Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, India

The beating heart of the Indian state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has managed to preserve its cultural integrity through the centuries, remaining relatively unaffected by the British colonial rule. Little-developed by the tourism industry, the city remains a true hidden gem inhabited by remarkably hospitable Gurajatis, teeming with exquisite historic temples, renowned universities, and world-class vegetarian eateries able to convert diners of the most carnivorous persuasion.

Population:

6.3 million

Currency:

Indian rupee

Emergency Numbers:

Police 100
Fire Station 101
Ambulance 108102

Opening Hours:

Most businesses open between 9am and 10.30am, working till around 6pm. Stores, restaurants and other commercial establishments often have longer working hours. Night markets start set up at dusk (around 7pm) and operate till around midnight.

Newspapers:

The Times Of India
Indian Express
Ahmedabad Mirror

The City

Modern Ahmedabad is an industrial and financial hub packed with historical buildings and temples, monuments and attractions. The city prides itself in being the starting point of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance movement and is home to Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, now transformed into a museum and open to visitors.
Ahmedabad managed to remain relatively culturally unaffected by British colonial rule, but even with Gujarati being the local language, most inhabitants understand and speak English well. The Gujarati enjoy a reputation of being very friendly and hospitable, so travelers should not hesitate to ask for help or directions, if necessary.
The best time of year to visit Ahmedabad is during the autumn (or early winter) months, when the summer heat subsides and the temperatures are pleasantly cool.

Do & See

Ahmedabad boasts and incredible number of historic religious temples, and is home to Mahatma Gandhi's famous Sabarmati Ashram. Among the city's many museums one that stands out the most is the Calico Museum of Textiles, which holds an incredible collection of rare fabrics and is an absolute must-visit. Ahmedabad and the surrounding area offer a few nature getaways, with Kankaria Lake topping the list.

Dining

A meal not to miss when in Ahmedabad is the Gurajati "thali". A "thali" usually consists of several medium-sized servings of various dishes - appetisers, breads, salads, curries and (sometimes) non-savoury treats. Cuisine in the state of Gurajat is primarily vegetarian, so expect to only find meat-free dishes in most traditional dining halls and authentic local restaurants. However, with more and more Western-style eateries popping up all around, it will hardly be difficult to find nearly any type of food in the busy city (SG Road in the western part of town, for example, is lined with cafés and restaurants fit for any taste).

Cafés

To break up the string of restaurant meals, try some of Ahmedabad's cosy cafés and explore the variety of options on offer. From local, traditional eateries to Western-style cafés and coffee houses - the city has it all.