World Heritage City- Ahmedabad

After being honored as India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO, it is essential that we all know a little something about Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad or as it is dearly addressed by its residents; “Aapnu Amdavad” is a unique blend of contemporary culture with enormous wealth of history in the form of monuments, recorded events, stories from the locals, textile industries, food and festivals.  

Below is a list of all the prestigious must-visit places in this quirky and vintage town.

1. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque or ‘Sidi Saiyyed ni Jaali’

Built in 1573, in the last year of existence of the Sultanate of Gujarat, this mosque is considered as an unofficial symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Following an Indo-Islamic style of architecture, the most intricate work is performed on the jaalis. Take a look;

2. Adalaj Stepwell or “Adalaj Ni Vav”

Adalaj ni vav, is a five storey deep step well located in Adalaj; a small village very close to Ahmedabad. Gujarat was renowned for the construction for such step wells in the earlier times. The residents used it for drinking, washing and bathing. These ‘vavs’ were also a platform for several traditional rituals and festivities.

3. Jama Masjid or “Jami”

Built in 1424 under the rule of Ahmed Shah I, this mosque shares its location with another famous heritage sites of Ahmedabad; the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza.

4. Havelis

Not belonging to the family of ‘monuments’, havelis in Ahmedabad have found their own prestigious stature of being representative of the history, tradition and culture of the city. These belong to the citizens and go back to as old as 350 years. Some of these havelis also provide accommodation for guests; The French Haveli, Mangaldas ni Haveli, Dodhia Haveli and Deewanji ni Haveli. While you are there, do not forget to have a meal at the House of MG.

5. Jhulta Minara or “Shaking Minarets”

There are two sets of Jhulta Minaras in the city of Ahmedabad; near Kalupur Railway Station and the other opposite Sarangpur Darwaja. These Minarets are an architectural marvel and have left several experienced in the field, speechless. The reason being, when one minaret is shook, the other minaret automatically vibrates even though there seems to be no vibration in the connecting passage between the two. However, demonstrations of the vibrations are not displayed anymore in order to maintain and preserve the structure.

A few of the other must visit places are;
6. Akshardham Temple
7. Raipur Darwaja (for the heritage walk)
8. Bhadra Fort
9. Siddhivinayak Temple in Mahemdavad
10. Raipur Gate, Kalupur Gate etc.