3,150 sq ft) of colorful murals on pink sandstone, depicting the history of Gujarat.

At Adalaj Step-well, explore the water building which served as a resting place for many pilgrims and traders for hundreds of years. Built in 1499, its carved ornamentation depicts mythological scenes that represent the Indo-Islamic architecture. Enter the mystical site via one of three stairs which meet at a huge square platform underground, while an opening in the ceilings invite sunlight. See the spots where villagers came to fill their pots with sacred water from the octagonal well, offered prayers to gods, and socialized. The site has well-connected routes, so you can reach it by via train, car, or bus.

Akshardham serves as a grand complex dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the prominent Hindu civic organization BAPS. A massive and intricately carved pink sandstone mandir--a Hindu place of worship--stands as the centerpiece of the 23 acre (9.3 hectare) complex. Standing at a height of 108 ft (33 m) and covering a floor area of 32,427 sq ft (3,014 sq m), this mandir features over 6,000 tons (5.5 million lbs) of pink sandstone. After you finish marveling at the main mandir, stroll through the complex's series of decorative mandapams--pillared outdoor halls used for public rituals. The complex also features artistic and historic exhibits meant to educate visitors about the path to spiritual enlightenment.

One of the busiest locations in the city, ISKCON Temple features stone domes hand-carved with images of Krishna. A blend of Gujarat Sompura and Rajasthani Khamira building styles, the shine encompasses 1.3 hectares (4 acres) and includes one of India's biggest temple rooms, which can receive about 4,000 people at any given time. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), headquartered at the site, offers daily lectures on scriptures.

Head to Auto World Vintage Car Museum to observe a comprehensive collection of antique cars, built by a local family over the last century. The cars sit elegantly presented in several cream-colored pavilions and next to a neatly maintained courtyard garden. See over 100 vehicles from all over the world, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes, Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln, and Chrysler automobiles. Pick up a souvenir at the gift shop followed by a hot beverage at the onsite cafeteria.

See one of the world's most remarkable collections of antique and modern textiles at Calico Museum of Textiles. The museum details India's extensive heritage of textiles and handicrafts, displaying pieces ranging from those worn by Mughal and provincial rulers to labor-intensive Kashmiri shawls. Take in the absorbing information about techniques and see exhibits on ritual art, temple hangings, and fabrics for everyday use. Advance booking is required.

Go through a meditation and life improving guidance at Dada Bhagwan Temple, a large Hindu temple surrounded by a lush green garden. Non-sectarian in nature, this marble complex features many idols from Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism housed in a huge building with three tall towers. The centerpiece in the main hall is the 3.9 m (12.9 ft) tall marble statue of Shree Simandhar Swami. Watch a video about Dada Bhagwan’s life and the development of Akram Vignan movement which runs this temple. A play area for children with slings and slides makes this place a convenient family visit. Wear or bring socks with you.

Observe the masterful carvings of Hathee Singh Jain Temple, the most important Jain temple in Ahmedabad. Constructed in 1848 by hundreds of skilled workers, this white marble structure with protruding porches and a huge dome stands as a dignified landmark in a busy city. Elaborate ornaments scattered all over the temple represent both animate and inanimate figures, with 11 deities depicted in the basement and the bay sanctuary.

Peruse a wealth of stores at Ahmedabad One Mall, a large shopping center with 66,000 sq m (706,000 sq ft) of floor space. Choose from international and domestic brand names, and check out the gadgets at the electronics stores. Refuel in the 500-seat specialist vegetarian food court, or stop by one of the many standalone vendors in the mall. If shopping isn't your thing, head to the arcade or see what's playing at the onsite movie theater.

Take in the grand structure of Jami Masjid--as the largest mosque in the country, it can hold up to 25,000 devotees in its ample courtyard. Admire the striking architecture on display, with its intricately and skillfully rendered red sandstone and marble structure adorned with impressive 40 m (131 ft) minarets and domes. Don't miss the chance to climb up one of the minarets, where 121 steps lead to sweeping views of the city. Note that unaccompanied women are not allowed up without a guide.

See what Le Corbusier compared with the Acropolis of Athens at Sarkhej Roja, a mosque and tomb complex fusing Muslim and Hindu architectural style. Built between 1445 and 1451, it initially served as a highly regarded center to the Sufi faith, and contains tombs and monuments to numerous historical figures, including sultans and sheikhs. Wander the grounds observing various religious and royal buildings, and note the blend of Islamic domes, pillars, and brackets with Hindu ornamentation, all characteristic of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the height of the sun.