Heritage Walks In Ahmedabad
Many of us may be aware of the best eating joints and shopping centers of Ahmedabad but when it comes to the citysHeritage walk, Ahmedabad heritage there isnt much we know of. Perhaps, that is why heritage walks that are being conducted since last many years in our city, have gained in popularity. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the old city organizes one such walk. It starts from Kalupurs Swaminarayan Mandir at 8 AM and ends at Jumma Masjid at 10.30 AM.
Glimpse of history
Prior to the walk, a slide show is arranged at the Swaminarayan Mandir narrating the history of Ahmedabad and how it came into being. Following the slide show, a volunteer joins and takes you through the old walled city of Ahmedabad. The walk starts with Kavi Dalpatram Chowk where Dalpatram, a Gujarati poets statue in sitting posture, greets you in front of the restored faade of his house. Your next stop is the dilapidated Calico dome, which reminds you of the glorious textile era of Ahmedabad, where the citys first fashion show was held. The walk gets you acquainted with the narrow alleys and lanes of Pol area where houses existed close to each other without a boundary wall. Some of these Pols are over 500 years old.
You are introduced to various beautifully carved Hindu temples and derasars, each 300 to 500 years old. Pass through the Kuvavala Khancha and surprisingly you will find a square with four houses belonging to Persian, Mughal, Maratha and British period standing close to one another. The Mughal house has arches and the Persian house with grapes showcases the wine culture of that period.
Heritage walk, AhmedabadNext, the walk takes you to Rani No Haziro (the burial place of the royal ladies) opposite Badshah No Haziro in Manekchowk, the market famous for junk jewelry in Ahmedabad. The tour ends at the magnificent Jumma Masjid which enchants its visitors with its beauty. Sit on the sides of the ablution tank and feel your mind and soul purify. Experience the quaint beauty of the old city that cannot be found in the posh high rises of the new Ahmedabad.
Other options
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation also conducts a bus tour of historical places which starts from Lal Darwaja AMTS bus stand at 9 AM. The House of MG also conducts an audio synchronized heritage walk. You can explore the city on your own with the help of an audio cassette which guides you through the lanes and streets of Ahmedabad. The audio cassette is available from the House of MG on rental basis at Rs. 100.
MetroMelas Tips
There is no facility for booking tickets over the phone. You have to personally go to Kalupur Swaminarayan temple from where the walk begins and get your tickets booked in the morning. For more information, you can call 079-32984116, 26574335.
The fee is Rs. 30 for Indians, while for foreigners it's Rs. 50.
Carry a bottle of water.
Wear slip-ons so that it is comfortable during the walk. Plus, you will be visiting temples and will have to remove your footwear to enter.
Dont forget to take your camera along.
Arrive on time before 8 AM.
Heritage walks are truly an eye opener for those blissfully unaware of the beauty of their city. Plus, these are a great way to spend Sunday mornings. Dont expect a thesis in history with these walks. Just look forward to a peek back in time.
Glimpse of history
Prior to the walk, a slide show is arranged at the Swaminarayan Mandir narrating the history of Ahmedabad and how it came into being. Following the slide show, a volunteer joins and takes you through the old walled city of Ahmedabad. The walk starts with Kavi Dalpatram Chowk where Dalpatram, a Gujarati poets statue in sitting posture, greets you in front of the restored faade of his house. Your next stop is the dilapidated Calico dome, which reminds you of the glorious textile era of Ahmedabad, where the citys first fashion show was held. The walk gets you acquainted with the narrow alleys and lanes of Pol area where houses existed close to each other without a boundary wall. Some of these Pols are over 500 years old.
You are introduced to various beautifully carved Hindu temples and derasars, each 300 to 500 years old. Pass through the Kuvavala Khancha and surprisingly you will find a square with four houses belonging to Persian, Mughal, Maratha and British period standing close to one another. The Mughal house has arches and the Persian house with grapes showcases the wine culture of that period.
Heritage walk, AhmedabadNext, the walk takes you to Rani No Haziro (the burial place of the royal ladies) opposite Badshah No Haziro in Manekchowk, the market famous for junk jewelry in Ahmedabad. The tour ends at the magnificent Jumma Masjid which enchants its visitors with its beauty. Sit on the sides of the ablution tank and feel your mind and soul purify. Experience the quaint beauty of the old city that cannot be found in the posh high rises of the new Ahmedabad.
Other options
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation also conducts a bus tour of historical places which starts from Lal Darwaja AMTS bus stand at 9 AM. The House of MG also conducts an audio synchronized heritage walk. You can explore the city on your own with the help of an audio cassette which guides you through the lanes and streets of Ahmedabad. The audio cassette is available from the House of MG on rental basis at Rs. 100.
MetroMelas Tips
There is no facility for booking tickets over the phone. You have to personally go to Kalupur Swaminarayan temple from where the walk begins and get your tickets booked in the morning. For more information, you can call 079-32984116, 26574335.
The fee is Rs. 30 for Indians, while for foreigners it's Rs. 50.
Carry a bottle of water.
Wear slip-ons so that it is comfortable during the walk. Plus, you will be visiting temples and will have to remove your footwear to enter.
Dont forget to take your camera along.
Arrive on time before 8 AM.
Heritage walks are truly an eye opener for those blissfully unaware of the beauty of their city. Plus, these are a great way to spend Sunday mornings. Dont expect a thesis in history with these walks. Just look forward to a peek back in time.
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