“केम छो? मज़ा मा?” As soon as you step onto the platform at Ahmedabad Junction, you’re greeted with warmth, vibrancy, and a beautiful fusion of inheritance and modernity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor, Ahmedabad consistently impresses with its rich culture, diverse cuisine, vibrant shopping scene, and fascinating history.
Our journey began at Ahmedabad Junction, and we chose to stay at Prasang Presidency – a clean, comfy, and budget-friendly hotel. You can take a tuk-tuk, Ola, or Uber to get there. With public transport being affordable and efficient, the cost of our entire stay and commute was approximately ₹ 8200.
A Perfect 2-Day Ahmedabad Itinerary
Day 1: Street Food, Shopping, and Spirituality in Ahmedabad
1. Start with the Flavors: Manek Chowk Street Food
Ahmedabad is known for its lip-smacking street food, and Manek Chowk is the king of it all. We began our culinary adventure with soft and spongy Dhokla for just ₹30 a plate, followed by the delightful Khandvi – thin rolls of happiness for ₹40. Then came the heavenly Fafda-Jalebi, spicy Sev Usal, crunchy Gathiya, and the nutritious yet tasty Handvo.
Nearby Attractions:
- Rani No Hajiro Market – Traditional wear and silver jewelry.
- Badshah No Hajiro – Historic tomb.
- Siddi Sayyed Mosque – Known for its iconic jali work.
- House of MG – Boutique hotel with a heritage café.
2. Time to Shop Local
No Ahmedabad trip is complete without indulging in local shopping. We bought Khakhras, pickles, and chutneys, along with traditional Gujarati chappals for just ₹250. Then we moved on to colorful Chaniya Cholis, Bandhani sarees, hand-printed stoles, and designer wear that ranged from ₹300 to ₹20,000.
Must-Visit Markets:
- Law Garden – Great for ethnic wear and accessories.
- Lal Darwaja & Ratanpol – Ideal for affordable shopping.
- Dhalgarwad – Famous for traditional sarees.
3. Desi Swag Time: Jewelry and Handicrafts
We stopped at local handicraft stalls for oxidized jewelry, handmade jhumkas, and even picked up a cute gajra. The entire shopping experience felt like a celebration of Gujarati craftsmanship.
4. Khadi Store: Sustainable Shopping
We then visited the underrated yet delightful Khadi Store, where you can find handwoven clothes, chemical-free soaps, organic skincare products, and other sustainable items. It’s the perfect mix of local and eco-friendly.
Nearby Attractions:
- Sabarmati Riverfront – Ideal for sunset walks.
- Flower Park – For floral enthusiasts.
- National Handloom Corp – More handcrafted goods.
5. Evening at Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar)
Our next stop was the magnificent Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, built from pink sandstone in 1992. It took 13 years to complete and features intricate carvings and breathtaking architecture. The night view of the temple is absolutely surreal.
Nearby in Gandhinagar:
- Dandi Kutir Museum – Interactive museum on Gandhi’s Salt March.
- Indroda Nature Park – India’s very own Jurassic Park.
- Adalaj Stepwell – A marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture.
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Day 2: History, Heritage, and National Pride
6. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial
A visit to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is a must for history buffs. It beautifully showcases the life, letters, and legacy of India’s Iron Man – including rare photographs, speeches, and documents from the freedom struggle.
Nearby:
- Calico Museum of Textiles – World-renowned textile heritage.
- Hutheesing Jain Temple – Stunning temple architecture.
7. Sabarmati Ashram – Gandhi’s Home
Next, we headed to the peaceful Sabarmati Ashram, located right by the riverfront. Highlights include:
- Hriday Kunj – Gandhi Ji’s personal residence.
- Charkha Museum – Home to the famous spinning wheel that sparked the Swadeshi movement.
The calm, spiritual aura here was a perfect contrast to the hustle of the city. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and feel connected to India’s freedom movement.
Nearby:
- Riverfront Cycling Track – Rent a bike and ride along the scenic view.
- Dandi Bridge – Symbolic of the Salt March.
- NID Museum – National Institute of Design’s creative space.
Optional Add-On Spots for Extended Stay:
- Heritage Walk Ahmedabad – Guided tour through pols and havelis.
- Patang Kite Museum – Quirky and colorful.
- Science City Ahmedabad – Great for family fun and innovation lovers.
- Kankaria Lake – Boating, zoo, and hot-air balloon rides.
- Shree Swaminarayan Temple (Kalupur) – Rich in history and culture.
Final Thoughts
Ahmedabad is not just a city; it’s an emotion. From food and shopping to heritage and spirituality, every corner of the city tells a story. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this 2-day itinerary helps you experience the best of Ahmedabad.
If you found this travel guide helpful, Until then –
“Jo Baka! Majja Ma Raho, Keep Travelling!”