Going back in time

Ahmedabad presents a series of contrasts, where medievalera havelis, community wells and age-old markets coexist with modern architecture and urban living. And with its becoming the first Indian city to be awarded the World Heritage City title by Unesco, there is great interest among visitors and locals alike to revisit some of the cultural and historical landmarks that make Ahmedabad unique. Akshar Travels has introduced a heritage night walk of the city, which starts from Siddi Saiyad Mosque, Lal Darwaja at 8.45 pm every night, and ends at Manek Chowk at 11.30 pm. The street lights and lamps throw aspects of the architecture into sharp relief— some that are all too missable in the glare of the day. It’s also a great time to interact with the community that inhabits the neighbourhood, with people back home after a long day at work. The starting point of the walk itself is significant, both historically and architecturally, as the mosque was built in 1573, the last year of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The mosque is famous for its carved, 10-stone latticework windows on the side and rear arches. The night trail then takes one through Bhadra Fort, Bhadrakali Fort, the statue of Chinubhai Baronet (the first Hindu baronet in British India), AkhandJyot (where a lamp dedicated to Lakshmi has reportedly been burning for more than 600 years) and Lal Darwaja (the oldest market in the city). Call +917567639008