Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad banner for - 90% Amdavad Aerial - Aerial view of central Ahmedabad Ahmedabad or Amdavad (also spelled Ahmadabad) (Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati: અમદાવાદ, Hindi phrasebook|Hindi: अहमदाबाद) is the fifth largest city in India with a population of 6.5 million. Although it is the commercial hub of one of the most prosperous states of India, Gujarat, it's not the state capital, which is its twin city of Gandhinagar, 30 kilometers to the north. Ahmedabad is a good example of materialistic attitude and spirituality of self-renunciation. One of the fastest growing city in India, Ahmedabad is a centre for information technology, education and industries. Bhadra Fort, Shaking Minarets and Tran Darwaja are the historical sites of the city. Kankaria Lake and Vastrapur Lake are places which let you feel the pleasure of nature. If you want to enjoy the colourful side of this part and then pay a visit during the major festivals of Ahmedabad: Uttarayan and Navratri are two most famous festivals that are celebrated with great zeal and gusto. The winter season is considered the best time to visit the city. Halal Districts == Ahmedabad map in png - Districts of Ahmedabad The classification below is according to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The West Zone and New West Zone are on the west side of the Sabarmati River. All other zones are on the east side. {{Regionlist | region1name=Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone | region1color=#dcdc71 | region1items=Girdharnagar, Madhupura, Dudheshvar, Shahpur, Dariapur, Kalupur, Raikhad, Jamalpur, Khadia | region1description= This zone mostly consists of the Walled City areas of Ahmedabad and the famous Mughal architecture of the old times. The main Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) is in Kalupur. | region2name=Ahmedabad/North Zone|North Zone | region2color=#cc66cc | region2items=Sardarnagar, Nobalnagar, Naroda, Kubernagar, Meghaninagar, Asarva, Shahibaug, Naroda Road, Thakkarbapanagar, Saraspur, Nava Naroda | region2description= SVP International Airport (AMD) is in Hansol. Asarva is well known for the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and Naroda is the industrial area now developing rapidly. | region3name=Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone | region3color=#e8ba37 | region3items=Behrampura, Kankariya, Indrapuri, Khokhra, Maninagar, Narol, Danilimda, Lambha, Isanpur, Ghodasar, Vatva | region3description= Kankariya Lake is a very popular and relaxing place here. Maninagar Railway Station serves this region of the city, as an alternative station to the main train station in Kalupur in Central Zone. The prestigious Ahmedabad - Vadodara National Expressway - 1 starts from the C.T.M. | region4name=Ahmedabad/East Zone|East Zone | region4color=#de6e6e | region4items=Nikol, Bapunagar, Gomtipur, Rakhial, Odhav, Vastral, Hatkeshwar, Ramol, Hathijan | region4description= Mostly industrial areas. | region5name=Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone | region5color=#c5a0c6 | region5items=Motera, Chandkheda, Sabarmati, Vadaj, Usmanpura, Navrangpura, Ambawadi, Paldi, Vasna | region5description= Motera, Chandkheda and Vasna are rapidly developing suburbs. Motera-Chandkheda, in Northern portion, serve as exits to the capital and twin city of Gandhinagar via Visat-Gandhinagar Intercity Highway (up to Infocity Gandhinagar). Sabarmati is one of the oldest areas of Ahmedabad, having the Sabarmati Railway Station (SBI) for North India-bound trains (as an alternative station to the main train station (ADI) in Kalupur in Central Zone). Ashram Road and C G Road are core business and commercial areas. Vasna is quite in Southern portion and is an industrial area. | region6name=Ahmedabad/New West Zone|New West Zone | region6color=#817cc0 | region6items=Gota, Chandlodiya, Kali, Ranip, Thaltej, Bodakdev, Sarkhej, Vastrapur, Vejalpur, Juhapura, Memnagar, Jodhpur Gaam | region6description= Most of them are developing suburbs. IIMonday - Ahmedabad, one of the best business schools in India, is in Vastrapur. Vastrapur Lake is newly built artificial lake. Ranip is close to Sabarmati and has the Sabarmati Railway Station (SBT) for trains to/from Central India (as an alternative station to the main train station (ADI) in Kalupur in Central Zone). Bodakdev and Vastrapur are well-known for commercial centres. Sarkhej is the Ahmedabad end of SG Highway that connects to Gandhinagar on the Western side.== An introduction to Ahmedabad == Ahmedabad Panorama 1 - Panorama of Ahmedabad

History

The city was founded by King Karandev 1 in the 11th century and originally called "Karnavati". The Hindu kingdom of Karnavati retained its importance until 1411 when Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Gujarat and the city was renamed Ahmedabad after him. The city was built in an open and spacious plain to the east of the Sabarmati River. It included a smaller known fort as Bhadra Fort. The city wall had twelve gates. The city gradually expanded in every direction, with well laid out beautiful buildings, lakes and masjids on both sides of the river. In 1753 the combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, ending Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. During the 64 years of rule by Gaekwad and Peshwa and the city became cleaner. In 1818 the British annexed Ahmedabad. During this period the municipality committee was founded and a railway link was established. IIM Panorama Ahmedabad - The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad The British restricted themselves to the cantonment area and didn’t take much interest in the city. Nor did they get around to colonising Ahmedabad culturally; they didn't set up schools, churches and clubs all over the city as they did in other city's they integrated to their way of life. Ahmedabad was a cradle of the non-violent movement for India's independence, being host to the Sabarmati ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. Ahmedabad poses a mixture of rich tradition and modern feel. Jama Masjid Panorama Ahmedabad - Jama Masjid Ahmedabad ===Today=== The Gujarati community is known for its hospitality and for being shrewd businessmen. Ahmedabad is a big industrial city long reputed for its textile industry and today more so for its chemical, petroleum, international trade & IT industries. It is also known for its financial services industry and as the modern hub of Jain Religion. The city has institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology, IHM, MICA, EDI, Nirma University, Swaminarayan Gurukul, CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) University and NIFT.

Weather in Ahmedabad

Summer starts by mid-March and lasts up to mid-June. The typical temperature on a hot, sunny day in May would be 34-44°C (93-111°F) It's advisable not to visit during thr summer. With the arrival of the monsoon by mid-June and the city becomes a fun place. You'll be able to enjoy the various monsoon specialities of the city like boiled or roasted corn dishes on road-side stalls or some special local dishes like. There are also some famous Hindu festivals like Rakshabandhan (or Rakhi) and Janmastam and the birth date of Lord Krishna, which fall during this season. You may sometimes end up in floods. Winter is the best season to visit the city when the typical temperature is 5-20°C (41-68°F). == Get in =====Travel by plane to Ahmedabad=== AMD2 - Terminal 2 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport 23.073693,72.626582 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (IATA Flight Code: AMD) is in the area of Hansol, just 15 kilometers north-east from the city-centre. The airport is expanding with permissions for many international air lines being given and development of new terminals. ] Terminal 2 from inside - Terminal 2 (Inside view) Internationals flight connections include Muscat, Kuwait (Kuwait Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar-Airways), Sharjah (Air Arabia) and Singapore (Singapore-Airlines). Ahmedabad also has non-stop Flights from London Heathrow Airport on AirIndia. Domestic destinations with daily flights include Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Kolkata, Jaipur, Pune, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Nagpur. Recently, Flights to Kandla and Surat have also been launched. Most domestic airlines have a flight in and out of Ahmedabad. Passengers arriving in the morning are advised that the international terminal is not open 24 hours and may not open until the late afternoon. As at other Indian airports, you will likely be denied entry until roughly three hours before your scheduled flight even if the terminal is open. Therefore, connecting between a domestic and an international flight will often involve waiting outside for hours with the throngs of agents and hustlers. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city:

• By car: The Hansol area where the airport is lies near the river banks, between the areas of Shahibaug and Naroda that give access to Ahmedabad. For travelling to most of the main areas of Ahmedabad, head in the direction of Shahibaug. To the opposite of the river banks is the area of Motera - Chandkheda which are the northern ends of Ahmedabad and are better accessible through Koteshwar - Bhat Road (enters Motera through Koteshwar) or Ring Road (leading to Visat, turning left at Tapovan Circle); both these roads branch at different points on the road from Airport Circle (in direction of Naroda from the airport) to Koba Circle (take left from Airport Circle onto Indira Bridge). Also the SG Highway can be visited by heading straight on the Ring Road, instead of turning left for Visat.
• An auto rickshaw or a taxi should cost roughly ₹ 200 or 300 respectively. Save yourself considerable hassle by using the prepaid booth, or preferably arrange a pickup in advance with your hotel
• AMTS buses serve the airport directly. These buses have an extensive network all over the city.
• BRTS bus no 1000 runs between the airport and Karnavati club with 29 stops. Maximum fare is Rs.50. Frequency is once every 30 minutes. Buses have AC.

Travel by train to Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad Station - Main entrance of Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI), one of the busiest in India Ahmedabad Railway Station - Platform 1, Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) Indian Railways has a very wide network all over India and Ahmedabad (Central) Railway Station (Station code: ADI) is connected with Mumbai (500 km), Vadodara Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi with trains several times a day. Daily connections (or multiple weekly connections) are also available to several other major city's including Bikaner, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Indore, Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Nagpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Chennai, Nagarcoil, Trivendram, Bangaluru and Coimbatore. Direct trains are also available for Jammu, Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Kolhapur, Goa, Mangalore, Cochin, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Ahmedabad Central Railway Station - Kalupur Railway Station 23.025504,72.601430Ahmedabad Junction train station (Station code: ADI) and the main train station serving the city is in Kalupur (Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone). The other stations serving Ahmedabad are Maninagar, Vatva, Gandhigram, Asarva, Chandlodia, Chandkheda, Saij, Kalol Jn, Kali Gam, Vastrapur, Sabarmati, Sarkhej, Naroda, Gandhinagar, Khodiyar, Aamli. Although the important and well-connected ones are only Sabarmati Junction (

• for West & South-bound trains - Ranip | 23.071845,72.587134 Station code: SBI,
• for North-bound trains - Dharmnagar | 23.076406,72.588787 Station code: SBT) in the neighbourhood of Sabarmati (Northern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone) and
• Maninagar Railway Station 22.998730,72.611512 (Station code: MAN) in Maninagar (Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone). Sabarmati Railway Station - Sabarmati Junction (SBI), a station in the suburb of Sabarmati (West Zone, Ahmedabad)

The website of Indian Railways will show you trains from a particular station to your destination along with days, timings, fares and availability. This will help you find trains from individual stations of Ahmedabad (separate searches) as NOT all trains stop at all stations except of course the main Ahmedabad Railway Station (Station code: ADI) where each train halts (and for longer durations than any other station). Booking can be done through the website of IRCTC, a subsidiary of Indian Railways or through any of the railway reservation centres throughout India.

From train stations to city

=====Ahmedabad Railway Station===== It is in the area of Kalupur (Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone). It has a road-side Janmarg BRTS stand within the campus of the train station, which is just outside the main entrance of the train station. It is directly served by BRTS buses on the Line no. 9 (towards RTO Circle [Northern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone and towards Ellisbridge Central Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone) and Line no. 10 (towards Vasna [Southern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone) and AMTS also directly serves the station to various parts of the city. =====Sabarmati Junction===== It is in the neighbourhood of Sabarmati (Northern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone), is served by BRTS buses through the BRTS stations of either Sabarmati Powerhouse (closer to the train station) or Sabarmati Police station, both on Line no. 8 (towards Maninagar (Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone) and towards Visat Junction (serving the suburb of Chandkheda)). It is also served by AMTS buses directly. =====Maninagar Railway Station===== It is in Maninagar (South Ahmedabad) is directly served by BRTS buses on the Line no. 1 (towards RTO Circle [Northern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone), Line no. 5 (towards Iskcon Ahmedabad/New West Zone|New West Zone) and Line no. 8 (towards Visat Junction [Northern Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone). AMTS buses also serve the train station ===By state bus=== Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has buses from all the parts of the Gujarat state entering into the city. The central bus terminus at Geeta Mandir, with other terminals at Subhash Bridge and Naroda; minor stops include Paldi and Sabarmati Tollnaka. It is advisable to pre-book seats due to the likelihood of crowding. ====From bus terminals/stops to city:====

• Cambay Grand - Thaltej, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway
• Hotel Street Laurn is in the downtown, Ashram Road ==Telecommunication== International code for India is +91 The local area code is 79. Thus in total, +91 79 must be prefixed to a phone number

===Buy pre-paid SIM=== To buy a SIM card foreign nationals need to provide a photocopy of their passport, Indian visa page, a passport-sized photo and a proof of residence in India. As with much in India and the associated bureaucracy can be slow and frustrated. Activation of a SIM card can take a number of days. The top mobile phone networks in India are:

• Bharti Airtel Web: n 121@☎com Bharti House, Nr. Income Tax Office, Ashram Road ☎ +91 20 44448080 Very good connectivity and service. Although the main office is at Ashram Road as listed and there are several shops where you can buy SIM.
• Vodafone India Vodafone West Limited, 6th floor, Sakar - II, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad - 380006 ☎ +91 79 26577228 +91 9879903036 Among the best networks in India.
• Bharti Sanchar Nigam Limited - BSNL - BSNL Central Exchange Office, Mirzapur, Shahpur, Ahmedabad The state - owned cellular network.
• Reliance Communications - RCOM - Maradia Plaza, Nr. Associated Petrol Pump, C G Road, Ahmedabad - 380006 +91 22 30388005 Owned by the Reliance ADA Group.
• Idea Cellular ☎ +91 9824012345 +91 79 23232240 It has outlets across the site. Network coverage is the worst of the major providers.===Emergency information===
• Emergency Help (at any time) - 108
• Police - 100
• Fire - 101
• Ambulance - 102 / 108
• Airport Inquiry - 141
• Railways I.V.R.S. - 139
• Railways General Enquiry - 131
• Telephone Directory Inquiry - 197
• Telephone Local Assistance - 199 ==Cope in Ahmedabad== The railway reservation office and tourist booking window, are in an air-conditioned building just outside and to the right (when looking from the street) of the Kalupur Train station. Other railways stations are able to book tourist quota, but often refuse to serve you and refer you to Kalupur Train station after a lengthy wait.
• Canada and United States Visa Facilitation Centre Gujarat Chambers Building, Shri Ambika Mills, Ashram Road (Ellis Bridge) ==Muslim Friendly Hospitals==
• Civil Hospital - General Hospital - ms.health.ahmedabad.civil Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Asarwa ☎ +91 79 22683721 +91 79 22683421 It is Asia's largest hospital. One of the oldest and most modern hospitals in India. The main Apollo Hospital is in the twin city of Gandhinagar, but very close to the airport. The Apollo Downtown is in Ellisbridge area (Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone).
• Apollo Hospital (Main) - Near Airport - Plot No.1 A, Bhat GIDC Estate, Gandhinagar - ☎ +91 79 66701800 +91 79 66701843
• Apollo Hospital Downtown - Ellisbridge - info@ 1, Tulsibaug Society, Opp. Doctor House, Nr. Parimal Garden, Ellisbridge ☎ +91 79 66305800 +91 79 66305803
• Shalby Hospital (Main) South G Highway - Opp. Karnavati Club, South G Highway ☎ +91 79 40203000 +91 79 40203109
• Shalby Hospital (Downtown Unit) - Navrangpura - Vijay Cross Road, Nr. Fire Station, Navrangpura ☎ +91 79 27910700 +91 79 27911322
• Krishna Shalby Hospital - Ghuma - 319 - Green City, Ghuma, Via Bopal ☎ +91 2717 230877 +91 2717 230876
• Krishna Shalby Hospital - Maninagar - Siddhi Vinayak Complex, Balvatika - Maninagar Road, Kankaria, Maninagar ☎ +91 9724355522
• Care Institute Of Medical Sciences - CIMS - CIMS Hospital, Nr. Shukan Mall, Off Science City Road, Sola ☎ +91 79 27712771 +91 79 27712770 CIMS Hospital is accredited by various national bodies.
• Sterling Hospital Sterling Addlife India Limited, Sterling Hospital Road, Memnagar ☎ +91 79 40011111 Has a range of specialities.
• Sanjivani Hospital vgb.sanjivani Sanjivani Super Speciality Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, 1, Uday Park Society, Nr. Sunrise Park, Vastrapur ☎ +91 79 26306341 +91 79 26307165 A multi-speciality hospital founded in 1987.
• Retina Foundation and Eye Research Centre - Dr Nagpal's - Retina Foundation and Eye Research Centre, AsoPalov Eye Hospital, Near the Underbridge, Old Raj Bhavan Road, Shahibaug ☎ +91 79 22865537 +91 79 22866381 One of the most famous eye care hospitals in India.===News=== Stay updated with local news.
• Newspapers in Ahmedabad include Hindi dailies as Herald Young Leader, Metro Herald and English dailies such as The Times of India (TOI), The Indian Express, Daily News & Analysis (DNA), The Economic Times and The Financial Express, Ahmedabad Mirror (AM). Newspapers in other languages (Gujarati and Hindi) include Divya Bhaskar,Akila Gujarati News, Gujarat Samachar, Sandesh, Sukan Samachar, Rajasthan Patrika, Sambhaav Metro and Aankhodekhi.
• The state-owned All India Radio Ahmedabad is broadcast both on the medium wave and FM bands (96.7 MHz) in the city. It competes with five private local FM stations: Radio City 91.1 (91.1 MHz), Red FM 93.5 (93.5 MHz), 94.3 My FM (94.3 MHz), Radio One (95.0 MHz), Radio Mirchi 98.3 (98.3 MHz). Gyan Vani (104.5 MHz) is an educational FM radio station run under media co-operation model.

Stay Safe

People are friendly and the police will help you when you have an emergency. Ahmedabad is relatively safe because alcohol is not permitted: no late-night rowdyism as seen in other city's

=Police stations=== Ahmedabad City Police has around 35 major police stations besides the minor police chowkis. For emergency, dial 100. Find your police station depending on the area. Contact details (e-mail IDs and phone numbers) can be found when clicking on the respective station. == Where to go next after Ahmedabad

• Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar - a 35 km ride from Ahmedabad is not to be missed. They have various shows throughout the day showing the rich Indian legacy and the legend of Lord Swaminarayan. The water show in the evening is one of the best you will find in India. Stepwell, Ahmedabad - |Stepwell
• Adalaj Step-Well - a remarkable structure, dug five stories deep underground and full of intricate carvings. 15 kilometers north of Ahmedabad. See Gandhinagar

Travel Guide for details.

• Nal Sarovar - Bird Sanctuary About 65 km southwest of Ahmedabad, spread over 120 km² and the lake - Nal Sarovar - the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers, stints, cormorants, grebes and openbill storks among others. The best season to visit the sanctuary is November to February.
• Thol Bird Sanctuary This sanctuary is about 30 km west of the downtown. Just as Nal Sarovar, this lake attracts a large variety of bird species. It has become more preferable for the amdavadis to take an early morning trip. Although it does not have any facilities like boating, it has turned out more favourable as thit is a lesser known place. It will be best to rent a taxi for a morning as there is no public transport available here. November to March is the best time to visit. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
  

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