Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Ahmedabad

Sidi Saiyad Masjid

From Sarkhej to Lal Darwaja is a distance of about 5-7 km and brings you to Sidi Saiyad Mosque the outstanding feature is a filigreed carving of marvelous detail. You wonder that such workmanship is possible in sandstone.

Teen Darwaja, Juma Masjid

Laldarwaja is old city area so you might just as well proceed towards Teen Darwaja. The area is choc-a-bloc full of street vendors so make your way onwards to the Juma Masjid on Gandhi Road, a cacophony of noise. Step inside and it is tranquil. Marvel at the innumerable pillars and the construction that allows people to remain cool in blistering heat. Stop awhile at teen Darwaja. In the Central Darwaja wall you will see a recess and a lamp burning, tended by a wizened caretaker. This lamp, it is said, burns since the time of Sultan Ahmed Shah.

Manek Chowk and the Poles

Step outside of Juma Masjid and venture to Manekchowk, a stone’s throw away. This is the heart of the old city. The old city is a maze of poles, some of them home to common people and some for the city’s “bhadralok” with their beautiful Havelis with inner courtyard and intricately carved wooden pillars. You will come across such heritage Havelis as you walk the narrow lanes and view life as it used to be lived for hundreds of years. Nostalgia can overcome you. In fact, if you want to see the real Ahmedabad, navigate the many poles of Ahmedabad. Manekchowk is the market place for vegetables, fruits, jewellery, apparel, trinkets, silver and gold and, at one time, it had the stock exchange too. Do not forget to sample fafda jalebi at Chandravilas on Gandhi Road, a 100 year old establishment.

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake once known as Hauz e Qutub is the second largest lake in the city said to have been built by Sultan Qutbuddin in the 15^th Century. Today, it has been modernized and it is a recreational place. Give it a miss if you do not have time. But do not give the old city a miss if you want to know Ahmedabad and its people.

Museums

There is nothing on a grand scale but each one is unique. The Utensil Museum in Vishalla restaurant in Vasna showcases traditional utensils of Gujarat. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Shahibaug is worth a visit to know about the various varieties of textiles produced here and the Shreyas Folk Museum displays textile and clothing along with coins and weapons.

Dada Hari Ni Vav

Located in Asarwa, the Dada Hari ni Vav is another neglected yet richly carved monument. It is a step well. Even in the blistering heat of summer, when you go down to the deepest level, it is refreshingly and soothingly cool. It is not quite as popular as Adalaj Vav but it is inside the city.

Temples

If you like temples you could opt to visit Hutheesing Jain temples to view the collection of exquisitely carved statues of Tirthankaras. The Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir is built entirely of wood so it is worth a visit. Other than that it is better to spend your time to visit more attractions like the Gandhi Ashram in Wadaj or the Satyagraha Ashram in Kochrab on Ashram Road near Paldi.