Jama Masjid Ahmedabad
A 600-year-old yellow-sandstone masterpiece, Jama Masjid Ahmedabad is a stunning example of Gujarati architecture and a vast place of worship.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Jama Masjid Ahmedabad
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 600-year-old yellow-sandstone masterpiece, Jama Masjid Ahmedabad is a stunning example of Gujarati architecture and a vast place of worship.
"A stunning and historic mosque with beautifully carved stone pillars that rise impressively high."
🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds
Visit before 10 AM to avoid the intense sun and market traffic. :sunwithface:
👗 Dress Modestly
Women can enter but not the prayer hall. Modest attire is appreciated. :womaninveil:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Courtyard
Central area
A vast, open space surrounded by pillared corridors, perfect for soaking in the mosque's grandeur.

Intricate Pillar Carvings
Prayer hall interior
Marvel at the 260 beautifully carved stone pillars supporting the 15 domes of the prayer hall.

Ahmed Shah's Tomb
Eastern exit
Explore the tomb of the city's founder, Ahmed Shah I, a significant architectural piece nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Respectful Attire and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds
Visit before 10 AM to avoid the intense sun and market traffic.
:sunwithface:👗 Dress Modestly
Women can enter but not the prayer hall. Modest attire is appreciated. :womaninveil:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The intricate carvings and grand scale are a photographer's dream. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Old City
Combine your visit with the bustling markets of Old Ahmedabad. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds
Visit before 10 AM to avoid the intense sun and market traffic.
:sunwithface:👗 Dress Modestly
Women can enter but not the prayer hall. Modest attire is appreciated. :womaninveil:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The intricate carvings and grand scale are a photographer's dream. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Old City
Combine your visit with the bustling markets of Old Ahmedabad. :shopping_bags:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as it gets very hot. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Jama Masjid's magnificent architecture, particularly its intricate carvings and grand scale. Many highlight its historical significance and serene ambiance. Some note the heat and crowds during peak times, and the limitations for women's access to the prayer hall.
"Sometimes we come across architecture that we do not expect. A few months ago, I had this feeling when I visited Akbar's tomb in Sikandra. Yesterday, when I visited the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, I had a similar feeling.
The Jama Masjid, built in 1424 AD during the reign of Ahmad Shah I (1411 AD - 1442 AD), the founder of Ahmedabad city, is a unique example of the Gujarati provincial style of architecture. The Gujarat style involves the use of decorated arches and minarets, jaalis, chhajjas and chhatris. These have been used in a very elegant manner in the Jama Masjid. The mosque is mentioned in the book Mirat-e-Sikandari by Sikandar Ibn-e-Mohammad Manzoo.
The mosque is built of yellow sandstone with the main prayer hall at the western end of a wide courtyard and pillared corridors on the other three sides. A large tank is situated in the middle of the courtyard. The roof of the mosque with 15 domes rests on 246 pillars. The pillars are not very decorated but the Qibla wall and the front wall of the mosque are decorated in a wonderful way. There were two tall minarets on both sides of the main entrance of the prayer hall which fell in the earthquakes of 1819 AD and 1956 AD. Now only the lower part of them remains.
The tomb and grave of Ahmed Shah is situated as soon as you exit the eastern door of the mosque. There are three graves in the main chamber of the tomb which belong to Ahmed Shah and his sons. Other graves are also present around the main chamber. The tomb is a great example of architecture in itself."
Rajiv Ranjan
"ஆங்கிலத்தில் எழுதுவதற்கு மன்னிக்கவும் dt 22-03-25.
Do Not Travel to Gujarat from March to July, the heat is very very very High.
Ladies can enter the Masjid but are not allowed inside the prayer hall of the masjid.
Read about this Masjid in the internet, so it was very happy to see it in real. It is in the old city of Ahmedabad, and the driver told us, that it would be good to visit this Masjid before 10 am. After that the market opens and there will be heavy traffic.
Built by Ahmad shah in 1424 A.D, who is the founder of the city of Ahmedabad. The mosque is very beautiful to look at. As you stand at the small entrance from the road you can see how beautiful is the plan of the mosque.
There is the prayer hall, and then a large courtyard, which is covered on all 3 sides by corridors. As you go into the prayer hall you can notice the 15 wonderful high raise domes resting on 260 pillars. The buttress on either side of the main arch and as you enter the main arch the pillars are all beautifully carved.
They have put a green sheet to protect the people who come pray from the sun, but that sheet is definitely spoiling the beauty of the Masjid. They also say that this Masjid had lofty minarets similar to the jama masjid in Delhi but it collapsed in 1819.
we enjoyed the construction of the mosque and came out since we didn't want to be in the way of the people who were coming in to say their prayers."
Kalyan Sundar
"A stunning and historic mosque with beautifully carved stone pillars that rise impressively high. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the mosque and admire the intricate stone carvings throughout. The mosque is massive and can accommodate thousands of people at once.
It’s truly a must-visit place if you’re in Ahmedabad!"
Basharat Ahmad Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jama Masjid is located in the heart of the old city of Ahmedabad. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Many drivers recommend visiting before 10 AM to avoid heavy traffic and market crowds.
Parking can be challenging in the old city due to narrow streets and busy markets. It's often best to be dropped off by a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Walking is a great way to experience the old city's charm. Consider hiring a local guide to navigate the labyrinthine streets and discover hidden gems.
While direct bus routes might be complex in the old city, you can take a bus to a nearby central point and then hire an auto-rickshaw for the final leg.
Jama Masjid is approximately 5-7 kilometers from the Ahmedabad railway station, a journey that typically takes 20-30 minutes by auto-rickshaw, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Jama Masjid complex is generally free. However, there might be a small fee for cameras or if you wish to climb the minarets (if accessible).
The mosque is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's best to visit outside of prayer times to avoid disruption. Early mornings are recommended.
Yes, women are welcome to visit the Jama Masjid complex. However, they are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no entry fee. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
To avoid large crowds and the intense heat, it's advisable to visit early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Jama Masjid is a prime example of the Gujarati provincial style of architecture, featuring decorated arches, minarets, jaalis, chhajjas, and chhatris, blending Islamic, Hindu, and Jain influences.
The mosque is massive and can accommodate up to 25,000 people, making it one of the largest mosques in India.
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and corridors, but it's respectful to avoid taking photos during prayer times or inside the prayer hall.
The original tall minarets on either side of the main entrance collapsed due to earthquakes in 1819 and 1956. Only the lower portions remain today.
Yes, the tomb of Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, is located near the eastern exit of the mosque. The old city also offers numerous historical sites and bustling markets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities inside the mosque complex itself. However, the surrounding old city area is filled with local eateries and street food stalls.
You can find a variety of Gujarati street food, traditional snacks, and local delicacies in the bustling markets surrounding the mosque.
Yes, the old city offers numerous restaurants serving authentic Gujarati thalis and other regional cuisines. Ask locals for recommendations.
While street food is a popular experience, it's advisable to choose vendors with good hygiene practices. Look for busy stalls with fresh ingredients.
Absolutely! Gujarati cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, so you'll find plenty of delicious vegetarian options in the restaurants and street food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand courtyard, the intricately carved pillars inside the prayer hall, and the exterior facade offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites and historical monuments due to security and privacy concerns.
Early morning light provides soft, beautiful illumination and fewer people. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer stunning shots.
Pay attention to the detailed carvings on the pillars, the geometric patterns of the domes, and the grand arches.
It is highly disrespectful to photograph people while they are praying. Always be mindful and seek permission if you wish to photograph individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While children can enter the complex, remember that they, like women, cannot enter the main prayer hall. Keep them engaged by pointing out the intricate carvings and the sheer number of pillars. Carrying water and snacks is recommended, as amenities within the mosque are limited.
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, opt for local auto-rickshaws for transport within the old city and enjoy affordable and delicious street food from the surrounding markets. Visiting during off-peak hours can also save you from potential surge pricing for transport.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Early morning light provides the best conditions for photography, offering soft illumination and fewer distractions. Experiment with different angles to showcase the mosque's immense scale and the play of light and shadow. Remember to be respectful and avoid photographing people during prayer times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel of Gujarat
The prayer hall, located at the western end, is a breathtaking space featuring 15 high domes supported by an astonishing 260 pillars. While the pillars themselves are not heavily decorated, the Qibla wall and the front wall of the mosque showcase wonderful, intricate carvings. The mosque's design reflects a harmonious blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain architectural influences, a common feature in Gujarat's historical buildings.
Sadly, the two towering minarets that once flanked the main entrance, similar to those at Delhi's Jama Masjid, were lost to earthquakes in 1819 and 1956. Today, only their lower sections remain, hinting at their former grandeur. Despite this, the mosque's overall design and the surviving decorative elements make it a significant historical and architectural landmark.
A Place of Worship and Community
While the main prayer hall is exclusively for men, the expansive courtyard and surrounding corridors are accessible to everyone, including women. This allows visitors to experience the serene ambiance and appreciate the mosque's scale and beauty. The presence of a large tank in the middle of the courtyard adds to the tranquil atmosphere, often reflecting the sky and the magnificent structure.
Visiting Jama Masjid offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of Ahmedabad's Muslim community. It's a place where history, faith, and community converge, providing a profound cultural experience for visitors.
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