Ahmedabad is among the most important cities in Gujarat. The place, with a vibrant culture, has had a rich past, evidence of which is visible even today through its many structures. So, here are the historical places in Ahmedabad that you must visit for a lesson in history. By Anushka Goel
Historical places in Ahmedabad that you must visit
Sabarmati Ashram
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Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the ashram was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi. The place is a haven of peace, exuding a sense of calm that you may not find elsewhere in the city. The ashram also holds an important place in history, having been the launch point of the non-violent freedom struggle that the father of the nation started.
Housing a museum today, the heritage place holds several artefacts from back in the day, including Mahatma Gandhi’s writing desk, personal photographs, letters, charkha (spinning wheel) and a lot more.
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winters, to be away from the scorching heat
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: You can book taxis, autorickshaws or buses from anywhere in the city to reach
Book your stay at ITC Narmada here
Jami Masjid
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Among the greatest architectural marvels in the city is Jami Masjid, also called Jummah or Jama Masjid. One of the many historical places in Ahmedabad, the masjid was built in 1424 by Ahmad Shah I, and is located in the old city, outside the Bhadra Fort. The place’s complex evokes a sense of serene calm, while the outside is chaotic, with bustling markets, eateries and more.
Best Time To Visit: March – April
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: The place is easily accessible by autorickshaws
Swaminarayana Temple
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Akshardham Temple, also called Swaminarayana Temple, was the first of the Swaminarayana sect, and sees a huge number of visitors each day. The temple complex is pristine and clean, with bright hues and intricate artwork. The complex is revered for the calm it exudes, and is also among the starting points in heritage walks around the city.
Best Time To Visit: September – February
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: The temple is about 30 minutes from the Ahmedabad Airport and roughly 45 minutes from the railway station, and can be reached via autos and cabs
Book your stay at Hyatt Ahmedabad here
Bhadra Fort
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Built by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411, the Bhadra Fort is among the historical places in Ahmedabad that houses lavish gardens, open spaces, huge gates and more. Along with its royal palaces and mosques, the place has a shrine dedicated to Bhadra Kali as well as a clock tower installed by the British in 1878.
Best Time To Visit: Mornings and evenings
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Autos and buses are the best ways to reach the tourist spot
Rani No Hajiro
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Manek Chowk is among the most popular spots for those looking for garba dresses, accessories and more. What the place also has is the graves of Sultan Ahmad Shah’s consorts (hence called Rani no Hajiro). The complex, also called Mughali Bibi’s Tomb, is unlike the others, and has graves placed in an open courtyard with rich brocades covering them. The architecture is a mix of Hindu, Islamic and Jain styles, and makes for a beautiful sight to see!
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winters
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Board an auto from wherever you are staying, or in case you have a two-wheeler, it’ll make your travels across the city smoother
Book your stay at Novotel Ahmedabad here
Adalaj Ni Vav
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Stepwells are present in many places across India, and served as water storage tanks in the Mughal era. And among the historical places in Ahmedabad that are a must-see is Adalaj Ni Vav, or Adalaj stepwell. The place features intricate carvings, steps leading to the bottom and nooks and corners that were all used to store water. It definitely makes for a picturesque spot to see!
Best Time To Visit: Winters
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Hire a cab to take you to the place, or board an auto
Hutheesing Jain Temple
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Among the most prominent Jain temples in Ahmedabad, Hutheesing Jain Temple is dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Lord Dharmanatha. The temple was constructed in 1848, and is among the many historical places in Ahmedabad that make for a must-visit. The architecture here is similar to the Dilwara Jain Temples in Rajasthan, and the intricate carvings will enchant you!
Best Time To Visit: Visit in the mornings and evening, right before the temple closes
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Hail a cab or auto to the temple
Jhulta Minara
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Your trip to the historical places in Ahmedabad has to include the Jhulta Minaret. The two minarets, which still stand tall in the city, were once the gateway to the Sidi Bashir Mosque, another place you should visit. What makes them unique (and gives them the name ‘jhulta’, or swinging), is that when you shake one minaret, the other moves, too. However, the passageway connecting them both remains steady and does not face any vibrations at all!
Best Time To Visit: All seasons
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Hail a cab, bus or auto to Sakar Bazar, where the minarets are located.
Dada Harir Vav
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Dada Harir Vav is another stepwell that you must visit in Ahmedabad. The intricate structure was built in 1485 by Dhai Harir, and is a sandstone marvel built with intricate carvings and more.
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winters
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Book a cab till Haripura
Lal Darwaja
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Lal Darwaja is a prominent site in Ahmedabad and is an important historical landmark. The place today is bustling with markets and street food stalls, and is also a beautiful structure to see in the city. You can easily drive past the area or get down here and walk around, soaking in the marketplace and exploring local eateries.
Best Time To Visit: Winters
Cost Of Travelling: Entry free
How To Reach: Board a bus or auto to the place
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Satyajeet Mazumdar/Unsplash
Related: Our Guide To Shopping Destinations In Ahmedabad For Some Traditional, Quirky Buys
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Adalaj Stepwell, Rani No Hajiro, and Jhulta Minar are among the oldest historical places in Ahmedabad.
Answer: Yes, anyone can visit these places in Ahmedabad.
Answer: Yes, it was named a UNESCO Heritage City in 2017.
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
