Teen Darwaza Ahmedabad
A 15th-century marvel with three grand arches, steeped in legend and surrounded by a vibrant market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Teen Darwaza Ahmedabad
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century marvel with three grand arches, steeped in legend and surrounded by a vibrant market.
"An iconic monument in old Ahmedabad, a must-visit for history and shopping enthusiasts. "
🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM
Visit early to avoid the intense heat and the market crowds. :sunrise:
🛍️ Shop Smart in the Bazaar
Find affordable clothing, accessories, and home decor. Patience is key! :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Majestic Arches
Main Gateway
Admire the impressive Indo-Islamic architecture of the three grand arches, a testament to 15th-century craftsmanship.
Intricate Carvings
Gateway Buttresses
Discover the beautifully carved buttresses on either side of the main entrance, adding a unique touch to the historical structure.
The Eternal Lamp (Akhand Diya)
Near the Gateway
Learn about the legend of Goddess Lakshmi and the eternal lamp lit for over 600 years in remembrance of Khwaja Siddique.
Bhadra Fort Vicinity
Adjacent to Bhadra Fort
Explore this iconic monument located near the historic Bhadra Fort, once a grand entrance to the royal courtyard.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Embrace the Market Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM
Visit early to avoid the intense heat and the market crowds. :sunrise:
🛍️ Shop Smart in the Bazaar
Find affordable clothing, accessories, and home decor. Patience is key! +1 :shopping_bags:
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is available for a small fee (around ₹10). Four-wheelers are not recommended due to congestion. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Gujarat's heat can be extreme, especially from March to July. Carry plenty of water. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM
Visit early to avoid the intense heat and the market crowds. :sunrise:
🛍️ Shop Smart in the Bazaar
Find affordable clothing, accessories, and home decor. Patience is key! +1 :shopping_bags:
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is available for a small fee (around ₹10). Four-wheelers are not recommended due to congestion. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Gujarat's heat can be extreme, especially from March to July. Carry plenty of water. :droplet:
🕊️ Sanctuary for Birds
This monument is a sanctuary for hundreds of swift birds. Listen for their chirping! :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Teen Darwaza as an iconic historical monument with impressive Indo-Islamic architecture and a rich tapestry of legends. Its location within a bustling market offers a vibrant shopping experience, though the heat and crowds can be challenging. The affordability of goods in the market is a significant draw for many.
"ஆங்கிலத்தில் எழுதுவதற்கு மன்னிக்கவும் dt 22-03-25.
Do Not Travel to Gujarat from March to July, the heat is very very very High.
The cab driver took us to this wonderful historical landmark in Gujarat. It is called the Teen Darwaja, one of few Darwaja in Gujarat.
There are many historical wonderful doors (gates) in various parts of north India, namely "Buland Darwaza". "Roomi Darwaza", "Kote Gate" "Delhi gate" etc but none in south India.
Teen Darwaza was built somewhere in the 1411-1442 period. The buttress on either side of the main entrance is beautifully carved and adds wonderful touch to the Dwaraja. We felt very happy that we were able to see something built in a different time period. It was so nice to see that the Darwaja still stands so strong and wonderful even though it was built some 600 years back.
It is present in the old Ahmedabad area and in a very congested market area, but we were lucky because the driver took us before 10 am before the market opens.
Though we read but could not see the eternal lamp which is being lit daily in the teen Darwaja, as a symbol of a legend associated with Goddess Lakshmi and it is being done since last 600 years by a Muslim family.
They say there is an inscription by Maratha governor Chimnaji Raghunath has been inscribed on Teen Darwaja, which declares, equal rights to women in heritance of ancestral property.
One of the most iconic monument in the old Ahmedabad, city and definitely a must visit if you are in this area."
Kalyan Sundar
"Constructed by Sultan Ahmad Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, between approximately 1411 and 1415 .
An outstanding example of Indo-Islamic architecture, it comprises three majestic arches: the central arch spans 17 ft (≈5.2 m), flanked by two side arches each 13 ft (≈4 m) wide, all towering 25 ft (~8.25 m) in height
Originally roofed, the terrace was opened up following restoration in 1877, creating an elevated platform where rulers held court, reviewed troops, and welcomed dignitaries
Positioned on the east side of Bhadra Fort, it once served as a grand entrance to the royal Maidan Shahi courtyard
In 1459, the young Sultan Mahmud Begada, barely fifteen, bravely marched out with just 300 horsemen through the gateway to quell a rebellion of 30,000 nobles, demonstrating valor and strategic finesse
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation notes Teen Darwaza as a distinctive heritage symbol—and even features it in its official emblem
In 1812, Maratha governor Chimanaji Raghunath engraved a powerful decree on one of the arches, in Devanagari script, affirming that daughters have equal right to ancestral property.
deeply moving legend tells of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth and prosperity) attempting to leave the city, only to be stopped by Khwaja Siddique Kotwal, the watchman. To prevent her departure, he sacrificed himself, prompting her to stay—and ensuring Ahmedabad’s prosperity
In his honor, a lamp (akhand diya) has been burning continuously for over 600 years, tended by his descendants, as a symbol of devotion and unity temples.
“There has been a lamp which is 'Akhand Diya'… lit in remembrance of Khwaja Siddique.”
Check My YT Channel - BPS Chauhan VLOGS for Travel & History"
mathskart By BPS Chauhan
"It's a 14th century monument a darwaza (gate) with 3 entrances.
It has a solid build, it's located in a noisy crowded market, there's no wait time to visit it, no charges either.
Not many know this but this monument is a sanctuary for 100s of Swift birds."
P VS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Teen Darwaza is located in the old Ahmedabad city area, near Bhadra Fort. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus. Be prepared for congested roads and a bustling market environment.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark in the old city. It's situated in a very congested market area, so it's best to ask locals or use GPS.
The area is a busy market. Walking is often the best way to explore once you've parked. Be mindful of traffic and pedestrians.
Yes, cab drivers know the location. However, they might drop you off at a point where you'll need to walk a bit due to traffic congestion.
Local buses frequently ply to the old city area, and Teen Darwaza is a well-known stop. Check with local transport authorities for specific routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee or ticket required to visit Teen Darwaza. It's a historical monument open to all.
Teen Darwaza is an open monument and can be visited at any time. However, the surrounding market has its own operating hours.
Visiting early in the morning, before 10 AM, is recommended to avoid the heat and the peak market crowds.
Yes, visiting during festivals like Diwali can be a vibrant experience due to the festive market, but expect larger crowds.
As a historical monument, respectful behavior is expected. Avoid littering and damaging the structure.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The market is famous for street shopping, offering affordable clothing, accessories, jewelry, footwear, kitchen items, and home decor. +1
Yes, bargaining is common in street markets. Be prepared to negotiate for the best prices.
The area is surrounded by numerous local eateries and street food vendors offering Gujarati snacks and meals.
Absolutely! Teen Darwaza market buzzes with festive energy during Diwali, offering everything from decorations to clothing at budget-friendly prices.
You can find a variety of local Gujarati street food and snacks. Many small restaurants also serve traditional meals.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Built in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah I, it was a grand entrance to the city and royal courtyard, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture. It also holds legends and decrees about women's rights.
Yes, its historical architecture and the bustling market provide great photographic opportunities. Early mornings offer better light and fewer crowds.
A legend tells of Goddess Lakshmi being stopped from leaving the city by Khwaja Siddique Kotwal, whose sacrifice led to an eternal lamp being lit in his honor.
Teen Darwaza translates to 'Three Doors' or 'Three Gates' in Hindi and Urdu, referring to its three arched gateways.
Yes, an inscription by Maratha governor Chimanaji Raghunath, affirming equal rights for daughters in ancestral property, is engraved on one of the arches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific child-centric facilities, the open space around the gateway allows for some movement. Be sure to keep a close eye on children in the busy market area. The opportunity to see birds nesting in the monument might also be a point of interest for young nature lovers.
🛍️ Budget Shoppers
This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, everyday essentials, or festive items without breaking the bank. The sheer variety ensures you'll likely find what you're looking for, and the lively bargaining culture adds to the shopping experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The bustling market surrounding the gateway presents dynamic street photography scenes, full of life, color, and human interaction. +1To get the best shots, aim for early morning visits to capture the soft light and fewer crowds, allowing for cleaner compositions of the monument.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The gateway is steeped in history and legend. One poignant story involves Goddess Lakshmi, who, according to legend, was persuaded to stay in Ahmedabad by Khwaja Siddique Kotwal's sacrifice, leading to the continuous burning of an 'Akhand Diya' (eternal lamp) for over 600 years in his honor. This lamp is still tended by his descendants, symbolizing devotion and unity.
Furthermore, Teen Darwaza bears witness to historical decrees. An inscription by Maratha governor Chimanaji Raghunath on one of its arches affirms equal inheritance rights for daughters in ancestral property, a progressive declaration for its time. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation even features Teen Darwaza in its official emblem, highlighting its status as a distinctive heritage symbol of the city.
The Bustling Market Experience
Visiting the market requires a certain level of patience, especially during peak hours or festive seasons like Diwali, when the area buzzes with even more energy and shoppers. The atmosphere is lively, with vendors calling out their wares and shoppers haggling for the best deals. It’s a true sensory experience of Ahmedabad's local commerce.
While parking is available for a small fee, navigating the narrow lanes with a four-wheeler is not recommended. It's best to park and explore the market on foot, immersing yourself in the local culture and the thrill of finding unique bargains. The market also offers a variety of local eateries and street food stalls, providing a taste of authentic Gujarati flavors.
Architectural Marvels and Legends
The original structure was roofed, creating an elevated platform. This terrace was later opened up during restoration in 1877, transforming it into a space where historical figures could hold court, review troops, and welcome dignitaries. This architectural adaptation highlights the evolving use of the gateway over centuries.
Beyond its structural beauty, Teen Darwaza is a repository of local lore. The legend of the 'Akhand Diya' (eternal lamp) is deeply intertwined with the monument, symbolizing prosperity and devotion. The presence of hundreds of swift birds nesting within the monument also adds a touch of natural charm to this historical site.
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