When someone wants to visit a place, where one can get to see the best blend of ancient and modern India, the best place to land is at Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the one of the cities which cherishes a rich historical background. The moment one steppes on this holiness of this land can be felt, the patriotism with modern values everywhere. One can feel the thriving cultural and diverse traditions of different ethnic and religious communities that are at its best over here.
One can visit many places. The journey can always be started from the Sabarmati Ashram. It was set up by Mahatma Gandhi himself, on the bank of River Sabarmati. It carries the rich memories of the freedom movement in India. There are two lakes in the city; these are Kankaria Lake and Vastrapur Lake. Kankaria Lake is an artificial lake developed by the Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aybak, in 1451. It is in the neighborhood of Maninagar and is a picnic spot.
The other historical places which must be visited are various ancient mosques present here. These included Mosque of Sidi Sayid and Sidi Bashir Mosque, Jama Masjid, Rani Sipri's Mosque or Masjid-e-Nagin and Shah Alam Roza. The prime characterstics of these mosques, which appeals, is that they have fine workmanship and are built in indo-saracenic fashion (blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture). These reveal the influence of different cultures in this city. One is completely taken aback by the absolute beauty.
Out of the temples which can be visited, most notable are Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Hathee Singh Jain Temple. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is marked by its unique architecture based on Burma Teak Wood. The Hathee Singh Jain Temple has a completely different style of architecture. It has a white marble structure and rich decorative carvings.
Next in list are the palaces (also called Havelis) and fort. No one can stop imagining about the lavish lifestyle which was enjoyed over here. Some of these carve their images in the mind. The first one is the Doshiwada di Pol, a 100 year old haveli with gabled roof and windowless facade.
Author: Rojar Mark
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