Ahmedabad boasts several historical landmarks that will make your visit unforgettable, such as Adalaj Stepwell, Sarkhej Roza, Hutheesing Jain Temple and Calico Museum of Textiles. Be sure to stop by these must-visit sites!
The Siddi Saiyyed Mosque is internationally acclaimed for its breathtaking architecture, especially its intricate lattice work depicting intertwining branches of trees that has brought it global renown.
Adalaj Stepwell
Adalaj Stepwell (Viman Ni Vav) is one of Gujarat’s most impressive heritage structures, consisting of five-storied complex of intricately carved sandstone steps leading up to an expansive deep well.
History dates back to 14th-century India when Hindu King Rana Veer Singh started construction for social purposes. Unfortunately, midway through, his work was disrupted when Muslim Sultan Mahmud Begada attacked it; later on when Begada fell for Queen Rudabai he temporarily stopped her performing Sati on condition that she complete the stepwell her husband had begun building.
Sarkhej Roza
Sarkhej Roza was once home to Hindu weavers and indigo dyers who predominantly utilized Hindu thread. Later, however, this village came to be associated with Sufi saint Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh who served as both friend and adviser to Sultan Ahmed Shah (the founder of Ahmedabad).
At age 111 years old, he died and to honor him, the ruling king built a mausoleum and mosque to honour him. Later, various rulers added central tanks and pavilions which together formed a spiritual retreat complex in his honour.
Hutheesing Jain Temple
This temple honoring Lord Dharmanath, 15th Tirthankara of Jainism, stands as an impressive demonstration of architectural craftwork. Situated along Delhi Darwaja-Shahibaug road near Darwaja-Shahibaug metro station in Delhi Darwaja-Shahibaug road this shrine represents religious tolerance and unity.
Sheth Hathisinh Kesarisinh began building this temple in 1848 but died before its completion was reached, leaving his widow Shethani Harkunvar and son Maganbhai Hutheesing with the task at a cost that seemed exorbitant at that time.
Visit Ahmedabad Temple and be amazed by its exquisite sandstone structure with intricate carvings, then walk around Jhulta Minara or Shaking Minarets to witness an architectural marvel combining elements of Islamic and Rajputana style into one magnificent structure.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Calico Museum of Textiles, one of India’s best museums, holds an unparalleled collection of fabrics from various parts of India dating back to 17th century. Established by industrialist Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai at Calico Mills complex in 1949 before later moving to Sarabhai House in Shahibaug in 1983.
The museum is well-known for its extensive selection of religious and secular fabrics that possess great historical and intrinsic value, making the building look like a grand haveli while exuding vintage charm. Inside can be found exquisite wood carvings of parrots, elephants and floral patterns; frescoes; frescoes on wooden cantilevered balconies and decorative door brackets and knobs are among its treasures.
Sabarmati Ashram
Mahatma Gandhi chose an idyllic area along the Sabarmati River in 1915 to establish his ashram, far removed from city life and featuring spiritual and cultural center with sculptures and gardens.
Charles Correa designed later additions to the ashram to blend seamlessly into its original architecture. At present, events that promote Gandhian ideology take place here, in addition to housing other institutions and structures like libraries, restaurants, guesthouses, public toilets and public toilets.
Vinoba Mira Kutir, Gandhi and Kasturba’s home from 1917 to 1930, offers other notable attractions. It contains six rooms that contain some of his belongings.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is an extremely popular tourist spot and architectural masterpiece, which stands as an impressive testament to masterful design. Its intricate stone lattice work draws visitors in, becoming one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks.
The windows of this mosque are elaborately decorated with intricate latticework featuring the symbolic “Tree of Life.” This motif, seen throughout Indian art, symbolizes prosperity and longevity.
Sidi Saiyyed, an African slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah, constructed this mosque in 1573 AD using both Islamic and Hindu architecture styles to produce its remarkable structure.
Teen Darwaza
Teen Darwaza, one of the eight gates at Bhadra Fort, stands out among them with its three-way structure featuring a central arch with an height of 25 feet, two side arches measuring 17 feet each, and a pillar that bears an inscription from 1812 by Chimnaji Raghunath, a Maratha governor citing equal rights for women within society.
Attracting tourist from around Ahmedabad’s Old City, this iconic gateway is one of the city’s top tourist spots and even features on the logo for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Additionally, an eternal lamp has been burning there for over 100 years!
