March 2023 - TravellerAtHeart

Best Places To Visit In Ahmedabad

10 Unique places to visit in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Ahmedabad is one of the largest city’s of Gujarat. It is popular for the hand crafted embroidery, khakras, namkeens, Gujarati thalis, Sabarmati Ashram and Sabarmati river. It has an overall hot and dry climate throughout the year except monsoon months. The best time to visit is from November till February when temperatures are not high. In this blog, lets explore which are the best places to visit in Ahmedabad. Share now Best Places To Visit In Ahmedabad- Table of Contents Sabarmati Ashram Sabarmati Ashram is an extremely popular place among visitors and tourists. It was one of the residences of the great freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1930. The ashram has many exhibits and museum with photographs, original hand written letters, videos and many artifacts. It has Mahatma Gandhi’s room with the famous “charkha” which was used for cotton spinning during the freedom movement. It is a place to connect with the occasions of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. A very well maintained museum with great history and a place not to miss. Locations: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027Opening Timings: Open from 10 am to 6 pmWebsite: https://gandhiashramsabarmati.org/en/ Statue Of Unity The Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, taller than the Statue of Liberty New York. Dedicated to Iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it offers spectacular view of Sardar Sarovar Dam and Vindhya mountains. You can view the statue from outside by visiting the foot of Statue. It is only a 4hr drive (198km) from Ahemdabad and you can easily visit it for a day trip. For detailed information click here Location: 4 hr drive from Ahmedabad, 198kmOpening Timings: Open from 8 am to 6 pmWebsite: https://statueofunity.in/ You may also like to check out this blog on Statue of Unity in Gujarat – Click Here Dada Harir Vav – StepWell Dada Harir Vav, is a stepwell from 15th century. It is a hidden gem and definitely one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad. A stepwell includes series of steps to a tank used to store water. Instead of visiting the famous Adalaj Stepwell, you can even visit this one for a bigger area and much nearer to the city. It is a beautiful stepwell with intricate carvings. Its has many steps so wouldnt advise visiting with elderly people. Location: Hanumansingh Rd, Haripura, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016Opening Timings: 11 am to 7 pm Hutheesingh Jain Temple Hutheesingh is a Jain temple constructed in 1848. It has beautiful and intricate work with carvings. Photography is not allowed inside the temple. It is an elaborate construction in marble with 11 deity sculptures inside. Located in the city, I highly recommend visiting this temple. Location: Hutheesing Jain Temple, Camp Rd., Bardolpura, Madhupura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004Opening Timings: 7 am to 8 pm, might be closed in the afternoon Sabarmati Riverfront A newly developed area along the Sabarmati riverfront has been gaining popularity since few years. A nice place to have peaceful stroll in the evening just to relax. There is a river promenade, small garden, an Atal bridge, a riverfront biodiversity park etc. There are washroom facilities available as well. Location: 2HFG+9MJ, Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway East, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001Opening Timings: 9 am to 9 pmWebsite : https://sabarmatiriverfront.com/ Pic: sabarmatiriverfront.com Sidi Saiyyed Mosque The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is an extremely old mosque built in 1572 -73 AD. It is famous for the stone Jali work -latticework on the ten windows depicting intricate tree motif. It is located in the eastern part of the city. In 2017, even Indian PM Honorable Narendra Modi visited this monument with Japanese Prime Minister. Location: Bhadra Rd, Opposite Electricity House, Old City, Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001 Pic: gujrattourism.com Law Garden Market- Street Shopping When you say Ahmedabad, you cannot miss the colorful hand crafted embroidery, mirror work and bandhej. Not only this, Ahmedabad has hoards of places to shop beautiful ethnic wear. One of them and the most popular one is the Law Garden Street Shopping. You can shop chaniya choli – lehengas, mirror work sarees and blouses, traditional bandhej, costume jewellery, wall decor etc. Shopping is incomplete without bargaining here. Not just shopping but there are also food trucks and many options for having lip smacking street food. Location: 1, Netaji Rd, Maharashtra Society, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006Opening Hours: In the evenings from 4 to 11 pm Aquarium of Ahmedabad- Aquatic Gallery The Aquarium known as the aquatic gallery is located in the Science City. Science city is a centre with many innovative attractions like IMAX 3D theatre, Robotic Gallery, Thrill ride etc. Among the most famous is the aquarium. It is India’s largest aquarium with a underwater walking tunnel attracting many tourists from India. Around 188 species including sharks and 11600 fish are in the aquarium. If you just want to visit Aquatic Gallery then entry price is 200 INR per person which includes only the aquarium and no other attrations. Location: Oud Meetha, Karama, Meena BazaarOpening Hours: 10 am to 7 pmWebsite: https://sciencecity.gujarat.gov.in/ticketing/ticket/aquatic-gallery-41 Pic: sciencecity.gujarat.gov.in Akshardham Akshardham is beautiful temple spread across 15 acres of land. It means divine abode of God. It is located around 21 kms far from Ahmedabad Airport, a 30 minute drive. There is an enormous garden, exhibitions, a water show and Abhishek Mandapam – a prayer for peace and fulfillment of wishes. There is also a souvenir shop, food court, cloak room for visitors and washrooms. Dress appropriately and respect the culture by covering your shoulders and knees. Entry is free, but for exhibits and water show there is small amount of fee. Location: Sector 20, ‘J’ Road, Gandhinagar – 382 020 Gujarat, IndiaOpening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 7.30 pm Closed on MondaysWebsite: https://akshardham.com/ Pic: akshardham.com Street Food and Gujarati Thalis Lastly, how can I forget the very popular street food of Ahmedabad. Gujarati Thalis are wholesome food served in one plate with many delicacies together. There are 100’s of restaurants

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Golden Temple ! Everything one needs to know

The Golden Temple amritsar! Share now After Taj Mahal, undoubtedly Golden Temple Amritsar is among the most popular places to visit in India. Thousands of people flock here daily, from around the world to visit the temple. It is also popularly known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. It is located in the state of Punjab, in North India. The beautiful marble laid pathways and gates with the peaceful sight of Temple behold your breath. You will be surprised on how clean the premises are in-spite of the huge volume of daily visitors. In this blog you can find all detailed information on the very famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, India. You can find many FAQs answered like best time to visit, some tips , weather etc. So why is the Golden Temple so famous? What is so special about it? Golden Temple is a spiritual and most sacred place of Sikh people known as Gurudwara. Not only Sikh people but people from all cultures and religions around the world visit this Holy place. So why is it so popular? It is famous for the use of “pure gold” for the structure of the temple. The temple is covered in pure 24 karat gold plating. Also it famous for “Langar” – world’s largest free community kitchen serving food daily for around 60,000 to 1,00,000 people. These meals are prepared by volunteers and are absolutely free of cost. There are many special documentaries on the Langar kitchen on Discovery Channels, Nat Geo etc. You may also like to check out this blog on Best Places to Visit in Ahmedabad Most common FAQs Who decided to use gold on Golden temple and roughly how old is the temple? Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is known for beautification of the temple by gold. The Gurudwara was completed in roughly 1604 Is the golden temple in india made out of gold? How much gold is used ? Yes, it is plated in Gold. It is said that around roughly 750 kgs of gold is used for the plating. What is the best time of the year to visit ? Devotees never look at the month of the year and it is crowded for all months. But the best time to visit would be from November to start of March when it is winter in Amritsar. Is there any entry fee? Entry is free to all and no fees are charged Is there any dress code ? There is no as such dress code, but wearing appropriate clothing and respecting the culture is expected. It is mandatory to cover your head all the time in the premises. How many gates are there ? There are total 4 gates/ entrances and people from any caste , creed or religion are allowed. What is the best time to visit? Any time of day is good to visit. But visiting at night is also recommended to view its glory. Avoid weekends and any Sikh or Hindu festivities. Morning rituals start at 2am to 2.3o am and at 4 am where tourist crowds are less and more devotees. What are the timings of the Golden Temple? Golden Temple is open 24hrs daily. What are the timings of Langar- Free Food? What is the menu? There are no fixed times as it open entire day and so is the Langar. The menus are simple vegetarian food including rotis( bread), dal (lentils), rice pudding known as kheer. Strictly high standards are followed for food preparation. There are many special documentaries on the Langar kitchen on Discovery Channels, Nat Geo etc. Can I volunteer for the Langar- largest free kitchen community? Yes, volunteering for it and serving in many ways is possible. No enrollment forms, go to the sevadars managing the langar and express your interest. Some important tips while visiting- 1.Covering your head all the time is mandatory for both men and women. You can carry your own scarf or the Gurudwara provides head covering for those who don’t have it. 2. Consuming or even carrying tobacco, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or meat is prohibited and you will be checked and stopped if you find carrying them. 3. Remove your shoes and socks before entering. You can keep it at free lockers where people collect your shoes and give you a token number. You can return your token number and collect your shoes back. 4.While entering the premises, there is a shallow pool of water through which you will enter and your feet will be clean. 5. Please be aware of all your belongings and try and avoid to carry wallets in your pockets of your pants. Due to heavy rush you could be a prey of pick pocketers. 6. Don’t forget to have Karah Prasad , a vegetarian sweet as a blessing by the Guru. 7. You will find many trees preserved around the man made pool of the Temple and people worshiping them. The DukhBhanjani Tree known as Ber tree is famous for eradicating your sufferings and sorrows.The tree is preserved by giving support and is 400 yrs old. There is a story behind it.It is said a leper husband of Bibi Rajani was cured by taking a dip in the pond near the tree. Guru Ram Das Ji decided to develop the reservoir into a proper bathing tank 8. Anyone can have holy dip in the pool without using shampoo or soaps. Wet clothes room are available to deposit your clothes and washrooms as well. 9. To enter the main sanctum lines are huge and wait time is around 1.30 to 2 hrs in the huge line. 10. I definitely advise to sit at any corner or on the marble pathways and soak in the serene and peaceful atmosphere. ~Online Consultation~ On popular demand, our consultations are now available online. In few simple steps you will receive a customized assistance on planning your itinerary, providing resolution to your queries. Check out all detailed information about packages we are offering Check here