Gujarat is perhaps one of the richest states when it comes to architecture. It is home to some of the most ancient and prominent architectural wonders that one must visit while on a trip to the state. You can, of course, have your fill of the rich cuisine of the state as a tour of these sites will keep you on your toes long enough to have you work up an appetite.
- Modhera Sun Temple
Gujarat’s Mehsana district is home to an architectural wonder like no other, the Modhera Sun Temple. It is dedicated to the Sun, and sprawls by the banks of River Pushpavati. While there are no rituals that take place here now, the site is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple follows the Chaulukya style of architecture, and has well-defined, intricate carvings on its walls. It also houses a water reservoir, built like a stepwell. You can visit in during the annual dance festival, Uttarardha Mahotsav, that goes on for three days every January.
2. Mahabat Maqbara
Mahabat Maqbara in Gujarat’s Junagadh is often compared to Agra’s fame, the Taj Mahal; thus, you can very well imagine how stunning it looks. It was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan II between 1851 and 1882, and is also the mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai. A towering structure, it is surrounded by some equally interesting mausoleums around.
3. Jama Masjid
Ahmedabad’s Jama Masjid was built by Ahmed Shah I in 1424 and is one of the most famous mosques in the region. It is believed to be the largest mosque on its time in the region, and houses some impressively ornate work that adorns its walls. It is built of yellow sandstone and has a huge courtyard that sees generations of city people gathered on balmy winter evenings. The main prayer room inside the mosque has some of the most ornate pillars and 260 columns supporting its roof, a fascinating sight.
4. Sidi Sayeed Mosque
Sidi Sayeed Mosque is a stone’s throw away from central Ahmedabad and is immensely popular with the lovers of architecture. It is quite famous for its intricate windows, a fine example of latticework; so much so that one of the stone windows is also the logo design for the Indian Institute of Ahmedabad (IIM-A). It is also believed to be the unofficial symbol for the city.
5. Dholavira
Dholavira calls for an essential visit from all the lovers of architecture and history, for it is one of the finest archaeological sites linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation. The site sprawls in western Gujarat, and was considered as one of the grandest cities of all time. It is also one of the five largest Harappan sites in the world. It is best to visit it in December as the summers are quite harsh in the region; you can also pair it with a visit to the famous Rann Utsav around the time.
6. Sarkhej Roja
A drive of around 7 km from Ahmedabad would lead you to this stunning complex in the village of Makarba. It is one of the most prominent Sufi sites, and was once home to Saint Shaikh Ahmed Ganj Baksh. It was designed by two Persian brothers, Azam Khan and Muazzam Khan, and has motifs related to both Hindu as well as Islamic schools of architecture. Also known as the
Acropolis of Ahmedabad, it is a site frequented by city folks out of much reverence.
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