Adalaj Stepwell

The Adalaj Stepwell is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture located just under 20km away from Ahmedabad's central train station. Over the centuries, the five-story well has served as a place of physical and spiritual refuge to traveling pilgrims and locals, who used the space to offer prayers and socialize.

• Address:

  Adalaj, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

• Opening hours:

  6am-6pm

Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple is an entire cultural complex and a magnificent, 10-story high monument. The intricate architectural detail, regular light- and water-shows after sundown, the multiple exhibits and children's entertainment area make it a perfect fusion of education and entertainment for the whole family.

• Web:

  www.akshardham.com

• Address:

  J Road, Sector 20, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

• Phone:

  +91 79 23260001

Calico Museum of Textiles

The Calico Museum of Textiles houses a marvelous and certainly unique collection of exquisite Indian textiles, some as old as 5 centuries. Most of the pieces astound with the amount of time and craftsmanship required for their production. The museum offers guided tours (booking in advance necessary).

• Web:

  www.calicomuseum.org

• Address:

  Shahibag, Ahmedabad

• Phone:

  +91 79 2286 8172

• More info:

  The Retreat, Opposite Underbridge

Jama Masjid

One if India's most beautiful, the Jama Masjid mosque is an imposing example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Built in the early 16th century by the city's founder Sultan Ahmed Shah I, it reamins an important religious monument still frequented by visitors today.

• Address:

  Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad

• Phone:

  +91 79 2550 6264

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is one of the favorite local weekend getaway spots. Apart from the beautiful natural surroundings, the lake area offers quite a few activities for the whole family - there is a zoo, an amusement park with fun rides, and even a coin museum. At night, the lake gets beautifully lit up.

• Address:

  Himmatnagar Village, Maninagar Area, Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Ashram

The Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Mahatma Gandhi's home, is where the great Father of the Nation spent the years from 1917 to 1930. It is from here that he and 78 followers embarked on the historic Salt March to the Gulf of Cambay, promising not to return until India gained independence. The Ashram today is a tranquil place housing a museum dedicated to Gandhi with adjacent gardens forming a peaceful oasis right by the Sabarmati river.

• Web:

  www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org

• Address:

  Sangrahalaya, Ahmedabad

• Phone:

  +91 79 2755 7277