Ahmedabad City

Ahmedabad is an amazing city! It’s the largest in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban area in India, with a population of almost 74 lakhs (7.4 million). The city is situated on the beautiful banks of the River Sabarmati. It serves as the administrative centre of the district and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; after that, the capital was moved to Gandhinagar.

The City has a rich history played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. It was a hub for many civil disobedience campaigns promoting workers’ rights, civil rights, and political independence. Not to mention, Mahatma Gandhi established the famous Gandhi Ashram on the riverfront and chose The City as his “Karmabhumi”.

History Of Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad was founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat. Under British rule, the city’s infrastructure was modernized and expanded. Kankaria Lake, an artificial lake, was developed in 1451 A.D. The City was built on an open plain east of the Sabarmati River, with well-laid-out buildings, lakes, and mosques. In 1753, the fort was taken, ending Mughal rule. In 1818, the British annexed Ahmedabad. The city was a crucial location for the non-violent movement for India’s independence and is a blend of rich tradition and a modern feel.

Culture of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, an industrial city in Gujarat, is known for its energetic and enthusiastic natives who celebrate festivals with great pomp. The people are friendly, and kind-hearted, and enjoy savouring different delicacies. The city’s diverse culture is reflected in its language, paintings, sculptures, dance, music, handicrafts, handlooms, and architecture. The City is a paradise for food lovers, offering authentic Gujarati cuisine, especially the Gujarati Thali.

Tourism in Ahmedabad

If you’re planning a trip to Ahmedabad, you’re in for a treat! The city has amazing places to visit, from historical monuments to cultural landmarks. You don’t want to miss the Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram and the beautiful Adalaj Stepwell. Other must-visit spots include the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Kankaria Lake, and the Jama Masjid. The City has a perfect blend of heritage, spirituality, and modernity, making it an unforgettable experience for tourists.

Swaminarayan Temple: Don’t forget to visit the Swaminarayan Temple, a stunning pilgrim site with intricate detailing.

Bhadra Fort: If you love exploring monuments, the Bhadra Fort, built in 1411 AD, will capture your heart.

Sabarmati Ashram: The Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi spent 13 years, is now a museum highlighting his struggle for independence.

Sabarmati Riverfront: Take a peaceful stroll along the Sabarmati Riverfront. This 11 km long trail welcomes you with various recreational activities, boating spaces, parks, gardens, and more.

Kankaria Zoo: Visit the Kankaria Zoo with your family and get acquainted with around 2,000 birds, 450 mammals, and 140 reptiles in one place.

Open Air Theater: Enjoy a unique cinematic experience at the Open Air Theater. Watch your favourite movie under the stars; what a wonderful memory this will make.

Vechaar Utensils Museum: For something quirky, check out the Vechaar Utensils Museum, displaying a collection of precious utensils from various eras. And if you’re a fan of vintage automobiles, the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is a must-see.

Lastly, don’t miss the beautiful jaalis with sculpted detailing at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque and the serene experience of Kankaria Lake. If you’re there in December, you can also enjoy the Carnival festival.

Weather And Climate of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s weather can be quite hot and oppressive during the wet season, while the dry season is mostly clear and hot throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 55°F to 106°F, so it’s rarely too cold or too hot.

The hot season lasts for about 2.2 months, from April 8 to June 13, with temperatures often exceeding 101°F. May is the hottest month, with an average high of 105°F and a low of 82°F.

On the other hand, the cool season lasts for 2.2 months, from December 5 to February 12, with average daily high temperatures below 86°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 56°F and a high of 82°F.

If you’re planning a visit, the best time to Visit Ahmedabad is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.

Population of Ahmedabad

The estimated population of the metro area is 9,035,000, whereas the expected population of The City is 7,922,000 in 2024. The City’s current projections are derived from historical growth rates. Based on preliminary Census India figures, Ahmedabad’s population was 5,577,940 in 2011. Despite having a population of 5,577,940, Ahmedabad has 6,361,084 people living in its urban and metropolitan areas.

Religion: In Ahmedabad, the majority religion, with 81.56% of adherents, is Hinduism. In Ahmedabad, Islam is the second most prevalent religion, practised by roughly 13.51% of the population. Christianity is followed by 0.85% in The City.

Economy Of Ahmedabad

In 2023, Ahmedabad Metro’s GDP was projected to be worth US$136.1 billion. With an estimated US$68 billion in GDP as of 2017, The City is the state’s biggest contributor. Among Ahmedabad’s $227 billion industries, textile and apparel are among the oldest.

It is the nation’s biggest exporter of jewelry and diamonds as well as its biggest provider of denim. One of India’s highest concentrations of biotech and pharmaceutical companies is found in The City.

Major public-sector banks have their headquarters in Ahmedabad: Gujarat State Co-operative Bank Ltd., The Kalupur Bank, Ahmedabad Capital Bank, Ahd Mercantile Co-Op Bank Ltd., Ahmedabad Mercantil Co-Op Bank, Dena Bank, The Cosmos Co-Op Bank, Manager Gujarat Ambuja Co-Operative, Gujarat State Co-operative Bank, Gujarat State Coop Bank, Bank of Rajasthan, Bank of Marwad.

The City’s primary industry has historically been the textile sector. Ranchhodlal Chhotalal established the Ahmedabad Spinning and Weaving Company Limited, subsequently known as the Shahpur Mill, on May 30, 1861, which became the first textile mill in India. The City was dubbed the Manchester of India after a string of textile mills, including the Calico Mills established by Maganbhai in 1880 and other mills created by businessmen like Ambalal Sarabhai and Kasturbhai Lalbhai.

Early in the 20th century, the textile industry was in decline; nevertheless, it was spurred to life again by the First World War and the Swadeshi movement, which Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded during the independence movement.

One of the biggest textile mills in the nation is Arvind Mills. Among the top three denim manufacturers worldwide is an Arvind facility. In Naroda, Dirubhai Ambani established his first textile plant.

The pharmaceutical and chemical industries are also quite successful in Ahmedabad. The city is home to Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, two of the largest pharmaceutical businesses in India. Additionally, the city houses the corporate headquarters of the Adani Group, one of India’s top export and trading companies.

The corporate headquarters of the Nirma group of businesses, which operates numerous detergent and chemical industrial plants throughout Gujarat, is located in the city.

Transport in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s main airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which is run by the Adani Group and is situated in Hansol. Situated in Navagam village, 110 km southwest of urban The City, the Dholera International Airport is presently undergoing construction, intending to complete the initial phase by 2025.

The city serves as the headquarters for the Ahmedabad Railway Division, an operational division of Indian Railways that falls under the Western Railway zone. The main and busiest railway hub in Ahmedabad and Gujarat is Ahmedabad Junction, also referred to as Kalupur railway station locally. Sabarmati Junction, Gandhigram, Maninagar, Chandlodiya, and Gandhigram are some of the other significant train stations serving the city.

Ahmedabad Metro is a rapid transit system that opened in March 2019 and has 90,000 daily riders. It has 40 km of track on two lines, one connecting East-West and the other connecting North-South.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is in charge of two additional public transportation options: the Ahmedabad BRTS and the AMTS. Private firms also offer self-drive automobile rentals in The City. In December 2019, The City Municipal Corporation launched “AmdaBike,” a public bicycle rental program.

The City is connected to New Delhi and Mumbai via National Highway 48. Gandhinagar and The City are also connected by National Highway 147. National Expressway 1, a 94 km long expressway with two exits, connects it to Vadodara. A portion of the Golden Quadrilateral project includes this freeway.