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Ambaji
- Devi's Abode
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| Ambaji (Banaskantha district) is the seat of Ambe Mata, the mother goddess. Hers is a household name in the state. People pay homage to her during Navratri in song and dance. She is an aspect of goddess Parvati Shiv's consort. Amba or Ambe Mata is shown riding a tiger during the Navratri celebrations. Navratri in Gujarat is comparable to the worship of Saraswati in Bengal. It is 180 kms away from Ahmedabad.
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Hatheesing Temple
- Jain Temple
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| Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hatheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain temples. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hatheesing Temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jina or Jain apostle. Within the city there are many other Jain temples with remarkable carvings in stone and wood. |
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Kankaria Lake
- Polygonal Lake
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| A polygonal lake almost a mile in circumference, it was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island-garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is now a popular recreational centre and is surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika', children's gardens, a boat club, natural history museum and a zoo. |
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Modhera
- Sun Temple
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| Constructed in 1026-27 A.D. during the reign of King Bhimdev I of Patan, the temple is dedicated to Surya or the Sun God. Although it bears a dilapidated look, it is still a magnificent specimen of superb artistry of Gujarat's architects of the bygone days. Modhera's sun temple is positioned in such a manner that at the equinoxes the rising sun strikes the images in the sanctuary.It is 120 kms away from Ahmedabad.
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Nalsarovar Sanctuary
- Bird Sanctuary
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| Just 65 kms. Southwest of Ahmedabad, is the delightful bird sanctuary of Nalsarovar nestling around the Nal Lake, extending over 11,500 hectares. Established in 1969 A.D., it is known to harbour over 250 species of wetland birds. Nalsarovar sees winter migrants from the north that includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons.
A pair of binoculars and a person well -versed in the local bird life will surely make it one of your best outings. Visitors are ferried in small boats to experience a sunrise or sunset while gliding gently through the silent waters.
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Rani Roopmathi Mosque
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| This mosque name after Rani Rupmati, the Hindu wife of Mehmood Beghada is said to have been built between 1430 A.D. and 1440 A.D. and is perhaps one of the best specimens of harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Muslim style architecture. This mosque also lost its minarets in the earthquake of 1818. A.D.
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Sabarmathi Ashram
- Mahatma Gandhiji Ashram
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| On a quiet stretch of the river Sabarmati, 7 kms north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve centre of India's freedom movement. Hridaya Kunj, the cottage where he lived is preserved as it was in the Mahatma's lifetime. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a sound and light spectacle to offer its visitors. |
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Sarkhej Roza
- Architectural complex
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| About 8 kms. from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout. |
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Siddi Sayed Mosque
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| One part of the wall in the old citadel of the mosque built by Ahmed Shah's slave, Sidi Sayed, is celebrated all over the world for its exquisite stone window tracery - a superb example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree. |
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The Jumma Masjid
- Beautiful Mosque in India
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| Described by some as the most beautiful mosque in India, the congregational mosque was built by the city's founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city. |
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