Author: Manal B

After being honored as India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO, it is essential that we all know a little something about Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad or as it is dearly addressed by its residents; “Aapnu Amdavad” is a unique blend of contemporary culture with enormous wealth of history in the form of monuments, recorded events, stories from the locals, textile industries, food and festivals.  

Below is a list of all the prestigious must-visit places in this quirky and vintage town.

1. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque or ‘Sidi Saiyyed ni Jaali’

Built in 1573, in the last year of existence of the Sultanate of Gujarat, this mosque is considered as an unofficial symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Following an Indo-Islamic style of architecture, the most intricate work is performed on the jaalis. Take a look;

2. Adalaj Stepwell or “Adalaj Ni Vav”

Adalaj ni vav, is a five storey deep step well located in Adalaj; a small village very close to Ahmedabad. Gujarat was renowned for the construction for such step wells in the earlier times. The residents used it for drinking, washing and bathing. These ‘vavs’ were also a platform for several traditional rituals and festivities.

3. Jama Masjid or “Jami”

Built in 1424 under the rule of Ahmed Shah I, this mosque shares its location with another famous heritage sites of Ahmedabad; the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza.

4. Havelis

Not belonging to the family of ‘monuments’, havelis in Ahmedabad have found their own prestigious stature of being representative of the history, tradition and culture of the city. These belong to the citizens and go back to as old as 350 years. Some of these havelis also provide accommodation for guests; The French Haveli, Mangaldas ni Haveli, Dodhia Haveli and Deewanji ni Haveli. While you are there, do not forget to have a meal at the House of MG.

5. Jhulta Minara or “Shaking Minarets”

There are two sets of Jhulta Minaras in the city of Ahmedabad; near Kalupur Railway Station and the other opposite Sarangpur Darwaja. These Minarets are an architectural marvel and have left several experienced in the field, speechless. The reason being, when one minaret is shook, the other minaret automatically vibrates even though there seems to be no vibration in the connecting passage between the two. However, demonstrations of the vibrations are not displayed anymore in order to maintain and preserve the structure.

A few of the other must visit places are;
6. Akshardham Temple
7. Raipur Darwaja (for the heritage walk)
8. Bhadra Fort
9. Siddhivinayak Temple in Mahemdavad
10. Raipur Gate, Kalupur Gate etc.

How does one describe a city like Kolkata? Kolkata, or better referred to as Calcutta, is one of the most fascinating cities you will ever see or visit. It sets as the perfect miniature example of our country which is admired for its harmony among diversity around the world. Being the erstwhile capital of British India, it demonstrates a beautiful mix of the English imperial culture and the traditional bengali way of living, along with all the essential elements of a modern metropolis. One cannot just visit Kolkata with the hopes of capturing a lot of fancy pictures of and around the city, but will need to stand and breathe deep in order to absorb the charm and the essence of the city.

The contrasting attributes of this city makes it impossible for me to explain it under one perspective. From the varying architectural marvels to the traditional lifestyle of the people, Kolkata is colored in many hues which makes an outsider gradually fall in love with the soul of the city. It is the kind of place that exudes a feeling of joy and belonging and with something to offer for everybody. It is a pinnacle of satisfying tourist destination.

There is an element of surprise at every corner of this city. You may start your journey from anywhere, but you will not be able to stop until you have explored every pin on the map of the city. Riding across Howrah bridge and over the ethereal Hooghly river, you will be filled with a sense of equanimity. While travelling in Central or South Kolkata, you will get an opportunity to cross places like Esplanade, Dalhousie Square, Park Street, Maidan , etc, where the artifact of the British era is still intact in the form of architecture of the buildings, names of the streets and the unique tram-line system found nowhere else in the country. The grace and elegance of Victoria Memorial is something you will not want to miss. A quick visit inside and you will learn a great deal about the then-rulers of our country. Riding on horse-drawn carriages outside the Memorial just sums up the visit perfectly. Also include religious places like the Golmandir Gurudwara, the Birla and Kalighat Temples, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Nakhoda Mosque in your to-visit bucket list to experience the height of spirituality of the city. You will also want to visit the Indian Museum and the National Library, both of which are the largest in the world.

Of course, with the long list of places I have given you to visit, how can I forget the main element of the city, its food! Be prepared to hog on the best food in the world, not in 5-star restaurants but on street! Stop at any corner of the city and you will find mouth watering munchies like puchka, chaats, rolls, chops, jhaal muri, bhel muri, soda shikanji, etc. The list is truly never ending! And after your tummy is overfilled with the delicacies, don’t forget to try our world famous gundi paan! Kolkata is the most favored city for food-lovers due to the never ending, mouth-watering dishes it has to proffer!

One can never truly have enough of this city. It will embrace you like no other leaving you in a state of awe. It may take a bit of time to adjust to the many hues of this city, but one you fall in love with its beauty, there is no going back. If you are a person of high spirit and you are looking for a soul refreshing journey, Kolkata is the city to visit!

Its the CITY OF JOY!