In 1960, when old Bombay State was bifurcated into the present States of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bombay city fell to the share of Mahrashtra. It was then decided to build an entirely new capital for Gujarat.

Gandhinagar, Gujarat's new capital city, rises on the west bank of the Sabarmati river, about 32kms, north-east of Ahmedabad, the commercial and cultural heart of Gujarat. Gandhinagar presents the spacious, well-organised look of an architecturally integrated city.

Places to Visit

Akshardham
The most famous temple of " Swaminarayan Sect" the richest sect in the world. The temple is built by pink stones with beautiful carvings. It is surrounded by lush green gardens. and admirable fountains.

Capital Complex
In the heart of the capital, in Sector 10, is the well-laid-out complex of buildings housing the legislature and government offices. Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan, a magnificent domed building, stands majestically on a high podium in the centre of a circular lake and houses the Vidhan Sabha and the legislature offices. Flanking it, and linked by hanging corridors, are two modern multi-storeyed buildings. Sardar Bhavan, which is to house the various departments of the State Secretariat, and Narmada Bhavan, where the offices of all the heads of departments are situated. The Secretariat along with the offices of the heads of various departments are now located in a complex of three-storeyed buildings constructed to house the district offices, in sector 9.

Children's Park
A major attraction for children and holiday, makers of the Children's Park in Sector 28 has a mini train and a lake with boating facilities.

Sarita Udyan
In sector 9 and along the river front is the lovely Sarita Udyan, an ideal spot for picnickers. The entire area is being developed to provide full recreational facilities. Deer Park - Adjacent to Sarita Udyan, at Indroda village, on the outskirts of the capital city, is the sprawling deer park - a big draw for both children and adults.

Craftsmen's Village
Located near Gandhinagar, on the Sabarmati river back, is Pethapur village, only 7kms from the capital. Once famous for its colourful `Bandhani' saris, the village also used to export wooden printing blocks to Singapore. The wooden blocks, with exquisite patterns carved on them, are used for the hand-printing of cloth. They are still in demand in the major hand, printing centres of India like Ahmedabad, Bombay, Jetpur and Rajkot. The Pethapur craftsmen are mainly Gujjar Suthars. Architectural Marvel - Adalaj Stepwell, 15 kms from the capital on the National Highway, is famous for its unique architecture with a huge artistic edifice and a flight of steps that enables one to reach the water, whatever be its level. The Adalaj stepwell is considered to be the best of all stepwells in Gujarat.

How to get there ?

Air
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad.

Rail
Nearest railway station are Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad.

Road
State transport buses connects various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 32 Kms north-east of Ahmedabad.