Ahmedabad from Pune
Ahmedabad is about a 1-hour-20-minute flight from Pune. India's first UNESCO World Heritage City offers pols, stepwells and Gandhi's ashram.
Getting there from PNQ
Non-stop flights operate from Pune International Airport (PNQ) to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD). The flying time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. Check current schedules as airlines change seasonally. Ahmedabad is roughly 510 km from Pune in a straight line, so flying saves considerable time compared to road or rail. Indian citizens need no visa or passport for domestic travel. Carry a government-issued photo ID for flight check-in and security. From AMD, taxis and app-based services take you to the city centre in about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Prepaid taxi counters operate outside the arrival hall, and app-based rides are available from designated pick-up zones. The airport has two terminals: one for domestic and one for international flights, so confirm your terminal before arriving.
Book flights early for better availability, especially around festivals such as Diwali and Uttarayan. Avoid peak holiday periods if you want lower fares. AMD is well connected to the city by road; the journey to Ashram Road or the Old City typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. For late arrivals, pre-arrange hotel transfers or use prepaid taxis. The airport has limited food options after 10 pm, so carry snacks if arriving late. Luggage delivery is standard, but check your airline's baggage policy for weight limits.
- Book flights early for better availability, especially around festivals.
- AMD has two terminals: one for domestic and one for international flights.
- Prepaid taxi counters operate outside the arrival hall.
Areas to stay
Ahmedabad has several distinct neighbourhoods for accommodation. The Old City (Pol area) puts you close to heritage sites, narrow lanes and traditional food. Ashram Road runs along the Sabarmati River and offers mid-range hotels with river views. SG Highway is a modern commercial strip with many business hotels and easy access to the airport. Navrangpura is a central residential area with guesthouses and small hotels, good for budget-conscious travellers. Each area has its own character. The Old City can be noisy but is walkable for sightseeing. Ashram Road and SG Highway are quieter and better connected by road.
Choose the Old City if you want to explore pols and stepwells on foot. Choose SG Highway for airport convenience. Ashram Road offers river views and proximity to the Sabarmati Ashram. Navrangpura provides a local experience with easy access to markets and eateries. For longer stays, consider SG Highway for its modern amenities and shopping centres. The Old City has limited parking, so walking or auto-rickshaws are best. Check hotel reviews for noise levels, especially during festival seasons.
What to do
Ahmedabad became India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017. The walled city contains hundreds of pols, traditional residential clusters with shared courtyards and gates. The Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi's ashram) is a key attraction for its museum and riverside setting. Stepwells such as Adalaj Ni Vav and Dada Harir Ni Vav showcase intricate stonework. The Sabarmati Riverfront is a long promenade for walks and cycling. The Calico Museum of Textiles houses one of India's finest textile collections. The Jama Masjid in the Old City dates from the 15th century. For a panoramic view, climb the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque's famous stone lattice windows.
Visit the Sabarmati Ashram early to avoid crowds. Explore the pols on a guided heritage walk. See the stepwells outside the city for quieter visits. The Calico Museum requires prior booking; check their website. Uttarayan (kite festival) on 14 January is a major event with kites filling the sky. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Museum are other options. The Kankaria Lake offers boating and a zoo. For a cultural evening, attend a performance at the Natarani theatre or visit the Hutheesing Jain Temple.
- Visit the Sabarmati Ashram early to avoid crowds.
- Explore the pols on a guided heritage walk.
- See the stepwells outside the city for quieter visits.
- The Calico Museum requires prior booking; check their website.
- Uttarayan (kite festival) on 14 January is a major event.
Food
Ahmedabad's food is predominantly vegetarian and Gujarati. A typical thali includes dal, kadhi, vegetables, roti, rice and sweet items such as shrikhand and basundi. Street food includes khaman dhokla, fafda, jalebi and the spicy snack sev. Many small eateries in the Old City serve traditional breakfasts of fafda with chutney. The city is also known for its Gujarati snacks sold at dedicated shops. Drinks include chaas (buttermilk) and fresh sugarcane juice. Avoid naming any specific restaurant or shop. The evening food market in the Old City offers pav bhaji, dosa and local sweets.
Try a Gujarati thali for a complete meal. The Old City's evening food market is best visited after 7 pm for street food. For a quick breakfast, fafda with chutney is common. Khaman dhokla is a light snack available throughout the day. Jalebi is a popular sweet, often eaten fresh. Sev is used as a topping or snack. Shrikhand is a sweet yoghurt dish, while basundi is a thickened milk dessert. Chaas is a refreshing drink, especially in summer. Avoid naming any specific restaurant or shop.
Getting around
Ahmedabad has a well-developed public transport system. The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) runs buses across the city. The Ahmedabad Metro (Phase 1) connects major points such as the railway station, the airport and the Old City. Auto-rickshaws are widely available; negotiate the fare or use the meter. Cycle rickshaws operate in the Old City for short distances. Ride-hailing apps are active and can be cheaper than taxis. For exploring the pols, walking is the best option. The Sabarmati Riverfront has dedicated cycling paths. Rent a bicycle from the public bike-sharing stations along the river.
Use the metro for long distances. Auto-rickshaws are best for short hops in the Old City. For airport transfers, prepaid taxis or app-based services are reliable. The metro is efficient for reaching the railway station and major markets. Walking is ideal for the Old City's narrow lanes. Cycling along the riverfront is pleasant in the morning or evening. Avoid peak hours for auto-rickshaws as traffic can be heavy. For day trips to stepwells outside the city, consider hiring a taxi for the day.
