Gandhinagar Travel Information
Gandhinagar, named after the father of the Nation, is the new capital city of Gujarat. Built on the river Sabarmati it is just 32 kms away from Ahmedabad. In 1960 when the old Bombay State was partitioned into Maharashtra and Gujarat, the city of Bombay went to Maharashtra. It was then decided to construct a new capital for Gujarat. Thus was the genesis of Gandhinagar, the second planned city in India after Chandigarh.
Gandhinagar occupies an area 57 sq. kms. It presents a spacious, well designed look of an architecturally integrated city. It has 30 sectors with each sector having its own shopping, health, housing colonies and community centre. Extensive planting of trees and large recreational areas along the river gives the city a fresh, green garden city atmosphere. The famous temple of Swaminarayan is also built in Gandhinagar.
Akshardham is the famous temple of "Swaminarayan Sect" which is the richest sect in the world. It is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swaminrayan. Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj,Akshardham is a miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. It is an intricately carved, majestic monuments of 6000 tons of pink sand stone awash with spiritual stillness. The entire monument was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three exhibitions on Indian Culture with light and Sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronic show. Games, rides and food refreshments are other attractions of Akshardham.
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport is Ahmedabad.
Railway: Nearest Railway Stations are Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad.
Road: State transport buses connects various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 32 Kms. north east of Ahmedabad.
