Two Days in Ahmedabad

Day One: The Heritage Walk

Begin your first day early at the historic walled city on the east bank of the Sabarmati. Join the guided heritage walk that starts near the Bhadra Fort area. This walk takes you through the pols, the gated neighbourhoods of carved wooden havelis, chabutaras and khadki gates. You will see the Teen Darwaza, the Jama Masjid built in 1424, and the famous Sidi Saiyyed Mosque with its intricate stone jali windows. The walk provides a clear sense of how the old city was organised around community lanes and public squares.

After the walk, explore the Rani no Hajiro and the Dada Harir stepwell, a fine example of 15th-century architecture. The stepwell is five storeys deep and offers a cool retreat from the morning sun. The narrow lanes around the pols are full of local life, with small workshops and community spaces. Allow at least three hours for this part of the city. The heritage walk is a good introduction to Ahmedabad's history and the daily rhythms of its residents.

• The heritage walk is offered by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation; book in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry water; the walk covers about two kilometres.
• Photography is allowed in most public spaces, but ask permission inside havelis.

Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram

From the old city, take an auto-rickshaw or metro to the Sabarmati Ashram on the west bank. This was Gandhi's home from 1917 to 1930, and the starting point of the Dandi Salt March. The ashram complex is peaceful, with gardens and simple buildings. The museum, designed by architect Charles Correa, tells the story of Gandhi's life and the independence movement. The exhibits include photographs, letters and personal items that give a clear picture of his work and philosophy.

Entry to the ashram is free. Spend an hour or two walking through the grounds and the museum. The ashram also has a small library and a souvenir shop. It is a place for quiet reflection. The riverfront promenade runs alongside the ashram, so you can combine the visit with a walk along the Sabarmati. The ashram is an essential stop for understanding Gandhi's connection to Ahmedabad and the broader freedom struggle.

The Sabarmati Riverfront

In the afternoon, head to the Sabarmati Riverfront, a long promenade on both banks of the river. The riverfront has walking paths, cycle tracks and gardens. Atal Bridge, a footbridge between Ellisbridge and Sardar Bridge, offers good views of the river and the city skyline. The riverfront is a popular spot for locals to relax and exercise. It is a well-maintained public space that has changed the way residents interact with the river.

You can walk from the ashram south along the west bank towards Ellisbridge. The path is shaded in parts. There are benches and small kiosks. The riverfront is especially pleasant in the late afternoon when the light softens. The area around Ellisbridge has several parks and public spaces. The riverfront project has added green areas and walkways that make the Sabarmati accessible to everyone.

• The riverfront is open to all and free to access.
• Cycles can be rented at designated points along the promenade.
• The best views are from Atal Bridge at sunset.

Evening Food at the Night Market

As evening falls, make your way to the central square in the old city. By day it is a vegetable and jewellery market; by night it transforms into a famous food market. Stalls sell a variety of Gujarati snacks and sweets. You will find dhokla, khaman, fafda and jalebi, as well as local specialities like bhajiya and pav bhaji. The market is a central point for food in Ahmedabad and attracts both locals and visitors.

The atmosphere is lively, with crowds of people eating at shared tables or standing by the stalls. The food is vegetarian, as is most of Ahmedabad. Try the local favourite: a sweet and spicy combination of fafda and jalebi. The market stays open late, often until midnight. It is a good place to end your first day. The variety of food reflects the city's culinary traditions and the importance of street food in daily life.

Day Two: Stepwells and Modern Architecture

Start your second day with a visit to the Adalaj stepwell, about 18 kilometres north of the centre. This five-storey stepwell was completed in 1498 and is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. The intricate carvings on the pillars and walls depict scenes from daily life and mythology. The stepwell is cool even on a hot day. It is one of the best-preserved stepwells in Gujarat and a fine example of water management in medieval India.

You can reach Adalaj by auto-rickshaw or taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Spend an hour exploring the stepwell and the surrounding gardens. There is a small museum on site. Return to the city to see the Dada Harir stepwell if you missed it on day one, or visit the Sarkhej Roza complex on the south-western edge of Ahmedabad. Both sites offer insight into the architectural styles of the Sultanate period.

• Adalaj stepwell is open to the public; an entry fee applies.
• Photography is allowed, but tripods may require permission.
• Combine Adalaj with a visit to the nearby Gandhinagar area if time permits.

Modern Architecture and Evening Food

In the afternoon, explore Ahmedabad's modern architecture. The city has buildings by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and B. V. Doshi. The Mill Owners' Association building and Sanskar Kendra are by Le Corbusier. The Indian Institute of Management campus by Louis Kahn is a landmark. CEPT University by B. V. Doshi is also worth seeing. These buildings represent a significant chapter in 20th-century architecture and put Ahmedabad on the global map of modern design.

These buildings are not always open to the public, but you can view them from outside. Some have guided tours. End your day at the evening food stalls near Ellisbridge. The stalls offer a range of Gujarati snacks and street food. The area is busy with families and groups. It is a relaxed way to finish your two days in Ahmedabad. The food stalls are a quieter alternative to the central square market and offer a similar range of local dishes.