At the site of an old town of ashawal and karnavati sultan Ahmed shah in 1411 AD built the citadel at bhadra with the royal mosque known as Ahmed Shah's masjid. Teen Darwaja, Jami masjid and Hajiras in manek Chowk. The city's rise to glory commences with the accession of Mahmud Begdo. For 100 years thereafter, Ahmedabad grew in wetland splendor and became the center of skilled craftsman and merchants but with the decay of the Gujarat dynasty, the prosperity of the city declined, until it was conquered by emperor Akbar in 1572 and annexed to the mughal Empire.

With the weakening of the mughal authority, the combined armies of Ragunath Rao and Demaji Gaekwad took the citadel in 1553. in 1780, Fathesinh Geakwad with the help of British obtained the sole control over Ahmedabad. During the Maratha reign, the city was divided into haves, one ruled by Peshwas and the other by Geakwads. The peace returned with the take over by British in 1818. the textile mills brought wealth and prosperity. Gujarat continued to maintain industrial development due to its sound infrastructure and human resources.

Gandhiji first stayed in vanatshala -a place where handlooms were installed- but later on moved to ' Hridaykunj' the pulse of the ashram. This Spartan accommodation was to witness Gandhiji evolution from Mohandas to Mahatma, who rose to be the 'father of the nation'. The first struggle that Gandhiji spearheaded from Sabarmati Ashram was that of textile mill workers. Soon after, there was the Kheda Satyagraha. However, the most glorious chapter of the sabarmati Ashram is the way in which galvanized the country into hitherto unknown sense of unity and natural sprit. Directed by 'his inner voice' Bapu gave a call to break the salt law and embarked on a 385 Kms. March with his 79 followers. On the 12th march 1930 Bapu commenced on this trail. Setting the nation ablaze with the spirit of defense. Sound and light show: At 19:00 hrs in Gujarati daily; at 18:30 hrs. in English on Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat.

The monuments of Ahmedabad speak of its past glory and it's present prosperity. Its mosques and tombs are unpretentious in size but rich in detail. The delicate tracery and ornamented minarets make them distinctively Indian.

The principal mosque of the same era is jami masjid situated in the center of the city near three gates (Tran Drawaja) the mosque has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes arranged symmetrically. Pleasant illumination without glare is achieved from the light reflected from the external roof into the dome and admitted throughout clear story windows. A special feature of the mosque is the Muuk-Khana, or the Royal Gallery.

Rani Rupmati's masjid in Mizapur has richly carved minarets balcony windows and perforated stone lattices. Its three domes are linked to gather by a flat roof.

The mosque of sidi saiyed, near Lal Darwaja has earned world wide fame for its magnificent stone tracery, it is a fine example of indo-saracenic architecture and its models in miniature are best known souvenirs of the city. The complex containing the tomb and tank of shah alam, the son of Qutb-I-Alam of vatva, was constructed in 1532.

The Royal Residences the finest is the Shahi baug place, built in 1622 A.D. by shah Jajan, the then viceroy of Ahmedabd. It now houses the pictures, portraits and some personal effect of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the iron man of India.

Exhibits include a wide range of embroidered shamianas, Wall hangings costumes, saris and embroideries known as phulkris, kalamkaris, juxtaposed artistically. However, the emphasis is on religion and religious textiles as one Vaishnava section. As the museum opened at 10.30 A.M. a tourist may cover Harnessing Jain temple or sardar memorial [old raj bhavam] situated in the early morning to make the best use of their time.

Hatheesing's jain Temple outside Delhi Gate, built by Sheth Hatheesing a rich jain merchant, in 1848 A.D.. It has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankar.

The Adalaj Stepwell built in 1499 A.D. Ruda rani wife of Raja virsing, a vaghela Raipur. It has an entrance from three sides with open colonnades of increasing height and complexity over the staircase landings. Two other step-well of Ahmedabad are Mata
Bhavani's step-well and BaiHarir's step-well at Asarva.

The only art house in the world with a thatched roof, the museum is a brainchild of architect and Interior designer Mr.Surendra Patel. It displays 2000 traditional utensils of all size & shapes designed in brass, Capper, bronze. They offer a variety of designs ranging from utensils inlaid with ivory & stone to other in the from of birds & women, with producing musical sounds.

At a distance of 80 kms. From Ahmedabad is a large water bird sanctuary. It covers an area of 121 sq. kms. The depth of the water does not exceed 1.8 meters, which makes it one of the largest shallow lakes of the country. Migratory birds start arriving from the month the of October. The population reaches its peak in January. The population of pelicans, ducks and geese reaches over 460000 respectively during winter.

Established on the line of Gandhian principles, the institute offers graduate and post -graduate courses in social sciences. Graduates can also undertake training leading of degree of Master of social Work. It dears testimony to the vision of Gandhiji who was its lifelong Chancellor.

A premier science institute of the country, better knows by its acronym PRL carries out frontal research in geophysical and radiation. The institute came into existence as a result of the inspiring efforts of late Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In 1954 the foundation for the present day building was laid by the then Prime Minister Shri Nehru.

Well know by its acronym, ATIRA, is the oldest research institute carrying out research work for rationalization of the textile processes and methods besides it are also industrial psychology and organizational behavior. The campus has landscaped lawns, where joggers and health enthusiasts converge in early morning. In the evenings it offers a respite from the busrle of a clogged city life as families with young children enjoy their evening in its cool gardens.

Embodiment of the vision of its architect Louis Kahn, the institute has become a house of inspiration to learn, to question, to live and to express. Making leaders out of men and women who enroll here, the institute imparts education and training in managerial skills required to take the nation's enterprises in the 21st century. From the angle of the tourist it is a building, which needs special mention.