Gandhinagar is the capital of Gujarat. Named after the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhinagar is one of the prime tourist spots in India. A city recognized as the greenest city in Asia offers an array of things for travelers. Located on the bank of Sabarmati River, Gandhinagar is a picturesque and peaceful city with numerous sights and things to do. The city is brilliantly designed with beautiful buildings, gardens, broad avenues, pleasing temples, markets, and other things that are very popular amongst tourists. Below we present a list of things that you must try in Gandhinagar to make your stay enjoyable.

The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is indeed one of the biggest temples in India. It is also the major religious spot in Gujarat. It took nearly 13 years to construct this magnificent temple that spreads over 23 acres of land. It was built from 6,000 metric tons of pink sandstone acquired from Rajasthan. So if you are in the city or in Ahmedabad, a visit to the Akshardham temple is a must. So put this one at the top of your things-to-do list in Gandhinagar. When you are here, don’t forget to experience the Sat-Chit-Anand Show, exhibition center, Sahajanand Van, AARSH (Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony).

Shri Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan also known as Gujarat Vidhan Sabha is the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. It’s located in the Capital Complex, Gandhinagar. Shri Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan is named after a freedom fighter, Vithalbhai Patel who was the elder brother of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The building is built on a high dais in the middle of a lake. This makes it look extremely beautiful. There’s no entry fee asked to visit this place but prior permission is required as entry pass is needed which is provided on the pass window at the gate of the capital complex.

The next on our list is the craftsmen’s village also known as Shilpgram. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Gandhinagar. Here you can get an astonishing opportunity to learn the cultural traditions of Gujarat. This place is renowned for the beautiful Bandhni Sarees made of natural colors. This place is also known for Block printing which is done by wooden blocks having artistic carvings on it. Both these are hand-printed by the craftsmen. So if you love arts and handicrafts, this is a must-visit. So include this in your things-to-do list.

Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is also known as Jurassic Park of India. It is located in the southeast of Gandhinagar. This place is the best showcase of environmental planning. The park was set up by the Indian Geological survey and interestingly it is the only Dinosaur Museum of India. Here, with a detailed interpretation, an enormous skeleton of blue whales, dugong, dinosaurs, and dolphin are displayed. A number of fossilized dinosaur eggs have been found here. These fossils aged almost 66 million years. The park is basically divided into two parts on the bank of River Sabarmati. The eastern part of the River is known as Wilderness Park whereas the western part of the River is known as Indroda Nature Park. Get to this place with your children, and they will simply going to love it.

The second most widely celebrated festival in Gujarat is the Uttarayan festival. After Navratri, the people of Gujarat wait for this festival in excitement. Interestingly, this day gets declared as a public holiday in the whole state of Gujarat to let everybody be part of this mega show and enjoy the festival to the fullest. This is celebrated to mark the change of season, and the movement of the sun. Thousands of kites fill the sky with vibrant colors. People take part in the kite-flying competition and skilled craftsmen from different countries come here to showcase their talent. If you are in Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad around January, remember these data 14th and 15th. Uttarayan is celebrated on these two days.

The Blackbuck National Park is best known for the breeding of Blackbucks which is one of the most endangered species of India. The park is also known as Velavedar National Park. This is a prominent tourist attraction in Gujarat which is located in Bhavnagar, the outskirts of Gandhinagar.  The Blackbuck National Park was established in the year 1976. Other than Blackbucks you can spot a wolf, jackal, wild beer, porcupine, Indian fox, wild boar, nilgai and rodents at this thrilling national park. Wildlife lovers must visit this amazing national park to see some rare species.

It is impossible for any traveler to have a trip without shopping. It is said that any trip without shopping is incomplete. If you are a shopaholic, then Gandhinagar has a variety of things for you to shop. From high street markets to malls and local markets you have numerous options from where you can shop in Gandhinagar. You can buy cotton dresses, handicrafts, traditional jewelry, unique fabrics and many more. On a tour of Gandhinagar things you should buy:

• Cloth toys
• Embroidered footwear
• Appliquéd and embroidered quilts
• Marriage costumes
• Patola sarees
• Khadi products

Some major shopping places in Gandhinagar are; Infocity Super Mall, Teen Darwaza Market, Gandhinagar Ravivar Market, and Gandhinagar Wholesale Market.