Gandhinagar Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, and safety tips in Gandhinagar. Get insider tips on hiking and biking routes, food, accommodation, transportation, and nearby excursions.
- Introduction to Gandhinagar
- List of Places to Visit in Gandhinagar
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Gandhinagar
- Best Things to Do in Gandhinagar: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Gandhinagar
- Food and Drink Scene of Gandhinagar
- Where to Stay in Gandhinagar - Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Gandhinagar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Gandhinagar
- Best Time to Visit Gandhinagar
- Do’s and Don’ts of Gandhinagar
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Gandhinagar: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Gandhinagar
- Where to Go Next from Gandhinagar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar is a planned city in the North Gujarat region of Gujarat, located adjacent to the state capital of Ahmedabad. The city is renowned for its harmonious combination of modern and traditional architecture, numerous parks and gardens, and a flourishing business district. Gandhinagar is a prime cultural hub that preserves traditional Indian art forms and handicrafts, being home to several renowned museums, temples, and historic landmarks.
List of Places to Visit in Gandhinagar
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- (1) Mahatma Mandir - Gandhi Nagar’s newest addition in the form of a massive convention center built as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
- (2) Akshardham Temple - Beautiful intricate carvings in a traditional style along with animatronics and multimedia displays showcase Indian heritage and culture.
- (3) Dandi Kutir - A museum showcasing the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the Salt Satyagraha movement.
- (4) Adalaj Stepwell - Ahmadabad’s most famous stepwell which was built in the 15th century and is famous for its detailed architecture.
Natural Attractions of Gandhinagar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- (1) Sarita Udyan - A tranquil park featuring jogging trails, a mini-train ride, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a variety of flora species.
- (2) Indroda Nature Park - A magnificent nature reserve with a botanical garden, a dinosaur museum, and a zoological park.
- (3) Saradar Patel National Memorial - Built-in memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” this museum and monument offers various exhibits that showcase his contributions to the country.
- (4) Hanumanji Temple - 15th-century temple nestled in a picturesque setting offers an idyllic escape from the bustling city.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Gandhinagar
- (1) Riverfront Park - Riverfront Park offers several miles of walking and cycling paths, food stalls, live music, and entertainment.
- (2) Ratanpur - An archeological site situated in a remote village offers a serene and panoramic view and can only be reached on foot.
- (3) Gandhinagar-Ambaji trail - A six-day-long trek with diverse landscapes, unique flora, and fauna, and significant cultural heritage sites.
Best Things to Do in Gandhinagar: Activities and Tours
- (1) Balaram Palace Resort - A luxurious resort and wildlife sanctuary that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, peace, and adventure.
- (2) Shamala Beach - A serene beach flanked by tall colliding trees and fine golden sand. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation or a picnic.
- (3) Shopping Thrills - Indulge in Gujrati handicrafts, embroidery, and textiles. Places like Thallo Mall or GH5 offer endless options to shop.
- (4) Ahmedabad Unseen Heritage Walks - A journey that begins from the doors of the Satyagrah Ashram in Ahmedabad and takes you through the several unusual trails of experience and local insights.
Week-Long Itinerary for Gandhinagar
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Mahatma Mandir and explore the Sardar Patel National Memorial |
| 2 | Visit Indroda Nature Park and Hanumanji Temple, and take a leisurely stroll in the serene Riverfront Park |
| 3 | Explore the Adalaj Stepwell and Raj Bhavan, and spend the evening at the Balaram Palace Resort |
| 4 | Go hiking in the Ratanpur region, and later visit Shamla Beach for a beautiful sunset view |
| 5 | Visit the ancient Modhera Sun Temple and Patan Rani Ki Vav |
| 6 | Day trip to Ahmedabad Unseen Heritage Walks |
| 7 | Visit Akshardham Temple and Dandi Kutir, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy the evening at the Thallo Mall |
Food and Drink Scene of Gandhinagar
Must-Try Dishes
- (1) Dhokla - A steamed and savory snack made of Besan and served with Chutney.
- (2) Khandvi - A roll-up made of Gram Flour and a pinch of sweetness, which melts in your mouth.
- (3) Fafda - A crunchy snack made of yellow gram flour.
- (4) Thepla - A Gujarati staple made of wheat flour and served with pickles.
Local Beverages
- (1) Masala Chai - A locally brewed spicy tea
- (2) Chaas - A drink prepared with Buttermilk, Spices, and leaves of Curry.
- (3) Lassi - A sweet drink made of curd that’s whipped with a lot of ice.
Where to Stay in Gandhinagar - Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- (1) Fortune Inn Haveli - A luxurious hotel with state-of-the-art facilities
- (2) Infocity Club and Resort - A family-friendly resort with several recreational facilities.
- (3) Nepali Baithak - A budget stay option with basic amenities located near Mahatma Mandir.
What to Buy in Gandhinagar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- (1) Bandhani and Patola fabrics.
- (2) Embroidered items like dupattas, sarees, and lehengas.
- (3) Handcrafted Jewelry.
- (4) Home Decor items like wall paintings, statues, and handicrafts.
Local Culture and Customs of Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar is predominantly Hindu with an additional Muslim and Jain population. Women mostly prefer to wear traditional attire like saree, while men mostly wear Dhoti or Kurta. Gujarati is the primary language in the city, English being another widely spoken language. The city’s culture is a blend of various communities, expressing their customs and beliefs in harmony.
Best Time to Visit Gandhinagar
The ideal time to visit Gandhinagar is between the months of October and March. During this period, the city experiences winter with a pleasant and comfortable climate, making it the perfect time to explore the outdoors.
Do’s and Don’ts of Gandhinagar
Do:
- Respect the cultural diversity of the city.
- Wear conservative clothing while visiting religious places or local markets.
- Try local delicacies like Dhokla and Khandvi.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage the nature reserve or natural monuments.
- Don’t take photographs without permission when visiting religious places or cultural events.
Safety and Health
Safety in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar is a safe city overall, but one should remain vigilant when traveling alone or in isolated areas at night. Keep the emergency helpline numbers handy, and avoid flashes of wealth in public areas.
Health in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar has several medical facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies. If you’re on prescribed medication, ensure that you carry sufficient supplies with you.
Getting to Gandhinagar: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Gandhinagar
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (18 km away from Gandhinagar) is the nearest airport to Gandhinagar.
Bus Stations Near Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar has an extensive bus network, with frequent services to all major cities and towns of the state.
Other Options
There are also several on-demand taxis and car rental services available in Gandhinagar that offer self-driven or chauffeur-driven cars.
How to Get Around in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar is well-connected and accessible via several modes of transportation. Local public transport such as auto-rickshaws, buses, and cabs are the most preferred mediums to commute in the city.
Where to Go Next from Gandhinagar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Ahmedabad, the cultural capital of Gujarat, is around 16 km from Gandhinagar.
- The Akshay Parv Forest located around 40 km from Gandhinagar is a great option for a day-long outing.
- The Rani Ki Vav archaeological site located around 120 km from Gandhinagar is another famous tourist destination.
Conclusion
Gandhinagar is the perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. With its beautiful parks, mesmerizing temples, historic landmarks, and stunning nature reserves, the city has something for everyone. From scenic biking trails, adventure, and cultural experiences to reliable accommodation, transportation, and delicious food, Gandhinagar deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
