24 Hours In Ahmedabad

The Kite Festival or Uttarayan in Ahmedabad
The Kite Festival or Uttarayan in Ahmedabad | © dbtravel / Alamy Stock Photo
Aditi Gupta

With the growth of business and economic status of Ahmedabad, you may often find yourself in this city — sometimes with a few hours to kill. The city offers rich history, delectable Gujarati food, easily accessible places of interest and gorgeous handicrafts for its travelers. If you’d rather explore the city than staring into a screen, here is a list of must-dos when in Ahmedabad.

Dada Harir ni Vav

Dada Harir Ni Vav Step well 1499, Ahmedabad
© Dinodia Photos / Alamy Stock Photo

Dada Harir ni Vav

Dada Harir ni Vav opens as early as 9am. And if you make it to this destination before that time, you could spend some time at the mosque of Sultani, which is behind the step-well.
Over 500 years old, the step-well, made of sandstone in the style of Solanki architecture, is five stories deep and features an octagonal plan on the top. Inside the well, vertical pillars and platforms are stacked one upon another, and horizontally, the views unite as the step-well deepens from one end to the other, lending itself to beautiful perspectives.
Step-wells of Gujarat are well known, and your trip to the city won’t be justified without a visit to Dada Harir ni Vav, which is accessible by local modes of transport. The more famous step-wells such as Adalaj Vav and Rani ki Vav in Patan are best visited on longer trips to the city.

Dada Harir ni Vav, Haripura, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, India

Vintage Car Museum

Museum

Auto World Vintage Car Museum
© Kandarp Gupta / Alamy Stock Photo
If you are a fan of automobiles, this place is a must-visit. The Vintage Car Museum houses over 100 vintage cars of all brands, shapes and sizes. Set up by Pranlal Bhogilal, founder-president of the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India, the museum also allows visitors to pay a small fee and ride the car of their choice.
Vintage Village, a Gujarati-themed dining restaurant complements the museum and serves elaborate Gujarati thali for lunch and dinner during the day.

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Asia
© Dinodia Photos / Alamy Stock Photo

The famous Dandi March began from this Ashram in the year 1930. Partly a museum, this place reverberates peace from every corner. You could spend time looking through pictures, handwritten notes, excerpts from history or by walking around Gandhiji’s house to learn about his life. Have more time on your hands? You may want to try spinning the charkha, shop for authentic khadi clothes or stroll along the Sabarmati River.
Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Hridaya Kunj, Old Wadaj, Ahmedabad, India, +91 79 2755 7277
What better way to learn about the Father of the Nation than by visiting Sabarmati Ashram. Located on the banks of river Sabarmati, the Ashram was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi who lived here for 12 years along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Museum

India Gujerat Ahmedabad Calico Museum of Textiles gate house detail
© travelib asia / Alamy Stock Photo
Managed by Sarabhai Foundation, the Calico Museum is one of the leading and celebrated textile museums in the world and an important Indian institution. The Calico collection along with Sarabhai Foundation’s collection of outstanding bronzes, Pichwais paintings, Jain art objects and Indian miniature paintings are housed at this museum. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries.
In case you decide to make a visit to this spectacular museum, you may want to pre-book the guided tour via phone.

Amdavad ni Gufa

Cafe

Amdavad ni Gufa underground art gallery
© Dinodia Photos / Alamy Stock Photo

Amdavad ni Gufa is an underground art gallery designed by the famous architect B.V. Doshi and exhibits the work of the famous artist M.F. Hussain. Also known as Hussain-Doshi ni Gufa, the roof of this cave-like underground structure is made of interconnected domes covered with tiled mosaics. Above ground is Zen Café, an open-air coffee shop that serves scrumptious ice tea, coffee, Indian tea, pizzas and sandwiches. The Gufa and café are open to the public from 4pm to 8pm.

Amdavad ni Gufa, Opposite L.D Engineering, Gujarat University, University Road, University Area, Ahmedabad, India, +91 79 2630 8698

Sidi Sayed Mosque

Market, Market, Mosque

Exquistely carved tree of life screen in the Sidi Sayed Mosque Ahmedabad
© maurice joseph / Alamy Stock Photo

Sidi Sayed Mosque

Open to visitors as late as 10pm, Sidi Sayed Mosque is more than 400 years old and the most famous mosque in Ahmedabad. The mosque was built with yellow sandstone in Indo-Islamic style of architecture and is famous for its beautifully carved ‘Tree of Life Jali’ — latticework done on one of the semi-circular arch windows — which is now the unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad and inspiration for the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s logo.

Sidi Sayed Mosque, Opp. GPO, Salapose Rd, Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, India, +91 79 2550 8264

Shopping at Law Garden and Dinner at Khau Gali or Swati Snacks

2B72DKB Law Garden Night MarketAhmedabad Gujarat India

While in Delhi or Mumbai, a trip to Chandni Chowk or Linking Road is obligatory. Likewise, a trip to Law Garden perfects your stay in Ahmedabad and is more fitting for girls who love splurging on local handicrafts.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

The name of this place comes from Gujarat Law Society College and a park housed in the same area. Take your time to explore small street shops alongside the road and bargain to your heart’s content before purchasing that piece of jewelry, bed sheet, Gujarati saree blouse, kurti, long skirts, wall hangings, home décor items, shawls or stoles, all adorned in kutch embroidery.

Walk towards the end of this street at the crossroad and to your left is Khau Gali, famous for its lip-smacking street food. Khau Gali makes for a quick treat of local varieties of different world cuisines. An ice cream sandwich is a must-have.

To your right at the crossroad is Swati Snacks. If you decide to visit Law Garden, be sure to try this eatery for a truly memorable trip. Swati’s simple, homemade-style Gujarati food might keep you longing for more. You may want to try patra, thalipit-pitla, sugarcane juice, panki chatni and baked masala khichdi.
Law Garden, Maharashtra Society, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, India

Swati Snacks, Panchavati Road, Law Garden, Ahmedabad, India, +91 79 2640 5900

By Aditi Gupta

For Aditi, writing is a natural extension to her passion of photography and through Culture Trip, she hopes to entice the audience with interesting stories from escapades to different destinations around the country and the world. More about her on about.me/adese.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article