This amazing botanical garden hosts a butterfly garden, lotus pond, flower garden, fruit plantation and small trekking paths.

Herds of Blue-Bulls (Nilgais) are often seen on the periphery of this botanical garden, monitor lizards are plentiful, hares are often seen in the bushes. Porcupines are often sighted in the dark hours and flap shell turtles are seen in the water bodies.

This place is a delight for nature lovers, photographers, botanists & bird watching enthusiasts. A Must VISIT for all friends & families who love Nature & its Beauty.

The post Bird Watching & Nature appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

Although the Kite Festival is celebrated all over Gujarat, it is the most exciting in the old city of Ahmedabad. The night before is electric with brisk business in buying and selling kites, in amazingly numerous bulk purchases. The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmedabad city, is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week. A visit to the Bazaar in the middle of the night proves beyond all doubt that the entire population of the city is obsessed with kites and they crowd the streets and buy the stocks while negotiating and enjoying through the night. Uttarayan is the time to indulge in ceaseless amazement – in the most pulse racing kite competitions. There are kites and more kites, in all shapes and designs, but some stand out for their sheer size and novelty.

Gujarat celebrates more than 100 festivals every year ! Among these, the festival of Uttarayan is one of the grandest and stands tall. In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday when every family can be met outdoors. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying skills and delicious traditional Gujarati feast are the hallmarks of the day.

Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in many parts of India) is the day when the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter. The days become longer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler. A feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making. Interestingly, this is the only festival celebrated as per the western calendar.

The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and ‘Nawabs’ who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular amongst the masses. Today, manufacturing of kites is a serious business. It attracts big names of the corporate world as kites provide for the most cost-effective opportunity for branding. The stakes are high and prizes for the competition grand.

Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with a special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other’s strings and knock down the kites. The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.

Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed are engaged in the business of kites. Rich or poor, people enjoy this festival in their own ways. The aerodynamic skill, devotion and ingenuity that goes into the kite making and flying is almost a religion in itself, honed to the level of an art form, though it looks deceptively simple.

Ahmedabad is also a host city to International Kite Festival every year.

The post Kite Flying Festival – 2 Night Package appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

Although the Kite Festival is celebrated all over Gujarat, it is the most exciting in the old city of Ahmedabad. The night before is electric with brisk business in buying and selling kites, in amazingly numerous bulk purchases. The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmedabad city, is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week. A visit to the Bazaar in the middle of the night proves beyond all doubt that the entire population of the city is obsessed with kites and they crowd the streets and buy the stocks while negotiating and enjoying through the night. Uttarayan is the time to indulge in ceaseless amazement – in the most pulse racing kite competitions. There are kites and more kites, in all shapes and designs, but some stand out for their sheer size and novelty.

Gujarat celebrates more than 100 festivals every year ! Among these, the festival of Uttarayan is one of the grandest and stands tall. In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday when every family can be met outdoors. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying skills and delicious traditional Gujarati feast are the hallmarks of the day.

Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in many parts of India) is the day when the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter. The days become longer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler. A feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making. Interestingly, this is the only festival celebrated as per the western calendar.

The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and ‘Nawabs’ who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular amongst the masses. Today, manufacturing of kites is a serious business. It attracts big names of the corporate world as kites provide for the most cost-effective opportunity for branding. The stakes are high and prizes for the competition grand.

Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with a special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other’s strings and knock down the kites. The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.

Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed are engaged in the business of kites. Rich or poor, people enjoy this festival in their own ways. The aerodynamic skill, devotion and ingenuity that goes into the kite making and flying is almost a religion in itself, honed to the level of an art form, though it looks deceptively simple.

Ahmedabad is also a host city to International Kite Festival every year.

The post Kite Flying Festival – 1 Night Package appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

In eastern India, the festival is observed as Durga Puja. Huge statues of the Goddess are made and immersed in the holy Ganges River. The festival is an extremely social and theatrical event, with drama, dance, and cultural performances held throughout the country.

The post Navratri : Festival of Dance & Revelry appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

The post Holi : Festival of Colours !!! appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

Although the Kite Festival is celebrated all over Gujarat, it is the most exciting in the old city of Ahmedabad. The night before is electric with brisk business in buying and selling kites, in amazingly numerous bulk purchases. The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmedabad city, is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week. A visit to the Bazaar in the middle of the night proves beyond all doubt that the entire population of the city is obsessed with kites and they crowd the streets and buy the stocks while negotiating and enjoying through the night. Uttarayan is the time to indulge in ceaseless amazement – in the most pulse racing kite competitions. There are kites and more kites, in all shapes and designs, but some stand out for their sheer size and novelty.

Gujarat celebrates more than 100 festivals every year ! Among these, the festival of Uttarayan is one of the grandest and stands tall. In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday when every family can be met outdoors. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying skills and delicious traditional Gujarati feast are the hallmarks of the day.

Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in many parts of India) is the day when the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter. The days become longer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler. A feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making. Interestingly, this is the only festival celebrated as per the western calendar.

The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and ‘Nawabs’ who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular amongst the masses. Today, manufacturing of kites is a serious business. It attracts big names of the corporate world as kites provide for the most cost-effective opportunity for branding. The stakes are high and prizes for the competition grand.

Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with a special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other’s strings and knock down the kites. The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.

Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed are engaged in the business of kites. Rich or poor, people enjoy this festival in their own ways. The aerodynamic skill, devotion and ingenuity that goes into the kite making and flying is almost a religion in itself, honed to the level of an art form, though it looks deceptively simple.

Ahmedabad is also a host city to International Kite Festival every year.

The post Kite Flying Festival Gujarat (Uttarayan / Makar Sakranti) appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

Akshardham, Gandhinagar is a unique temple & cultural complex that celebrates the past, addresses the present, and blesses the future. It upholds the universal values of Humanity and symbolizes the glory of Indian Culture. This is one of the largest Hindu temples in the Indian state of Gujarat.

The temple complex, dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place which is spread in an area of 23 acres. The complex is popular among tourists visiting Gujarat. It has unique exhibitions and shows to enthrall people of all age groups. Thousands come daily to discover the inspirations of design and devotion, effort and elegance, care and consciousness, silence and spirituality.

Monument :

One of the wonders of Gujarat, the imposing 10 story high, intricately carved architectural masterpiece, enshrines Golden Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith. Akshardham is an architectural marvel. Awe-inspiring auspiciousness and amazing craftsmanship. 6,000 tons of pink sandstone have been pieced together with incredible accuracy. More than 12 million man hours of 900 skilled craftsmen have created this magnificent monument of 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees.

Mystic India :

Mystic India is an epic journey into the land and soul of India. This entertaining, educating and enlightening film was made originally in giant screen format. Mystic India rediscovers India, a land of many mysteries and fascinations. A period film set 200 years back in time, it retraces the incredible journey of an 11-year old child yogi, Neelkanth. In 1792 AD, he walked for 12,000 km continuously for 7 years, barefoot and bare-body, through the length and breadth of India, from the Himalayas to the southern sea-shores. The film explores unique elements of India based on this inspiring true-life story and journey of Neelkanth.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show :

The Water Show reveals India’s ancient secret of inner light through an Upanisha story of Nachiketa, a nine year old boy, who bravely confronts Yamraaj, the God of Death, and receives from him the knowledge that has made India, a land of enlightenment.
Performed by live actors, with a 70-feet high water screen, water features, fire spreading on water along with several fireballs, powerful lasers, all enhanced by a 10.2 surround sound system, it is a uniquely entertaining and educational show with a spiritual message. The 45-minute show takes place every evening (except Monday) at Akshardham, Gandhinagar.

The post Akshardham Tour, Gandhinagar appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

What to expect:

 It is 70 Kms. from Ahmedabad and 2 hours drive to Mahudi For the followers of Jainism, this is one of the most important pilgrimage place and they must visit it once during their life-time. The guide will explain the importance of the temple as well as the religious aspects connected with the temple.

The post Day Tour to Mahudi Jain Temples appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

What to expect:

 Pick-up at 6 am from your hotel/residence/airport/station in Ahmedabad

It is 220 Kms. from Ahmedabad and 4½ hours drive to Palitana. For the followers of Jainism, this is one of the most important pilgrimage place and they must visit it once during their life-time. The guide will explain the importance of the temple as well as the religious aspects connected with the temple.

The post Day Tour to Palitana Jain Temples appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.