Ahmedabad, a miniature metropolis in the Indian state of Gujarat, offers visitors a pleasant combination of old and new. Explore the city in 24 hours with Minibreaks!

Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The original city of Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah I, who established a township here in 1411 CE. At that time, it was known as Karnavati due to its proximity to two rivers (the Sabarmati and Ranna). The town grew quickly under his reign, but after his death only two years later it fell into disarray with many citizens leaving for other regions like Dholka or Khambhat. 

In Ahmedabad, the ancient and new elements coexist in a harmonious way. Sky-high buildings, opulent cafés, and business parks are the dominant visual elements of the metropolis. Ahmedabad, which is located along the Sabarmati River's ever-enchanting shoreline, has a captivating urban environment. Explore the city to locate the most beautiful historical landmarks and the top museums. Ahmedabad has, above all, been essential to India's Freedom Movement. Diverse thalis, fine textile items, and friendly hospitality sum up Ahmedabad's vibrant way of life wonderfully. Ultimately, spend Ahmedabad for 24 hours and learn about the varied culture.

Some of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad for exploring the city in 24 hours are-

1. Sabarmati Riverfront 

The Sabarmati riverfront is a popular tourist destination. The fort looks beautiful on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which flows through Ahmedabad.

The fort has several attractions for tourists to enjoy such as an old lighthouse with a small museum inside it, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi made from marble, and many other monuments like the Sardar Smarak Park that were built in memory of those who died during independence struggle for India. The place also offers various restaurants where you can grab some delicious food along with great views of the riverfront area. 

? Entry Fee: None
? Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

2. Dada Haveli Wav

If you're looking for a leisurely lake experience, head to Dada Haveli Wav. It's a man-made lake in Ahmedabad, about 3.2 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide—so it's big enough to give you some breathing room without feeling too crowded. The city is dotted with lakeside parks and gardens (like Kankaria Lake), but this one is particularly popular among locals because it has both rowing competitions and boat rentals on offer. If you'd rather just kick back on shore, there are plenty of spaces here where you can relax with family or friends while taking in views of the surrounding cityscape from afar.

? Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
? Entry Fee: None

3. Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is an artificial lake situated in the center of Ahmedabad. The lake was built during the rule of Sultan Ahmed Shah (ruled 1411-1443), and named after him as "Ahmed Sagar". It covers an area of 68 hectares and has a depth ranging from 3 meters to 8 meters, with its deepest point located near its northern end.

The Kankaria Lake is a popular tourist attraction within the city, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year. Many locals come here for boating in paddle boats or motor boats, while others use it as a picnic spot. During religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Navratri celebrations take place here (especially at night). In addition, many local residents come here simply to enjoy this tranquil space away from their busy lives!

? Timings : Tuesday - Sunday: 4:00 AM - 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
? Entry Fee : Adult: INR 25; Child: INR 10; Senior Citizens: Free Entry; Educational Trip: INR 1; Free entry for joggers from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM

4. Calico Textile Museum

The Calico Museum of Textiles is another place you can go to learn about textiles. Located in the Sarabhai Foundation, it has exhibits from all over India and you can see how they have evolved over time. You'll also be able to see their work on their looms, which makes it seem like they were doing it yesterday instead of 400 years ago! It's a great place to learn about the history of textiles in India because there are so many different kinds displayed here: saris, kurtas (men's shirts), shawls, and much more!

? Timings: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM; Closed on Wednesdays and Public Holidays
? Entry Fee: None

5. Kamala Nehru Zoo

The next stop is Kamala Nehru Zoo, which is also known as the Ahmedabad Zoo. This zoo is located in the heart of Ahmedabad city and it's a must-visit on your first day in the city. It was established in 1957 by Shri Harisingh Gohil, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

The zoo covers an area of about 20 acres with more than 200 species of animals including mammals like lions, tigers, panthers (leopards), hyenas, and monkeys; birds like peacocks and parrots; reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes; amphibians such as frogs, etc., together with some invertebrates like butterflies, etc., housed in different enclosures according to their type/habitat requirements. The zoo also has an aquarium with over 300 species of aquatic creatures including fish from various parts of India. 

? Timings: March to October - 9:00 AM to 6:15 PM; November to February - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
? Entry Fee: Children (3 to 12 years) - INR 10; Adults (from 12 years) - INR 20; Educational Purpose - INR 5 (per head)

6. Ahmedabad's Jama Masjid

7. Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza

Places to stay in Ahmedabad

It is not hard to see why there has been an increase in hotels in Ahmedabad given its emergence as the economic and industrial centre of the country. It is one of the most intriguing sites to visit with family or friends because of all the temples, ashrams, and lakes there. These are some of Ahmedabad's top accommodations.

1. Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel 

Price Starting at INR 2,252

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad

Located moments away from the SH Highway, DoubleTree by Hilton is the ideal place for unwinding. Numerous recreational options are available at the hotel, including a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a terrace with views of Ahmedabad. Within a 12-kilometer radius of the hotel, there are the ISKON Mega Mall, Law Garden Night Market, and the Sabarmati Ashram, all of which are conveniently accessible.

Price Starting at INR 2,600

3. Fortune Landmark Hotel 

One of Ahmedabad's top five-star hotels, Fortune Landmark is well-situated in the centre of the city and offers the ideal ambience for a relaxing stay. The hotel has several opulent restaurants, including Earthen Over, Zodiac, and the Fortune Cookies bakery, that provide delectable cuisines, as well as contemporary, pleasant accommodations. The Sabarmati riverbank in the background adds to the area's tranquillity and makes for a richer visit.

Price Starting at INR 3,100

4. Radisson Blu Hotel

For those seeking luxurious facilities, Radisson Blu offers the ideal lodging. A stay at the Radisson Blu seems really utopian, whether you want to unwind with a massage at the O2 spa, embark on a gastronomic adventure at one of the two on-site restaurants, or visit nearby sites like Kankaria Lake and Adalaj Stepwell. It is also considered one of Ahmedabad's best and most recommended hotels.

Price Starting at INR 3,400

5. Nature’s Abode

The property's name is reflected in its location, which is tucked away amongst lush vegetation and exudes a relaxing, organic atmosphere. The property's expansive grounds and verdant foliage create a peaceful haven away from the bustle of the city. Rooms are large enough for a family to stay comfortably. Guests may relax in the shade and listen to the birds while taking in the fresh air. There's a fully-equipped kitchen on-site to satisfy any strong cravings

Price Starting at INR 7,500

Food in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad has a wide variety of dining alternatives because it is such a vibrant and distinctive city. You can eat at any number of eateries in this city, including upscale chain restaurants, five-star hotels, and vibrant street food stands. Do not hesitate to sample Gujarati food, which is primarily vegetarian. The Gujarati Thali, which commonly comprises Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Rice, and Vegetable Curries, must be tried while in Ahmedabad. Additionally, you can try the well-known Khichdi with Chaas (Buttermilk).

Gujarat is best known for its delectable food. Chakri, Dhokla, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi, and Khaman are a few of the most well-known snack foods. Gujarati delicacies are well-known throughout the nation. Make sure you purchase them from a neighbourhood sweets store. You may also try the phoney street pizzas, the spicy Paani-Puri, and the pao bhaji.

The best thing about Ahmedabad's street food is that it is delicious and reasonably priced while yet being quite hygienic. While there, one should also sample some of the local Gujarati treats, such as Basundi, Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Ghevar, Malpua, and many others. Gujarat, the state where Gandhi was born, is a dry state, hence alcohol is not available here. 

Shopping in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is one of the cities that offers a diverse selection of shops. It is mostly an industrial area and is well known for its textiles, block prints, and gem-embroidered clothing.
The city is particularly well-known for its woven textiles, tie-and-dye, and zari craftsmanship. Visit places like Kadipa, Lal Darwaza, Ellis Bridge, and Bapu Bazaar. Art book enthusiasts should visit the Art Book Center, while those searching for a flea market should go to Ravivari, a riverbank market that is only open on Sundays.

The following are some of Ahmedabad's most well-known and essential markets:
? Lal Darwaza: It is one of those markets where you can splurge on delicious street food while shopping for clothing and electronics and haggling to your heart's delight.

? Banascraft: One of Ahmedabad's well-known shops, Banascraft offers a wide selection of handcrafted products. A women's cooperative association called SEWA is where most of the things in this place are obtained.

? Kapasi Handicraft Emporium: Visit this Emporium if you want to purchase some well-known Gujarati handicrafts. These include wall hangings, vases, works of art made of marble, ceramics, and handicrafts made of brass and other precious metals.

? Law Garden Night Market: Women are buying expensive wall hangings, bandhej sarees, chaniyas (length, colorful skirts), and antique jewelry at the Law Garden Night Market, which is hopping with activity. If you are good at haggling, all the better.

? Manek Chowk: With a 3 million yearly turnover, this is India's second-largest market. It is a morning vegetable market, a midday bullion market, and a night street food market. You don't want to miss out on this one.

Best time to visit Ahmedabad

The best season to visit Ahmedabad is from October to March when the weather is warm and enjoyable for travelling about the city. Summer begins in March and lasts until May, when daily highs exceed 30 degrees, making it a great time to go sightseeing.

This time of year is also a great time to explore the city because there are so many events and things to do, including the International Kite Festival in January. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to October, has much lower lodging and transit expenses, but it's also known for its frequent torrential downpours that cause the Sabarmati River to overflow.

How to commute within Ahmedabad? 

Ahmedabad is a city with heavy traffic all day long. However, the busiest routes are those that lead to businesses and popular tourist destinations. For transportation inside the city, there are several alternatives available, including buses, taxis, rickshaws, and vehicle rentals.

? By Bus: Janmarg, also known as the Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). BRTS was first offered as a free service for three months. Later, it became a paid service with incredibly low rates starting at INR 3 for a distance of 2 kilometers. Working class citizens, students, and even tourists frequently utilize Ahmedabad's BRTS system, which serves as the city's primary form of public transit. From 6 AM to 11 PM, buses are available for use. Remember that buses are uncomfortable and often packed.

? By Cab: When traveling from one location to another, people frequently choose to take a cab or rickshaw. Although the costs are greater than bus rates, local commuters find taxis and rickshaws to be more convenient. Every day, thousands of rickshaws transport people across the city.

? Autorickshaws: Autorickshaws are always available on the road.

? Car rentals: A significant percentage of visitors like renting cars to get around the sights. A great option for group travel is renting a car.

Conclusion 

Ahmedabad city is frequently referred to as the "Manchester of India" because of its prominence in the textile and dairy industries. The "Smart City Mission" has identified Ahmedabad as one of the nation's commercial centres with the quickest rate of growth.

Ahmedabad produces a wide range of fabrics, from "khadi" to "bandhani," and it is one of the most well-liked shopping areas in the country. Without sampling the mouthwatering tastes of local food and the creamiest dairy products, a visit to Ahmedabad would be incomplete. This blog provides a complete guide to spending 24 hours in Ahmedabad.