About Ahmedabad
For travellers from Saurashtra, Ahmedabad is usually the first stop for business, hospitals, shopping and international flights. It also rewards a day of sightseeing: the old city's pols and carved havelis, Gandhiji's ashram on the Sabarmati, and some of India's finest Indo-Islamic architecture.
The city is about 4–4.5 hours from Rajkot on the national highway, so it works as a long day trip or an overnight stay.
Places to see
- Sabarmati AshramGandhiji's home from 1917 to 1930, with a museum and quiet riverside grounds.
- Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal BridgeWalkways, gardens and a striking foot-bridge, best in the evening.
- Old city heritage walkPols, carved wooden havelis, Jama Masjid and Bhadra Fort.
- Adalaj StepwellA five-storey carved stepwell just north of the city.
- Sidi Saiyyed MosqueFamous for its intricate stone lattice window.
- Science CityInteractive science galleries and an aquarium, great for children.
- Kankaria LakeA large lake with a promenade, zoo and rides.
- Manek ChowkThe old city's square, which becomes a busy food market at night.
Best time to visit
November to February is ideal. Uttarayan (14 January) is a spectacular kite festival, and Navratri nights are famous.
Getting there from Rajkot
About 215–230 km from Rajkot, roughly 4–4.5 hours by taxi. Ahmedabad's airport (SVPI) and Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) railway station are major hubs.
See the full route guide: Rajkot to Ahmedabad taxi.
Suggested plan
- Day 1Drive from Rajkot in the morning, Sabarmati Ashram, lunch, the riverfront and Atal Bridge at sunset.
- Day 2Morning heritage walk in the old city, Adalaj stepwell, then drive back to Rajkot or on to Gandhinagar.
Travel tips
- Weekday traffic on SG Highway and near the airport can be heavy; leave buffers for flights.
- Heritage walks start early in the morning; book in advance.
- Combine with Gandhinagar (Akshardham, GIFT City), about 30 km away.