|
|
|
It is situated 17 kms. north of. Ahmedabad. The step well at the village of Adalaj is another. fine y example of this magnificent architectural faun. Adalaj Vav is richly carved, every pillar and wall surface covered with leaves and flowers, birds and fishes and friezes of ornamental designs. .
|
|
|
|
The foundation of this old fort was laid in 1411, it once enclosed the royal palaces and gardens.
|
|
|
|
Although Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat state when the old state of Mumbai was split, a new capital was planned 32 km north-east on the west bank of the Sabarmati River. Named Gandhinagar after the Gujarat-born Mahatma Gandhi, it is India's second planned city, after Chandigarh and, like that city, is laid out in rather dull, numbered sectors. The secretariat was moved here in 1970.
Gandhinagar's sole tourist sight is the splendid Akshardham Temple of the Hindu Swaminarayan sect, constructed out of 6000 tonnes of pink sandsstone. It's on the Ja Road in Sector 20.
|
|
|
|
South-east of the city, this artificial lake complete with an island summer palace, was constructed in 1451 and has 34 sides, each 60m long. Once frequented by Emperor Jehangir and Empress Noor Jahan, it is now a local picnic spot. There's a huge zoo, a small acquarium, boat club. The entire Kankaria area with the introduction of open air theatre and children's garden is known as 'Balvatika'.
|
|
|
|
About 85 km south-west of Ahmedabad, and towards Bhavnagar, this important archaeological site was discovered in 1954. The city that stood here 4500 years ago is clearly related to the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa, both in Pakistan. It has the same neatly laid-out street pattern, the same carefully assembled brickwork and the same scientific drainage system.
The name Lothal actually means "mound of the dead" in Gujarati, as does Mohenjodaro in Sindhi. Excavations have revealed a dockyard - at its peak, this was probably one of the most important ports on the subcontinent. Seals discovered at the site suggest that trade may have been conducted with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.
The archaeological museum at the site displays jewellery, pots and other finds (open 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday).
|
|
|
|
This delightful bird sanctuary of Gujarat nestles around the Nal Lake ? 1 Kms. from Ahmedabad. The lake extends over a vast, low-lying stretch which serves as a catchment area for the monsoon rains and provides a perfect habitat for resident birds as well as a huge number of species that migrate here starting from November to February. Winter migrants from the north include the Rosy Pelicans, the Flamingos, the White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons.
|
|
|
|
About 130 km north-west of Ahmedabad, Patan was an ancient Hindu capital before it was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former self, it still has more than 100 jain temples and is famous for its beautifully designed Patola silk saris.
There is also the renovated Rani-ki-vav, a baoli which boasts some of Gujarat's finest carvings. Built in 1050, the baoli is the oldest in Gujarat and it remarkably well preserved - a product of the restoration work completed in the 1980s to redress centuries of silting. The waters in the baoli once provided a natural air-cooling system in its chambers for members of the royal family who sought refuge here from the summer heat. It's very impressive and certainly warrants a visit.
|
|
|
|
The Queen's Mosque in Mirzapur, built between 1430 and 1440, is more representative of the pattern of mosque building in 15th centuary Ahmedabad. Three domes stand on twelve pillars each, with the central part so raised as to let in natural light without sunlight.
|
|
|
|
Situated along the bank of Sabarmati River,this ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi and has become a place of pilgrimage. It was from here that he set out for his famous Dandi March undertaken in 1930 to have the Salt Tax repealed. It served as Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during the struggle for Indian Independence. Gandhiji's living quarters are preserved as a small museum with pictorial exhibits of major events in his life.
|
|
|
|
One part of the wall in the old citadel of the mosque built by Ahmed Shah's slave, Sidi Sayyad, is celebrated the world over for its exquisite stone window tracery - a superband peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.
|
|
|
|
Described by some as one of the most beautiful mosque in India. This Friday or Congregational Mosque, was built by the city's founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. It stands on 26 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city.
|
|
|
|
The Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir's Mosque are unique in its own way, when one minaret is shaken the other minaret vibrates too.
|
|
|
|
The triple-arched gateway was built by Sultan Ahrned Shah to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shah or the Royal Square.
|