Ahmedabad, the commercial hub in Gujarat is the seventh largest metropolitan area of India. And while it’s a modern city, one has to admit that it has a lot to offer to travelers and tourists alike. Ahmedabad, also known as Karnavati or Amdavad, is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 30 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. This city is known for its perfect blend of modern and traditional. If you are visiting Ahmedabad, here are 5 places that you must certainly visit!

1. Sabarmati Ashram: Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Gujarat. This was one of the residences of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, who lived here for about 12 years. The ashram now has museum, the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay.

2. Bhadra Fort: Bhadra Fort was built in 1411 by Ahmad Shah. It is home to the temple of Bhadrakali. It is not too far from the city and one can witness the history of Ahmedabad here.

3. Akshardham Temple: The Swaminarayan Temple is located in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and has exquisite wood carvings.

4. Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is among the most popular tourist spots in Ahmedabad. It is built of yellow sandstone and stands on 260 pillars, which support 15 domes at different elevations.

5. Law Garden: Last but not the least, you must visit Law Garden. In this locality, you can buy traditional outfits and other handicrafts too. A trip is never complete without shopping, right?

Most people have the notion that one probably won’t find lip smacking non vegetarian food in the city of Ahmedabad without burning a hole in their pocket. Only an offbeat Ahmedabadi will know how untrue that is and will guide you to one of these places for sure!

La Bella is run by Mrs. Mary Lobo, a Goan Lady who likes feeding people meals that are just like home cooked food, just far better tasting. Running and basking in its sublime glory since 1961, this restaurant has the kind of charm that is appealing to die-hard food lovers.

Must Try: Mutton Chilly Fry

Where: Bheind Preyas High School, Khanpur, Bhadra, Ahmedabad

Cost for two: Rs. 100 approximately

This place is owned and managed by Mr. Amdo. It is a small and modest traditional setting with its roots based in Tibet. Though this eatery gives you very few options, everything on the menu is just enough for a quick bite or snack.

Must Try: Shapthak, Momos

Where: Near Bhagtacharya Road, Kocharab, Paldi, Ahmedabad

Cost for two: Rs. 300 approximately

Paradise for meat lovers, this lane is the solution to a non vegetarian’s cravings. Piping hot, straight out of the tandoor, this lane specializes for not only succulent kebabs but also for the amazing chutney that is to die for along with a squirt of lemon and a slice of onion!

Must Try: Any type of kebabs, tandoor made delicacies, fish fry or tawa dishes

Where: Located near Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad

Cost for two: Rs. 200 approximately

This must visit pizza place in the city is the brain child of Mr. Kamil Saiyed. With several attempts to start a pizzeria of his own, this one has been a hit with the locals for its Indianized flavours.

Try: EVERYTHING ON THE MENU

Where: Beside Kalapi Restaurant, Advance Cinema Road, Bhadra, Ahmedabad

Cost for two: Rs. 500 approximately

Make a list and hog like a true food lover, because that’s what a palette is for!

Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat. Given to the textile mills located here, it’s known as the Manchester of the East. It’s an important economic and industrial hub of India. Located on the banks of Sabarmati, this metropolitan has a lot of places to visit for tourists too. If you are visiting Ahmedabad, be it for business or leisure, here’s some help with how you can reach it.

Even 60 years old citizens of Ahmedabad said that they had never witnessed such a massive hailstorm in their lifetime.

The city of Ahmedabad today witnessed hailstorm which will be remembered for long. Ice cubes were raining in speed continuously for over half an hour. Trees were shaking due to high velocity wind equal to mini cyclone. Big ice cubes carpeted road sides. For some minutes it was scary look as ice cubes were making too much noise. Some cars parked in open suffered crack in front glass.

Venturing outside was nearly impossible due to speedy fall of good size ice cubes. Also the water was too cold. Walking in such water was impossible beyond 30 ft. People of Ahmedabad generally have habit to witness water logging, but today’s water logging was so icy cold that it was impossible to pass through it. Street dogs were seen as worst sufferers. We witnessed couple of street dogs who were struggling to walk to safer place as their legs were not able to tolerate the ice cold water.

Due to mini cyclone, water on the ground was mixed with floating branches and leafs of trees. This was causing slow discharge of water in gutters.

The city therefore witnessed heavy water logging not just in low lying areas but on almost all roads.

This was second incident of hailstorm in Ahmedabad this year. But previous hailstorm was not so solid.

This was also the fifth round of unseasonal showers since January 1.

Remix of season is very confusing. Yesterday the morning time, and even noon time was like just another summer day with open sunny sky, but by the evening it was dark cloudy sky with light rain, chilled winds and cold.