Ahmedabad received its name in the 15th century by its founder Sultan Ahmed Shah. Located in Gujarat, a state in India, it is one of the state’s most interesting cities. The Sabarmati River, which passes through the city, gives life to both the city and the region it is located in. Some of the city’s most attractive features are the outer walls built by Ahmed Shah in the 15th century to fortify the city. Although today a significant portion has been destroyed, the remains of the city walls are clearly visible.
Among the most notable places to visit are The Calico Museum of Textiles, considered one of the world’s best textile museums, the Bhadra Fort where you can enjoy views of the city from above, the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, which brings together cultural and artistic events, and known as the Gandhi Museum, the Sabarmati Ashram, which is an interesting museum featuring things from Gandhi’s time spent in Ahmedabad. One of the most practical and fastest ways to explore the city is to partake in a cultural tour, which depart from the city center at regular intervals starting in the early morning.
After the tour, which is the best way to discover Ahmedabad’s most important historical sites, enjoy a meal in the city center. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Indian food, or foreign restaurants that mostly offer Far Eastern cuisine, or vegetarian restaurants.
Many transportation options are available, including:
Taxis are available at the exit of the arrival area of Terminal 1. It is advisable to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver beforehand since some taxis do not have taximeters. For a more reliable option, you can request a prepaid taxi from the counter inside Terminal 1 or use ride-hailing services. Travel time to the city center varies depending on traffic conditions but generally takes around 20 minutes.
Car rental companies operate within the arriving passenger area of Terminal 1. Due to heavy traffic and varying adherence to traffic rules in Ahmedabad, it is often recommended for foreigners to rent a car with a driver. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the city center under normal traffic conditions.
Several bus routes operated by Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) and private companies connect the airport to the city center. Routes 105 and 101 travel to Lal Darwaja Bus Station, while routes 16 and 06 go to the main railway station. Travel time can vary due to traffic conditions. Buses can be crowded, so they may not be the best option for travelers with heavy luggage. Passengers can transfer from these stations to reach other parts of the city or nearby regions.