Ahmedabad is not all work and no fun. So if you’re thinking of branching out and going beyond the boundaries to explore it, there are plenty of spots that can be reached in a few hours. That’s the beauty of 1-day trips. You’ll have a mini-road trip, spend quality time at an interesting place and be back in your humble abode by the end of the day! Here is our selection of awesome places to consider while planning 1-day trips from Ahmedabad.
Destinations Near Ahmedabad That You Can Visit In One Day
- Modhera Sun Temple
- Zanzari Waterfall
- Lothal
- Adalaj Stepwell
- Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
- Dandi Kutir
1. Modhera Sun Temple
Getting in touch with our spiritual side helps us clear our minds and calm our thoughts. The Modhera Sun Temple offers its visitors this feeling every time they come here. It was built in 1026-27 CE and is dedicated to ‘Surya,’ who is considered to be the God of the sun and ruler of the planets. During that period, natural elements which are air, water, earth, fire and sky, were seen and treated as equal to Gods. This is why the Modhera Sun Temple was built. It is a complex of multiple structures. You’ll see the Gūḍhamanḍapa which is the shrine hall, Sabhamanḍapa which is the assembly hall and finally, Kunḍa which is the reservoir.
Gūḍhamanḍapa is the most important part of the complex. It is where the idol of Surya used to reside. This room is designed so ingeniously that the first rays of the sun would fall on the idol during the equinox. Sabhamanḍapa is an octagonal hall whose ceiling is held by 52 pillars, the number refers to the 52 weeks in a year. This is where religious functions and meetings used to take place. Kunḍa is a water tank. It is surrounded by steps that are decorated with 108 shrines of Hindu Gods. Devotees used to cleanse themselves here before worshiping the Sun God.
All of them are embellished with intricate carvings and sculptures of scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, flowers, Hindu Gods and more. But it will be time well spent.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 98 km away.
2. Zanzari Waterfall
Waterfalls are one of the few things that are loved by almost everyone. Just a few hours away from Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Gujarat. It sits between the city of Dehgam and the village of Bayad and it is part of the river Vartak. Zanzari attracts fun-seekers from Mahesana, Gandhinagar, and Ahmedabad. During weekends and public holidays, you can find a lot of people here having a jolly time.
Just like every waterfall, the monsoons are the best time to visit them. The fresh rain elevates the beauty of this waterfall and its surroundings to a whole new level. But unlike all waterfalls, this one can be enjoyed throughout the year. So you don’t have to wait for months to relish this natural phenomenon.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 75 km away
3. Lothal
One of the most important archaeological finds in the world has been the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation and Lothal was this civilization’s vital part. Located near the village of Saragwala, is the remains of what was once one of the most advanced human settlements. Even if you are not a history buff, you are bound to be impressed by the level of planning and organization done by this town’s citizens during 3700 BCE. They were geniuses. They had a warehouse, a bread-making factory, stone anchors, a dockyard and more.
Research has shown that this used to be a successful trading port. This site has also been a treasure trove of antique items. While there are no elaborate structures, monuments or carvings here, you will still get to see the actual bricks which were used in those ancient constructions. The museum here is a must-visit as the jewelry, seals, objects of daily use and several other items from that period are shown here. Note that the museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and it’s closed on Fridays.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 78 km away
4. Adalaj Stepwell
Nestled in the village of Adalaj is a 16th-century structure that was once an integral part of the civilization around it. Many of such wells were built in semi-arid regions of India as they also helped in storing rainwater. The water from the Adalaj Stepwell which is also known as Rudabai Stepwell was used for day-to-day activities. But apart from this, the stepwell was also a resting place for travelers where people gathered to celebrate festivals and practice rituals.
If you stand on its steps, you can almost visualize the village women, who existed here hundreds of years ago, going about their day and having hearty conversations. Just like its history, its design is also very fascinating. It is an enormous five-story stepwell supported by giant pillars and every floor is spacious enough to accommodate a good number of people.
Since it was built using Indo-Islamic architecture the walls of Adalaj are adorned with flower motifs and intricate engravings of elephants, birds, Hindu Gods, and more. Adalaj Stepwell was never just a place to get water, it was a place to encourage togetherness and celebrate the beauty of art and it is worth a visit.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 18.5 km away.
5. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
While it is fun to spot a few colorful birds during a morning walk near one’s home, it cannot compare to the utmost joy of watching hundreds of them chirping away while they waltz from one tree to another. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is exactly the place where one can experience this joy. This natural paradise is a huge 120 square kilometers of wetland and is home to around 250 species of birds. Rosy pelicans, brahminy ducks, herons, grebes, flamingos, and purple moorhens are just some of the birds that you can expect to see here.
Many people come from far away to visit Nasarovar, but they are not the only ones, over 200+ species of birds migrate here every year. This sanctuary is explored using boats, which in itself is an attraction because traveling through water at a leisurely pace through this area is a soothing affair.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 64 km away.
6. Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park
It is also known as India’s Jurrasic Park. Yes, you read that right. The park received that nickname because it houses fossilized remains of dinosaurs and their petrified eggs as well! Do note that is a man-made fossil park and real dinosaurs have never lived or hatched eggs here. The eggs and fossils displayed here are from Raiyoli, Balasinor, Gujarat. It was the third-largest dinosaur fossil excavation site in the world.
The entire Indroda park covers over 4 square kilometers and it contains an amphitheatre, event centers, a botanical garden, an interpretation center, camping facilities, and a zoo. Although dinosaurs are dead, the amount of interest and fascination people have for them is amazing. This is why Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is such a great attraction.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 25 km away.
Summing Up
Now that you have a few places on your mind, why don’t you make a plan with your dear ones and hit the road? You can spend an entire day doing interesting things, exploring new restaurants, rejuvenating your soul, and be back before you know it. Just one day of the week is all you need to make it all happen.
FAQs
Places Near Ahmedabad For 1 Day Picnic?
Zanzari Waterfall, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, and Indroda Park are some great options for picnics.
Is There Any Beach Near Ahmedabad?
The nearest beaches are still very far away. But they are Dumas Beach (286 km away), Hazira Beach (291 km away), Tithal Beach (336 km away), Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach (368 km away), and Jampore Beach (367 km away).
Why Is Lothal Called The Place Of The Dead?
It is also called “The City of the Dead”. It is because in Gujarati language ‘Lothal’ means ‘Mound of the Dead”.
What Is The Difference Between Well And Stepwell?
It is very simple. You have to draw water up from the well, but you will have to go down the steps in a stepwell to fetch the water.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Nalsarovar?
The period from November to March is the best as the number of migratory birds here is the highest during this time.
Where Is The Biggest Museum On Gandhiji Located?
Gandhi Smriti Museum in Delhi is considered to be the Biggest Museum about the life of Gandhiji.
Is Adalaj Stepwell Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. It is a beautiful relic of the past with magnificent architectural carvings and interesting history.
