13 Best Places to Visit in Gandhinagar & Things to Do (Updated 2024)

Gandhinagar is not only the political capital, but also a city full of undiscovered tourist places waiting to be discovered. Gandhinagar and its surrounding areas provide a delightful mix of cultural, historical, and natural wonders for those looking for a memorable one-day trip. In this comprehensive guide, we provide detailed insights into the city’s top tourist destinations and things to do, including their timings, entry fees, and captivating highlights.

Whether you’re drawn to the architectural marvels of Akshardham Temple, the serene atmosphere of Indroda Nature Park, or the cultural immersion at Adalaj Stepwell, this guide ensures you make the most of your Gandhinagar adventure. This guide reveals the best places to visit near Gandhinagar for couples for 1 day, promising a memorable trip that appeals to a wide range of interests.

Top Gandhinagar Tourist Attractions within 50 Kms:

Discover beautiful destinations within a 50-kilometer distance of Gandhinagar that offer a variety of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks, and are ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.

1. BAPS Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar:

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor, and inspired by Yogiji Maharaj, Swaminarayan’s fourth spiritual successor. The beautiful temple took 13 years to construct. It is built from 6,000 metric tonnes of Rajasthani pink sandstone and is located in the heart of the 23-acre property. The Akshardham Mandir measures 108 feet in height, 131 feet in width, and 240 feet in length. There are 220 stone beams, 264 sculpted figures, 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, and 8 balconies in total.

2. Sarita Udhyan:

Sarita Udyan is situated on the banks of the lovely Sabarmati river in Sector 9 of the city. Locals love Sarita Udyan as a picnic spot, and it’s close to a deer park, another place you should definitely visit. Its many features, including a jogging path, boating facilities, a children’s toy train ride, a botanical garden, a deer park, a variety of flowers and trees, a calm atmosphere, and green surroundings, attract a large number of residents as well as visitors each day. In the park’s grounds, one can undoubtedly see peacocks, deer, a variety of birds, and fish. 

3. Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav):

The Adalaj Stepwell, formerly known as the Rudabai Stepwell, is a stepwell in the Indian state of Gujarat that is situated in the tiny town of Adalaj, not far from Gandhinagar. In 1498, Queen Rudadevi, the wife of Rana Veer Singh, had it constructed in his honour. Mahmud Begada constructed the stepwell in 1411 as a memorial to Queen Rudabai, the Vaghela chieftain Veersinh’s wife. The Adalaj Stepwell is situated eighteen kilometres from the Kalupur Railway station in Ahmedabad.

4. Punit Van Gandhinagar:

Punit Van is a botanical garden located in Sector 18 of Gandhinagar, India’s capital. It was created in 2005 by the Gujarat government’s forest department. This is a popular tourist attraction that is solely for children. Aside from boating, there are numerous water rides available within the park. There is a jogging track, a mini lake with a pond, birdwatching, a children’s play area, a Rashi Van, an amphitheater, and a fountain. From Monday to Sunday, the hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

5. Adalaj Trimandir:

The Adalaj Trimandir is located on the Ahmedabad-Kalol Highway, 20 kilometres from the city of Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The Trimandir is a unique temple concept created by Param Pujya A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan. The Lords of India’s three major religions, Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, as well as Gods and Goddesses from other religions, are brought together on the same platform in this temple, making it a one-of-a-kind non-sectarian temple.

6. Indroda Nature Park and Fossil Park:

Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is a priceless treasure spread across 400 hectares on either side of the Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar, Gujarat’s capital. Indroda Park is known as India’s Jurassic Park; it is run by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER) and is one of the country’s only two dinosaur museums. The park includes a zoo, massive skeletons of sea mammals such as the blue whale, a vast botanical garden, an amphitheater, an interpretation center, and camping facilities. It also has a Wilderness Park, which is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, and hundreds of nilgais, langurs, and peafowls in its vast forest.

7. Mahudi Jain Temple:

Mahudi is well-known for its Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir temple. Mahudi is a very old Jain tirth. According to Jain religion, it is one of the most important miraculous tirth places. This derasar, considered one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimages, is located in Mahudi, Mehsana District, and covers an area of 2 square kilometres. The place was known as Madhumati in the recent past. Based on the inscriptions in Brahmi script, the idols and artistic remains recovered from the ground show that this location has a history dating back nearly 2000 years. In 1923 A.D., Acharyadev Buddhi Sagarsurisvarji was inspired in a dream to install the idol of Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev.

Thousands of Jain devotees, as well as devotees from other faiths, flock to this idol to seek blessings. Vijapur’s nearest railway station is 10 kilometres away. There are frequent bus services to Mahudi from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kalol.  The Mahudi Temple is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

8. Sant Sarovar Dam:

Situated on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, Sant Sarovar Dam is a serene reservoir surrounded by lush greenery, offering couples a peaceful retreat away from the city’s chaos. Watching the sunset over the tranquil waters of the dam is a romantic experience not to be missed.

9. Dandi Kutir (Salt Mount) Museum:

Step into the world of Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Dandi March at Dandi Kutir, an innovative museum dedicated to India’s freedom struggle. Couples can explore interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and insightful displays, offering a memorable and educational experience.

10. Deer Park:

Located within the Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) area, Deer Park is a serene oasis teeming with wildlife, including spotted deer and peacocks. Couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery, observe the graceful deer, and savor moments of tranquility together.

11. Funworld Dholakuva:

For couples seeking adventure and excitement, Funworld Dholakuva is the perfect destination. With thrilling rides, entertaining attractions, and lively atmosphere, the amusement park offers couples a fun-filled day out, brimming with laughter and excitement.

Funworld Dholakuva in Gandhinagar is a renowned destination tailored for children, offering a plethora of water rides and boating adventures. With attractions like water slides and a lazy river, both kids and adults can indulge in thrilling experiences. Beyond the adrenaline-fueled fun, it’s a favored spot for family picnics and outings, boasting attractions like the master slide and roller coaster for an unforgettable day out or short holiday in the Gandhinagar area.

12. Aranya Udhyan:

Escape to nature at Aranya Udhyan, a sprawling park known for its scenic beauty and recreational facilities. Couples can enjoy boating on the tranquil lake, explore the lush greenery, and indulge in outdoor activities, creating cherished memories in the lap of nature.

13. Swapna Srushti Water Park:

Swapna Srushti Water Park, located near Ahmedabad on the Gandhinagar-Mahudi Highway, is a must-see attraction in Gujarat. It promises endless fun and relaxation, with a variety of water and regular rides, an adjoining amusement park, and a convenient cafeteria. The park, which covers an impressive 130 acres, includes artificial waterfalls, snowfall zones, and interactive areas such as fog and rain sections, ensuring an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

Top Restaurants in Gandhinagar:

• Sankalp Restaurant
• Legends of Punjab
• Plush restaurant
• The Jungle Joy Restaurant
• Terracotta Multicuisine
• Savoury Restaurant
• President lounge
• Sky Hill Restaurant
• Khushboo Gujarat Ki Restaurant
• Kansar Garden Restaurant
• Green Apple Restaurant
• Pathikashram Nilaya
• Trupti Ice Cream Parlour

Tourist Places on Google Map:

Endnotes:

In conclusion, Gandhinagar offers a plethora of exciting attractions and activities for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring the stunning Akshardham Temple, marveling at the beauty of Indroda Nature Park, or immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of Adalaj Stepwell, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Make sure to check the timings and entry fees for each destination to plan your visit accordingly. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Gandhinagar is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of your journey.

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