Ahmedabad India – Top-10 Authentic Experiences Not to Miss

Known as the heart and the cultural hub of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has a lot in store for visitors who wish to experience something altogether different. It is a city full of exciting and interesting historical sights, excellent recreations and a wide range of activities that are bound to keep you busy during your stay. We recommend you consider the following top 10 things to do when in Ahmedabad.

1. The Sunset Drive-In Cinema

Located on Drive In Road, close to Himalaya Mall, this fabulous open air theatre runs two movies a night, under a sky full of stars. The drive-in cinema offers a different movie going experience. It has the largest and the first of its kind screen in Asia, a Dolby surround sound system and the setting that’s ideal for a romantic date or a great family evening out. It is an excellent way to spend the night, away from the city bustle. We recommend you take along some snacks or alternatively grab something from their on-site food court.

Show times are 7:30pm and 10:30pm; a single ticket will set you back around INR60.

2. Sabarmati Skyline Tour

If you’re after an adrenaline rush this is the thing for you. The Sabarmati Skyline Tour is a perfect activity to engage the whole family in some fun and adventure. The 1100 feet zip line glide across the Sabarmati River takes a mere 45 seconds but it’s a definite adrenaline kick! The ride along the rope commences at 60 feet and glides down almost at water level, across the width of the river. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, or a morning before setting off to do some sightseeing.

Located near Sardar Bridge, this activity will set you back INR300 on a weekday and INR400 on weekends. Open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

3. Heritage Walk

When in Ahmedabad we recommend you take a guided tour around the old city quarters, which will leave you breathless. It is one of the musts when in this remarkable city, which is renowned for its rich and varied architectural past. The municipal corporation of Ahmedabad organises a great daily walking tour through some 600 small, narrow, lanes and nooks, via neighbourhoods connected by communal courtyards. You will certainly be impressed by the city’s secreted architectural sites that you may otherwise simply overlook.

The tour commences at 8:00am at Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur and ends at 10:30am at Jama Masjid. The cost of the tour is INR100 per person.

4. Kankaria Lake

This is definitely an activity for the whole family, and one not to be missed. Kankaria Lake is the second largest in the city and famous among the locals for its lively and fun atmosphere as well its recreational facilities such as a zoo, a kids city, joyrides, toy trains, tethered balloon rides, water sports, a gorgeous park and various food stalls, abundant with tantalising sweet treats. Located in the southeastern part of the city, in the area of Maninagar, the park is open from 9:00am to 10:00pm daily, and is a great day out for all.

An adult ticket costs INR10; a child one is INR5. Highly recommended if you’re looking for some fun and frolics.

5. Aamsaran Rifle And Adventure Sports Academy

This is a group activity with a difference. The Aamsaran Rifle And Adventure Sports Academy is situated on beautiful evergreen grounds, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant nature. The academy offers a number of activities, including trap shooting, trail riding, and equine sports. If you’re into adrenaline-driven pastimes this will certainly get your blood pumping. It is run and managed by a super efficient team, who will guide you through your paces.

The academy is located near Meshvo Bridge and is open daily from 7:30am to 14:00pm. The cost of each activity varies and is bookable via the company’s website or by phone.

6. Electron The Disco Lounge

Situated about two miles near the airport, close to Apollo Hospital in Gandhinagar, this is one of the most popular clubs in Ahmedabad. If you’re into dancing the night away and live music we recommend you visit this uber modern bar and restaurant, which doubles up as a nightclub. Electron is famous for its delicious mocktails, trendy crowd, excellent DJs and a party-scene which is second to none.

It is open Sunday to Monday between 6:30am to 10:00am and 17:00pm to 21:00pm. Entry is free.

7. Science City

Set up by the government of Gujarat as an initiative to educate and entertain, Science City is a great place to visit for the whole family or those who have an interest in this particular field. The complex showcases the progression of science and its relevance to human life through contemporary and innovative exhibits, virtual reality models, labs, live demonstrations, and activity programmes aimed to delineate the progress of technology. There is also an IMAX 3D theatre, which is a major point of attraction. We recommend you visit this place, on Science City Road, if you wish to broaden your mind and step into another world.

Science City is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm; prices range from INR50 to INR125 depending on your choice of exhibit, show or programme.

8. Shanku’s Water Park

Situated about 40 miles away from the city centre Shanku’s Water Park is regarded as the first and one of the largest water parks in Eurasia. The park is considered a major institution in Ahmedabad, and a popular attraction for both the locals and tourists. We recommend you spend the day away from the city and head to this place for some water-fill-fun. The park offers excellent rides for children as well as adults, which range from leisurely river expeditions to thrilling tunnels rides. The park has several restaurants, a clear-blue lake, a efflorescence garden, a cottage resort, a fitness club and a sports complex. Ideal if you're after some restoration time.

Open all week from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Entry is INR500 during the week; INR600 during the weekend.

9. Law Garden Shopping

This place is guaranteed to get you in a mood to spend some pennies. A relatively peaceful and tranquil corner of the city during the day at night the area surrounding the garden turns into a shopping mecca with rows upon rows of stalls and sellers proffering everything from traditional Gujarati craft-work to incredible handmade trinkets, hand-sewn women's attire, handicrafts and various Gujarati souvenirs. If you love shopping, we heartily recommend you visit Law Garden at night not only for the goods on offer but also for the spectacular display of authentic craftsmanship and some local delicacies.

Open from 11:00am; located on Netaji Road, Ellisbridge.

10. Auto World Vintage Car Museum

The impressive collection of cars on display once belonged to a private collector and comprises some of the best-known automobiles from around the globe. Some of the most famous ones being Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Cadillac and Austin Martin. It is said that the museum contains the largest collection of vintage cars in India - somewhere around a 100 - as well as motorcycles and antique automobiles. Auto World Vintage Car Museum offers visitors the unique chance to drive a car of their choice for a fee of INR500. The museum is a must for any self-respecting car enthusiast. Highly recommended.

Open all week from 8:00am to 9:00pm. Entry is free.