An Expats Guide to Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat, located on the banks of River Sabarmati. The city's name dates back to its 15th century founder Ahmed Shah and is today recognised as a rising centre for business, technology and education.While it was replaced as the state capital by Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad remains the hub of trade and commerce in Gujarat. The commercial importance of Ahmedabad also makes the city an important travel destination in India. Besides being home to a number of important industries and immense modernisation over the last few years, Ahmedabad also boasts of many majestic monuments, with the old and new part of the city sitting comfortably together.Top Attractions - In and Around AhmedabadGandhi Ashram, Sabarmati

Gandhi Ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi on a quiet stretch of the banks of the Sabarmati in 1917. During Gandhi's lifetime, it was the centre of India′s freedom movement and known as Satyagraha Ashram. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma began his famous "Dandi March" to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. ′Hridaya Kunj′, the simple cottage where he lived, is preserved as a National Monument.Kankaria Lake

Kankaria is one of the most popular and favourite tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. It is a circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.Sidi Sayed Mosque

Constructed in the year 1573, the mosque was established by Sidi Sayed, a slave of the city's founder Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque consists of 10 semi-circular windows, the appeal of which is accentuated by the splendid mesh covering them, more popularly known as jaali. This monument has gained worldwide recognition due to its splendour.Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Auto World Museum, the largest and the biggest automobiles collection of India and one of the best in the world, is in Ahmedabad. It has a wide range of antique vehicle collection of cars, motorcycles, buggies including models like Rolls-Royce, Bentleys and Daimlers.Akshardham Temple

A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. The architectural masterpiece consists of a number of things under one roof - art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research.Popular Local Dishes:

• Dal-dhokli
• Chevdoh
• Dhokla
• Undhiyu
• Khaman
• Fafda
• Papdi
• Handvo
• Khandvi
• Khichu

• Swati Snacks
• Agashiye
• Vishala
• Atithi
• Rajwadu

• Navratri
• Diwali
• Holi
• Uttarayan International Kite Festival
• Rann Utsav
• Modera dance festival
• Tarnetar Festival

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad caters to international routes, including to the Middle East, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, some parts of Europe and the US.
• Air India, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Spicejet, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Jet Airways and Etihad are among the airlines offering direct flights to and from Ahmedabad.
• Most domestic airlines that operate flights on a regular basis from Ahmedabad: Jet Airways, Air India, Alliance Air, Air Deccan, Indian Airlines, Air Sahara, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, and GoAir.
• Ahmedabad is very well connected with the rest of India by train. The Metro cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and other major cities are linked by a number of superfast and express trains.