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Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah - I, this predominantly industrial city in Gujarat is today known for its fine Islamic monuments with their Indo - Sarcenic style of architecture.
Here one can visit the Jumma Mosque or Friday Mosque which lies at the center of the city. The mosque was completed in 1423 AD and is entered from the north side by a flight of stairs. The interior is carried on 260 pillars which support 15 domes at staggered elevations. Much of this Mosque was destroyed in 1819 due to earthquake. One can also visit the Mosque of Sidi Syed, which stands in the Northeast corner of the citadel and once formed a part of the city walls. |
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It is famous for its ten carved, semicircular windows - enclosed with exquisite tracery in the form of tree stems and branches and considered to be the finest example of carved stone tracery in India. The Calico museum, which is celebrated, for the quality of its collection of textiles, some of which are closely related to religious art & architecture is also an interesting place.
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Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Sun Temple, built by King Bhimdev - I, (1026 - 27) located 104 kms from Ahmedabad, is one of the finest Hindu Temples in Gujarat famous for its monumental conception and rich ornamentation. The temple mouldings have friezes of elephants, horses and miniature figures. The outer walls of the porch have bands of scrollwork and figural panels beneath inclined seating slabs. Here the columns on the periphery and within the gates are also richly ornamented.
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Patan
Patan was the 8th-15th century capital of Gujarat and has a breathtaking stepwell, known as Rani-Ki-Wav, and other architectural buildings. It is also famous for its double Ikat patola silk weaving.
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Lothal
Lothal is 80 kms from Ahmedabad, is a place of tremendous archaeological interests where the earliest known remnants of ancient civilization of Mohenjodaro and Harappan was unearthed. Lothal was important sea-port and trade flourished with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.
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The Rann of Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is best known for its herds of chestnut-brown Asiatic Onager (wild ass), last surviving species of wild horses. Also it is the home of gazelle, blue bull, wolf, desert fox, jackal, jungle cat, hare and birds like houbara bustard, sandgrouse, courser, francolin, quail, eagle, falcon, harrier, vulture, warbler. The 11th century sandstone fortress at Patdi, temple around Munsar Tank at Virmgam and Darbargaddh of Dasada can also be visited en-route.
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Gandhinagar
22 kms from Ahmedabad - the capital of Gujarat, has a modern secretariat building, Deer and amusement Park. Swami Narain Temple can also be visited along with an excellent mythological Theme Park.
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