The largest city in Gujarat is a vibrant Indian metropolis. With a handsome array of palaces and mosques, great museums, fine food, and excellent accommodation, Ahmedabad offers something for every visitor.
Ahmedabad was a Mughal capital and a hub of British India, and it is packed with incredible buildings. From the Sidi Sayed Mosque, the Jama Masjid, and the Bhadra Fort to the Hutheesing Jain Temple, historical delights are around every corner.
Head to the Calico Museum of Textiles (with fabrics from the 17th century), the Le Corbusier-designed City Museum, and the Lokayatan Folk Museum.
Ahmedabad isn't just a medieval and ancient feast for the eyes. It also boasts some impressive modern buildings, including the brickwork of the Indian Institute of Management and numerous Le Corbusier creations.
Festivals take place throughout the year. From the fireworks of Diwali to the dances of Navratri and the Makar Sankranti kite festival, the people of Ahmedabad know how to put on a show.
The craftsmen of Ahmedabad are famous for their silverwork. Visit the Gujarat Gold Jewellery Show at the Karnavati Club in April, or showrooms along CG Road to find gorgeously crafted products.
Ahmedabad is crammed with fantastic restaurants. Standouts include dining al fresco in the courtyard at Vishalla and trying vegetarian dishes on the rooftop terrace at Agashiye. Meals will cost around ₹150-200.
The best time to go is definitely between October and March. That way, you can avoid the intense summer heat and see the sights in comfort, with temperatures hovering around 75-80 degrees.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is about 10 miles north of the city. From there, you can take the AMTS bus (₹25) or take a taxi for around ₹200.
Trains run into Ahmedabad from Mumbai, Vadodara, Jaipur, and Delhi, among many other major Indian cities. Expect to pay around ₹1,500 to get from New Delhi to Ahmedabad.
From Mumbai, take Highway 48, then the NE1 when you get to Vadodara. Highway 48 also runs from New Delhi directly to Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad has excellent bus connections to other western Indian cities. Intercity services run into Geeta Mandir, just east of the city center.
Ahmedabad has no end of superb hotels, including the contemporary Novotel Ahmedabad, the high-end Hyatt Ahmedabad, and the Lemon Tree Hotel.
Lal Darwaja - the city's biggest and best bazaar, Lal Darwaja is overflowing with food stalls, jewelry vendors, textile stands, and pretty much everything else you can think of.
CG Road - where you'll find the best jewelry showrooms, as well as some of the best hotels, CG Road is a favorite with upmarket travelers.
Khanpur - on the east bank of the Sabarmati River, Khanpur is home to sights like the Sidi Sayed Mosque, and it's the major tourist neighborhood.
AMTS buses provide extensive coverage of the whole city. Prices vary from ₹3-25 depending on how far you are going (the conductor will tell you all you need to know).
Taxis in Ahmedabad generally charge ₹40 for the meter drop, then about ₹22 for every subsequent mile.
You can rent a car in Ahmedabad from Happy Travels. Expect to pay around ₹400 per day.
Ahmedabad has some extraordinary bazaars, including Lal Darwaja, where bargaining for textiles and craft items is to be expected. But there are more modern options too, including Sarkhej and the stores along CG Road.
Local supermarkets include Reliance Fresh and Big Bazaar, where you can expect to spend around ₹15 on 12 eggs.