Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad Old City
Experiential
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Heritage Walk
Swaminarayan Temple Kalupur
Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad Old City takes experiential and heritage travellers through narrow bylanes of "pols" and "ols" of 400+ years old Ahmedabad Old city comprising 600 localities (Pols), 50000+ homes, temples, customs, rituals, history and bustling markets.
A typical walk starts from Swaminarayan Temple at Kalupur (where Car parking is available). The walk takes through Jain Temples (Hathee Singh Jain Temple), Heritage Havelis, Old residences, homestays, narrow bylanes, areas with a bit of history while the travellers get a peek into bustle of a "Pol" i.e. residential locality. Heritage monuments to look for on the walk are Siddhi Syed's Mosque, Jumma Masjid, Ahmed Shah's Tomb.
Pols are organised as per communities, each having its own unique character, architectural fervour and little something extra. There are secret (not so now) pathways connecting communities, temple rituals and residences where joint families have been living for over 400 years (One of them had 40+ bedrooms with its own temple).
For those who want to live this lifestyle, can stay in one of the local homestays, or refurbished heritage havelis or just arrive for a luncheon with locals or enjoy some street food.
The markets here are known as an "ol". Ols are as old as the Pols, full of history. Stock exchange building (dated 1894), the foodies haven Manek Chowk (best experienced at night) and so many shops dating back to 19th century and still thriving in modern times. No Ahmedabad old city experience can be complete without a wholesome meal at the House of MG, which serves wholesome Gujarati Thali at the Terrace Restaurant "Agaashiye" (Literally meaning "At the Terrace").
Heritage Walk is a must do for experiential travellers looking to go beyond the regular touristy sightseeing and experience history, culture, heritage and cuisine of Ahmedabad.
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