Staying in Sola & Science City, Ahmedabad

What the area is like

Sola and Science City sit on the northern end of SG Highway, a broad, busy road that runs north-west from the city centre. This is a relatively new part of Ahmedabad, developed mostly from the 1990s onward. The streets are wide and lined with apartment blocks, hospitals, colleges and commercial plazas. The Gujarat High Court and the Gujarat Science City complex are the two most prominent landmarks. Traffic moves fast on the highway, and the area feels less congested than the old city or central business districts.

The neighbourhood is largely residential, with a mix of mid-range and upper-mid-range housing. You will find chain stores, clinics, petrol pumps and a growing number of eateries. The Sabarmati River is about 3 km east, but the riverfront promenades are not within walking distance. At night the area is quieter than the southern parts of SG Highway around Iscon crossroads. Street lighting is adequate on main roads; side streets can be darker.

• The Gujarat High Court is a notable landmark near the Science City road.
• Science City has a planetarium, an IMAX theatre and interactive science exhibits.
• Sola village, the original settlement, lies just off the highway and has a few old houses and a temple.

Who it suits

This area suits travellers who have business at the High Court, at Gandhinagar (about 15 km north) or at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University and other institutions on the northern corridor. It is also convenient for anyone visiting Science City, especially families with children. The area works well for those who prefer a modern, orderly environment over the historic chaos of the walled city.

It is less suited to first-time visitors who want to explore the old city on foot. The distance to Bhadra Fort and the pols is about 9 km, and you will need a taxi or auto-rickshaw for every trip. Solo travellers on a tight budget may find the accommodation options here pricier than in the old city or near Kalupur station.

• Business travellers with meetings in Gandhinagar or at the High Court.
• Families visiting Science City for a day out.
• Travellers who want a quiet, modern base with easy highway access.

Getting around

The main transport option is the auto-rickshaw or app-based cab. Autos are plentiful on SG Highway; agree on the fare before starting or use a metered app. The Ahmedabad Metro does not yet reach Sola or Science City directly; the nearest station on the Blue Line is at Thaltej, about 5 km south. BRTS buses run along SG Highway, but the stops may be a short walk from your hotel. Check the current Janmarg routes and frequencies.

To reach the airport, take SG Highway south-east past the Sabarmati River and turn towards Hansol; the journey takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. For Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur station), go east via the Sardar Bridge or Ellisbridge; allow 30-45 minutes. For the old city, head east to Lal Darwaza; auto-rickshaws are the most direct option. Driving yourself is possible but parking in the old city is difficult.

• Auto-rickshaws and app cabs are the most practical options for local travel.
• BRTS buses stop on SG Highway; check current routes and timings.
• The nearest metro station is Thaltej on the Blue Line, about 5 km south.

What is nearby

Gujarat Science City is the main attraction, located about 2 km from the Sola crossroads. It has a planetarium, an IMAX dome theatre, a hall of science and outdoor exhibits. It is popular with school groups and families. The Gujarat High Court building is a modern structure worth a look for its architecture, though public access is restricted. The Sabarmati Ashram is about 7 km south-east; a taxi ride takes 20-30 minutes.

For shopping, the SG Highway has several malls and retail outlets, though the nearest large mall is around the Iscon crossroads, about 5 km south. The old city's markets, including the night market near the Bhadra Fort area and the jewellery lanes, are about 9 km away. The Adalaj stepwell, a five-storey 15th-century stepwell, is about 15 km north on the way to Gandhinagar and makes a good half-day trip by taxi.

• Gujarat Science City: planetarium, IMAX, interactive exhibits.
• Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi's residence from 1917 to 1930, free entry.
• Adalaj stepwell: 15th-century five-storey stepwell, about 15 km north.

Eating

Eating options in Sola and Science City are mostly casual restaurants and fast-food outlets along SG Highway and the side roads. You will find Gujarati thali places, South Indian dosa joints, Punjabi dhaba-style eateries and a few multi-cuisine restaurants. Street food is less common here than in the old city, but you can find khaman, dhokla and fafda at some snack shops. Most places are vegetarian, as is standard across Ahmedabad.

For a wider choice, head south on SG Highway towards the Iscon crossroads, where there are more restaurants and cafes. The old city's night food market near the Bhadra Fort area is about 9 km away and worth a trip for the lively atmosphere and variety of snacks. Law Garden's evening food stalls are about 7 km south-east. Breakfast options in the area include thepla, poha and upma at local eateries.

• Gujarati thali: a platter of several dishes, usually unlimited.
• Snacks: dhokla, khaman, fafda with chutney.
• Seasonal: undhiyu, a winter speciality, especially around Uttarayan in January.

Safety and practical tips

Sola and Science City are generally safe, with low crime rates. The main risks are traffic-related: crossing SG Highway on foot is hazardous; use pedestrian bridges or cross at traffic lights. Women travellers should take app-based cabs at night rather than hailing autos on the street. Keep your phone charged and have the hotel address written in Gujarati to show to drivers.

Gujarat is a dry state; alcohol is not sold in shops or restaurants. Visitors may apply for a temporary permit at licensed outlets, but the rules change frequently. Check the current regulations before travelling. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled water. The best time to visit is November to February, when days are warm and nights cool. From March to June, temperatures often exceed 40 °C, making sightseeing uncomfortable.

• Use app-based cabs for night travel, especially for solo women.
• Carry bottled water; tap water is not safe to drink.
• The area is vegetarian; most restaurants do not serve eggs or meat.