Sabarmati Ashram

This ashram was Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for Indian independence. His ashram was founded in 1915 and still makes handicraft, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Gandhi's spartan living quarter are preserved as a small museum and there is a pictorial record of the major events in his life. The ashram is open from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm (7 pm between April and September). Admission is free. There is a sound-and-light show for a small charge at 6:30 pm (in Gujarati) and 8:30 pm (in English on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday and in Hindi on the other nights. The beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad, with it's shady trees populated by thousands of parakeets, beeeaters, sunbirds and squirells, offers a refuge from the loud streets of the city, and is one the foremost tourist attractions of Ahmedabad.

Kankaria Lake

South-east of the city, this artificial lake, complete with an island summer palace, was constructed in 1415 and has 34 sides, each 60m long. Once frequented by Emperor Jehangir and Empress Nur Jahan, it is now a local picnic spot. There's a huge zoo and children's park by the lake, and the Ghattamendal pavilion in the center houses an aquarium. 

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid, built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah, is beside Mahatma Gandhi Rd, to the east of the Teen Darwaja. Although 260 columns support the roof, the two 'shaking' minarets lost half their height in the great earthquake of 1819, and another tremor in 1957 completed their demolition. Much of this early Ahmedabad mosque was built using items salvaged from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. It is said that a large black slab by the main arch is actually the base of a Jain idol, buried upside down for the Muslim faithful to tread on.

Rani Sipri's Mosque

This small mosque outh-east of the city is also known as the Masjid-e-Nagira (Jewel of a Mosque) because of its extremely graceful and well-executed design. Its slender minarets again blend Hindu and Islamic style. The mosque is said to have been commissioned in 1514 by the wife of Sultan Mahmud Begada after he executed their son for some minor misdemeanour and she is in fact buried here. 

Sarkhej Roza

Travel south along he highway, and a short day tour will bring you to the Sarkhej complex, a cluster of monuments dating from the Sultanate. Sarkhej was the home of the Muslim religious leader Ahmed Shaik, who was a spiritual guide of Sultan Ahmed Shah. In 1411, he was one of the 4 Ahmeds who laid the foundation of the city. The Rauza or Maqbara (mausoleum) of Shaik Ahmed Gunj Baksh - 140 ft in area is one of the largest mausolea in India, rivalling the Taj Mahal. 

Dada Hari Vav

Dada Hari Vav (Stepped Well) - This well was built to provide cool resting place and water to the travellers. The stepped well is one the finest example of Gujarati architecture. Even on the hottest days the well is cool. This well was built in 1501. It has a flight of steps leading down to lower and lower platform terminating at a small, octagonal well. The best time to visit and photograph the well is between 10 and 11 am; at other times the sun doesn't penetrate to the various levels.

Hathee Singh Jain Temple

Hathee Singh Jain Temple was built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain Merchant. This is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hathee Singh Temple is dedicated to Dharamanath.

Travel Links For Ahmedabad

www.ahmedabad-hotels.net/
www.indiatravelinfo.com/ahmedabad1.htm

News Papers Links For Ahmedabad