5-Day Ahmedabad Itinerary: Old City, Stepwells, Gandhi Ashram & Day Trips to Modhera & Patan

Day 1: Old City Immersion

Ahmedabad, India on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Project Cafe (city centre)

Casual breakfast cafe serving good coffee, sandwiches and Indian breakfast options — a relaxed start before walking the Old City.
INR350, 1h0m.

9:30am

Sabarmati Ashram

Gandhi's ashram on the Sabarmati riverfront; visit the museum and Gandhi's living quarters to understand India's independence history. Open typically 8:30am–5:30pm; free entry with optional donation — verify special holiday hours.
INR0, 1h30m.

11:30am

Calico Museum of Textiles (advance booking required)

One of the world's top textile museums showcasing rare Indian textiles and craft; requires prior appointment — plan visits 10:00am–5:00pm and check closure days before booking.
INR300, 1h30m.

1:30pm

Lunch at Gordhan Thal (Gujarati thali)

Traditional Gujarati thali in a popular local spot — a great way to taste multiple regional dishes in one meal.
INR500, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque & Teen Darwaza

See the famous 'Tree of Life' jali carving at Sidi Saiyyed and stroll past historic gateways like Teen Darwaza — compact, photogenic Old City highlights. Most monuments open until early evening; modest dress recommended.
INR0, 1h0m.

4:30pm

Bhadra Fort and local bazaars

Explore Bhadra Fort courtyard and wander the surrounding markets for textiles and jewelry; ideal for light shopping and soaking up the old-city atmosphere.
INR0, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Street-food dinner at Manek Chowk (night market)

Manek Chowk transforms into a bustling food market after dark — try pav bhaji, kulfi, bhajiya and other Gujarati/Mumbai-style snacks; open mainly after 7pm. Go with an appetite and try multiple stalls.
INR300, 1h30m.

Day 2: Gandhinagar & Stepwell

Ahmedabad / Gandhinagar, India on August 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local dhaba

Early start with a simple hot breakfast at your hotel or a clean local eatery to prepare for a day-trip outside the city.
INR250, 0h45m.

9:00am

Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav)

A finely carved 15th-century stepwell with intricate stonework — go early to avoid crowds and midday heat. Usually open 8:00am–6:00pm; small entry fee.
INR25, 0h45m.

10:30am

Sarkhej Roza

Historic mosque and mosque-tomb complex famous for Indo-Islamic architectural details — peaceful lawns and photogenic ruins. Open during daylight hours; check closure during religious events.
INR0, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch at Vishala or local Gujarati restaurant (nearby)

Vishala offers a cultural, rural-style Gujarati thali experience with live folk ambience (best for lunch) — reserve ahead on weekends. If closed, choose a popular local thali restaurant.
INR600, 1h15m.

3:00pm

Akshardham, Gandhinagar

A large modern temple complex with gardens and exhibitions; visit the temple and cultural exhibits during the afternoon and stay for the evening water/light show if scheduled. Typically open 9:30am–7:30pm; light show times vary — check in advance and book tickets.
INR150, 2h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Agashiye (House of MG) — rooftop dining

Upscale rooftop restaurant serving refined Gujarati and Indian dishes; best for a memorable dinner — reservations recommended. Check opening times (often dinner service by reservation).
INR1200, 1h30m.

Day 3: Lakeside & Museums

Ahmedabad, India on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe De Italiano or local bakery

Light continental breakfast with coffee and pastries before a day of activities around Kankaria Lake.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:30am

Kankaria Lake: Toy Train, Balloon Ride & Zoo

A popular lakeside leisure complex offering a toy train, zoo (Kamla Nehru Zoo), and activities; zoo typically opens 9:30am–5:00pm while other attractions operate into the evening — great for families and easy strolling.
INR200, 2h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch at KFC or local restaurant near Kankaria

Quick lunch near the lake at a reliable chain or local restaurant — convenient to maximize afternoon sightseeing time.
INR400, 0h45m.

2:30pm

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

A unique collection of restored vintage cars and motorcycles — interesting for transport/history enthusiasts; typical timings around 10:00am–6:00pm but verify current hours.
INR150, 1h0m.

4:30pm

Sabarmati Riverfront walk & sunset

Stroll the well-developed riverfront promenade for pleasant evening views and local life; shaded paths and cafes make this a relaxed activity. Riverfront areas are open in the evenings; some sections close late at night.
INR0, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Manek Chowk (if missed earlier) or Agashiye alternative

Return to the Old City for more street-food discoveries or choose a sit-down meal at a recommended city restaurant — pick based on energy and cravings.
INR400, 1h0m.

Day 4: Modhera & Patan

Modhera / Patan (day trip from Ahmedabad), India on August 14, 2025

6:00am

Early departure to Modhera

Leave early (about 2 hours drive) to reach Modhera Sun Temple before mid-morning crowds and heat; bring water and sun protection.
INR0, 2h0m.

8:30am

Sun Temple, Modhera

12th-century Sun Temple known for its exquisite carvings and large stepped tank; arrive early when light is best for photos. Typically open during daylight hours; small entry fee applies.
INR30, 1h0m.

10:30am

Drive to Patan (Rani ki Vav)

Short drive to Patan to visit the famed stepwell — Rani ki Vav is a UNESCO site and a must-see example of stepwell architecture.
INR0, 0h45m.

11:30am

Rani ki Vav, Patan

UNESCO-listed stepwell with multiple levels of ornate sculptures and a fascinating history; best explored with a guide or audio guide (visit hours usually 9:30am–5:30pm).
INR50, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch in Patan (local thali or recommended restaurant)

Enjoy a regional Gujarati lunch in Patan — try local specialties and sweets like Patan's famous khaman/dhokla variants.
INR400, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Return to Ahmedabad

Drive back to Ahmedabad, arriving mid/late afternoon for rest or light sightseeing.
INR0, 2h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at House of MG / Agashiye or local favorite

Celebrate the day's highlights with an elegant Gujarati meal at the House of MG rooftop (Agashiye) — reservations recommended.
INR1200, 1h30m.

Day 5: Markets & Farewell

Ahmedabad, India on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Cafe Alchemy / local cafe

Relaxed breakfast and pack; choose a cafe near your accommodation to stay flexible for last-minute shopping.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:30am

Textile shopping: Law Garden / Relief Road / Rani no Hajiro (markets)

Explore textiles, bandhani, block prints and handicrafts at iconic markets; Law Garden Night Market is best at dusk, but daytime shopping around Relief Road and Rani no Hajiro offers tailors and textile stalls. Bargain respectfully.
INR0, 2h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch and cooking class option (Vishalla cooking experience or private class)

Book a short Gujarati cooking class or join a village-style lunch at Vishalla to learn how to make local dishes; check availability and reserve in advance. If no class, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a recommended thali restaurant.
INR800, 2h0m.

3:00pm

Visit Hutheesing Jain Temple & nearby shopping lanes

Beautiful 19th-century Jain temple close to the old markets; serene architecture and good vantage points for photos. Temple visiting hours are typically during daylight hours — remove shoes and dress modestly.
INR0, 0h45m.

5:00pm

Law Garden Night Market (if staying into evening)

If your schedule allows, return in the evening for the lively night market known for handicrafts and ready-made garments — best for souvenir shopping and street snacks. Market typically livens up after 6pm.
INR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at a preferred restaurant (choose Agashiye, Vishalla or local favorite)

Enjoy a final Gujarati feast or a memorable sit-down dinner to close your Ahmedabad trip; reserve a table to avoid wait times.
INR1000, 1h30m.
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