My first solo trip took me to Ahmedabad, a city that is a perfect blend of modernity and rich traditions. I loved every moment of diving into its vibrant history, enjoying aromatic teas and savouring delicious khakhra. It was a trip that was full of stunning contrasts and unforgettable moments. Here are my top five favourite places I would love to visit again! Join us as we explore this vibrant city, where history is etched on every wall and time takes a pause, giving us a chance to take a peek into the past.
The vast marble courtyard of the Jama Masjid. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Ahmad Shah, it is one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent. | Photo Credit: Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
When I arrived, Ahmedabad welcomed me with its lovely rains, the perfect antidote to Chennai’s relentless heat. Ahmedabad, formerly known as Karnavati, was renamed by Sultan Ahmed Shah after 1411. The city’s 10-kilometer-long wall, originally built with 12 gates and 189 bastions, and later strengthened with 6,000 additional ramparts, tells stories of its glorious past. As a foodie and traveler, I was mesmerized by the 600-year-old city, where every nook and corner revealed fascinating historical tidbits and the aroma of street food was simply irresistible. In 2017, UNESCO recognized Ahmedabad as a World Heritage City, recognizing its old-world charm, Indo-Saracenic tombs, mosques built by African descendants, architecture inspired by Hindu and Jain traditions, and the beautiful Sabarmati River that flows through the city.
Sabarmati Ashram
After returning from South Africa, Gandhiji established his first ashram in Kocharab on May 25, 1915. It was later moved to an open area on the banks of the Sabarmati river on June 17, 1917. Known as the Harijan Ashram, Gandhiji lived here from 1917 to 1930. Originally known as the Satyagraha Ashram, it was the same place from where Gandhiji started the famous Dandi March on March 12, 1930, in protest against the British salt tax. | Photo Credit: KS Swati
Bhadra Fort
As soon as I entered the Bhadra Fort, I could feel the layers of history etched on its walls. Founded in 1411 by Ahmad Shah, the Bhadra Fort is also known as the Arak Fort. It is part of the oldest precinct in the city and is named after the Bhadra Kali Temple that is located inside and was added by the Marathas. The Mughal Empire built the Azam Khan Sarai in the 17th century and the British added a clock tower in the 1870s. Originally used as a court, the fort was converted into a prison during British rule. | Photo Credit: Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
Sidi Said Mosque
Ahmed Shah’s first royal mosque
Have you ever entered a mosque where none of the pillars or minarets are the same? This is the specialty of Ahmed Shah’s first Shahi Masjid. Built by Ahmed Shah in 1414, it is the oldest mosque in Ahmedabad. It exemplifies the Gujarat style of Indo-Islamic architecture, with carved panels on the façade, two minarets on either side and latticed stone screens to block sunlight. | Photo Credit: Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
Jama Masjid
After spending a long day exploring one of India’s most culturally rich cities, I felt a sense of peace as I entered the vast marble-lined courtyard of the Jama Masjid. Built during the reign of Ahmad Shah in the 15th century, it is one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent. At the centre of the courtyard is a bathing area, surrounded by pillared galleries with Arabic and Urdu inscriptions. The mosque’s architecture beautifully blends Hindu and Jain influences, as can be seen in the lotus-like carvings on some of the tombs, reminiscent of Jain temples. | Photo credit: Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
(The author was in Ahmedabad on the invitation of ITC Narmada)
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