Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat settled on the banks of River Sabarmati is one of the must-visit tourist places in India. A beautiful contrast to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar is a scenic and peaceful town with interesting sights, things to do, and a number of exciting experiences.
Named after the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi, the city has been planned with gardens, broad avenues dotted with trees, beautiful buildings temples, markets, and many other facilities. In fact, it is noted as one of the well-planned cities in the country. The tourist attractions, places to visit, and things to do in Gandhinagar lure visitors from far corners of the globe.
Best Things to do in Gandhinagar
- Visit the Akshardham Temple
- Marvel at the Historic Adalaj Step Well
- Walk with Pre-Historic Beasts at Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
- Stroll at the Capital Complex
- Learn Crafts at the Craftsmen’s Village
- Take Blessings at the Mahudi Jain Temple
- Fun Outing at Children’s Park
- Sarita Udyan
- Take a Day Trip to Blackbuck National Park
- Admire the Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan
1. Visit the Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is a specimen of the finest Indian architecture and craftsmanship. Established in 1992, and dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, it is one of the largest and most prominent temples in Gujarat.
The holy place is a center of ancient Hindu wisdom, education for all, exquisite architecture, art exhibitions, and research. Paying a visit to the Akshardham Temple is one of the top things to do in Gandhinagar.
Built-in pink sandstone, the temple lies surrounded by a beautiful garden called Sahajanand Van which also includes a herbal garden, lake, waterfall, etc. The main deity in the shrine is the seven-foot (2.1 meters) long idol of Lord Swaminarayan. Explore the beautiful complex, attain spiritual bliss, or marvel at the ancient Indian heritage.
[ Also Read: Most Famous Hindu Temples in Gujarat]
2. Marvel at the Historic Adalaj Step Well
Located in the quiet village of Adalaj, The Adalaj Stepwell is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Gandhinagar. The ancient well was built in the year 1499, by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh. Over five stories, the monument is an icon of architectural brilliance, and excellent craftsmanship as well used as a cultural and spiritual sanctuary.
The impressive Indo-Islamic style of architecture has wonderful intricate ornamentation of mythological themes on walls. Sunlight enters through the ceiling but does not touch the steps or landing. Of note to see in the ancient stepwell is the single stone slab carving of Ami Khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life), the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life), and a small frieze of navagraha (nine planets). One of the best things to do in Gandhinagar includes an afternoon visit to Adalaj.
3. Walk with Pre-Historic Beasts at Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
Did you know India has its own Jurassic Park? Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is India’s very own home of dinosaurs. Spread over an area of about 400 hectares on either bank of the Sabarmati River, it is considered to be the second-largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs in the world, dating from the later Cretaceous period.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Gujarat, Indroda is the only dinosaur museum in the country run by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER). there are various sections like the Dinosaur and Fossil Section, Mammal Section, Avifauna Section, Walk-in aviary, Reptile Section, Earth Section, Marine Section, Plant Section, and Botanical Garden, in addition to being home to innumerable species of birds, reptiles, hundreds of nilgais, langurs and peafowls. Life-size statues of Tyrannosaurus rex, Megalosaurus, Titanosaurus, Barapasaurus, Brachiosaurus, Antarctosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Iguanodon. What can actually beat the walk with dinosaurs, it ranks among the unmissable things to do in Gandhinagar.
[ Also Read: Most Famous Museums in Gujarat ]
4. Stroll at the Capital Complex
The list of must-visit attractions in Gandhinagar includes the Capital Complex. One of the city’s impressive buildings, the complex houses government offices. The spectacular example of modernity and architectural brilliance, along with technical expertise, the awe-inspiring beauty spell bounds you.
This modern complex is the perfect sight to capture memories with their cameras. Sardar Bhavan and Narmada Bhavan are the two important buildings to check out. Get a permit for a visit, walk through the corridors, and grounds, and marvel at the architecture, grounds, etc. Walk in the evening and have a great time, it is one of the fondest memories of a holiday in Gandhinagar.
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5. Learn Crafts at the Craftsmen’s Village
Moving on, next on the list of top places to visit in Gandhinagar is the Craftsmen’s Village also known as Shilpgram. Here you can get an incredible chance to learn about the cultural traditions of Gujarat, through its art and crafts, textiles, wood carvings, and more. Home to a huge number of craftsmen, the village is very well-known for the creation of beautiful ‘Bandhani’ saris, made using natural colors. Artistic wooden hand-carved block stamps, designed for printing designs on cloth and other delights are also a part of the treasures of the village.
Shilpgram is one of the best options for shopping in Gandhinagar. Watch the craftsmen at work creating masterpieces of saris and other handcrafted materials.
6. Take Blessings at the Mahudi Jain Temple
Named after an ancient Jain Tirth ‘Mahudi’, Mahudi Jain Temple is one of the important Jain Pilgrimages in India and not just Gujarat. Dating nearly 2000 years back, the idols and artistic remains are based on the inscriptions in Brahmi script. Visit the temple and take blessings, it is one of the best things to do in Gandhinagar.
The temple worships the idol of Ghanta Karna Mahavir carrying weapons of a bow and arrow. There is a tradition of offering Sukhadi to the deity during prayers. Built next to the shrine is a bell at a height of about 30 feet, where devotees climb up to ring it and ask for the fulfillment of a wish. Also worshipped in the temple is a 22-inch marble idol of Bhagawan Padmaprabhu sitting in padmasana (lotus) posture, installed by Acharyadev. For blessings, it’s customary to take a Bhoomi (circumambulation) around the 24 shrines of the Tirthankaras. It is counted among the holy temples in Gujarat that you must not miss.
7. Fun Outing at Children’s Park
Located in the middle of the beautiful city, in fact enhancing its charm, The Children’s Park is one of the unmissable tourist attractions. A big draw for visitors of every age group, from kids aged one to adults. Feel delighted when you visit the park, there is a lot of greenery that lets you bask in natural bliss.
One of the favorite gardens in Gandhinagar, the lush environs also has a beautiful lake and a miniature train that attracts for a day of fun. Stroll around the green landscape, go boating, and enjoy picnics, boat rides, games, and more. Go for a fun outing, it is one of the best things to do in Gandhinagar.
8. Sarita Udyan
Sarita Udyan is one of the lush gardens of Gandhinagar in the nature blessed capital of Gujarat. Known as the healthy lungs of the city, this garden in Gandhinagar enhances the beauty of the city, even more.
The perfect place to unwind and relax, it is a great picnic spot for tourists. Stroll through the beautiful gardens in the evenings or the early mornings, it is a soothing escape from the chaotic city life.
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9. Take a Day Trip to Blackbuck National Park
Velavadar National Park is one of the must-visit tourist attractions near Gandhinagar. Known for the healthy population of blackbucks, it is an exclusive expanse of grassland, shrublands, saline plains, and mudflats, settled between two rivers namely Parvalia and Alang. A day trip to the land of blackbucks is one of the best things to do in Gandhinagar.
Blackbucks are the main allure for people from all over the world paying a visit. The migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe are spotted during the winter season. The popular birds are pelicans, flamingoes, white storks, sarus cranes, and many more. Over 140 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, 95 species of flowering plants, and many reptiles. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar, the national park is one of the places you must spend a day at.
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10. Admire the Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan
Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan is a spectacular structure, located in the premises of the Capitol Complex in Gandhinagar. Named after Freedom Fighter, Vithal Bhai Patel, the elder brother of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel the Bhavan is one of the must-visit attractions of the city.
Built on a high podium in the middle of a lake, this is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures of the entire capital complex. The building is known for housing the Vidhan Sabha and the legislature office. Visitors need to seek special permission to visit Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan.
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Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
Thanks for sharing such an informative and useful article. Definitely helps.
Debashree Chakraborty, thanks a lot for the article post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.