The Ahmedabad Heritage Walk is not only about historic buildings but rather the culture, history, architecture, and the living heritage of the walled city of Ahmedabad, which is more than 600 years old.
The heritage walk is popularly known by the term “Mandir Se Masjid Tak”, which commences from the elegant Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple to the magnificent Jama Masjid.
As you walk around, you will see why Ahmedabad did not require large forts like other historical cities, why the Pol system was very important in bringing communities together, why old houses have been so durable for centuries, and even secret passages that people used in hard times.”
By the end of the walk, you’ll realise you’re not just exploring old buildings. You’re discovering the heart and soul of Ahmedabad.
Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple: Where the Journey Continues
The tour begins at the Swaminarayan mandir. Admire the beauty of the carvings and artwork in the temple. which becomes Ahmedabad’s most famous religious landmark.
This temple dates back to 1822, when it became the very first Swaminarayan temple founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This temple is noted for its brightly coloured wooden structure and elaborately decorated pillars and ceilings.
While approaching the old city, you will get to hear the interesting history of the temple, including its selection by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, its architectural importance, and the traditional Gujarati style used in construction. You will be able to note the use of Burmese teak wood, elaborate carving, bright colours, and European style in architecture that makes this temple architecturally different from others.
Kavi Dalpatram Chowk: Home to the Literature of Ahmedabad
As the tour of the Heritage Walk progresses, you will be led to the quaint Kavi Dalpatram Chowk, named after one of the most revered poets of Gujarat, Dalpatram Dahyabhai Travadi.
This venue used to be his home, where the poet used to host discussions on literature and the promotion of the Gujarati language. Today, a life-size bronze statue of the poet welcomes you here, standing in contemplation.
Walk Through the Historic Pols
Here is the start of the most thrilling section of the Heritage Walk.
Once you step into the historic Pols of Ahmedabad, you will realise how different these neighbourhoods are from the present-day city outside the gates. The narrow lanes, ornately designed wooden houses, colourful gates, secret gardens, and friendly neighbourhood all give you an ancient feeling.
However, there is so much more to these Pols than their amazing architecture.
You will get to know how these neighbourhoods functioned according to a unique principle of taking care of each other within the families, celebrating festivities together, and solving their issues collectively as a neighbourhood. There was always a separate gate in each Pol that closed at night to enhance the security of the community.
At this point, you might wonder why Gujarat does not have any huge forts like those in Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh. This is because of the great defence strategy of Ahmedabad using high walls, flourishing trade routes, great urban design, and tight-knit neighbourhoods.
Ahmedabad’s Heritage House: The Secret
There is an interesting tale about the construction of these heritage homes as part of the tour. As compared to concrete buildings, most of the heritage homes were built with wooden frames, lime mortar, and other techniques. It helped the structure bend rather than crack under the pressure.
This smart construction turned out to be very important in 2001 when there was a strong earthquake in Gujarat and heritage buildings survived well even after experiencing such strong vibrations. It’s really amazing to understand how engineers managed to learn to construct such buildings centuries ago.
Secret Passageways and Stories Not Written In Books
As you keep walking through the small alleys, the guide gestures towards passageways that most of the tourists wouldn’t even look at. These secret passageways were used by the inhabitants for safe movement during times of political and social disturbances. These passages led to adjoining Pols, thus ensuring the escape of inhabitants without stepping on any major street.
Every twist and turn will take you closer to some amazing information about the design of the ancient city.
Chabutras: A City That Feeds Birds
One of the most touching places to visit during the Heritage Walk is the Chabutra, a raised structure used as a bird feeder in the old city. At a time when no one was even aware of the need to conserve birds, people of Amdavad constructed these wonderful structures to feed the pigeons and other birds every day.
Today, you will still see many people walking with grains in the early morning hours.
Manek Chowk: History Meets Reality
As your tour takes you forward, you’ll reach Manek Chowk. In the daytime, jewellers and traders make this place bustling. At nighttime, the same spot becomes home to a bustling street food spot.
This place is a perfect example of what makes Ahmedabad special – a place where history isn’t limited to museums but exists side by side with reality.
Jama Masjid: Not Just a Mosque
The Heritage Walk ends with the impressive Jama Masjid that was constructed way back in 1424 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded the city of Ahmedabad. But Jama Masjid was not only constructed for praying purposes, but it was built in a manner so that the citizens could assemble as one community for worship.
What sets the Jama Masjid apart from other mosques is that it has an amazing architectural design that combines Islamic, Hindu, and Jain craftsmanship. Local craftsmen from various communities came together and made it happen. If you take a closer look, you can see some really amazing carvings of lotuses and other intricate designs, which even remind you of temple architecture.
The walk may end here, but the stories stay with you long after you leave.
Concluding Thoughts
It’s not just any other tourist destination but a journey that will show you the real spirit of Ahmedabad. Be it ancient temples, ornate and beautiful havelis, or the unique system of Poles along with countless stories lying around each corner of Ahmedabad, every stop on the walk will be yet another piece in the puzzle of this city’s heritage.
So, when someone asks you about what to do in Ahmedabad, don’t just suggest a place but take them through the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk. Because that is how one can truly get to know the city!
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