Staying in Chandkheda and Motera

What the area is like

Chandkheda and Motera sit on the northern edge of Ahmedabad, close to the Sabarmati river and the border with Gandhinagar district. The area is a mix of older residential colonies and newer apartment blocks, with wide roads and more open space than the dense old city. Motera is best known for the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket stadium by capacity, which dominates the skyline. Chandkheda, just west of Motera, is a quieter residential and commercial hub with local markets and schools.

The neighbourhoods are less touristy than the walled city or the SG Highway corridor. You will find few heritage buildings here; the appeal is convenience. The area offers easy access to the airport, the railway station and the old city, while being closer to Gandhinagar than most other parts of Ahmedabad. The Sabarmati riverfront is within reach, and the stadium draws visitors during cricket matches and events.

Who it suits

This area suits travellers who need to be near the airport or the railway station, or who are attending an event at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It is also practical for anyone visiting Gandhinagar, the state capital, for business or government work. The neighbourhoods are family-friendly, with parks and wide footpaths in parts, and the roads are generally less congested than in central Ahmedabad.

Travellers on a stopover or those with early flights may find Chandkheda and Motera convenient. The area is less suited to heritage enthusiasts who want to be within walking distance of the pols and monuments of the old city. You will need transport to reach most sights. The area also works for longer stays, as it has many grocery shops and daily-needs stores.

Getting around

Chandkheda and Motera are connected to the rest of Ahmedabad by a mix of roads and public transport. The Ahmedabad Metro's Red Line runs north-south and has stations at Motera Stadium and nearby. The Blue Line also connects to the network. Check the current metro map for the latest extensions. BRTS buses and AMTS city buses serve the area, and auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are easy to find.

To reach the airport, take the metro to the nearest station and then a short auto or cab ride, or go directly by road. The distance is about 5.5 km straight line, so the journey takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes by vehicle depending on traffic. For the railway station at Kalupur, the metro is a good option, or take a direct auto or cab. The old city centre at Lal Darwaza is about 9 km away, reachable by metro or road.

• The metro is the fastest way to reach the railway station and parts of the old city.
• Auto-rickshaws are widely available; agree on a fare before starting the ride.
• Walking is pleasant in the quieter residential lanes but not along main roads.

What is nearby

The main landmark is the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera, about 1.6 km from the centre of the area. The stadium hosts cricket matches and other events; check the schedule if you want to attend. The Sabarmati Ashram is about 5 km away, reachable by metro or road. The old city, with Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid and the pols, is about 9 km south.

For day trips, the Adalaj stepwell is about 15 km north, on the way to Gandhinagar. The Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav at Patan are further afield but accessible by road. Within the area itself, you will find local markets, eateries and parks. The Sabarmati riverfront promenade is a short drive away, with walking paths and the Atal Bridge.

• Check the stadium's event schedule before booking if you want to attend a match.
• The Adalaj stepwell is a quick trip north, best visited in the morning.
• The Sabarmati riverfront is good for an evening walk or cycle ride.

Eating

Chandkheda and Motera have a range of vegetarian eateries, from local snack stalls to family-style restaurants. Gujarati thali, dhokla, khaman, fafda and jalebi, khandvi and thepla are common. Many places serve north Indian and South Indian dishes as well. The area has a number of sweet shops and bakeries. During Uttarayan in January, local vendors sell kite-flying supplies and special snacks like undhiyu.

For a wider variety, head to the night food markets in the old city, about 9 km away. These are best reached by auto or cab. In the evenings, some local streets have small food stalls. Gujarat is a dry state; alcohol is not sold freely. Visitors may obtain a temporary permit through licensed outlets; check the current rules before travelling.

Safety and practical tips

Chandkheda and Motera are generally safe neighbourhoods. The streets are well-lit in the main areas, and the metro and buses are reliable until late evening. Keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone on quiet roads late at night. The climate is best from November to February; from March to June it is very hot, often above 40 °C in May. Monsoon runs from July to September.

For visas, most foreign visitors need an Indian visa; many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online. Rules change, so check before travel. The area has several ATMs and small clinics. For medical emergencies, head to a hospital in the city centre. When choosing accommodation, consider proximity to the metro station for easy access to the rest of Ahmedabad. Check if the hotel offers parking if you are driving.

• Carry water and sunscreen if visiting in the hot months.
• Use the metro for longer trips; it is air-conditioned and avoids traffic.
• Check the current metro network map; new extensions open periodically.