Overview
Gandhinagar: The Magic of India's Most Planned City
One of India’s most planned cities, Gandhinagar is a popular tourist destination in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this capital city is recognized as one of the greenest cities in the world. Gandhinagar is renowned for the intricately carved Akshardham Temple, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The city is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who hailed from this region.
Gandhinagar came into existence when Bombay was divided into two states—Maharashtra and Gujarat—based on linguistic differences. Ahmedabad served as the capital of Gujarat initially, but the need for a new planned capital led to Gandhinagar’s creation. Designed by Indian architects H.K. Mewada and Prakash M. Apte, Gandhinagar officially became the capital in 1971.
Main Attractions of Gandhinagar
Akshardham Temple
Built with nearly 6,000 pink sandstone blocks, this temple belongs to the world’s richest sect, the Swaminarayan group. Around 1,000 artisans contributed to its construction. The temple is intricately carved, surrounded by manicured lawns and sprawling gardens, and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Indroda Nature Park
Often called India's Jurassic Park, Indroda Nature Park houses the second-largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs in the world. Established by the Geological Survey of India, it is the only dinosaur museum in the country. The park also features a zoo, botanical gardens, an amphitheatre, and an interpretation centre. Visitors can spot a variety of birds, reptiles, nilgais, and peafowls.
Craftsmen's Village
Located on the outskirts of the city, this village is a hub of traditional and ethnic handicrafts. Famous for Bandhani saris, it also exported wooden printing blocks to Singapore, which are still used for hand-printing fabrics.
Adalaj Step Well
A unique Hindu “water building” built by Queen Rudabai in 1499, the stepwell is crafted in the Solanki architectural style. It features multiple floors to access water at different levels, spacious areas for gatherings, and intricately carved walls. It is considered one of the finest stepwells in Gujarat.
Sarita Udyan
An ideal spot for picnickers, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. The garden offers recreational activities for all ages and is home to a Deer Park, making it perfect for wildlife photography.
Excursions from Gandhinagar
Nearby destinations include Ahmedabad (23 km) and Vadodara (133 km).
Shopping in Gandhinagar
Shopping here is incomplete without picking up Khadi fabrics, perfect for summers. Local markets also offer vibrant handmade handicrafts.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore Gandhinagar is between November and February for pleasant weather. The Diwali festival (October) is also a popular period to experience the city’s vibrant culture.
How to Reach
Air: Gandhinagar does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad, from where local transport is available.
Rail: Well connected to western India, with several trains from Mumbai and other major cities. Travelers can also reach Ahmedabad by train and take local transport to Gandhinagar.
Road: The city is well connected through wide roads to all parts of Gujarat. Public transport from Ahmedabad is easily available.
