Ahmedabad (Amdavad) Tourist Attractions

The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad has one of the finest collections of antique and modern Indian textiles, in the world.Highlights of the Calico Museum include a collection of rare textiles dating back to the 17th C and an excellent reference library on textiles. Fine fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India are on display such as Kashmiri shawls, Kullu embroidery, silk brocades from Varanasi. Models and diagrams explain the weaving, dyeing and embroidery processes.The collections in the Calico Museum of Textiles are not limited to just textiles and clothes. Furniture, temple artifacts and crafts as well as a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons.A thematic section of the textile museum, only open in the afternoon, features depictions of Indian gods in indoor and outdoor exhibits.The Calico Museum is housed in a haveli, a carved wooden village house, constructed in 1949.

Dada Hari Vav or Stepped Well was built in 1501 to provide a resting place and water to travelers. The well is a fine example of Gujarati architecture.The well is Muslim construction however, the craftsmen were Hindu and their influence is evident in the elaborate stone carvings on the walls and pillars.The depths of Dada Hari Vav are cool even on the hottest day. Everything was built underground to overcome heat and dust. The best time to visit is between 10 and 11am when the sun penetrates all the levels. At this time, the sculpted floral patterns and figurines are bathed in the light of the sun making a perfect photo opportunity.

Bhadra Fort was built by Shah Alam, the founder of Ahmedabad, in 1411. Today it houses government offices as well as an Archeological Survey of India office, a Sardar Patel memorial museum, a Kali temple, a statue of the first textile industrialist in the city, a courtroom and a post office.Originally Bhadra Fort cover 44ac and featured pavilions and gardens. The fort is a formidable structure with huge arches, ornate balconies and jalis.Visitors can ask for access to the roof to have a good view of the gallows and the surrounding streets.East of the fort is the triple gateway, or Teen Darwaja, into the Royal Square. Sultans would watch royal processions and polo games from the palace.

Sarkhej Roza in Ahemedabad is a collection of Islamic building for the elegant architectural style. The tombs of Saint Ahmed Khattu Baksh and the Sultan Mahmud Shah Beguda and his queen are located in Sarkhej Roza. The tomb of the Sultan Mahmud Begado is one of the largest mausoleums in India.It is remarkable to note that the buildings are absent of arches and pierced stone trellises are common. This complex of beautifully carved buildings is a must for any tourist while visiting Ahemedabad.

Sabarmati Ashram was built in 1915 and served as Gandhi's headquarters during the struggle for Indian independence.The Ashram houses a museum, office, library, two photo galleries and an auditorium. Exhibits include original manuscripts of Gandhi's letters and articles. The museum has eight life-size color oil paintings and a pictorial record of his life.Handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels are still produce on site at Sabarmati Ashram.A sound and light show is presented on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.