Staying in Ashram Road, Ahmedabad

What the area is like

Ashram Road is a long, straight artery on the west bank of the Sabarmati river. It runs from Ellisbridge in the south to Sabarmati Ashram in the north. The road is lined with mid-range and upmarket hotels, offices, banks and shops. Traffic is steady during the day but quieter at night. The area feels modern and orderly compared to the walled city. Pavements are present but uneven in places.

The riverfront promenade is a short walk east. You will find a mix of business travellers, tourists and local residents. The atmosphere is practical and functional. The road is well lit after dark, especially near the riverfront. Many hotels have their own parking, which is useful if you drive. The area lacks the chaos of the old city, making it easier to navigate. It is a convenient base for exploring Ahmedabad.

• The road is well lit after dark, especially near the riverfront.
• Many hotels have their own parking, which is useful if you drive.
• The area lacks the chaos of the old city, making it easier to navigate.

Who it suits

Ashram Road suits first-time visitors who want a central base without the noise of the old city. It works well for business travellers because of the number of hotels and easy access to offices. Families also find it convenient, as the road is safe and has wide footpaths in parts. If you prefer a more traditional experience, the walled city offers pols and havelis but less modern comfort.

Ashram Road is a compromise: you are close to the old city but sleep in a quieter setting. Solo travellers will find plenty of cafes and eateries within walking distance. The area is also well connected to other parts of the city, making it easy to explore. Whether you are on a short trip or a longer stay, the road offers a practical and comfortable base.

Getting around

Ashram Road is well served by public transport. The Ahmedabad Metro Blue Line has a station at Usmanpura, about 1 km from the middle of Ashram Road. BRTS buses run along the riverfront corridor. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are easy to find at any hour. To reach the airport, take a cab or auto-rickshaw; the journey takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

For Ahmedabad Junction railway station, it is a 10-minute ride east across the river. The old city is a short auto-rickshaw trip over the Ellisbridge or Nehru Bridge. Metro trains run frequently during peak hours. BRTS buses have dedicated lanes, so they are faster than cars in traffic. Walking to the riverfront takes less than 10 minutes from most hotels.

• Metro trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours.
• BRTS buses have dedicated lanes, so they are faster than cars in traffic.
• Walking to the riverfront takes less than 10 minutes from most hotels.

What is nearby

Within 2 km of Ashram Road you will find several major sights. The Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal Bridge are a short walk east. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is 1.8 km south. Law Garden night market is 1.9 km south-west. Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza are 2.1 km east across the river. Further afield but still walkable or a short ride: Hutheesing Jain temple (2.3 km north-east), Calico Museum of Textiles (2.5 km north-east) and Sabarmati Ashram (2.6 km north).

The old city's pols and markets are easily reached by auto-rickshaw. The riverfront has a dedicated cycle track and walking path. Atal Bridge is a footbridge that connects both banks of the river. Law Garden market opens in the evening and sells handicrafts and street food. These sights give you a good sense of Ahmedabad's history and culture without travelling far.

• The riverfront has a dedicated cycle track and walking path.
• Atal Bridge is a footbridge that connects both banks of the river.
• Law Garden market opens in the evening and sells handicrafts and street food.

Eating on Ashram Road

Ashram Road has a wide range of eating options, from Gujarati thali restaurants to casual cafes and fast-food outlets. Many hotels have their own restaurants serving Indian and continental dishes. The area is vegetarian, as is most of Ahmedabad. You will find dhokla, khaman, fafda and jalebi at local snack shops. For a full meal, look for places that serve a Gujarati thali: a platter of dal, kadhi, vegetables, roti, rice and sweets.

Law Garden's evening stalls offer chaat and pav bhaji. The night food market near the old city is a short auto-rickshaw ride away and stays open late. If you visit during winter, try undhiyu, a seasonal mixed-vegetable dish traditionally eaten at Uttarayan. The area also has several bakeries and sweet shops for a quick bite. You will not go hungry on Ashram Road.

Safety and practical tips

Ashram Road is generally safe at any time of day. Stick to well-lit areas after dark. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items. Traffic can be chaotic at junctions, so cross roads carefully. The riverfront is patrolled and feels safe for evening walks. Gujarat is a dry state, so alcohol is not sold openly. Visitors may apply for a temporary permit at licensed outlets; check the current rules before arrival.

Carry a copy of your passport and visa. The climate is hot from March to June, so carry water and sun protection. November to February is the best time to visit, with warm days and cool nights ideal for sightseeing. The monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain, so plan accordingly. These tips will help you have a comfortable stay.