Fast Facts
Location : Gujarat
Known As : Capital of Gujarat
Attractions : Akshardham Temple, Capital Complex,
Children's Park, Sarita Udyan, Deer Park etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Introducing Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar
is the capital of the west Indian state of Gujarat and also the
administrative headquarters of Gandhinagar district. Situated on the west
bank of Sabarmati river, Gandhinagar is named after India's national father,
Mahatma Gandhi. In the year 1960, when old state of Bombay was split into
Maharashtra and Gujarat, then a new capital was planned for Gujarat.
Construction of the Gandhinagar was commenced in 1965 and the state
secretariat was moved there in 1970. One of three planned cities of India,
Gandhinagar is 32 kms north-east of Ahmedabad, the commercial and cultural
capital of Gujarat. Far from the hustle and bustle of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar
provides a fresh atmosphere to the visitors. Spread over an area of 57 sq.
kms, Gandhinagar presents a spacious, beautifully-organised look of an
architecturally integrated city. Gandhinagar comprises 30 sectors and each
sector has its own shopping, health, housing colonies and community centre.
Ranked as one of the greenest cities of India, Gandhinagar has extensive
planting of trees and huge recreational areas along the river.
How to Reach Gandhinagar
By Air : Ahmedabad airport is the nearest airport which
is located at a distance of 31 kms. The airport has both the domestic and
international airports, and it is connected to cities of India and Gulf
countries with a number of flights. From the airport you can hire a pre-paid
taxi or auto-rickshaw for Gandhinagar.
By Train : Gandhinagar has
its own railway station, Ahmedabad railway station is another nearby
railhead. Both these railway stations are served by several express and
superfast trains to rest of the country.
By Road : Gandhinagar is connected by good network of road
with Ahmedabad and other parts of the state and neighbouring states.
Frequent bus services are available to Gandhinagar from Ahmedabad, Jamnagar,
Rajkot, Udaipur, Mumbai etc.
Local Tranport : Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are
principal modes of transport in Gandhinagar and they are easily available at
any place of the city.
Places Where You Can Stay
Gandhinagar offers plenty of accommodation option for tourists. Ranging
from luxurry to budget category, the hotels in Gandhinagar provides a
pleasant stay to guests. You may also stay in Ahmedabad where you find a
wide range of hotels. Some of the famous hotels of Ahmedabad are mentioned
below.
Deluxe Hotels : Le
Meridien (Khanpur), Hotel Taj Residency Ummed (Hansol), Hotel Cama Park
Plaza (Khanpur) and Fortune Hotel Landmark by Welcomgroup (Ashram Road).
Standard Hotels : Hotel Comfort Inn Sunset (Hansol), Inder
Residency (Ellisbridge), Quality Inn Rivera (Khanpur), The Chambers
(Ellisbridge), The Westend (Ellisbridge), Hotel Fortune.
Tourist Attractions in Gandhinagar
Akshardham
Temple : Akshardham Temple is the prime attraction of Gandhinagar
and is built in memory of Lord Swaminarayan. Belonging to the 'Swaminarayan
Sect' the richest sect in the world, the temple is built by pink stones
awash with spiritual peace. The beautifully carved temple is surrounded by
lush green gardens and has lovely fountains. Here you will see a 7 feet
leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics. Other attractions of
the temple are light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronic
show, games, rides and food refreshments.
Capital Complex : Capitol complex is situated in the
heart of the capital and it houses the legislature and government offices.
Vithalbhai Patel Bhawan, an imposing domed building, stands on a high podium
flanked by a circular lake and houses the Vidhan Sabha and the legislature
offices. Sardar Bhavan is another important building here which is to house
a number of departments of the State Secretariat. Nearby is the Narmada
Bhavan, where the offices of all the heads of the departments are located.
The State Secretariat alongwith the offices of the heads of various
departments are now situated in Sector 9 in a three-storeyed buildings
complex.
Children's Park : Situated in Sector 28, the Children's
Park is a major attraction for children and vacationers. Children's Park has
a mini train and a lake where you can enjoy boating.
Sarita Udyan : Sarita Udyan is located in Sector 9 along
the river front. A ideal spot for picnics, the entire area is being
developed to provide complete recreational facilities to visitors.
Deer Park : A major draw for both children and adults,
the Deer Park lies adjacent to Sarita Udyan. Located at Indroda village, on
the outskirts of the city, the sprawling deer park is favourite haunt for
locals and tourists as well.
Tourist Attractions Around Gandhinagar
Pethapur (Craftsmen's) Village : Just 7 kms from the city
centre lies the Pethapur village, on the bank of Sabarmati river. Originally
a craftsmen's village, Pethapur was once famous for its colourful 'Bandhani'
saris and also for the export of wooden printing blocks to Singapore. The
wooden printing blocks with beautiful patterns carved on them are used for
the hand-painting of cloth and still in demand in Gujarat and neigbouring
states.
Adalaj Stepwell : Situated at a distance of 15 kms
Gandhinagar, the Adalaj stepwell is considered the best of all stepwells in
Gujarat. Adalaj stepwell is known for its unique architecture having a huge
artistic edifice.
