About Ahmedabad :

With total Area of 8087 sq.k.m. Ahmedabad is geographically at the centre of Gujarat, situated between 21.6 to 23.4 north latitude and 71.6 to 72.9 east longitude. Total population of District is 74,86,573 (2014).

Ahmedabad District is surrounded by Kheda District in the east, Mehsana in the north, Anand District in the south and Surendranagar in the west. 14 talukas of the District include 556 villages, 1 corporation, 1 cantonment area and 7 municipalities.

History :

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the State of Gujarat and the Seventh- largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 74 lakhs (7.4 Million). City is Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. The city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district, and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter. The city was at the forefront of the Indian independence movement in the first half of 20th century. It was the epicentre of many campaigns of civil disobedience to promote workers’ right, civil rights and political independence. Mahatma Gandhi also established Gandhi Ashram on the bank of river Sabarmati and selected Ahmedabad as his “Karmabhumi”.

The city was founded in 1411 to serve as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, by its namesake, Sultan Ahmed Shah. Under British rule, a military Cantonment was established and the city infrastructure was modernized and expanded. It was part of the Bombay Presidency during the British rules in India. Kankaria Lake, in the neighbourhood of Maninagar, is an artificial lake developed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the Sultan of Delhi, in 1451 A.D. The city is also called Karnavati, a name for an older town that existed in the walled area.

Ahmedabad remained the most important city in the Gujarat region. The City established itself as the home of a booming textile industry, which earned the nickname “The Manchester of India.” With the creation of the state of Gujarat in 1960, Ahmedabad gained prominence as the political and commercial capital of the state. Once characterized by dusty roads and congested localities, the city is witnessing a major construction boom and population increase. A rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries, Ahmedabad remains the cultural and commercial heart of Gujarat, and much of western India. Since 2000, the city has been transformed through the construction of skyscrapers, shopping malls and multiplexes.

The BRTS and the Sabarmati River Front development project are also under progress. Kankaria Lake, Siddi Saiyad’s Jali, Jama Masjid, Roza of Sarkhej are the historical monuments/places situated in the city. Gandhi Ashram, Abhay Ghat (Samadhi of Late. Prime Minister Shri Moraraji Desai) Science City, Vaishnovdevi Temple, ISCON Temple are also famous for the tourists attraction. Lothal, Step-Well of Adalaj & Akshardham Temple are also very famous tourist places nearby. A famous Swaminarayan Temple is also situated in Sarangpur of Barvala Taluka of Botad District, which is a newly created district from parts of Ahmedabad and Bhavnagr. Nal Sarovar Lake is also a famous Bird Sanctuary where migratory birds from Central Asia visit every year in winter season, is situated in the Ahmedabad District.

Tourist Places :

The Jumma Masjid/Jama Masjid :

Situated on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Ahmedabad, Jumma Masjid is one of the finest architectural specimens found in the city. Also known as Jama Masjid, this mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the year 1423 to render the Muslim devotees a place to congregate for Friday prayers. It is believed that this yellow sandstone mosque was built using pieces from the vandalized Hindu and Jain temples. The mosque has 260 pillars that are covered with intricate carvings and the interior of the shrine is illuminated by natural lights that filter through latticework screens

Siddi Sayed Mosque :

Siddi Sayed Mosque is one of the most photographed monuments in Ahmedabad. It is situated in the northeast corner of Bhadra Fort and is famed for its latticework over the yellow sandstone. The major highlight of this mosque is the twin jails on the western wall that depicts intertwining of tree branches. The carving is well appreciated as it has been done with excellent delicacy

Sabarmati Ashram :

Dubbed as the second home of Mahatma Gandhi, Sabarmati Ashram is a Spartan colony of tiled houses in Ahmedabad. The place has historical importance as it is considered that it was from here Gandhi orchestrated the final struggle of independence. Here one has the opportunity to witness his cottage called the Hriday Ashram, which has been well-maintained by the authority. One can still see Gandhi’s personal items like round eyeglasses, wooden slippers, letters and books

Sarkhej Roja :

At a short distance from Vishala Complex is Sarkhej Roja, which is a beautiful complex of tombs and pavilions. The complex is built around an artificial lake made for the rulers of Gujarat. The prominent tombs here include that of Ahmed Shah’s spiritual advisor, Sheikh Ahmed Khattu. One can witness fine carving and brass latticework here

Teen Darwaza :