From Wikitravel

Ahmedabad (also spelled Ahmadabad and in local language it's known as Amdavad) is the sixth largest city (pop. 6.5 millions) of India. It is the commercial hub of the state of Gujarat, though it is not the capital, which is Gandhinagar, 30 km to the north. Although it is not very well known as a 'tourist' place, it is certainly worth a visit. Actually, the fact that there are fewer tourists, will often get you a nicer welcome here.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 Train 2.2 Plane 2.2.1 International 2.2.2 Intracountry 2.3 Car 3 Get around 3.1 Rickshaw 3.2 Bus 4 Talk 5 Buy 6 See 7 Best Time to Visit 8 Sleep 8.1 Budget 8.2 Mid range 8.3 Splurge 9 Eat 10 Drink 11 Festivals 12 Contact 12.1 Emergency Information 13 Get out

Understand

King Karandev 1, the Solanki Ruler, had waged a war against the Bhil king of Ashapall or Ashaval. After his victory Karandev established the city called "Karnavati". This Hindu kingdom of Karnavati retained its importance till early 15th century when Gujarat fell to the Muslim Sultanate.

In 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Karnavati, and after his name Karnavati was renamed to Ahmedabad.

The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It comprised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates. The city of Ahmedabad went on expanding in every direction by the addition of new areas on both the sides of the river. And with the well laid out beautiful buildings, lakes and mosques.

In 1753 combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, which resulted into end of Mughal Rule in Ahmedabad. In 64 years during the rule of Gaekwad and Peshwa, city became worse. In 1818 British took over the administration of Ahmedbad. During this period Ahmedabad developed, Municipality Committee was founded, Railway link was established.

But the British restricted themselves to the cantonement area and didn’t take much interest in the city. Neither did they get around to colonizing Ahmedabad culturally (They didn't set up schools, churches, clubs all over the city, the way they did in other cities they integrated to their way of life).

So, unlike most other large Indian cities, Ahmedabad is not an English speaking city by nature - but language is never a problem as it has emerged as an international trading hub of Gujarat and almost everybody speaks English. The local language is Gujarati. You can get around by using Hindi or English with most people. The locals are by and large a friendly folk so you’ll get by, even if you don't speak any Indian languages.

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. Ahmedabad is famous of Navaratri festival. It's considered to be the longest dance festival on earth, Navratri, rocks Ahmedabadi people and their guest too.

The Gujarati community is largely 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 well-known for the Finance Wizards and as the modern hub of Jain Religion. The city has been put on world map by institutions like Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology, EDI, Nirma University, Swaminarayan Gurukul and few others. The place has become a landmark in good education practices.

Get in

Train

Ahmedabad is connected with Bombay (aka Mumbai) (500 km) and New Delhi with trains several times a day. Besides its connected with most other major Indian cities and all the states through direct or through-fare trains. There are also many flights to both cities and to Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Calcutta.

Plane

The airport is just 15 km north-east from the city-centre. The airport is expanding with permissions for many international air lines being given and development of new terminals. http://www.ahmedabadairport.com/

International

There are a few direct international flights to London, New York, San Francisco,Los Angeles and Chicago as well as Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah and Qatar and Singapore.

Intracountry

Flights Daily from Mumbai, New Delhi, and Calcutta and also to and fro from many other Indian cities and towns.

Car

You could drive to Ahmedabad from Mumbai on the new highway that's been built but it will take you around 10 hours to do the 550 odd Kilometers. It's an interesting drive and will take you through some very scenic areas, and you will pass Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodra, Anand, and Nadiad on your way. Driving to Delhi is a very tiring journey but could be interesting as you can stop at Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur on your way, but you'd want 3 days to make this drive.

Get around

Rickshaw

The best way to get around are the yellow and black 3 wheeled taxicabs known as the Autorickshaws or simply Rickshaws. Hollering 'Auto' or 'Rickshaw' at a passing Rickshaw should be enough to catch the drivers attention. In most cases the drivers would be able to understand Hindi and maybe even a few words of English. They are normally quite helpful and are not known to cheat tourists. There are some taxis but you will need to book them in advance or at the airport or railway station. You can also rent a "Qualis", a slang generic term for a SUV-taxi named after the common Toyota Qualis(but now are available as many other bands, such as the Chevy and India's own luxury brand, Mahindra). Normally they are offered with a driver, and they will stay with you all day, week, or even month if you'd like. This chauffeur can normally understand English, and knows the city very well.

Bus

For using the local buses, you will need to know some gujarati, as the routes and numbers are written only in that language. Besides, buses are the most common transport facility for the common people in the city and hence they are overcrowded at times.

Talk

The local language is Gujarati. Hindi is understood by almost everyone and English is prevelant to educated people. The education ratio is improving at a much faster pace though as the city is developing as an Education Center with some great institutions. English is at least partially understood by most people in the tourist industry.

Buy

Ahmedabad is well known for its textile industries. Be sure to look at the traditional hand embroidered and tie 'n die clothes, and if you are buying from the roadside shops be prepared to haggle. It would not be advisable to try these without a local guide. The city's main market area is situated at Ratan Pole and Manek Chowk near Lal Darwaja.It is generally a crowded area but you get a better variety of clothes (it is very crowded during festival seasons). The street side shops near Law Garden also offers good choices. Some shops such as Bandhej and Sanskruti offer these traditional items at fixed (and maybe overpriced) rates. But now the big shopping malls are offering almost all the things at a very cheap rate. You would also love to visit some of the local sweet shops, where traditional Gujarati sweets will catch your attention. Some of the famous shops are Bhogilal Mulchand Kandoi, Jai Hind, Ras Ranjan, etc.

See

• Gandhi Aashram Located near vadaj the Sabarmati Aashram was once house of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt it is the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the ashram premises. The ashram today continues the work started by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. Besides, there are several other attractions for the tourist.

• Sidi Sayed Mosque, Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique for its exquisite screens, which are praised for their amazing Jhali screen, framed, in the ten semi-circular windows. The screen carved out of one rock is just exceptional. A visit to this superb and outstanding example of delicate carving is an absolute must.

• Bhadra Fort, To add special charm to the varied sights of the city there is the Bhadra Fort, which once housed royal palaces and well-laid gardens. It boasts of the temple of Bhadrakali and was built in 1411 during the Maratha rule.

• Akshardham Temple, Rich and Wonderful architecture. Located in Gandhinagar, about 20 K.M. from Ahmedabad.

• Science City, Newly built Science City is one latest happening place in the city

• Vaishnodevi Temple, Replica of famouse vaishnodevi temple... located at S.G Highway

• Amar dham

• ISKCON temple

• Kankaria Lake, A circular lake built in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is a popular recreation centre surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika' - an aquarium, a boat club, a natural history museum and a zoo.

• Kamla Nehru Zoo This is near to Kankaria Lake and one of the best zoo in India.

• Vastrapur Lake, Newly constracted lake with spelndid beauty

• Law Garden,

• Sarkhej Roja

• Karnavati Meseum

• Hathisingh Jain Temple, Shahibaug Road, An impressive white structure, the Jain temple built of white marble and elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath - the 15th Jina or Jain Apostle. Similar to all Jain temples, this temple too is rich in intricate carvings displaying among other things - musicians.

• Calico Textile Museum, is one of the finest textile museums in the world in one of Gujarat's famous carved wooden havelis. The museum displays a magnificent collection of rare textiles dating back to the 17th century. There is also an excellent reference library on textiles. Located in the Sarabhai Foundation, in Shahibagh the Calico Museum of Textiles, widely regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world was constructed in 1949 AD. It has the finest collection of not just textiles and clothes but also furniture, temple artifacts and crafts in the country. It has no less than five centuries of the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India. It has a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts split in two thematic sections- gallery for religious textiles and historical textiles. An excellent reference library on textiles is found here.

• Juma Majid, (mosque). It is amongst the most popular tourist sights in the city. Built of yellow sandstone this mosque stands on 260 pillars which support 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque was built by Ahmad Shah in 1423. It is easily accessible as it stands in the centre of the old city. This imposing structure reflects the Muslim architecture of that period.

• Jhulta Minara, Quite an unusual structure, Jhulta Minara or swaying minarets are a part of the mosque of Siddi Bashir and can be moved back and forth by applying a little force at the topmost arch. One of the minarets was partly demolished by an Englishman in his endeavours to unravel the mystery of the swaying minarets. The mosque was built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism that leads to the vibration is still a mystery. The other interesting fact here is that these minars stand the test of the rumbling trains that pass not very far away from them.

• Indian Institute of Management (IIM)[1], in Vastrapur, the best School of Management in India was built by Louis Kahn and is a wonderful architechtural creation.

• Darpana Academy of Performing Arts[2], is one of the oldes't performing arts academies in the city. Its amphitheater Natarani has a fabulous performance venue overlooking the Sabarmati river and is one of the few places to bring internationally acclaimed performing artists to the city.

• DA-IICT, Gandhinagar(Dhirubhai Ambani Intitute of Information and Communication Technology)[3]

• Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, It is one of the best arts displaying museum in city. It has a wide collection of Indian miniature paintings, stone sculptures,terracottas, paintings of tagore, art of Nepal and Tibet, bronzes,textiles,wood work, cloth paintings, metal sculptures, coins. A MUST see museum in Ahmedabad city.

• Nirma University, It is a private university developed by the lengendry businessman Mr. Karsanbhai Patel - founder of one of the biggest Indian FMCG house Nirma. The campus of the university, which is spread in about 200 acres is worth a visit. You would also like to see the internal infrastructure and the overall administration of the university, that puts it in line with any international university. It is located at S. G. Highway about 20 kms distance from the heart of the city - C. G. Road. [4]

• Swaminarayan Gurukul, It is a residential and day boarding school run by a religious institution - the followers of Swaminarayan Cult in Hinduism. The infrastructure and the education systems are worth watching. On the first look of the main school building, you may feel that you are visiting some ancient palace of a powerful king. The school teaches not only formal education but also provides training in horse-riding, archery, dairy development, Yoga, Ayurveda, etc. After your visit, you may feel like putting you own child in this school.

• Udgam School for Children, founded 40 years ago in a small building by Mrs. Sarojben Carvalho. Eventually the school grew and it was necessary to shift to a better premises. The Kantilal Jaikisandas Charitable Trust took over the Udgam School for Children in the Year 1991. Consequently the school was relocated at Thaltej Tekra in a new spacious building. The Medium of instruction in school is English. The School follows Gujarat State education board syllabus. The school provides co-education. The school has classes, starting from Year Junior KG to Std. XII, having both commerce and science streams. [5]

• S. G. Highway, or Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, the recently developed hub of entertainment in Ahmedabad, is worth putting in couple of evening for. Fun & Movies at Fun Republic and Wide Angle or R-World, Food in various branded and local restaurants, Temples like Mini Vaishnow Devi Temple and ISKON temple, Educational Institutions like Nirma University and Swaminarayan Gurukul, and some very good shopping arcades like latest developed malls, you will find almost everything that you need for entertainment. The same highway leads you to Gandhinagar as well, where you can visit Akshardham temple and many other places of interest.

Best Time to Visit

Ahmedabad is by large a hot place. Summer starts by Mid-March and lasts upto Mid-June. The typical temperature here on a hot sunny day in May would be between 43 degrees celcius to 47 degrees celcius. It is advisable not to visit this place during Summer. With arrival of Monsoon by Mid-June, the city is a fun place. You will be able to enjoy various Monsoon specialities of the city like Boiled or Roasted Corn Dishes on road - side stalls or some special local dishes like Khichu during this season. There are also some famous Hindu festivals like Rakshabandhan or Rakhi and Janmastami - the birth date of Lord Krishna fall duing this season. You may sometimes end up in a water logging problem though. Winter is the best season to visit the city. The typical temperature in the city during winter is between 5 degrees celcius to 20 degrees celcius. It's fun visiting various open-air restaurants and road-side stalls in winter.

Sleep

Budget

Mid range

• Hotel Cama Park Plaza is a landmark of culture and comfort in the city of Ahmedabad, suited for business and leisure travelers alike. It is located centrally in the heart of business and shopping areas. It combines old-world charm with 21st century amenities to make your stay truly comfortable and memorable. Thus it is truly a endless fusion of traditional and modernity.
• Hotel Comfort Inn Sunset is a beautiful hotel with its unique architectural design. Hotel enthralls guests with a relaxing lounge and a warm welcome. Its close proximity from Airport is another advantage. It provides a high standard of hygiene & comfortable living for the business traveller as well as tourists to the city. It provides guests with an atmosphere of quality hospitality which lives upto the international standards of a first class hotel at an affordable price.
• Hotel Fortune is a leading economy hotel of Ahmedabad located in the heart of the city's business center, located around 10 km from the Airport. It offers its guests a complete range of amenities, including large meeting rooms, state-of-the-art business facilities and best food & beverage options. Its close proximity to city center, government houses and major business center in the city is its location advantage. All this makes this hotel an ideal place for both businessmen and travelers alike.
• Hotel President is a known for its hospitality and luxury, style, and comfort they offer to the guests. This Hotel is situated at the prime location of C.G.Road which is one of the most posh and prime commercial areas in Ahmedabad. Hotel is situated in the very heart of the Ahmedabad city.
• Hotel Quality Inn is the modern, full serviced, centrally air-conditioned business class hotel of Ahemdabad. The hotel is located in the hub of commercial district of Ahmedabad at the bank of Sabarmati River. Hotel provides an excellent view of the river at dawn and in the evening. It offers 69 well-appointed executive rooms, business & luxury suites of various categories, multi cuisine restaurant, health club, business center and much more.
• Hotel Westend provides its guests with all the modern amenities available in a friendly and homely atmosphere. Hotel is conveniently situated in the commercial area of Ahmedabad. Hotel gives its guests a delicate combination of old-world charm and the modern ambience. The Westend offers a lot more than what you'd expect, landmark location, exotic cuisine, tasteful ambience and warm hospitality that makes you come back again and again.

Splurge

• Hotel Taj Residency offers warm hospitable service with distinct charm. Conveniently located guests are only a few minutes away from Ahmedabad’s international and domestic airports, and 15 minute drive from the central business district and state capital, Gandhinagar.
• Hotel Inder Residency is situated in calm & quiet western suburbs of Ahmedabadnear in main commercial roads C.G & Ashram road. More easy accessibility to the Railway Station and Airport and its close location from main Ahmedabad, and other business areas makes the hotel more convenient and therefore, one of the most sought after places especially for the esteemed business class barons and visitors.
• Hotel Le Meridien is located in middle part of the city, with a beautiful view of the Sabarmati river. Hotel is spread into six floors. In terms of its location and elegant interiors both, this sixty three rooms property is one of its kind in the city of Ahmedabad. The lobby has granite pillars and marble floors which enhance the atrium view of the hotel. The Rooms are well equipped and aesthetically designed.
• Hotel Pride is located in the Judge's Bungalows area by Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway.
• Hotel Chicago is located at Pritamnagar area by Ellishbridge, with inhouse restaurent serving the choicest delicacies in Indian (Vegetarian and non-vegetarian), Continental and Chinese cuisine. [6]

Eat

Eating is always fun in Ahmedabad. You will find at least one eating joint in every nook and corner, anywhere in Ahmedabad.

Gujarati people are fond of eating and they have very delicious, spicy, tasty variety of dishes.

If you are a tourist outside from India and has not stayed in India for longer period, select a food joint which is famous and well organized (hotels, big restaurants). But otherwise, its fun to eat at any place, especially at the Khau Galli in Law Garden area and Khan Pan Bazaar at Manekchawk. Various stalls start operating in both these places in the evening and run upto late in the night. You will enjoy the food like Paani - Puri (Gol Gappa), Indian Chat, Indian Sandwiches, North Indian, Chinese and some continental cuisines, amazingly at road-side stalls and for a total cost of less than five dollars.

VISIT FOR SURE:

  1.Havmor* ( Area: Panchwati): Best Dish: Chola Bhatura and for desert Cassatta Ice Cream
  2.Old or New Pizza ( Area: Law Garden) : Best Dish: Double Cheese Pizza Baked ( Baked is known as Cheese Beg)
  3.Honest* ( Area: Panchwati) Best Dish: Butter Pav Bhaji
  4.Bera Kebab House ( Area: Nr. Bhadra Temple): Best Dish: Fried Kebab or Samosa ( Visit during day time, 
                                                                                    not a very safe area by night)
  5.Vishalla ( Area: Vasna Toll Naka): Best Dish: Full unlimited Lunch or Dinner ( If you are visiting at night 
                               always book a taxi from the hotel, dont pick up a local auto /rickshaw- not safe)
  6.Asarfi Kulfi ( Area: Panchwati & Law Gardern):Only for desert: Try any of the Kulfi's 
  7.Bhagwati Chat: (Area: Panchwati): Best Dish: Paneer Tikka and for Desert: Gulab Jamun or Jabeli
  8.Oswal: (Area: Ashram Road Nr. Statue of Mahatma Gandhi) Best Dish: Jalebi (sweet) and Fafda( Salty)- both should be had together
  * If you visit places 1 or 3 ask them to prepare the food less spicy

There are more than 200 famous listed hotels, restaurants in Ahmedabad, excluding the local food joints.

• Vishalla, opposite Vana Tolnaka, serves delectable Gujarati food and is a famous tourist desination for its utelcils museum.
• Rajwadu, Near Malav Talav (lake), Jivraj Park, serves delicious Rajasthani traditional food. The surroundings are created in a nice way to give a glimpse of Rajasthan, a historically rich state in the western part of India.
• Sankalp, having more than 10 branches now, is perhaps the best place for South Indian dishes.
• Mirch Masala, C G Road and S.G. Highway.
• Café Upper Crust, opposite Maharaja Palace, Vijay Cross Roads: A good bakery, it also specialises in continental dishes.
• TGB, between Rajpath Club and Thaltej Cross Roads: Excellent Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
• Jangal Bhookh, Near M. J. Liabrary, Off Ashram Road, is having a great unique ambiance.
• Choice Corner, C G Road, is very popular for fast food, ice creams and Chinese food.
• Pizza Hut, Abhijay Complex, Swastik Cross Roads.
• Honest,White House,Ambavadi serves best Bhaji Pav, pulav and other fast food
• R. K. Vadapau,Vijay Char Rasta, Vada Pau at it's best, it is also known as Anna's Vada Pau
• Karnavati Dabeli,Opp. Hirabhai Tower, Uttam Nagar, Maninagar, Best Kachhi Dabeli
• Ruturaj, Golden Triangle, University, Ahmedabad, best south indian food at road side available only in evening.
• The Grand Bhagwati, Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway. The latest feather in the cap of Ahmedabad. It's a grand residential-cum-dine-in Hotel with all the luxury that you want. Considered to be the best place for its food and service, but certainly at some higher costs.
• Havmor, located at C.G. Road (Fast Food & Ice Creams), Navrangpura and Judges Bunglow Road (Full Dine-in with Indian and Continental Cuisines) is famous for its Chhole - Bhature, a famous north Indian dish. Some of the novelty ice creams like Raja Rani, Cassata Roll Cut, Tall Beauty, etc. are Havmor's own creations and specialities.

Drink

Gujarat is the only Indian state where alcohol is prohibited. But this applies only to locals. If you have a non-Indian passport, you can get an alcohol permit from the government that allows you to buy and consume alcohol legally.

Bootlegging is rampant but it carries a risk as well. Amazingly most Indian made brands cost less here than they do in Mumbai. Decent brands of Indian whisky starts just around Rs.200 as do rum, vodka and gin. Premium brands range from Rs.600 to 1800 (for 12 year old scotch).

Beer is difficult to come by (this is where your permit comes in handy) as is wine.

But booze is strictly a private affair and don't expect to order a drink at a restaurant (obviously there are no bars here) and you will have to drink in your hotel room or at someone's home. If someone invites you to a party, there is a good chance you will be offered a drink there. Under a new amendment to the law prohibiting alchohol, you cannot be arrested or detained for consuming alcohol illegally unless you misbehave under influence or indulge in bootlegging. However it is best to consume alchohol at your hotel room or at a very close friends place. Majority of the guests staying at a hotel consume it in their rooms and there is always an implied consent from the hotel who will serve you ice, soda and glasses.

Many small shops sell lassis(a yogurt drink). You have a lot of choice: sweet, salty, with almonds. Farki, Girish Cold Drinks and Krishna Dairy are some of the famous ones. Apart from this, Janta Ice Cream and Cold Drinks offers a delicious drink cold Chocolate Coco, a chocolate flavored thick - shake. Janta has its shops across Ahmedabad. There is also a very wide variety of fruit juices available. Most large places like HavMor are reputable and use good water, you should exercise care when drinking at smaller places. Besides, Ahmedabad is a place where most Ice Cream is consumed in the world. You would love to test many of the local brands like Havmore, Chills Thrills & Frills, Janta Ice Cream, etc.

Festivals

Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Uttarayan", 14th January, in the festival of Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Utarayan". The festival marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and hence is named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in the city start the day through kite flying and continues in the night by driving lamps (Tukkal) attached to kites in the sky. The sky remains through out the day, dotted with colourful kites.

Navratri (festival of nine nights), Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part into it with same emphasis. Each night starts with ceremonial "Aarti" and is followed by Garba till late mid-night. The Garba dance is carried out around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand. During these nights, city is been beautifuly decorated and nights become short.

Contact

The local area code is 79.

Emergency Information

• Police - 100
• Fire - 101
• Ambulance - 102

• Airport Inquiry - 141 [7]
• Railways I.V.R.S. - 133
• Railways General Enquiry - 131

• Telephone Directory Inquiry - 197
• Telephone Local Assistance - 199

Get out

• Adalaj Step-Well Adalaj is a village 18 km. to the north of Ahmedabad. The Vav (step-well) at Adalaj derives its name from the lady patron, Ruda, wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh; who built it in the 15th or 16th century A.D. The Vav, laid out in the north-south direction, the well in the north and in the south, have a total length of 75.3 metres. It is the only major monument of its kind, which has three entrance stairs leading to the stepped corridor. These three entrances meet in the first storey, underground, in a huge square platform, which has, to the top, an octagonal opening. The platform rests on 16 pillars, on the corners, and two in front of each side. The four corners of the platform are marked by four built-in shrines, with doors, windows, balconies. The stepped corridor begins from this square platform. The corridor is entirely surrounded by a one-metre high parapet with a rounded topping. It descends with four pavilion towers for five storeys. The walls of the Vav are veritable show cases of sculptures and ornamentation. the sculptures range from a king sitting on a stool under a parasol, to erotic scenes; and buttermilk churning girls. The door frames around the entrances of the spiral staircases to the octagonal shaft are surrounded by a parikrama, which is an enlarged version of the frames around the niches. String-courses running along the side walls embellish all parts of the structure, sometimes dividing the wall into horizontal sections. They also appear on the walls of the octagonal shaft, depicting floral or leaf patterns, or rows of animals.

• Sabarmati Ashram Seven km from the centre of town, on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, this was Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for Indian independence. His ashram was founded in 1915 and still makes handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Gandhi's spartan living quarters are preserved as a small museum and there is a pictorial record of the major events in his life..

• Shaking Minarets Just south of the railway station, outside the Sarangpur Gate, the Sidi Bashir Mosque is famed for its shaking minarets, or jhulta minars. When one minaret is shaken, the other rocks in sympathy. This is said to be a protection against earthquake damage. It's a fairly fanciful proposition, and one which you'll be unable to verify, unless of course you happen to be on the spot during an earthquake.

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