The former capital of the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is a city of great industrial and cultural importance. But if you are under the impression that this is all there is to the city, you could not be more wrong. Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, Ahmedabad provides its visitors with a world of opportunities in terms of art and culture. The city has many attractions, hosts vibrant festivals, and is home to outstanding marketplaces. If entertainment with a hint of local flare and fervour is on your mind, Ahmedabad or ‘Amdavad’ as locals call it, is undoubtedly the place to be.

Ahmedabad is home to a number of attractions, most of which hold great historical significance. Some of the best places in the city include the Bhadra Fort, Sarkhej Roza, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Sardar Patel National Memorial and Hussain Doshi Gufa among others. Visit Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in the early hours to catch the perfect sunrise. Galleries such as the Archer and the Lemongrasshoper are a must visit if you are an art aficionado. The monuments of Ahmedabad stand apart for their exquisite design and architecture. Complete with spectacular light and sound shows, they promise you an unforgettable time.

The largest city in Gujarat celebrates major festivals as they should be, i.e., with great pomp and show. This is the very reason why it is advised to visit the city in the months of October to March. While the city holds a brilliant display of lights during Diwali, Holi turns the landscape into a spectrum of colours. The month of January too attracts people from near and far off places to the city due to Makarsankranti or Uttarayan. The festival sees people, young and old alike, coming together to fly kites. It turns the sky, dotted with kites of all shapes and colours, into an absolute delight.

Ahmedabad also offers you great places for a family outing. From planning a picnic by the Chandola Lake or the Kankaria Lake to catching a movie at one of the city’s many theatres, the options are endless. The lakefront of Kankaria consists of a zoo, toy trains, balloon rides, food stalls, and water rides among other things. It also hosts a week long carnival every year in the month of December. The hotels in Ahmedabad see a lot of rush during this time so ensure that you make your bookings well in advance. With a lot of dance and drama, the Kankaria carnival is representative of the region’s distinct art and culture.

If you find exploring new marketplaces fun, Ahmedabad has many wonders in store for you. The city offers you the best when it comes to shopping. The fine mirror work, bandhani prints, bead work, and block prints crafted by local artisans is unmatched in beauty and vivacity. Do check out the narrow lanes of marketplaces such as the Lal Darwaza, Ravivari, ManekChowk, and Revdi Bazaar to lay your hands on the best of handicrafts and textiles. These bazaars will also keep the food lover in you happy with stalls that serve delicious Gujarati delights like khakhra and dhokla.

So, visit Aapnu Amdavad for a taste of the colourful traditions of Gujarat.