World > Asia > India > India Cities > Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is the principal city of Gujrat and is the second largest industrial centre of India. This city was founded by a Muslim ruler Sultan Ahmed Shah (hence Ahmedabad) in 1411. In 1615,the British representative Sir Thomas compared this city to London. Ahmedabad also played a prominent role during the freedom movement of India as it was the centre of Mahatma Gandhi's activities for some years. The city has number of attractions for travellers. It is one of the best places which blends Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Ahmedabad is an interesting place for those who like to shop and roam. The bazaar streets are narrow and crowded but also colourful.

The city lies on the banks of Sabarmati river. The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone step wells and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens. Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions, Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.

Ahmedabad blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant present. The city's prosperous and eventful past and present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture, rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit Ahmedabad throughout the year.