Teen Darwaza is one of Ahmedabad’s most iconic landmarks and serves as an entryway to Bhadra Fort, providing access to this impressive structure that showcases beautiful architecture with intricate carvings.
Sarkhej Roza is an exquisite tomb complex that exudes Islamic and Hindu influences in equal measures, featuring tombs, mosques and stunning latticework designs.
Bhadra Fort
Built by Ahmad Shah I, this magnificent gatehouse comprises royal palaces, mosques, massive gates and other structures – including one dedicated to Goddess Bhadra Kali – as well as being home to an elegant temple dedicated to her.
Chimnaji Raghunath, a Maratha governor, ordered that this intricately designed gateway bear an inscription with latticework windows that was illuminated initially by kerosene lamps; later on these were changed out with electric lights for illumination.
Its picturesque beauty attracts both locals and visitors, making this historical location in Gujarat an unmissable must-see destination.
Adalaj Ni Vav
Adalaj Ni Vav is one of the most fascinating historical attractions in Ahmedabad. Constructed by Queen Rudabai to honour Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela dynasty in 1498, this stepwell was one of her signature projects.
This stepwell’s tale is one of war, love and betrayal. While under construction, Rudabai fell deeply in love with Sultan Mahmud Begada of her neighbouring ruler Sultan Mahmud Begada proposed marriage if she could complete her stepwell which she had originally requested from him. When this proposal was accepted on condition that Rudabai complete her stepwell first.
This five-storied structure constructed from sandstone in the Solanki style architecture features beautiful carvings on each floor. The well’s distinctive octagonal form also makes it stand out.
Calico Textile Museum
Ahmedabad, often called the ‘Manchester of India’ due to its extensive textile industry, offers visitors many attractions for exploration. One such is Calico Textile Museum which showcases India’s rich textile history.
Since 1949, when Gautam Sarabhai and Gira Sarabhai began The Retreat Museum within Calico Mills complex of Shahibaug in India. Following its successful inaugural opening by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Originally situated at Calico Mills complex for several years until being relocated later to Sarabhai Foundation Estate called ‘The Retreat” of Shahibaug by Sarabhai Foundation.
This museum showcases an exquisite collection of Indian textiles, such as tent panels and Kashmiri shawls from Kinkhab tents, as well as silk weaving techniques such as patolas.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid stands out among Ahmedabad’s landmark structures as an impressive display of Islamic architecture. Constructed in 1424 and located within Ahmedabad’s old walled city near Bhadra Fort, its elaborate carvings and latticework combine Indian with non-Indian styles in stunning fashion.
Ahmed Shah, founder of the city, lies buried at this beautiful mausoleum in its central chamber. Additionally, both his son and grandson are interred here as well. Unfortunately for women though, only male visitors are permitted to enter its inner halls.
The south, east and north sides of this mosque feature massive entrance gates while its west face faces Mecca. Inside its main prayer hall can be found elements that recall Hindu temples.
Sarkhej Roza
Sarkhej Roza is an impressive complex of tombs and mosques arranged around a stepped tank, commemorating Sufi saint Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh while also housing mausoleums of Sultan Mahmud Begada and his queen mausoleums, along with a mosque. This grandiose structure dates back centuries!
The complex’s design features an intriguing blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain styles created by two Persian architects Azam and Muazzam.
An inviting gateway leads you to this vault of tombs, while inside you’ll discover stunning examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Shah-e-Roza
Ahmedabad would not be complete without exploring this amazing tomb complex dating back to medieval era – the Rasulabad Dargah or Shah Alam no Rojo tomb complex is truly captivating and must be visited during any visit to Ahmedabad.
This Rosa is most famous for its architecture, which blends Hindu craftsmanship with Islamic scale and geometry. Unlike most tombs, its roof does not feature arches or minarets but instead remains flat.
At the center of this rosa is the Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets, named for their unique feature – when one minaret vibrates from vibration, both minarets will respond immediately by vibrating too!
Jhulta Minar
Jhulta Minar in Sakar Bazar stands out as an architectural marvel, composed of two pillars that used to form part of Sidi Bashir Mosque and featuring an amazing mechanism that allows one pillar to cause another one to shake within seconds without disturbing their passageway between them.
Dada Harir Vav is a historical attraction known for its medieval stepwell. It features intricate carvings as well as multiple stairs and landings used for water storage purposes.
