Local Tourism

The festival of Uttarayan is a uniquely Gujarati phenomenon, when the skies over most cities of the state fill with kites from before dawn until well after dark. The festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins turning to summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. On what is usually a bright warm sunny day with brisk breezes to lift the kites aloft, across the state almost all normal activity is shut down and everyone takes to the rooftops and roadways to fly kites and compete with their neighbors.

Coinciding with the Makar Sankranti celebrations, Gujarat's International Kite Festival is held every year in Amdavad. As you've probably guessed, this is one day when the skies above the city come alive with kites in a hundred different colours, shapes and sizes, fluttering and darting above the rooftops, triumphantly cutting another kite's string, and soaring way up above the earth. The Gujarat Tourism Development Corporation organises the International Kite Festival at a local stadium, where kite enthusiasts from all across the world show off their skills. A kite market is held, alongside which are food stalls, cultural performances and special kite displays at night, when illuminated kites known as tukals are flown.

Devoted to Goddess Shakti, the Navratri festival in Amdavad is celebrated with gaiety and fervor. The main highlight of the festivity of nine nights is the folk dance of Gujarat called Garba. Each day of the fiesta begins with the performance of aarti. The entire state of Amdavad gets energized with the thought of celebrating the Navratri festival.

People perform the Garba folk dance around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is carried out till late midnight. The dancers usually make use of dandiya, i.e. long wooden sticks, to play garba. During this nine day long festivity, the Amdavad city is beautifully decorated with colorful lights. The maiden day witnesses the growing of seeds and the farmers closely watch them sprouting.

On the eighth and ninth day of the Navratri festivity, people offer prayers to Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami. To invoke the blessings of Goddess, people cite texts like The Devi Mahatmya. The main dance performances that take place during the festive occasion of Navratri consist of the Rasa and Garba dances, in which people of age groups participate with full enthusiasm. The next day after Navratri festival is Dussehra that is observed to celebrate the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. This is how the Navratri festival is celebrated in Amdavad, India.

Kankaria Lake is a multisided lake that was built by Sultan Qutab-ud-Din in the year 1451 A.D. It is basically an artificial lake with thirty four sides. Lying on the south eastern side of the Amdavad city, the lake also has a fascinating island summer palace. People are of the say that Kankaria lake of Amdavad was often visited by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with his wife Empress Noor Jahan.

Kankaria Lake is one of the most favorite picnic spots of the people of Amdavad. Adjacent to the lake, lies a beautiful garden called Nagina Wadi. For people seeking peace, there can be no better place than Kankaria Lake. The pleasing view of the lake, the humming and chirping of birds and the greenery bordering the lake will make you fall in love with this place. You can also avail the boating facility. Kankaria Lake provides a beautiful view of the sunset. There is also a zoo and children's park located nearby the lake.

A pictorial lake in a lustrous environment is a joyful visa and Vastrapur lake in the western part of Amdavad is one of such alluring location. Encircled by all around greenery vastrapur lake is a must see spectacle in the city. Green lawns in the surrounding happen to be the most popular podium of various cultural events. A garden with elaborate stonework is an added attraction here.

Water lovers can go for boating since, and the less adventurous can embark on a nice promenade through the nice pathway that rounds the lake. The lake looks so appealing at times when it is fed with the waters from the Narmada river. Let your children loose in the lush environ of the Vastrapura lake and they will have enough to keep themselves engaged in the adjoining children's park.

The Bhadrakali Temple is one of the oldest temples in Amdavad. Ma Bhadrakali is believed to be the guardian deity of the city of Amdavad and was also the patron deity of the Solanki dynasty to which King Karnadev- the founder of the city of "Karnavati" (Classical name for Amdavad)- belonged to Located on the banks of Sabarmati river, the temple still retains many elements of traditional architecture and is a vibrant centre of devotion, spiritual energy and cultural heritage.

The temple is flocked by devotees and seekers of blessings from throughout the country and abroad. The temple especially witnesses a large number of visitors during the festival of Navratri - nine nights dedicated to the worship of the Mother Divine. The festival of Navratri in Gujarat is celebrated with traditional songs and dance forms such as Raas and Garba! And it is indeed the best time of the year to visit the temple and seek blessings of the patron deity of Amdavad!

The temple is located in the heart of the city, at the famous "Manek Chowk." It is a 5 minute drive from Kalupur (Amdavad) Railway station and about 11 kilometres from Amdavad Airport.

Sultan Ahmed Shah mosque in Amdavad is a religious place for Muslims that is well known for its architectural designing. It was constructed in the year 1414 A.D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Amdavad city. Thus, the mosque has been named after its founder. Lying on the left side of the famous Bhadra Fort, the mosque is very appealing to look at. It is one of the oldest mosques of Amdavad.

The prayer halls (Mehrabs) of the Ahmad Shah mosque have been intricately designed using black and white marbles. There is a separate chamber for women in the mosque. Towards the north east corner, lies the prayer room for women, which is more popularly known as 'Zenana'. The Ahmad Shah's Mosque in Amdavad, Gujarat was initially a holy place meant only for the royal class. Only the nobles could come here for worshipping. Well, when it comes to holy places, it is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Amdavad.

A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. Located in Gandhinagar city, the famous Akshardham temple is a place, which consists of a number of things under one roof like art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research. It is truly an architectural masterpiece.

Established in the year 1992, the Akshardham temple was built in the dedication of Lord Swaminarayan. The credit for laying the foundation of the famous Akshardham temple at Gandhinahar goes to the Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The highlights of the temple consist of the seven feet long idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the chief deity at the Akshardham temple.

Made by using tonnes of pink stones, Akshardham temple is one of the most magnificent edifices of modern India. It measures 240 feet in length, 131 feet in width and 108 feet in height. This intricately carved imperial structure stands regally amid the green garden. Within the complex of Akshardham, lies a beautiful garden known as Sahajanand Van. On one hand, where its beauty lends it the look of a garden and on the other it serves as a park for kids. It encompasses a herbal garden, lake and a waterfall. There is also the ultramodern Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). If you want to relax from the rush of the urban confusion then Akshardham temple at Gandhinagar surely is a place to be in.

Constructed in the year 1850 AD, Hathee Singh temple is a very famous Jain temple. It has been named after its founder Seth Hathee Singh, a prosperous Jain merchant. Hathee Singh Jain temple of Amdavad was built in the dedication of the 15th Jain Trithanakara named Dharmnath. The temple is known for its fabulous architectural styling and designing that consists of intricate carvings.

It is an architectural marvel that has been built using beautiful white marbles. Hathee Singh Jain temple is a double storied construction that has a dome on the front side. The other two sides of the temple consist of lavishly carved out galleries. The temple built by Hathising is one of the most splendid Jain temples of India. The temple has a cemented courtyard that is enclosed by a row of cloisters, which contains 52 holy places. Each of the shrines consists of an image of a Tirthankara. Well, Hathee Singh Jain temple is certainly worth a visit.

The time to visit this temple is daily 10 am - noon & 4 - 7 .30pm.

Lying opposite to Mahatma Gandhi Road, on the eastern side of Teen Darwaza, Jama Masjid is one of the most splendid mosques of India. Constructed in the year 1423 A.D, the Amdavad Jama Masjid was established by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of the Amdavad city.

Made by using yellow sandstones, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling. This edifice was built using items rescued from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. Supported by 260 pillars, the Jama Masjid of Amdavad consists of 15 domes. Jama Masjid lies in the hart of the old city.

There are different entrances to the mosque. Near the eastern entrance, stands the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graveyard of three great rulers, namely Ahmed Shah I, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah II. The strong structure of this mosque has been able to withstand the pressure exerted by heat and rough weather. A visit to this fabulous monument is indeed a must.

Located on the Northern side of the Amdavad city, Rani Rupmati mosque was established by Sultan Mehmud Beghara. Named after Rani Rupmati, the wife of Sultan, the mosque was constructed during 1430-1440 AD. Some of the features that best describe the Rani Roopmati mosque of Amdavad, Gujarat are impressive domes, carved galleries and tall minarets. The mosque consists of three domes that are duly supported by pillars. The dome that lies in the central position illuminates the mosque with natural light.

The structural design of the Rani Rupmati mosque of Amdavad represents a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and this is what makes it stand out above all others. Due to the natural calamity that affected the Amdavad city in the year 1818, the mosque lost one of its minarets. The ceiling of the dome is beautified with the Hindu style patterns. The prayer hall of the mosque is of great aesthetic value, consisting of exquisite carvings.

The first and foremost Swaminarayan temple was built at Kalupur in Amdavad. Being the most prominent temple, it is always thronged by people. People come from different parts of the country and congregate here in this temple to seek the blessings of the deity. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple boasts of its exquisite wooden carvings.

The structural design of the Amdavad Swaminarayan temple is mesmerizing. The interiors and exteriors of the temple have been adorned with the typical Gujarati designs that depict different aspects of the Gujarati culture and lifestyle. The architectural style of the temple is commendable and truly has an unbeatable charm. Standing royally behind the huge gates across the Relief road, the Swaminarayan temple of Amdavad has beautifully decorated domes and galleries.

Situated in the city limits, Vaishno Devi temple in Amdavad is a popular shrine among not only the devotees but also the tourists. It's strategic location on Amdavad - Gandhinagar road gains it huge crowds all round the year. A true replica of the famed temple in Jammu and Kashmir, this lovely shrine also depicts Vaishno Devi as the principle deity. The only difference between the two is that the latter can be visited with in a couple of hours.

The uphill path towards the temple houses so many garden restaurants and so if you embark your trip with in a vehicle, you can have your dinner there and it would be a nice day for your entire family.

ISKCON is the abbreviation for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This temple depicts Lord Krishna with his beloved lover Radha, who is regarded as the epitome of true love. Also called as the Hare Krishna Temple, ISKCON temple situates in a vast area with lovely trees, which gives a serene and tranquil environ to the devotees.

Temple has much spacious interiors compared to its exterior portions. Huge halls decorated with beautiful chandeliers attributes the devoutness of the shrine. Prayer sessions in the temple provide a soothing feeling to the devotees as the entire ambiance would be filled with the chanting of hymns and Keertans. Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav are the two auspicious days in the temple, which witnesses' great participation of devotees.

Click here for ISKCON Temple Website

The Jaggannath Mandir Campus situated on the banks of Sabarmati river, has its roots in a modest temple dedicated to Lord Maruti (Lord Hanuman), founded more than four and a half centuries ago by Sadhu Hanumandas Ji. His successor, Sadhu Sarangdasji is said to have been divinely inspired to invoke and consecrate the forms of the divine trinity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldevji and Goddess Subhadra in the temple campus. With time, the temple grew in fame amongst the local populace- attracting more and more visitors from near and far.

The best time to visit the temple is on the occasion of "Ashadhi Beej"- when the annual procession of "Rath Yatra" takes place. The temple deities of Lord Jagganath, Lord Baldevji and Subhadra Devi are taken out of the temple premises into the city, in ornate chariots ("rath"). The procession is a sight to behold, replete with devotional fervour, cultural displays and traditional motifs!

The Jagganath Mandir campus is located near Jamalpur Darwaja (Amdavad). It is about 3.5 kilometres from Kalupur (Amdavad) Railway Station and 12 kilometres (approximately) from Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, Amdavad.

This temple was constructed in the year 1996. The presiding deity of this temple is "Baliyadevji" who, as per legend, is the grandson of "Mahabali Bheem". Thousands visit the temple to seek protection from calamity, misfortune and ill-health. The temple is known for its prasad of "bundi" (sweetened fried balls of chickpea flour). Along with being a centre of faith, the temple vicinity is also a leisure spot for families to visit on holidays.

The temple is located in the town of "Lambha", at a distance of 10 kilometres from the central area of Amdavad city. It is at a distance of 12 kilometres (approximately) from Kalupur railway station and 22 kilometres from Amdavad Airport.

Naranghat or "Narayanghat" is amongst the oldest "Ghats" of Amdavad city on the Sabarmati river. The ghat has a special spiritual and religious significance amongst the followers of the "Swaminarayan" sect. Lord Swaminarayan is said to have installed, consecrated and worshipped a form of Lord Shiva (Shivalinga) here. Many sadhus and saints have visited this ghat to perform austerities and spiritual practises.

It is located near Subhash bridge and is at an approximate distance of 4 kilometres from Kalupur Railway Station and 5 kilometres from Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport (Amdavad).

Vallabh Sadan is a Vaishnava Temple (Haveli) of the Pushtimargiya Vaishnav sect. The presiding deity of the temple, just like in other temples of this sect, is Lord Shri Krishna. The temple is open for visitors for specific time periods from early morning to late evening. The temple is visited by devotees of the pushtimarg sect and is named after "Vallabh-acharya ji" - the founder of the sect and the propounder of "Shuddha Adwait" philosophy. Elaborate rituals and guidelines laid out by Pushti-acharyas are followed in the temple.

The temple sees a large number of devotees thronging to get the "darshan" of Lord Shri Krishna during the festival of Janmashtami. It is situated in the Ellisbridge area of Amdavad city. The distance of the temple from Amdavad Airport is about 10 kilometres and from Kalupur Railway Station is about 4 kilometres.

The Trimandir is a unique religious and spiritual campus founded on the principles of non-sectarianism and pluralism. It is a confluence of three major religious world-views of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism. Forms of Lord Shiv, Lord Vishnu and Jain Tirthankaras are worshipped in the Trimandir. Trimandir literally translates to "Three Temples". The temple is inspired by the philosophy of Pujya Shri Dada Bhagwan (1908-1988) who emphasised on the importance of a soul realising its own true nature and attaining "Moksha" (Liberation). He observed that sectarianism created strife in the world and thus the purpose of attaining Liberation is lost. Thus he gave primacy to a non-sectarian approach to spirituality.

The Trimandir is a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture- exuding a serene spiritual vibe while being a solace for seekers from around the world.

The Adalaj Trimandir is located 20 kilometres away from the city of Amdavad , near the village of Adalaj, on the Amdavad-Kalol Highway.

The Asarwa Haveli (Bethakji) is a 500 year old vaishnava temple and pilgrimage place of the Pushtimarg sect, founded by Shri Vallabhacharyaji. The temple is constructed in the traditional vraj architecture (haveli) style. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shri Krishna in the form of "Shree Natwar Prabhu". Devotional music in the form of "Haveli Sangeet" is offered during worship hours at the temple. The temple is one of the major pilgrimage centres called "Bethakji" of the Pushtimarg sect and has a historical significance along with being a religious centre.

It is located in the Kalupur area of Amdavad.

This is a 500 year old hindu temple with the presiding deity being "Mahakali Mata". It is located near the Rajpath Club (SG Highway). It is a moderately popular religious place amongst the local population.

This temple is an architectural masterpiece having 5 spires and it has been built with white marble. The temple is built on the site of a fruit orchard which is believed to have been sanctified by the visit of Lord Swaminarayan.

The temple is open for visitors from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. The central attraction is the murtis of deities in the sanctum sanctorum which are forms of Ghanshyam Maharaj, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Gopalanand Swami, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Radha-Krishna Dev.

The temple is located in the Shahibaug area of Amdavad city. It is administered by BAPS Swaminarayan organisation. The distance between the temple and the airport is 5 kilometres. The railway station is 4 kilometres away from the temple.

Along with being a centre for studying the scriptures, it is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna.This vidhyapeeth was founded by the Param Pujya Shree Krishna Shankar Shashtrij. The trust of this temple manages various educational and religious activities. Peace and tranquillity are at their peak in this serene and divine campus. Verses of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita have been written on the walls of the temple hall.

Shri Bhagwad Vidhyapeeth, Krushna Dham is located at Sola on Sarkhej Gandhinagar highway, near the Gujarat High Court, Amdavad.

In the eastern side of Amdavad stands the Shri Godiji Parshwanath Padmavati Temple. More than five centuries old, this temple attracts devotees from Jain and even Non-Jain sects from far and near.

The presiding deities of this temple are Padmavati Devi and Parshwanath Bhagwan. Parshwanath Bhagwan is one of the 24 Jain Teerthankars while Padmavati Devi is the goddess associated with Bhagwan Parshwanath as per Jain theology. Forms of other Jain deities such as Neminath ji, Shri Dharmanath and Shri Aadishwar are also worshipped in the temple. The Trust also served Bhatu (Prasad) To every devotee who are visit to Derasar on Special Tithi Like Aekam, Dasham & Poonam of Every Month.

There is adequate parking space for visitors to the temple premises. There is also an air conditioned dining hall in the campus which caters to the visitors by providing pure vegetarian (jain) meals. This Is One and Only Derasar Of Jainism In Amdavad Which is Consider as A Tirth.