Tour ends at Sidi Saiyad Mosque and you will be dropped to your hotel. However there is a option to upgrade your tour with traditional Gujarati Thali or Gujarati Meal.

What to expect

 Pick-up from your hotel at 9 am

Sabarmati Ashram

or Gandhi Ashram has indeed earned its place in Indian Independence movement as well as Indian history. The birth place of independence movement and major activities of Mahatma Gandhi have been an integral part of this Ashram. The Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, so named after the holy river Sabarmati, situated on the river’s banks is such an example. This site no longer functions as a working ashram but as a museum and an institution whose aim is to preserve and propagate the legacy of the Mahatma. Hundreds of visitors, both foreigners and locals, with curiosity and feelings of devotion arrive here and feel inspired and enlightened. More than half a million visit here every year. The Sabarmati Ashram is a source of inspiration for the present generation, and will serve as such for the generations to come. Indeed, Gandhi’s ideals will serve as a beacon light for all generations. The Ashram has stood witness to many important happenings, happenings which were instrumental in shaping the Karmavir Mohandas into the Mahatma and the Father of the Nation.

Hutheesing Jain Temple :

This remarkably elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 lakh rupees by a rich merchant Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jaintirthankar, Shri Dharmanatha. Traditional artisans working in stone belonged to the Sonpura & Salat communities. The Salat community constructed masterpieces of architecture ranging from forts, palaces to temples. The work of the Hutheesing Jain temple is attributed to Premchand Salat. One scholar has remarked, “Each part goes on increasing in dignity as we approach the sanctuary.

The temple is spread over a sprawling courtyard, amandapa surmounted by a large ridged dome, which is supported by 12 ornate pillars. The small garbhagruh (main shrine) on the east end reaches up into three stunningly carved spires and encircled by 52 small shrines dedicated to the various Tirthankars. There are large protuding porches with magnificently decorated columns and figural brackets on three outer sides. Also a recently built 78 ft Mahavir stambha (tower) fashioned after the renowned tower at Chittor in Rajasthan, flanks the outer courtyard by the front entrance. Some of the motifs used in the design reminds one of the Sultanate minarets of the Mughal period.

Suggestion : The capacity of rickshaw is for 3 passengers. However, looking at the comfort aspect, we highly recommend 2 guests per rickshaw.

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Our tour starts with a visit to Textile Museum. However limited number of tourists are allowed entry to this museum every day and hence it cannot to guaranteed. Our next stop will be the old city area where we go an meet the artistes of block printing and understand their style of working. We learn the art of block printing and see live presentation. You can also try your hand doing this art.

Post this wonderful experience, we head to meet artisans of SEWA, an organization which has done some pioneering work with craft and textiles for many years and now runs their own trust working with women on appliqué and patchwork based design.

We then take quick stop at Art Book Centre, and have a look at some of the best books ever written on Indian textiles and you might get some great bargains at the shop.

Last but not the least, you have option of visiting one of the popular showrooms to buy traditional wear.

Upgrade your tour with traditional Gujarati Thali or Gujarati Meal.

The post Morning Textile Tour appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.

• Sanskar Kendra
• IIM, Ahmedabad
• ATMA bulding
• Gandhi Ashram
• Doshi Husain Gufa

Le Corbusier :

The most internationally acclaimed modernist architect, ‘Charles Eduard Jeanerette’ was born in Choux de Fonds, a small Swiss village, in a watch-maker’s family, in 1887 AD. He adopted the pseudonym ‘Le Corbusier’, meaning ‘The Crow’. The greatness of his works is reflected in the rare honour given to him on the ten franc currency note of Switzerland. He eventually made France his home.

Ahmedabad can boast of four creations of this modern master, representing two architectural prototypes —the residence and public institutions. One of the residences belonged to Manoramaben Sarabhai — a widow then, and was designed as a ground-hugging quiet recluse amid natural tree grove. In contrast, the other one was originally designed for a flamboyant bachelor, Hathisingh, on the fantasies of Arabian Nights. Later, the design was bought over and occupied by Shyamubhai Shodhan. Public structures included Sanskar Kendra and Ahmedabad Textile Mill’s Association (ATMA) building.

Louis Kahn :

Louis Kahn was born in Saarama (Saaremaa), Estonia in 1901. His family emigrated to the U.S. in 1905. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a thorough grounding the the Beaux Art school of architecture. During the 1920s and 1930s he worked as a draughtsman and, later, as a head designer for several Philadelphia-based firms.

Considered one of the foremost architects of the late twentieth century, Kahn received the AIA Gold Medal in 1971 and the RIBA Gold Medal in 1972. He was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1971.

The IIM is spread over 67 acres of lush greenery in Vastrapur and was designed by the famed American architect Louis I. Kahn. He conceived the design as a blend of austerity and majesty. He included spaces for casual interaction while achieving a balance between modernity and tradition that captured the spirit of timeless India. The broad airy corridors, the amphitheatre like classrooms and transition spaces in the complex enhance interaction among the faculty, students and visitors. His design was given shape by a team of architects from the National Institute of Design. This modern residential institute is built entirely in traditional brick construction. Its contemporary design is responsive to local climate and is now a much admired campus. It has inspired generations of students to achieve excellence while retaining humility.

The highlight of the campus is the Louis Kahn Plaza, the sheer magnificence of which has played host to major interactions and celebrations. It is surrounded by the faculty wing, library and classrooms from three sides. This close knit feeling supports each individual’s personal and professional growth, fosters a sense of community within the school and encourages them to form close working relationships with professors and other students. The result is a highly personalized environment that drives students not just to learn, but to think.

Charles Correa :

Architect, town planner and activist, Charles Correa is one of the few contemporary architects who addresses not only issues of architecture, but of low income housing and urban planning. His work covers a wide range, from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur and State Assembly of Madhya Pradesh. He has been awarded the highest honours of his profession, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Praemium Imperiale of Japan, and the Gold Medals of UIA and RIBA.

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Voila……!!! This is a hidden treat for the Vintage Car Lovers. It is a Car Lovers Delight. Right here in Ahmedabad, we have the biggest collection of Vintage Cars on earth and very few people are aware about the same. It will transform you to a different world of custom made cars built to specifications and built to impress.

The museum showcases the time of history when automobile was not a mere means of transport but the symbol of wealth, power & style. The mighty ceremonial limousines, the romantic convertibles and the snappy sports cars. It was a time when cars were specially coach built like railway saloons, Horse drawn carriages, boat tailed wooden speedsters. This was a time when cars were built for rich & famous :To See and To be Seen in !!!

Most of the cars are custom built by renowned coach builders like Hooper, Barker, Fleetwood, Labaron etc. They are all hand built to individual specifications of the buyer. There are special cars like Limousines & Grand open Tourer for ceremonial occasions, convertible cars for evening drives and station wagons specially built for the family’s evening drives.

Highlights:

At“Auto World”, various pavilions built on acres of verdant grounds showcase more than 100 of the finest cars in the world such as Rolls-Rocyces, Bentleys, Daimlers, Langondas, Mercedeces, Maybach, Packards, Cadillacs, Buicks, Auburns, Cord, Lancias, Lincolns, Chryslers and many other distinguished makes from USA, UK & Europe.

What to expect :

Facilities at “Auto World” include an auditorium & souvenir shop, a cafeteria & station for fun drives in vintage cars. Witness the triumph of human creativity-the best of science & technology combined with sublime Art & Aesthetics – All at “Auto World” the largest and finest Automobile collection of India & one of the best in the world.

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Our tour starts with a visit to Textile Museum. The afternoon textile museum tour focuses on the religious aspect of the Textile Museum. However limited number of tourists are allowed entry to this museum every day and hence it cannot to guaranteed. Our next stop will be the old city area where we go an meet the artistes of block printing and understand their style of working. We learn the art of block printing and see live presentation. You can also try your hand doing this art.

Post this wonderful experience, we head to meet artisans of SEWA, an organization which has done some pioneering work with craft and textiles for many years and now runs their own trust working with women on appliqué and patchwork based design.

We then head directly to Law Garden and visit the road side open-air market which is a feast for the textile lovers. It showcases many different types and traditional handwoven glass-work as well as patch work designs. You may bargain to your hearts delight and enjoy the complete experience.

Upgrade your tour with traditional Gujarati Thali or Gujarati.

The post Afternoon Textile Tour appeared first on A 4 Ahmedabad.