The commercial hub of Gujarat and the largest city in the state witnesses a lot of business and monotony in the daily lives. While some are stuck in the stress of the week, the others plan little escape to de-stress themselves. With sanctuaries, religious places and vibrant surroundings – the place gives some easy get-away options. Here is a list of 10 weekend getaway places near Ahmedabad that will break the monotony of daily lives and instil the necessary newness to it.
1. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Distance from Ahmedabad – 65 kms (approx)
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. The wetlands in and around the area has made it the largest of its kinds in the country. The sanctuary is set in an area of about 120 sq km also has a lake with boating facilities available. One can spend the entire day here watching the birds in harmony with the nature.
2. Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance from Ahmedabad – 180 kms (approx)
With the diverse flora and fauna that Gujarat has, Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary is built in an area of 654 sq km. The place organises educational camps about the jungle and its habitat for both students and tourists. Animals like foxes, hyena, Indian hare, Blue bull, wolf, chinkara and jackal are spotted here along with bulbul, woodpecker and green bee-eater being the prominent birds in the region.
3. Vadodara
Distance from Ahmedabad – 106 kms (approx)
Vadodara or Baroda as it is often referred to, is rich for its cultural and heritage the place is the third largest city in Gujarat. The hustle of the town is quite less than the busy and mighty Ahmedabad. The city comprises of palaces like Nazarbaug Palace and Laxmi Vilas palace amongst other and also has a number of attractions like museums to spend your day amid the history of the city.
4. Danta-Ambaji
Distance from Ahmedabad – 161 kms (approx)
The small town of Danta is famous for its Ambe Temple and is a recognized Hindu Pilgrim spot. The Ambe temple is constructed in in Rajputana style. Also there are lot of temples in the vicinity that will drench you in the feeling of divinity. The place also has a serene environment with Gabbar Hills nearby. Kamakshi Temple is about a kilometre away from the main temple while Mansarovar is exactly behind it. Also one can enjoy peaceful sunsets at Kailash Hill Sunset, known for its scenic and spiritual value.
5. Taranga Hill
Distance from Ahmedabad – 140 kms (approx)
The Taranga Hills in the Mehsana district of Gujarat are considered to be of religious importance because of the Jain temple located here. The Jain temple is devoted to the second tirthankar of the jains, Ajitnath ji. Also the place shows profound connection with the Buddhist history. The cave, Jogida ni Gufa, was said to be discovered by some of the Buddhist Monks where they used to meditate. The cave also shows beautiful carvings of the Buddhist era and is a visual wonder.
6. Pavagadh
Distance from Ahmedabad – 135 kms (approx)
Pavagadh is famous for being a religious place. Witnessed the remains of some historic civilizations whose ruins were wrapped in the jungle were unknown to mankind until five centuries ago. Pavgadh is famous for the Mahakali temple which is considered to be kul-devi (family goddess) for many families and is visited often. Some mosques, a few temples and a fort are what the hamlet carries forward from the past. The passengers can either climb some 250 steps to reach the temple or can take the ropeway. The place certainly is richly crafted.
7. Wild Ass Sanctuary
Distance from Ahmedabad – 130 kms (approx)
Wild Ass Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary of India that sprawls in an area of about 4954 sq km in the Little Rann of Kachh. The sanctuary is a home to the Indian-Wild Asses also witnesses the flamingos and surus crane along with the pelican in the wild. The chestnut hued animal can also be spotted amidst the black cobras and the desert fox. During the winter months it also is a shelter to some international birds like hawks, houbara bustard and falcons.
8. Gandhinagar
Distance from Ahmedabad – 27 kms (approx)
The beautiful town of Gandhinagar lies on the banks of river Sabarmati and is the capital of Gujarat. The city is well planned and attracts a lot of tourists as it is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. The famous Akshardham Temple is also situated here. Apart from the Akshardham Temple one can see the Adalaj vav, Mahatma Mandir, Sarita Udyan and Indroda Park.
9. Patan
Distance from Ahmedabad – 126 kms (approx)
The little town of Patan falls in the Little Rann of Kutch and is guarded with the high walls of the forts and its gates that still stand intact. The place also has the rope makers, the bidi makers and some nice patola work could be seen in the narrow bustling bazaar of the place. It is also famous for its Jain Temples, Hemachandracharya Jain Gnan library, Sahasralinga Talav, “lake of a thousand lingas” and Rani Ki Vav and attract a lot of tourists to get lost in the history.
10. Anand
Distance from Ahmedabad – 75 kms (approx)
Anand – the Milk Capital of India is the home to Amul Dairy. Situated near the Gulf of Khambhat the place is of utmost importance. One can see the Amul Dairy Museum, Ranchhodrai Dakor Temple and The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Veer Vithalbhai Patel Memorial. The place is dimensionally small but is well developed.
One tends to find the relaxation amidst the nature, the neighbourhood of Ahmedabad does provide some beautiful destinations where one can easily get away for a weekend and rejuvenate them.
