Ahmedabad: an enchanting destination
Ahmedabad, a major Gujarat metropolis, has an amazing history, and is home to Sabarmati Ashram, a former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ahmedabad - when to travel
Temperatures are hot during winter, from October to April, when they range from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. In mid-March till mid-June summer temperatures soar to around 45 degrees Celsius.
Spring arrives, with Makar Sankranti, starting on January 12th till the 14th. Uttarayan, the Kite Flying Festival, starts on January 14th till the 15th, and the procession of Tajia welcomes Muharram.
Monsoon season begins in mid-June and special foods like Kichu are sold at street stalls. The Rakshabandhan (Rakhi) festival occurs in August, as does Janmastami, to acknowledge Lord Krishna's birth date.
During September and October, the Hindu festival, Navratri occurs, with 9 Days Pooja celebrations and local dances, including Garba, for the 9 Forms of Shakti.
In October/November, the Festival of Lights is held and the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr, the Sugar Feast, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al Adha, the Sacrifice Feast, are observed. Dates vary.
Pre-travel tips
Visas are required and British citizens can apply for e-Tourist Visas. Passports must have at least two blank pages and be valid for a minimum of 6 months at the time of visa application.
Routine vaccines should be up-to-date: Hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and diphtheria, polio and tetanus shots are all recommended.
Gujarat is the local language, although Hindi is also spoken. Most people will speak and understand English, especially those working within tourism.
Cheap thalia, including salads, snacks, appetizers, vegetable curries and sweets, cost around INR100. Restaurant meals, cost approximately Rs250, and beer costs about INR100. Many restaurants are located in SG road, and markets and food stalls can be found at Manek Chowk.
Ahmedabad transportation and accommodation
Taxis from the airport cost between INR300 to 400, and auto rickshaws cost between around 150 to 200INR. Negotiate fares for both in advance. AMTS buses also travel to the city.
Cheap hostel accommodation, located East of Sabarmati, cost around INR700. Mid-range accommodation costs around INR1700, and luxury hotels charge around INR3400.
Auto starting rates are around INR20, with an additional INR15 included each 1 km, plus another 25% added between 11pm till 6am. Minimum bus fares cost about INR4, and maximum one-way charges cost around INR36. Day passes cost around INR45. No buses run between 11pm and 6am.