The capital city of Gujarat has a lot to offer for the ones brimming with wanderlust. Named after the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhinagar is one of the popular cities in Gujarat. Gandhinagar lies on the western banks of the Sabarmati River and is about 23 kilometres from north of Ahmedabad city. Also called the ‘Green City of India’, Gandhinagar has 50% of its area covered in trees.
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Gandhinagar’s location makes it one of the popular places in Northern India from a business as well as a tourist perspective. It acts as an industrial corridor between the political (Delhi) and the commercial (Mumbai) capitals of India. Gandhinagar can be explored with utmost ease with a proper itinerary. In this article, please find some popular places to visit in Gandhinagar in order to make your trip easier.
10 BEST Places To Visit In Gandhinagar
- Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
- Adalaj Stepwell
- Akshardham Temple
- Rani Roopmati Mosque
- Sarita Udhyan
- Trimandir
- Dandi Kutir Museum
- Puneet Van
- Children Park
- Craftsmen Village
Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
Spread across 988.4 acres on the banks of the Sabarmati River, one can find the popular Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park. Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park houses exhibitions that can leave the young and the adults stunned alike. It is the second-largest dinosaur-egg hatchery in the world. Another major attraction here includes that of a giant blue whale skeleton.
The vast park has a botanical garden and camping facilities for its visitors. Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is a man-made dinosaur park and the only dinosaur park in India. Visit this place to relive the era of the beasts that walked the earth before man. Indroda Park is one of the top attractions in Gandhinagar.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Giant blue whale skeleton, Dinosaur Eggs
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography, Discover secrets about dinosaurs
Adalaj Stepwell
Stepwells have been a part of ancient Indian architecture. These marvelous structures never fail to amaze us to date. India, especially northern India, is dotted with many such Stepwells. One of such magnificent Stepwells could be found in Gandhinagar and goes by the name of Adalaj Stepwell. It was built in 1498 to meet the water needs of the Adalaj village.
Situated about 4 kilometres from the heart of Gandhinagar, Adalaj Stepwell can be easily accessed from any part of the city. This stepwell radiated the talent and craftsmanship of the Indian architects from the past. The Adalaj Stepwell was created in such a way that the temperature inside the well would always be at least six degrees cooler than the outside. Make sure you include Adalaj Stepwell in the list of places to see in Gandhinagar.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Akshardham Temple
The magnificent Akshardham temple is the epitome of tourism in Gandhinagar. The temple is one of the biggest in India and a hotspot for pilgrims. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple and its complex were built over the course of 13 years. It was constructed using 6,000 metric tonnes of pink sandstone all the way from Rajasthan.
The domed temple is a single huge structure and is one of the most popular places to visit in Gujarat. Akshardham temple is surrounded by a peaceful garden where families often enjoy picnicking. While visiting the Akshardham temple, make sure you do not miss out on the one-of-its-kind laser water show.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Pink sandstone sculptures, Laser Water Show
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Worshipping, Family Picnics
Rani Roopmati Mosque
The Rani Roopmati Mosque in Gandhinagar is an amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The mosque was built in the early 15th century as a dedication to Rani Roopmati, the Hindu wife of the Sultan of Ahmedabad. The mosque is a prime example of architectural wonders spread across the city. The humongous pillars, meticulously carved walls and decorations is an alluring sight
The massive mosque that stands 32 feet high is home to beautiful windows embellished with flowers. A bunch of latticed windows form the major attraction of the mosque and a wonderfully cut corridor adds to the aesthetics of this structure. Rani Roopmati Mosque lies closer to Ahmedabad and thus can also be included in the list of places to visit in Ahmedabad.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Pillars and carved walls
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography
Sarita Udhyan
Sarita Udhyan can be added to your list of places to visit in Gandhinagar for couples. This famous picnic spot is located next to a deer park. Thus, tourists can make the most of both these places within one day itself. Sarita Udhyan is a haven for kids and adults alike.
This riverside park is a peaceful haven with grassy lands and serenity. The same makes Sarita Udhyan a hotspot among romantic couples. The large park also has peacocks flocking around. Visit Sarita Udhyan during the evening time to make the most of your time around here.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Peacocks
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography, Evening Walk, Enjoy the view of the river
Trimandir
Trimandir in Gandhinagar promotes faiths of various cultures under one roof. Spanned over 40,000 square feet, the Trimandir celebrates Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The temple is surrounded by a lush green garden that adds to the aesthetics and serenity of the temple. Sit at any of the wooden benches witnessing the beautiful towering fountain for a nice evening.
The temple complex also includes an informative museum and a mini-theatre that plays shows about the history of Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Trimandir falls among the top destinations in Gandhinagar. Trimandir is a one of its kind nonsectarian temple in the country that celebrates multiple religions.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Temple Garden
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Worship, Learn in-depth about various cultures and religions
Dandi Kutir Museum
Dandi Kutir is known as India’s largest and only museum built on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Dandi Kutir Museum represents Mahatma Gandhi’s powerful idea of equality. The museum is largely inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s biography. Designed with sophisticated technologies like 3D AV and 360-degree-shows.
The Dandi Kutir Museum was opened to the public in January 2015. Dandi Kutir means ‘Salt Mount’ and it represents Gandhi’s Dandi March to break the Salt Act. The museum is home to several paintings, memoirs and relics of Gandhiji. It is a must-include to the list of things to see in Gandhinagar for history buffs.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Major Attractions: 3D AV and 360-degree-shows
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Learn more about Gandhi Ji’s life
Puneet Van
Puneet Van, also spelt Punit Van, is a botanical garden located in Sector 19 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Developed and maintained by the forest department of the Government of Gujarat, Puneet Van is a renowned tourist spot in Gandhinagar. Puneet Van is divided into five large sections, namely; Nakshatra Van, Rashi Van, Nav Grah Van and Panchvati Van. The garden has also been called a holy forest.
The speciality of Puneet Van is that each tree planted possesses an astrological significance as per Hindu mythology. About 3500 trees were planted back in 2005 when the garden was founded. Visit Puneet Van to treat yourself to a calming atmosphere. The evenings are usually crowded but the vast garden has a place for all.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Monday to Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Uniquely planted trees
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography, Evening walking
Children Park
Children’s Park in Gandhinagar is a perfect weekend destination for adults and kids. The same makes it one of the popular places to visit in Gandhinagar during the day. Situated in Sector 28, Children’s Park has a mini-train and a beautiful lake with a boating facility. This tranquil park is a go-to destination for the ones seeking some quality and peaceful time.
Evening stroll at the Children’s Park is the favourite activity of the locals around here. In a city full of historical sites and stupendous buildings, this park stands out with lush greenery and joy rides. Another bunch of favourite activities at the Children’s Park is bird watching and picnicking.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Mini-train
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography, Morning and evening walks, Bird Watching, Picnicking
Craftsmen Village
Craftsmen’s Village in Gandhinagar is where tourists and locals go on a shopping spree alike. Situated behind the Sabarmati River, Craftsmen’s Village is famous for its Bandhani Sarees. It is one of the most known places to visit in Gandhinagar for shopping. Craftsmen’s Village welcomes hundreds of shoppers on a daily basis.
Head to the Craftsmen’s Village ideally on your last day in the city. The cloth items over here are handmade and are of supreme quality. At the same time, it is very economical. Buy some local items from the Craftsmen’s Village and walk back with superb souvenirs and a lot of memories.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Major Attractions: Bandhani Sarees
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Shopping
To conclude, tourism in Gandhinagar can be both, long as well as a short and a quick experience. The city has a lot to be explored and discovered. The more time you spend in Gandhinagar, the more you would want to know it. The historical and cultural roots in Gandhinagar uphold India’s rich past and attracts history buffs from all around the world.
Apart from that, Gandhinagar is dotted with parks, gardens, lakes and amusement parks, making it a perfect destination for a family trip. This city is explored by tourists and locals alike. If Gujarat cities seem to be exciting for the traveller within you then do take a look at places to visit in Surat to plan your next trip.
FAQ
What is famous in Gandhinagar?
Gandhinagar is a combination of places that could enthral travellers of all age groups. From shopping to witnessing historically significant monuments, there is a lot for a tourist to do in Gandhinagar.
Apart from the factors mentioned above, Gandhinagar is also a shoppers’ hotspot. Handmade artefacts and cloth items in Gandhinagar are renowned throughout the country. The street food from the city is also a famous experience among tourists.
How expensive is Gandhinagar?
Like any other major city in India, Gandhinagar has a place for all as well. The travel budget would depend clearly on the type of trip one chooses to take. Gandhinagar can be a pocket-friendly place and one can easily plan a budget trip to this city.
On the other end, it can also be a lavish and extravagant experience. Famous for its local items and food stalls, Gandhinagar is relatively cheaper from a shopping perspective.
Why is Gandhinagar called Green city?
Gandhinagar has 50% of its area covered in trees. Thus it is known as the Green City of India. It is also the greenest capital city in India. The city municipality has taken prominent measures towards a balanced environment to facilitate tourism, trade and human well-being without disrupting nature.
Hence, a visit to Gandhinagar is certain to fulfil your tourism requirements while also giving you a breath of fresh air.
Is Gandhinagar a good city?
Yes. Gandhinagar is a good and safe city. The locals over here are very welcoming and thus Gandhinahar also thrives as a tourist city. Gandhinagar’s location makes it one of the popular places in Northern India from a business as well as a tourist perspective.
It acts as an industrial corridor between the political (Delhi) and the commercial (Mumbai) capitals of India. Dubbed the ‘Greenest City of India’, Gandhinagar is also a peaceful haven amidst city lights.