Located near the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is an important industrial center of India. The largest and the most populous city in Gujarat is just as busy as any other metropolitan city in India. The busy pace can sometimes feel overwhelming, so whenever you feel like escaping all the hustle and bustle for a while, you can visit many beautiful places located near Ahmedabad. There are several natural, historical, and cultural attractions on offer and we have listed in this article a few of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Modhera Sun Temple
There are only two Sun temples in India – one in Konark (Odisha) and the second one in Modhera (Gujarat). The 11th-century sun temple situated in the ancient town of Modhera was built by Bhima-I of the Chalukya dynasty and is known for its spell-binding architecture. The walls and ceilings of this temple are adorned with fine carvings, whose details leave you in awe! Modhera Dance Festival held every year in the month of January is a popular event attended by thousands of travelers. You can plan your visit to this place around this time so as not to miss the spectacular celebration. Plan your itinerary and book flights to Ahmedabad from Los Angeles in advance to get the best airfare deal.
Distance of Modhera Sun Temple from Ahmedabad: nearly 100 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Statue of Unity
Built in honor of the influential leader Sardar Vallabhai Patel (referred to as the Ironman of India), the Statue of Unity is a huge structure measuring up to 182 m in height. Officially the largest statue in the world, it is one of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad for a day trip. The Statue of Unity is located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in a village named Kevadiya. It is open to visitors from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. You can take a taxi from Ahmedabad and can reach this spot in about 4 hours.
Distance of Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad: nearly 200 km
Best time to visit: October to February
Zanzari Waterfalls
A perfect place for recreation, Zanzari Waterfalls is located at Dehgam in Gandhinagar. Formed by the Vatrak River, it is actually a series of waterfalls, with the main cascade falling from a height of 25 feet. The sight of the waterfall is so soothing to the senses! Visitors can take a relaxing bath in the natural pool created by the falls and have a great time enjoying the views of the beautiful surroundings. There is no public transportation available to this area from Ahmedabad, so you have to either hire a taxi or drive your vehicle. Parking is also available near the falls. From the parking area, you need to walk 1 to 2 km to reach the Zanzari waterfalls.
Distance of Zanzari Waterfalls from Ahmedabad: nearly 75 km
Best time to visit: July to February
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Located in the Mehsana District of Gujarat, Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts. The sanctuary, spread across an area of 7 sq. km, is home to a variety of bird species, and the most commonly spotted birds here include cranes, ducks, egrets, flamingoes, pelicans, and geese among others. The marshlands surrounding the freshwater lake also act as a winter breeding ground for migratory birds. Sarus Crane, the highest flying bird in the world, can also be spotted here. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is among the best places to visit near Ahmedabad to enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and photography. It is also a popular picnic spot for families.
Distance of Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary from Ahmedabad: nearly 28 km
Best time to visit: November to February
Mount Abu
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a popular weekend destination from Ahmedabad. This scenic hill station, nestled at an elevation of 1220 m in the Aravalli Mountain Ranges, is famous for its many attractions ranging from temples, forts, and palaces to lakes, waterfalls, forests, rivers, and a wildlife sanctuary too. It is a great place to spend some peaceful time amidst nature, away from the chaos in the cities. Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, Sunset Point, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Toad Rock, Achalgarh Fort, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Peace Park are some of the top tourist attractions in Mount Abu. Plan your itinerary and book flights to Ahmedabad from San Francisco in advance to get the best airfare deal.
Distance of Mount Abu from Ahmedabad: nearly 225 km
Best time to visit: November to February
Some of the other best places to visit near Ahmedabad include Lothal, Polo Forest, Rani ni Vav, Adalaj Stepwell, Gir National Park, Dumas Beach, Suvali Beach, Kalpeshwar Temple, and Dwarka. Which of these tourist places have you already visited? Share your experience with fellow travelers by commenting below!
