Gujarat was once home to powerful and prominent people like Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhai Patel, Narendra Modi, and many more. But that’s not its only charm. Ahmedabad, the previous capital of Gujarat has been moulded for centuries by the Mughals and the British. And this influence is still alive and fresh in the current culture of the city. Did you ever know Ahmedabad is the largest vegan city in India? Or that it is one of the largest producers of textiles? These are the kind of little facts and anecdotes that you can expect on this culturally awakening trip!
Know what makes Gujarat’s textiles special
Gujarat is famous for churning out a wide array of textiles that reflect amazing weaving, embroidery, block-printing, and dyeing skills. Each region of the state has an exclusive style of making textiles, hence making Gujarat the most diverse in the world of textiles. Locals shed their sweat and energy to craft these textiles with extremely high precision and various techniques. Some of the prominent styles that you know about are the works of Vadiara and Kharapat Rabari from the outskirts of the little Rann of Kutch, then the double ikat patolas of Patan, the bandhani type of sarees, dupattas, cholis that overwhelm and mesmerize you with its mirror-work are just some of the many types of textiles you’ll find in Ahmedabad, the former capital city of Gujarat.
In this city, you can visit the textile museum to glance at all the varieties all at once. Then you can dive deeper into the process by visiting the Old Quarter where the textile craftsmen showcase their talent. You’ll learn about how organizations like SEWA are making efforts to save these crafts from becoming obsolete. They are trying to bring back glory to these divine art forms that stretched to the fabric of India’s core. After spending your sweet time understanding the art form, you can go to the Bazaar at Law Gardens to buy something gorgeous, perhaps as a gift or souvenir.
Step Into The Past of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is an old city that was established somewhere around 1411. It serves as one of India’s most historic and culturally abundant epicentres. You can witness the religious diversity through the architecture that has been influenced by both Hindu and Islamic traditions. And this combined influence can also be seen in the religious monuments, cuisine, and festivals.
Get ready for a long walk as you explore the city’s unique self-contained neighbourhood or pols. This is a place where the residences are connected by lanes that open up on the main square/chowk. The main square is also where you can get an offbeat view of the citizens feeding a large number of pigeons. Another beautiful thing about the carved wooden houses, that are located in the Old Quarter of Ahmedabad. When you step in here, you’ll get to know its history, the community culture, and pretty ancient traditions.
Learn How To Cook Delicious Gujarati Food
It is fondly said the ones who dine in Surat and die in Kashi will attain salvation, and this saying explains why Gujarat is so food-centric. If you wanna know Gujarat, you have to indulge in an authentic Gujarati meal first. The cuisine is where you begin. The delicious snacks, sweets, and savoury munchies will keep you company as you wander around the city of Ahmedabad.
Even though most of the food items in this cuisine are vegetarian, they’re very healthy and delicious. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try cooking! Go to the local vegetable and fruit market and pick up the necessary ingredients, then pick up the spices from the traditional spice market, and then finally put this all together with your mentor’s ancient culinary wisdom to prepare a perfect Gujarati meal.
Capture The Essence of Ahmedabad With A Camera
Ahmedabad is a city that presents you with too many picturesque scenarios. With its ancient vibe, people, monuments, and old bazaars - it allows you to capture all the action that takes place within the city throughout the day and night. You’ll witness a plethora of colours on the streets and witness how a domestic cow co-exists with domesticated elephants and vehicles on the road. Quite an exotic combination, isn’t it?
Go on a route that will take you to historical monuments like Sidi Syed Mosque, Juma Masjid, and some other unique temples too! Let your lens guide you to the bustling bazaars, flower market, vegetables & fruit market along with ancient spots that will give you a chance to capture artsy pictures!
Visit The Vintage Car Museum
For people who have a knack for old stories and things - the vintage Car Museum will be quite entertaining! This museum harbours one of the biggest collections of Vintage Cars all around the world, with over 100 cars, and is an off-beat gem to explore. The name of the museum is Auto World and it will transport you back to a time when cars weren’t just a medium of transport but used to be a status symbol. From the mighty limousines to the romantic convertibles - the cars of the rich and famous will intrigue you.
There is a timeless charm and essence to these cars that no modern innovations can replace. Find out how the beauty of the cars are maintained and unveil the exciting story behind each vehicle! Royces, Bentleys, Daimlers, Mercedes, Packards, Cadillacs, Buicks Cord, Lincolns, Auburns - the iconic variety of this museum knows no bounds! The best part? You can also go for a fun drive in one of these vintage cars, just for the feels.
Savour The Taste Of Ahmedabad
If you wish to get to the root of Ahmedabad, begin with its culinary side. Food is a very important business here and the locals hold it close to their hearts. Ahmedabad has its staple food items, that have been created using cheese and chocolate. One of the culinary lores is that folks in Ahmedabad consume the most ice-cream in India. Perhaps, you can find out why and explore the streets too that are adorned with samples of authentic Gujarati food.
Make sure to try the iconic pani puri that has many names and flavours all over India, then try out roadside sandwich joints that offer a large variety of sandwiches layered with aloo, chutney, cheese, or chocolate. If you want to try something truly different and new, then try the Amdavadee style bhakri pizza, whose top will be filled with loads of cheese! Now, last but not least - relish hand-made ice cream, kulfi, or the aromatic Magai Paan for dessert.