When people visit my hometown, Ahmedabad, they always hit me up with “What are some things to do around here?” or “Are there fun activities that I can try when I’m on a short trip?”
To answer these, I decided to throw some light on what you can do beyond simply exploring the well-known historical sites.
The largest city in the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad or Amdavad, as we like to call it, is India’s first UNESCO Urban World Heritage Site. Given the archaeological marvels that the city houses, it is a title that is well deserved.
A typical trip to Ahmedabad would involve visiting these heritage structures one after the other.
But, some of us could possibly just be looking for activities that are fun and adventurous. If you are visiting Ahmedabad and are wondering if that’s a possibility, I would like to say YES! A big yes! Here’s an offbeat itinerary that will definitely make your trip a memorable one!
UNLEASH YOUR INNER MASTERCHEF
When you’re in the city, don’t miss the opportunity of cooking your very own authentic Gujarati Thali. Offered by a home chef in Prahladnagar, you’ll be learning to cook a three-course Gujarati meal. To gain the skills of cooking an entire Gujarati Thali seems like a task, but is quite fun when you get into the process. Also, if you have a kid, you get to take them along and give them a taste of the tasty meal for free!
SOAR HIGH IN THE SKY
Looking for some adrenaline rush activities while you’re in Ahmedabad? I might just have the right option for you. The Aircraft Joyride allows you to experience the beautiful view of the city, with its aesthetically pleasing buildings and monuments, from a breath-taking height of about 1000 feet. The routes however are subject to change depending on the Air Control Traffic.
DISCOVER NATURE
Famous for its night camps, Sundarvan nature discovery center is located right in the heart of the city. But, if you’re looking for a peaceful day, away from the hustle-bustle, this is the place to be in. Indoor and outdoor activities such as nature trails and environmental educational programs are offered within the centre.
RAFT IT OUT
Khalwani, located close to the Statue of Unity is the perfect place for rafting. The crashing waves of the Narmada River shake the raft up quite a lot, making the experience very gripping and thrilling. I’d recommend to take up this activity if you are with a group of people, especially your friends. That adds up to the fun quotient of it!
MAKE A QUICK ESCAPE
Ahmedabad has a few escape rooms that can satisfy all the mystery fantasies you wish to fulfil. These rooms provide you with a real-time mystery-solving experience set up in a themed room. You get to be a detective or a thief or any other role you wish to take up, among the options that are provided. The time you’re given to get to the bottom of the clues and make a final escape is an hour. It is a team activity, so remember to take your squad along!
ZIPLINE ALL THE WAY!
Another adventurous activity in the city is the Sabarmati Skyline tour. You climb your way up to a particular spot that’s 60 feet high. And then, you zip line across the majestic Sabarmati River in a quick time span of about 45 seconds! It is indeed surreal to feel your feet gently gliding through the length of the gushing river water. You should definitely do this one for the thrills!
TREK THE JUNGLE
Ahmedabad is bordered with a number of hill rangers that are so richly filled with nature and wildlife. The Sahyadri hill ranges and forests are the most sought after by trekkers who want to soak in the scenic beauty of Mother Nature. The physical exhaustion that it causes is worth the views you get to witness!
DRIVE IN CINEMA
You remember those drive in cinemas that we’ve been shown in movies, the one where people watch movies in the comfort of their car, on a huge open air viewing screen? Ahmedabad offers one of the very few Drive in Movie experiences in Asia. Sunset Drive in Cinema can accommodate about 665 cars and has a restaurant that provides delicious food. So, sit back in your car, order your munchies and watch the movie! Quite the dream, isn’t it?
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Brush up your bargaining skills before you make your way to the extensive market at Law Garden. From traditional Gujarati outfits to handicraft items, you will find a wide variety of options to shop from. A popular street shopping location among tourists, its shops open at 11 AM and function till the night.
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
How could I forget the scrumptious range of street food that Ahmedabad has to offer? My personal favourite is Manek Chowk. You name the street food you’re craving for and you have it all here! There are a large number of food joints to choose from. If you do go here, remember to try the famous Chocolate Sandwich!
For the ones who seek non vegetarian options, try Baghdad Fry Center. I promise you that their kheema chops won’t leave you disappointed!
Well, for all those who’ve seen Ahmedabad in movies like 2 States and Kai Po Che, I can only tell you that it is even more beautiful when you visit and explore the city.
If you have an interest for historical and famous structures, I’d suggest you to take the Heritage Walk offered by the Municipal Corporation of Ahmedabad, for a nominal fee. Along with certain monuments, you also get to walk through ancient courtyards and structures in the city.
To the people who plan on visiting Ahmedabad or even the ones who live here, I hope this has given you an insight on all the fun activities in escape room you can indulge in!
