Old City Pols Heritage Walk
Explore Ahmedabad's living history through its ancient pols, intricate havelis, and vibrant streets on a captivating heritage walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Old City Pols Heritage Walk
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ahmedabad's living history through its ancient pols, intricate havelis, and vibrant streets on a captivating heritage walk.
"A heritage walk offers a brief but enriching journey through history, culture, and architecture. "
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through narrow lanes, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for the morning walk, as it can get warm. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pols
Old City Ahmedabad
Explore intricate, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, each with unique architectural details and hidden courtyards.
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Havelis and Mansions
Old City Ahmedabad
Marvel at the beautifully carved havelis, showcasing the rich architectural heritage and historical grandeur of the city.
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Temples and Mosques
Old City Ahmedabad
Discover serene temples and majestic mosques, offering spiritual solace and a glimpse into the city's diverse religious history.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Book Ahead or On-Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through narrow lanes, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for the morning walk, as it can get warm. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate art and architecture are perfect for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Get a Map or Guide
While locals are helpful, a map or a guided tour enhances the experience. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through narrow lanes, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for the morning walk, as it can get warm. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate art and architecture are perfect for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Get a Map or Guide
While locals are helpful, a map or a guided tour enhances the experience. :world_map:
💰 Nominal Entry Fee
The heritage walk is very affordable, especially for Indian citizens. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Old City Pols Heritage Walk as an enriching journey through Ahmedabad's history and architecture, with guides often highlighted for their engaging insights. While the historical significance and visual appeal are widely praised, some reviewers mention that cleanliness in the pols could be enhanced for an even better experience.
"If you are in Ahmedabad, you surely don't want to miss the walk across the lane that carry within its womb the history of Old And culturally rich Ahmedabad...beautifully carved temples,mosque and Haziro, pious pratimajis within temple premise to soak in spiritual experience in Meditation or just looking at the Pratimajis of Tirthankaras or sitting simply in silence, carved havelis and homes tell us about the flavour of architecture of those times. Having a guide will be nice, but one can do the walk all by oneself if one has a map ( available over google) and locals help to navigate too. Since many of these structures are within the hustle bustle of live market, it's best to finish the walk before the market opens. To me, it was a pilgrim to self explore, soak and navigate through the history and culture of Herritage of Ahmedabad. And, i was supported by the weather too that day, the early morning drizzling made the weather cooler and even late morning excursion through this remained pleasant. (I started at 8.30am and finished by 12.30pm)"
Dr. Urvi Chauhan
"Thank you Murtaza, for a lovely walk, a lovely morning and being such a great, elegant tour guide. My cousin & I thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the interesting bits of information you shared & the glimpses into the old city.
Would've been nice if we could've tipped our tour guide at the end of the trip, which is the norm all over the world esp to show our appreciation.
Would recommend this tour to all. This was my second time. Hope to join your night tour something's soon.
Thanks again, Chitra"
Chitra Krishnamurthy
"Had an amazing time at the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk! Visited ancient sites in Ahmedabad for a nominal fee of just INR 200 (for Indian Citizens). This gives you the chance to explore the streets of Old Ahmedabad with a dedicated guide.
You can choose from three language options: English, Hindi, or Gujarati. You can join the group in the language you are most comfortable with.
Booking Options: Online as well as on-spot booking is available (the on-spot booking office is inside the Swaminarayan Temple premises).
I chose the walk guidance in Gujarati, and the guide was witty. My only concern was cleanliness in the pols. The overall experience could be improved with cleaner streets, making the walk even more enjoyable.
Overall, it was a great experience exploring the ancient sites of Ahmedabad and learning about their rich history."
Hemal Trivedi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur. You can reach this by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in Ahmedabad. Parking is available at the temple premises if you're driving.
While locals are generally helpful, having a map or joining a guided walk is recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance and navigate the labyrinthine pols effectively.
The heritage walk is best experienced on foot. For longer distances or to reach the starting point, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available.
Driving within the Old City can be challenging due to narrow lanes. It's best to park your car at the Swaminarayan Temple parking lot and explore on foot.
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur, is the primary starting point for many heritage walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The heritage walk is very affordable, with a nominal fee of around INR 200 for Indian citizens. Prices may vary slightly.
Tickets can be booked online in advance or on-spot at the booking office located inside the Swaminarayan Temple premises.
The heritage walk typically starts every day at 8:00 AM and lasts for about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes, you can choose guided tours in English, Hindi, or Gujarati, depending on your comfort level.
While not always explicitly stated, tipping your guide is a common way to show appreciation for their service and knowledge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The heritage walk typically lasts for about 2.5 to 3 hours, covering significant historical sites and pols.
You'll see a unique blend of traditional Gujarati architecture, including intricately carved havelis, pols with communal courtyards, temples, and mosques.
While the historical significance is immense, some visitors have noted that cleanliness in the pols could be improved for a more enjoyable experience.
A 'pol' is a traditional residential cluster or neighborhood in Ahmedabad, characterized by narrow lanes, interconnected houses, and often a central courtyard. They represent a unique form of community living.
This is a popular heritage walk route that starts at the Swaminarayan Mandir and concludes at the Jama Masjid, showcasing the city's religious and architectural evolution.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The intricate details of the architecture, the narrow lanes, and the play of light and shadow make it a photographer's paradise.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination, while late morning can provide dramatic shadows. Experiment with different times to capture varied moods.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of residents and religious sites. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in private courtyards.
Look for unique jharokhas (windows), carved wooden doorways, narrow alleyways, and the daily life unfolding within the pols.
Drone usage is likely restricted in residential and historical areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting any aerial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience more enjoyable for younger ones, consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, and ensure they wear comfortable shoes. The early morning start is also beneficial to avoid the midday heat. While the historical context might be complex, focusing on the visual aspects and the 'storytelling' of the guide can keep them engaged.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1The early morning light is ideal for soft, diffused illumination, while the late morning can offer more dramatic contrasts. Be mindful of residents and always ask permission before taking close-up shots of people. The 'Mandir to Masjid' route provides a diverse range of subjects, from religious sites to residential architecture.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opt for the guided walk to get the most value, as it provides in-depth knowledge that would be hard to acquire independently. Combine the walk with a local breakfast or street food experience to keep overall costs low while enjoying authentic Gujarati flavors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Pols
+1Many of these pols were built by specific communities or guilds, leading to a distinct architectural language within each one. The design also reflects a deep understanding of climate, with features like ventilation shafts and shaded courtyards to keep interiors cool. The 'Mandir to Masjid' heritage walk specifically highlights how these residential areas are interspersed with religious structures, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
For photographers and history enthusiasts, the pols offer endless opportunities. The play of light and shadow in the narrow lanes, the detailed carvings, and the glimpses into daily life create a rich tapestry of visual narratives. It's a living museum where history is not just preserved but actively inhabited.
+1Experiencing the Heritage Walk
+1Guides lead participants through a maze of pols, showcasing hidden temples, mosques, and beautifully carved havelis (traditional mansions). The guides are often praised for their knowledge, wit, and ability to bring the city's past to life. They share anecdotes and historical facts that you might otherwise miss, making the experience both educational and engaging.
While the walk is generally well-organized, some visitors have pointed out that cleanliness in the pols could be an area for improvement. However, the overall consensus is that the walk is a valuable and enriching experience, offering a unique perspective on Ahmedabad's UNESCO World Heritage City status.
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