WHAT TO SEE:

MOSQUES:
The city centre is dotted with domes and minarets of mosque, pavilions and monuments built in the 15th century. Built of local honey-colored stone these structures have fine austere Islamic designs with decorative Hindu art. RANI SIPRI’S MOSQUE and TOMB (1514) is believed to have been built by a wife on a local Sultan after he executed her son in a fit of anger. Close by is the RANI RUPMATI MOSQUE (1440) which have exquisite jail screen. The JUMMA MASJID is famous for its picture porticos resting on 250 columns. Nearby is the TEEN DARWAZA (Three Gateways) off Relief road is the SIDI SAIYAD MOSQUE (1430) which is renowned for its
pierced marble latticework arches.

GANDHI ASHRAM:
One of Mahatma Gandhi’s most moving legacy, the Sabarmati Ashram as it is christened has been the centre of many historical event of India’s freedom struggle. It is here that Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience movement and the Salt March to Dandi, both crucial events in the Satyagraha against British rule. The Ashram house Gandhi’s personal possessions, kept as they had been during his lifetime.

In the evening the Ashram conducts son et lumiere show in English, Hindi and Gujrati on different days of the week. The English show is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm.

EXCURSION:

LOTHAL:
Among the southern most archaeological established towns of the Harappan culture that is believed to have grown out of the Indus Valley between 2400B.C, Lothal is 87 km. from Ahmedabad. It was an important port of its time and traded with Egypt and Mesopotania. Excavated in the 1950’s the remnants of the town show a systematically planned port which had definite knowledge of tides and applied it to build the city drainage system.

SOMNATH:
A Hindu temple almost on the sea off the Gujarat coast was reputed to be the richest in India. This attracted raid after raid by marauding soldiers from the north-west. The most famous raider was Mohammed of Ghazni who it is believed used a mammoth caravan to cart away his loot of gold and precious stones. Somnath is one of the most important Shiva temples in India and holds Kartika Purnima festival in November- December and the Mahashivratri festival in February- March with much vibrancy.

MODHERA:
The Sun Temple is 106 km. northwest of Ahmedabad, dating to 1026 AD, two centuries older than the more famous Sun temple of Konark, near Puri. Against a baren landscape, the temple is an outstanding sight. Built on a platform above a deep tank, the temple has suffered the attack of Mohmmed Ghazni but remarkably still has a beautiful carving of Goddesses, birds, blossoms and beasts. The temple is similar to the Somnath temple and both were erected by the Solankis. Some of the stone carving at the structure has now been placed in a museum.

STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Half day city sightseeing visiting the magnificent Mosque of Siddi Saiyad with its exquisite stone carving, the beautiful Jama Masjid, white marble Hathee Singh’s temple, Dada Hari Baoli, Shaking Minarets, Calico Textile Museum and Sabarmati Ashram, started by Mahatma Gandhi.