I arrived in Ahmedabad in December 2021. The city immediately entrapped me through its small city charm (by the way, it is not a small city at all, just that the charm is still present) and the enterprising nature of its populace. I had never been to Gujarat before this visit and was excited to explore the length and breadth of the state, starting with Ahmedabad and its twin city, Gandhinagar. Furthermore, as a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM, hereafter) I knew I am going to spend a considerable amount of time in this place.
So, based on my experience, I am listing down 35 places (with a very brief review of each) where you can have a good time, in and around the IIM at Ahmedabad. Here, I must say that 35 is a very small number, 350 would be more precise - such is the scope of tourist attractions in this ancient yet modern city. Moreover, the ordering in the list is alphabetical, not ranking. I have not added religious places here but nonetheless, one should visit them if one is interested in learning, properly, about this beautiful city. I am not mentioning the exact addresses of these places as it will make the post too long and cumbersome to read. Please use the "maps" software on your phones to locate them. While writing the remarks for each place, I have used (mainly) my own experiences. However, for finer details, Google Bhai was also used.
Place | Remarks |
Adalaj Stepwell | Immense historical importance concerning the trade and culture of Gujarat, built by the Queen Rudadevi in the memory of King Rana Veer Singh, beautiful architecture. An inspiration for the photographer inside you |
Alpha One mall | Shopping, dining, movies, personal grooming, everything under one roof |
Atal bridge | Marvel at human creativity, inspired by kites which are very popular in Ahmedabad |
Auto World Vintage Car Museum | A gorgeuous collection of some of the classics of the past century, an immersive experience |
Café TANSTAFL (or, CT) | Great open-air ambience, ideal spot to hang out with friends and/or create memories over tea and snacks (the new contractor is better) |
Café Tomorrow (CT, for short but not to be confused with the real CT) | Decent range of dishes, margherita pizza is quite good (please ask for thin crust) - ingredients used are fresh |
Calico museum of textiles | A privately owned museum with a rich collection of textile material across geographies. Tour is free but your have to apply days in advance. It is a six hour tour - so be prepared to stand and walk for a long time. They serve free tea and refreshments between sessions. Professionally handled tour with extremely knowledgeable tour guides. Must visit. |
Campus Café | Delicious aloo sandwich and omelettes. Bhavesh bhai, the owner, is an expert on relationship management. Additionally, good for hanging out with friends/chatting over a cup of coffee (do not order tea here) |
Chandravilas restaurant | Has a heritage value (over a 100 years old), food is decent and filling |
Dada Harir Stepwell | Just like the Adalaj Stepwell, this place also holds immense historical importance concerning the trade and culture of Gujarat. It was built by the Dhai Harir in the 15th century A.D.. The architecture leaves you awestruck. It is next to a religious place, so try and maintain proper decorum. |
Flower Garden at the riverfront | A range of flora, some are kept under protection in a greenhouse. Okay, a good spot for couples - that's it |
Gordhan Thaal | A Gujarati thaali place with a diverse menu and as you may have guessed it, unlimited food - go a bit early on weekends as there are long waiting queues on those two days |
Gwalia Vanakkam Restaurant | Tamil cuisine with a slight Gujarati twist - good amalgamation |
House of MG | Beautiful heritage building with a rooftop restaurant (a bit expensive but provides the best view among all the restaurants in the city) |
Jassi De Parathe (Vastrapur) | Good parathas (albeit, a bit expensive), which are a rarity in Ahmedabad |
Juna Share Bazar Chavanawala | Best, I mean the best fafda jalebi I have had in Ahmedabad |
Kaffa Coffee Roasters | Love their jasmine tea, the staff takes a lot care in preparing every dish, should try everything on their menu |
Kamla Café | Named after the first faculty member of IIM A, the place gives a homely vibe with fresh tea brewing and delicious snacks ready to be enjoyed, all the time |
Kankaria Lake (only the lake, the zoo is not good) | The SBI lake, a demonstration of human ingenuity. Good couples' spot. |
Law Garden and the adjoining market | Market has a variety of colourful items on display, should learn how to bargain. Garden is couple friendly, or so it seems |
L.D. Museum | Artefacts from as far back as 2nd century AD can be found here, must visit. Please take permission from the authorities before taking pictures |
Louis Kahn Plaza | Architectural wonder at the heart of IIM. You can play here, sing here, dance here, pretty much do anything - good place to create memories |
Prithvi Art Celebration | A cute, little, open-air café with good masala chai. Can go there with friends. |
Radhika's at IIM A | Delicious poha, a but spicy though. Food is decent but do not expect authentic South Indian experience |
Sabarmati Ashram | Gandhi's workplace and residence, strating point of the historical Dandi march - need I say more? |
Sabarmati Riverfront | Can go for a walk or a bicycle ride. The riverfront is well maintained and family friendly. |
Science city | A family friendly place which can definitely help invoke scientific temper in kids. Do not rush to cover the full extent of this place in one go but take your time and savour every gallery/park. Highly recommended. |
Shankar Ice Cream Library | The best ice-cream I have had till now. |
Sundarvan Zoo | A small zoo nestled inside the metropolis that is Ahmedabad. Good place for outing with kids or school picnics. |
Tea Post at IIM A | Ginger tea shots are pretty awesome (you can get them by asking for small tea) |
Vastrapur lake | Daring/friendly squirrels, good for walking/jogging |
Vastrapur market | Tasty dabeli and vada pav |
Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre | Kids (as well as adults) will enjoy the different science models on display here |
Vikram Sarabhai Library | One of the best places in the campus, has lakhs of books on almost all the topics under the sun |
Yanki Sizzlers | Vegetarian sizzlers…but hold on, you'll become a fan once you try them |
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