In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Ahmedabad City. Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, is the largest city in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a vibrant metropolis that blends a rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. Known for its historical landmarks, industrial growth, and world-class educational institutions, Ahmedabad offers something for everyone.
| About City: | Ahmedabad is the largest city in the State of Gujarat and the Seventh- largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 74 lakhs (7.4 Million). City is Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. The city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district, and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter. The city was at the forefront of the Indian independence movement in the first half of 20th century. Ahmedabad has become a significant economic and industrial center in India. It ranks as the second-largest cotton producer in the country, earning it the nickname ‘Manchester of India,’ alongside Kanpur. The city’s stock exchange, which was closed in 2018, was the second oldest in India. Cricket enjoys immense popularity in Ahmedabad, highlighted by the newly constructed Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, which can hold 132,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium globally. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is currently being built and, when finished, will be one of the largest sports complexes (Sports City) in India. The liberalization of the Indian economy has invigorated the city’s economy, particularly in the tertiary sectors like commerce, communication, and construction. The growing population of Ahmedabad has spurred growth in the construction and housing sectors, leading to the rise of skyscrapers. In 2010, Ahmedabad was ranked third on Forbes’s list of the fastest-growing cities of the decade. The Times of India named Ahmedabad the best city to live in India in 2012. As of 2023, the gross domestic product of the Ahmedabad metro area was estimated at $136.1 billion. In 2020, the city was recognized as the third-best place to live in India according to the Ease of Living Index. In July 2022, Time magazine featured Ahmedabad in its list of the world’s 50 greatest places to visit that year. Ahmedabad has been chosen as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission. In July 2017, the historic area of Ahmedabad, known as Old Ahmedabad, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage City. |
| Geography: | Ahmedabad is located in western India, sitting at an elevation of 53 meters (174 feet) above sea level along the banks of the Sabarmati River in north-central Gujarat. The city spans an area of 505 km² (195 sq mi). During the summer months, the Sabarmati often dries up, leaving just a small stream of water, as the region is sandy and arid. However, the implementation of the Sabarmati River Front Project and Embankment has allowed water from the Narmada River to be redirected to the Sabarmati, ensuring a continuous flow throughout the year and resolving Ahmedabad’s water issues. The ongoing expansion of the Rann of Kutch poses a risk of increased desertification in the surrounding areas and much of the state; nevertheless, the Narmada Canal network is anticipated to help mitigate this challenge. Aside from the small hills of Thaltej-Jodhpur Tekra, the city is predominantly flat. Within the city limits, there are three lakes: Kankaria, Vastrapur, and Chandola. Kankaria, located in the Maninagar neighborhood, is an artificial lake created by the Sultan of Gujarat, Qutb-ud-din, in 1451. |
| Population: | 55,77,940 (year 2011 Census) |
| District: | Ahmedabad |
| GDP: | US$136.1 billion in 2023. |
| Language: | • Official: Gujarati • Additional official: English |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Jhulta Minar Jama Masjid Science City Bhadra Fort Sarkhej Roza Calico Museum of Textiles Sabarmati Ashram Rani no Hajiro Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Hutheesing Jain Temple |
