Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad and Karnavati, is one of the major industrial cities in India. This biggest and perhaps the most prosperous city of
Gujarat was founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Ahmed Shah's
mosque and
tomb are important tourist/pilgrim sites here. The Sabarmati divides the city into the Old City and new Ahmedabad.
There are a number of textile and chemical industries in the city, earning it the name, Manchester of the East. The city has beautiful buildings that illustrate Indo-Saracenic architecture, a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. This ancient capital is 32 km away from Gandhinagar, the present capital city of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is also known for its silver embroidery and decorative hand-work.
Some of the main attractions of Ahmedabad include the walled city which houses some of the ancient 18th century buildings,
Gandhi Ashram,
Jama Masjid of 15th century, Hathee Singh Jain Temple which has 52 shrines, Kankariya Lake,
Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza and Calico Museum. The famous and ancient Sun Temple is 102 km north-west of the city at
Modhera town. Another nearby attraction is
Lothal, an ancient dock belonging to the
Indus Valley Civilization, which is 85 km south-west of Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, a major economic hub of Gujarat, has a warm and dry climate. The city is well-connected by road which makes its accessibility easier. At a distance of 10 km north of Ahmedabad city is the Ahmedabad airport. It is also linked by trains with other major Indian cities.
