Akshardham - Gandhinagar
The famous Akshardham temple temple, located at Gandhi Nagar, is visited by over 2 million visitors annually. This temple is a symbol of humanity and has glorified the Indian Culture. The temple houses idol of Lord Swaminarayan. This 10 storey high temple is one of the architectural marvels of the century. Akshardham Temple is made out of 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstones, placed intricately together. The most amazing part of this splendor is that not even a single iron rod was used to construct the temple. Its just the accurate placement of the stones that brought out this bewitching building. The temple is a work of 900 skilled craftsmen who created 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees
Sidi Saiyad Mosque - Ahmedabad
One of the most admirable monuments in India, the mosque of Sidi Sayed is loacted near Lal Darwaja. The mosque is world renowned because of its splendid Jhalli or mesh which is a finest example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The mesh is framed inside ten semi circular windows. The filigree has been carved out of just one rock. The tracery of the mesh or jali is the completely bewitching and will make you have a mesmerizing experience in Ahmedabad. A visit to this exceptionally carved monument is a must. Some of the local sellers keep miniatures models of this Jali which can be purchased as a remembrance of this delicately carved window.
Hatheesingh Temple - Ahmedabad
Situated outside Delhi Gate in Ahmedabad, Hatheesingh Temple was built in 1850 AD by Seth Hatheesing who was a rich Jain merchant. The temple is much famous for its intricate carvings and profuse architectural designs.Built in white marble, it is dedicated to 15th Jain Trithanakara (Jain Proponent), Dharmnath. The courtyard around the temple, is surrounded by a row of abbey of 52 holy places with each one having an image of a Trithankara. This two storied structure has a dome at the front while other two sides have ornately carved out galleries. One of the most beautiful Jain Temples in India, is a must visit.
Jama Masjid - Ahmedabad
At the eastern side of Teen Darwaza, Jama Masjid is located opposite to Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. The grand edifice was built by Ahmed Shah in 1423 A.D. from the items ransomed from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. Built in yellow sand stones, this marvelous mosque has a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. There are about 260 columns within the mosque to protect its roof. There used be two shaking minarets as well but they got completely demolished during the earthquake of 1819 and 1957. It is believed that the large black slab around the main arc is actually the base of a Jain idol, buried upside down by the Sultan.
Rani Sipri's Mosque - Ahmedabad
Diaphanous and minutely worked out minarets adorn Rani Sipri Mosque is yet another combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is believed to have been built in 1514 AD by Rani Sipri, wife of Mehmud Begada who executed their son for a misdemeanor. It is small mosque with a hight of 50ft and 54ft in length. This small mosque is also known as the Masjid-e-Nagira or Jewel of a Mosque because of its intricately carved decoration, jali screens with flowing plant and tree forms and the generally elegant design of the building. It has a separate area of worship, upstairs, for women called, 'Jenana'. Another important tourist attraction at this place are 'Jhulta Minar', better known as the Shaking Minarets.
Sarkhej Roja - Ahmedabad
This tomb of Sultan Mehmud Begada sprawls over a huge area of 140 ft and is one of the largest and most elegantly designed mausoleums in India. As one enters through the gateway, there is a fore-court with majestic mausoleum to the right and the royal tombs to the left. Sharkhej Roza is one of the finest demonstrations of campus planning, where the religious, royal and social worlds co-exist without losing their serenity or identity. There are three realms within Sharkhej Roza. The mosque with cloistered court creates the religious realm. The tomb and palaces constitute the royal realm. The tank, steps, platforms and. pavilions form the social realm. Carved stone grills do not just mitigate light and temperature, but also maintain privacy and dignity of the place.
