Ahmedabad Welcomes You
Hello tourists!
A very warm welcome to the land of Ahmedabad, the only mega city of Gujarat, situated on the bank of the river-Sabarmati.
The city of Ahmedabad was formerly known as Ashawal of Asha Bhil; Karnavati of Karanadev, Ahamdabad of Sultan Ahmed Shah, Rajnagar, the capital of Jainism, a politico-cultural city of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel and Amdavad of 'Amdavadis'. The Britishers spelled it as Ahmedabad and it became internationally known as Ahmedabad. But in vernacular language, it became popular as Amdavad all the Gujratis know it as Amdavadis. The citizens are known as Amdavadis across the world.
There are hundreds of temples, mosques and other pilgrim spots in the city. Among all, one spot glaringly draws our attention, which is none other than Sabarmati Ashram, offered to the nation by Gandhiji, his humble residence known as Hrhidaykunj. The period in which he lived here is Known as the Gandhi-Era.
In fact, the seeds of prosperity of the city were sown by Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal by establishing the first textile mill in the city. As a result, the city became an industrial town and the machine-age began in Ahmedabad. Today, Ahmedabad is famous as the biggest industrial capital of Gujarat.
The Mahajan tradition, started by a sheriff, Sheth Shantidas Zaveri, was preserved and continued by another leading industrialist Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Sheth Kasturbhai and many others have contributed substantially in making the city prosperous.
Sahajanand Swami established Swaminarayan temple in Kalupur, located at the heart of the city. The artistic wood work of the temple is famous globally. The kite loving people of the city celebrate Navratri festival joyfully and with great fervor. Rathyatra, the chariot procession of Jagannath temple, is again the pride of the city. The musical programmes arranged under the auspices of 'Saptak' for the last twenty seven years are enjoyed by the music lovers of the entire country.
The assistant judge during British period, Mr. Alexander Kinlock Forbes was deeply interested in the architecture and folklore of the city. He also learnt Gujarati from our great Gujarati poet-Dalpatram.
In comparison with other cities, the number of museums in Ahmedabad is larger. The most famous among them are Calico Textile Museum, Vechaar-Utensils Museum, City Museum and L.D.Museum of lndology.
The academic institutions like Indian Institute of Management, National Institute of Design, Physical Research Laboratory, CEPT and Nirma University have made the city known as an educational hub in the country.
Ahmedabad has also become a medical hub recently. Even the Government of Gujarat is encouraging medical tourism under the project 'Vibrant Gujarat'. Many doctors and hospitals of the city have earned international fame by providing medical services. Therefore, many NRIs prefer to take medical treatment in the city.
The city believes in traditional as well as modern approach. The city has extended its boundaries on all sides and recently got the status of a mega city. Ahmedabad is very dynamic, and happening city. So, if any NRI or a foreign visitor visits the city after a long time, he is surprised at the amazing progress, prosperity and expansion every time.
Now, we have arrived at the hotel booked by you. So get yourself ready to visit the city.We shall start our journey after visiting the temple of Bhadrakali, the protectorate deity of the city, and seeking her blessings. Your stay and your visit to the city may be pleasant. We hope, rather we assure you that this booklet will be very useful to you to understand and enjoy this city.
