Two-Day Ahmedabad Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

I’ve been to Ahmedabad several times, and each visit has left me thoroughly impressed. From navigating through fish tanks at aquariums to exploring ancient stepwells, enjoying a sumptuous Gujarati thali, or relishing delectable street food, Ahmedabad never fails to surprise me.

A view of Adalaj Stepwell

Whether you want to dive deep into India's rich history or explore the new-age technology, Ahmedabad has something for everyone. So, let me take you on a fascinating tour of Ahmedabad through my eyes, covering the best street food, tourist places, and attractions that you can't miss.

How to Reach Ahmedabad

Getting to Ahmedabad is pretty straightforward. The city is well-connected by trains and flights from major Indian cities. On my recent trip, I traveled from Mumbai by the Shatabdi Express. The journey took about 6 to 7 hours and was quite pleasant with complimentary welcome snacks, breakfast, and lunch provided onboard.

How to Reach Ahmedabad by Air

Ahmedabad is well-connected to major cities around the world through both direct and connecting flights. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is located just 11 km from the city center. Numerous direct flights operate from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Jaipur to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, tourists can take a prepaid cab from the airport to their hotel.

How to Reach Ahmedabad by Rail

Ahmedabad is served by Ahmedabad Junction railway station (ADI), also known as Kalupur Railway Station, which is a key entry point for tourists and business travelers. Major trains provide services to and from this station.

Major train stations in Ahmedabad:

• Ahmedabad Junction (ADI)

• Sabarmati Junction (SBI)

• Sabarmati Junction (SBT)

• Ambli Road (ABD)

• Chandlodiya (CLDY)

• Asarva Junction (ASV)

• Naroda (NRD)

• Geratpur (GER)

• Vatva (VTA)

• Maninagar (MAN)

How to Reach Ahmedabad by Road

Travelers can reach Ahmedabad via NH 47, NH 48, NH 64, and NH 147. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Surat, and Shirdi are connected to Ahmedabad by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), which operates over 1000 bus stands across the city.

Interstate bus terminals and major bus stations in Ahmedabad:

• Ahmedabad Central Bus Station

• New Geeta Mandir St Bus Stand

• GSRTC Bus Station

Where To Stay: House of MG

Upon arriving in Ahmedabad, I checked into a heritage property called House of MG. This 100-year-old mansion is centrally located, making it an ideal place to stay. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the place exudes a vintage charm that is hard to resist.

Ahmedabad Itinerary Day 1

Visit to Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Start your Ahmedabad adventure by heading to the Auto World Vintage Car Museum. It's a paradise for car lovers, showcasing over 100 vintage cars, including models like the 1930 Mercedes, Austin, Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar. Developed by Shri Pranlal Bhogilal Patel, the museum also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest number of vintage cars.

• Location: About half an hour from the city center by Ola or Uber.

• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person, ₹100 extra for photography.

• Vintage Car Ride: ₹1000 for a ride in one of the vintage cars (seats six people).

Lunch at the Museum's Restaurant

If you visit during lunch hours, you can enjoy an authentic Gujarati thali at the museum's restaurant, which is set in a serene, village-like ambiance with plenty of greenery around.

Admire the Adalaj Stepwell

Next, head over to the Adalaj Stepwell, about 15-16 km away from the city. Built in 1485, this architectural marvel is free to visit and offers a picturesque view both from above and within. The stepwell was designed not only as a water reservoir but also as a resting place for travelers, offering cool, shaded relief from the harsh sun. The intricate carvings and detailed architecture are truly mesmerizing.

Ahmedabad Itinerary Day 2

Gandhi Kutir in Gandhinagar

Start your second day by heading to Gandhinagar to visit the Gandhi Kutir, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Located about 25 km from Ahmedabad, the museum portrays Gandhi's life and India's struggle for freedom through 360-degree theater presentations, models, and more.

• Entry Fee: ₹10 per person

• Transport: Approximately ₹500 by Ola/Uber from Ahmedabad.

Akshardham Temple

Next, we visited Akshardham Temple, dedicated to Swaminarayan. Featuring impressive architecture and serene surroundings, this temple is a must-visit. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, so make sure to deposit cameras and bags at the entrance.

• Entry Fee: ₹60 extra for theater shows and the museum.

Sabarmati Ashram

After a spiritual and reflective morning, return to Ahmedabad and visit the Sabarmati Ashram. Founded by Mahatma Gandhi, this serene spot along the Sabarmati River is open for visitors and gives deep insights into India's history. It's also an ideal place to relax and reflect.

Evening Expedition: Manek Chowk and Aesthetic Shopping

Manek Chowk

No trip to Ahmedabad is complete without indulging in the local street food at Manek Chowk. Known for its night market, you can find an array of traditional snacks, sweets, and other Gujarati delicacies.

Shopping at Law Garden

If you are in the mood for some shopping, Law Garden is the go-to spot for traditional Gujarati outfits. From vibrant bandhani (tie-dye) sarees to intricate silver jewelry, Law Garden has it all.

Induben Khakhrawala

For take-home goodies, don't miss a visit to Induben Khakhrawala. They offer a wide variety of Khakhras and other scrumptious Gujarati snacks.

The Indulge-worthy Science City

No tour of Ahmedabad can exclude the marvel that is Science City. Spread over a vast area, Science City features an array of attractions that captivate both kids and adults.

Aquatic Gallery

One of the highlights was the Aquatic Gallery, included in our basic ticket. The grand entrance and the massive fish tanks filled with exotic aquatic life left me in awe. We also explored interactive sections that explained marine life through animations and informative displays.

Robotics Gallery

Next, we visited the Robotics Gallery. If you're fascinated by technology and robotics like I am, you'll find this place extraordinary. It includes robots that interact with visitors and multi-level displays featuring various aspects of robotics and space technology.

Nature Park

Within Science City, there's a massive Nature Park featuring life-sized dinosaur models, cactus gardens, and play areas. I recommend spending an entire day here, especially if you're visiting with family.

Ahmedabad offers a seamless blend of history, modernity, food, and culture. With this two-day Ahmedabad itinerary, you can experience everything from vintage cars and ancient stepwells to modern marvels like Science City. Whether you're a history buff or a tech enthusiast, Ahmedabad promises an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I reach Ahmedabad from Mumbai?

   1. You can take a direct flight or travel by the Shatabdi Express, which takes about 6 to 7 hours and offers complimentary meals.

2. What are the must-visit places in Ahmedabad for first-timers?

   1. Don't miss Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Adalaj Stepwell, Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham Temple, and Manek Chowk.

3. How can I get around Ahmedabad conveniently?

   1. Ola and Uber are the most convenient options for intra-city travel. Auto-rickshaws are also available but may charge arbitrary fares.

4. What is Science City in Ahmedabad?

   1. Science City is an expansive complex with attractions like the Aquatic Gallery, Robotics Gallery, and Nature Park, making it an educational yet fun destination for all ages.

5. How many days are sufficient for Ahmedabad?

   1. Two days are sufficient to cover most of the major attractions in Ahmedabad, including historic sites, museums, and markets. However, an extra day would allow for a more relaxed and thorough exploration.

6. How to plan an Ahmedabad tour?

   1. To plan an Ahmedabad tour, start by listing key attractions like Sabarmati Ashram, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, and Adalaj Stepwell. Book your stay near the city center and use Ola or Uber for convenient transport.

7. Is it worth visiting Ahmedabad?

   1. Absolutely! Ahmedabad offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern technology. From ancient stepwells and Mahatma Gandhi's ashram to vibrant markets and delicious street food, the city has something for everyone.

8. What is the best time to visit Ahmedabad?

   1. The best time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, ensuring you enjoy the city's attractions without the summer heat.