Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, in western India, and it served as the state's capital in the past. It is also known as Amdavad, the name you may see on older maps and signs.
The city has long been tied to textiles, and that trade still shapes its character. Its markets, mills and workshops give visitors a clear sense of how the city earns its living, and the textile trade is a good starting point for anyone curious about how Ahmedabad grew.
Its cultural heritage runs deep. The most widely known site is the Sabarmati Ashram, on the bank of the Sabarmati River, which is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi. A visit there suits people interested in Indian history and in the independence movement, and it can be a calm break from the traffic of the city.
What a visit offers
- The Sabarmati Ashram and its riverside setting
- The textile heritage that defines the city's economy and streets
- A look at Gujarat's largest urban centre and former capital
- The wider cultural life of western India, reached easily from the city
Ahmedabad suits travellers who want to combine history, craft and everyday city life. Plan time for the ashram and allow the rest of the day to wander the streets around it.