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Gujarat's serene, tree-lined capital — Gandhinagar, a modern planned city of numbered sectors, broad green avenues and government landmarks on the banks of the Sabarmati.
A planned, green capital
Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, is a planned modern city laid out from the 1960s on the west bank of the Sabarmati, a short way north of Ahmedabad. Named after Mahatma Gandhi, it was designed on a grid of thirty numbered sectors, with wide tree-lined avenues, low-rise government buildings, parks and gardens — so green, in fact, that it is often cited as one of the greenest capital cities in Asia.
Calm, orderly and spacious in deliberate contrast to bustling Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar is home to the seat of state government (the Capital Complex and Vidhan Sabha). Its major attractions include the magnificent Akshardham monument, Mahatma Mandir and Dandi Kutir, the Indroda nature and dinosaur park, and leafy retreats like Sarita Udyan and Punit Van.
For the visitor, the city offers an unusual blend of modern civic grandeur and abundant greenery — a relaxed base from which to explore both the capital’s landmarks and neighbouring Ahmedabad.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — a green planned city.
Gandhinagar is planned as Gujarat's new capital.
A grid of 30 numbered sectors is laid out.
Avenues and parks make it exceptionally green.
A serene capital of civic landmarks.
Reasons to make the time
Green capital
Among Asia's greenest.
Planned sectors
An orderly grid city.
Akshardham
A vast monument.
Mahatma Mandir
A civic landmark.
Indroda Park
Dinosaurs & wildlife.
Ahmedabad base
The twin metropolis near.
What to look for inside
Akshardham
The Swaminarayan marvel.
Mahatma Mandir
The convention landmark.
Indroda Park
Dinosaur park & wildlife.
Capital Complex
Gujarat's seat of government.
Sarita Udyan
A leafy riverside retreat.
Dandi Kutir
A striking museum to Gandhi's march.
How to spend an hour or two
See Akshardham
The carved monument.
Visit Mahatma Mandir
And Dandi Kutir.
Explore Indroda
Dinosaurs and wildlife.
Relax in gardens
Sarita Udyan, Punit Van.
See the Capital
Vidhan Sabha complex.
Pair with Ahmedabad
The heritage city near.
Sectors, avenues and gardens
Gandhinagar is a planned mid-20th-century capital: a grid of thirty numbered sectors threaded by broad, tree-lined avenues, with low-rise government buildings, abundant parks and gardens, and the Sabarmati along its eastern edge.
Its deliberate greenery and order make it one of Asia’s greenest capitals — a calm civic counterpoint to Ahmedabad, dotted with monuments, museums and nature parks.
Planned grid of 30 sectors
Tree-lined avenues
Government Capital Complex
Abundant parks & gardens
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season in the capital.
Lush and green; the city lives up to its name.
Hot and dry — see indoor sights midday.
⏰ Use Gandhinagar as a calm, green base for Akshardham, Mahatma Mandir and Indroda — and for nearby Ahmedabad.
Timings & entry
- Sights spread across sectors
- Akshardham closed Mondays; no phones inside
- Plenty of greenery year-round
- Allow a day, more with Ahmedabad
- The city and gardens are free
- Museums/parks charge small fees
- Akshardham has strict security
- A relaxed capital base
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~25 km).
By Rail
Gandhinagar Capital station.
By Road
Linked to Ahmedabad by expressway.
Around the capital
GREEN & CIVIC
A planned garden capital
What to shoot
Green avenues and gardens.
Monuments
Akshardham & Mahatma Mandir.
Fun
Indroda's dinosaurs.
Best light
Civic buildings at golden hour.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Sector Gardens
Leafy, walkable greens between the sectors
Punit Van
A themed botanical 'sacred forest'
Indroda Dino Park
Asia's second-largest dinosaur fossil park
Dandi Kutir
The world's largest museum on Gandhi & salt
Sarita Udyan
Riverside gardens with a deer park
Sector Lakes
Birdy ponds dotted through the city
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Sweet-savoury full meals.
Dhokla & fafda
Steamed and fried snacks.
Chaat & more
Lively city street food.
Pure-veg city
Classic Gujarati veg fare; Ahmedabad nearby.
Green Capital FAQ
What is Gandhinagar?
The planned capital of Gujarat, on the Sabarmati near Ahmedabad.
Why is it called green?
Its tree-lined sectors and parks make it one of Asia's greenest capitals.
When was it built?
From the 1960s, as Gujarat's new capital.
What are its top sights?
Akshardham, Mahatma Mandir, Dandi Kutir and Indroda Nature Park.
How is it laid out?
On a grid of 30 numbered sectors.
How far is Ahmedabad?
About 25 km, linked by expressway.
Is it a good base?
Yes — calm and green, with Ahmedabad close by.
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler season.
Related places across Gujarat
Dada Harir Vav
◐ Morning · geometry
Khanpur Forests
Green hill hideaways of eastern Gujarat
Gumandev Forest Shrine
A peaceful Hanuman temple ringed by greenery
Himatnagar
The district's bustling headquarters
Rafaleshwar Mahadev
A serene Shiva temple by the Machchhu
Surat Old City
Bazaars, havelis & the textile quarters
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