Urbanaut

by Urbanaut When in Ahmedabad, a visit to this historical monument is not to missed. Steeped in history, this five story stepwell is an ode to incredible Indo-Islamic architecture. Structures like these were built along semi-arid regions of the country to store monsoon water. They also served as rest stops for passing pilgrims and traders.

Kavi Dalpatram Memorial

by Urbanaut Kavi Dalpatram was a famous Gujarati poet, and in memory of him, the state built a memorial in the form of a statue where he once lived. The memorial also functions as a thriving community space where locals gather.

Rani no Hajiro

by Urbanaut Rani No Hajiro is a historical monument in the form of a tomb complex built especially for Mughal queens. Located near the bustling Manek Chowk, the structure has an open courtyard where the tombs rest. This homage to the queens of the Mughal era serves as a quiet pause amidst the action packed Manek Chowk.

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

by Urbanaut If automobiles are your thing, you can’t miss this! This museum boasts the largest collection of vintage automobiles in India. It’s a celebration of India’s automobile heritage, displaying gorgeous vehicles once owned by Maharajas and royalty. From custom horse-drawn buggies to vintage Rolls Royce’s & Cadillacs, this place is every enthusiast’s dream.

Conflictorium

by Urbanaut Part of exploring new places is getting familiar with their history, including the unpleasant bits. The Conflictorium, or the Museum of Conflict, creatively tells these complicated stories through interactive art exhibits. Housed in a 90 year-old building in Ahmedabad’ old city, this intriguing project highlights the importance of multiple perspectives in an increasingly polarised world, and strives to find creative, community led solutions to conflict through art & conversation. This promises to be an introspective & valuable experience.

Law Garden Night Market

by Urbanaut Shop till you drop at this lively night market where you’ll find tonnes of make-shift stalls selling local garments, trinkets, beautiful decor, handicrafts, and a whole lot more. And if all that shopping makes you hungry, there’s plenty of excellent street food stalls to choose from.

Zen Cafe

by Urbanaut The flagship Zen Cafe with Zenroom - the co-working space above as well as Loft - a baking and small-batch roastery with a terrace cafe area. Overall a fabulous place to work from, or get a cup of excellent coffee with a side of nature (they’re located next to Sundervan - an urban forest that provides much welcome green views).

Ahmedabad Ni Gufa

by Urbanaut A fascinating mix of art and architecture, Ahmedabad Ni Gufa is an art gallery experience like no other. Designed by renowned architect BV Doshi, this underground gallery exhibits the works of MF Hussain. This interesting structure is essentially a series of interconnected domes, giving it its cave like characteristics. A visit here promises to be a sensory treat.

Doc's LOCKs

by Urbanaut Intriguingly named, there’s more to this place than locks & keys. This is a museum run by Dr. Hiren Shah, AKA Doc, out of home in Ahmedabad. Incidentally, ‘LOCKs’ stands for ‘Lovers of Old Collectibles and Knick-Knacks. So if you identify as a ‘LOCK’, don’t miss this.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

by Urbanaut Another one of Ahmedabad’s architectural marvels, the Siddi Saiyyed Mosque is an ode to the states multicultural history. It symbolises the African Diaspora in India, who came to become patrons of the arts. It’s famous for its ornamental lattice work and its rich history.

Vechaar Museum

by Urbanaut An offshoot of the traditional restaurant Vishalla, Vechaar Museum is one that’s dedicated entirely to old utensils, or ‘Vechaar’. A unique museum, it houses old utensils used in homes back in day that have been passed down through generations.

Ahmedshah Badshah's Tomb

by Urbanaut Ahmed Shah is the founder of Ahmedabad city and one of its most prominent rulers. His mausoleum is outside Jama Masjid’s eastern gate, and is locally known as Raja No Hajiro. The structure also houses the tombs of his son & grandson, and a little further east is where you’ll find the tomb of his queen. Visiting this monument is a good idea especially for architecture enthusiasts, given its mix of indigenous and Islamic design.

Manek Chowk

by Urbanaut Manek Chowk is one of Ahmedabad’s most bustling, lively city squares. Set in old Ahmedabad, it’s surrounded by historical structures, and is a vegetable market by morning, a bullion market by afternoon, and an aromatic street food hub by evening. Spend the day shopping till you drop for accessories and trinkets, and eat away the evening by sampling some delicious vegetarian street food.

Toy Museum

by Urbanaut Ever wondered what kids played with before iPads came along? The Toy Museum has an answer. The curator conceptualised this museum when he inherited his grandfather's temple toy collection. It now houses more than 400 toys dating back upto 300 years. Housed in a beautiful 400 years old heritage haveli, this is a treat for kids and adults alike. Kid-friendly holidays for the win !

Mehnat Manzil: Museum of Work

by Urbanaut We usually think of museums as tributes to all things extraordinary, but what if we reimagined them to be celebrations of things we may otherwise take for granted. The Mehnat Manzil, or the museum of work, is an ode to the lives of informal sector workers. It aims to make visitors reflect on the realities of those belonging to the informal sector, to tell their stories, and to celebrate their triumphs.

The Calico Museum of Textiles

by Urbanaut Gujarat has been India’s leading production and trade centre since the 15th century, so it would only make sense for there to be a museum for them. The Calico Museum of Textiles boasts the finest and most comprehensive collections in the world. From South Indian bronzes, to Mughal artefacts, they’ve got it all. The museum is located in a stunning property, and tours are conducted daily.

Jama Masjid

by Urbanaut A trip to Ahmedabad would be incomplete without a visit to Jama Masjid. Built by the city’s founder, Ahmed Shah, this iconic mosque is a blend of incredible Islamic calligraphy as well as Hindu & Jain architecture. Typically, women aren’t allowed inside mosques, but Jama Masjid is an exception.

Mandir to Masjid Walk

by Urbanaut Ahmedabad has historically been a city rich in diversity, and the Mandir to Masjid walk reaffirms this. A 2km walk through old neighbourhoods, landmarks, heritage sites, and places of worship, this experience will get you acquainted with Ahmedabad’s true essence. It begins at the Jain Swaminarayan temple and ends at Jama Masjid, covering around 22 spots in between. The walk lasts around 2.5 hours.

Kankaria lake

by Urbanaut The second largest lake in Ahmedabad, Kankaria lakefront is a redeveloped, urban public space that offers recreation to people of all ages. From entertainment like balloon safaris and train rides, to a designated kids zone, to outdoor activities like aqua carting, scenic jogging tracks, and yoga, this revamped outdoor space has something for everyone. You might encounter crowds and we aren’t huge fans of the rides etc. but there’s still enough space to get some much needed outdoor time.

Shreyas Folk Museum

by Urbanaut Get well acquainted with Gujarat’s cultural heritage & traditions at Shreyas Folk Museum. Check out an exceptional collection of Gujarati folk art, including works of embroidery, wood carvings, bead and leather work, costumes, and household items crafted by women of indigenous communities. The Kalpana Mangaldas Children’s Museum is an offshoot that displays puppets, toys, costumes, and a storehouse of recorded music.

Patang Kite Museum

by Urbanaut Kite Flying has always been a huge part of Gujarat’s culture. Every year on Uttarayan, hundreds of colourful kites dot the skies. Full-fledged competitions take place that attract participants from around the world. So, it only make sense for there to be an entire museum dedicated to Kites. On display here are over 125 kites from various countries & eras.

Sabarmati Riverfront

by Urbanaut Get in some fresh air & recreation at Sabarmati Riverfront, a scenic public space along the Sabarmati River. You could rent a bike, birdwatch, visit the biodiversity park, or simply amble along the waterfront.

Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur

by Urbanaut At the heart of Ahmedabad’s old city is the Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple. Like many other historical monuments in Ahmedabad, this one is a symbol of the city’s diverse history and multicultural heritage. A beautiful structure that combines Indian, British, and Mughal architecture, it was built on land donated by the British almost two centuries ago, and boasts intricate, colourful engravings & sculptures. Another must see for all architecture enthusiasts.