Would you believe us if we tell you that India has its very own Manchester? Yes, you heard that right. By virtue of its beautiful location, plenty of architectural marvels, centuries old traditions, and the deeply rooted history, Ahmedabad is often referred to as the ‘Manchester Of India’.
This city might be known for being among the prominent industrial areas of the country, but it is a lot more than that. It was also once a home to the noted freedom fighters namely Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi.
Ahmedabad, a city on the banks of River Sabarmati, is like no other. The seamless blend of ancient and modern, the drool-worthy delicacies, the stupendous structures, and the calmness exuding off the river combine to form the experience awaiting in this city. Wondering why is Ahmedabad called the Manchester of India? Find your answer to that and other questions below!
Why Is Ahmedabad Called The Manchester Of India?
We have your answer to this question right here. It can certainly be a little hard to believe but there are numerous factors that have made this come true.
1. Location
2. Culture
3. First Mill
1. Location
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The location of this city, on the banks of River Sabarmati was pretty strategically planned. This region produces cotton in abundance, thus providing raw materials to the mills easily. To add, there is no dearth of skilled/unskilled labourers from the nearby villages to work in the textile mills that are financially backed by the rich businessmen in Gujarat who happen to reside in the city as well. The city is well-connected with the major cities of the country which makes transport of finished goods an easy task.
Must Read: 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An Extraordinary Experience
2. Culture
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Out of the many things, culture is one thing that makes Ahmedabad India’s Manchester. The lively and vibrant locals are among the few reasons for many to fall in love with this city. Each festival is celebrated with the greatest enthusiasm, the streets are lit and well-ornamented, everyone is chirpy which showcases how the people here respect their culture and traditions with full heart. One can observe people in authentic, colorful attires bustling around the city which is as overwhelming as it sounds.
3. First Mill
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It was the Shahpur Mill in Ahmedabad that was the first textile mill to be established in 1861 and was a huge success. Many businessmen followed these footsteps which led to around thirty three mills up and running by the end of the 20th century. Soon after the success of the textile mills in Ahmedabad, the city was supplying textiles to various parts of the country, and hence got its name ‘Manchester of India’ by the two leading industrialists of the country namely Ambalal Sarabhai and Kasturbhai Lalbhai.
Suggested Read: 12 Hill Stations Near Ahmedabad To Escape For A Chilling Getaway
History Of Manchester Of India
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Here is a brief history of the Manchester of India and how the city got its well-deserved reputation and fame!
Chalukya Dynasty: Manchester Of India has a deeply-rooted and rich history to boast. Dating back to the 11th century, the area surrounding the present day city was called ‘Ashapalli’. That area including the region of Ahmedabad has witnessed several rulers come and go. One of the rulers was King Karna from the Chalukya dynasty. It was Karna who occupied and built the foundations of Karnavati on the banks of River Sabarmati. Later, it was the ‘Vaghela Dynasty’ that took over the land.
Mughal Dynasty: But it was in 1411 that the city ‘Karnavati’ was renamed to ‘Ahmedabad’ by Sultan Ahmed Shah. This city was once a capital of the entire eastern region of the River. Finally, in 1573, Mughal Dynasty reigned the country and Ahmedabad was occupied by Akbar who converted the city into a major region of commercial trades with textiles being the microfocus.
British Rule: Mughal Dynasty was followed by the Marathas and then eventually the British took over in 1818. Ahmedabad gained significance because of the railway that linked the city to Bombay and became an important textile centre of cotton. During the British rule, Ahemabad has witnessed various movements in light of the Indian Independence and as a result is home to two ashrams namely Sabarmati and Kochrab. Even after being subjected to reigns, independence fights, and communal riots, this city is still standing proud and is a major hub for many things including education, chemicals, and of course, textiles!
Suggested Read: 16 Playful Picnic Spots Near Ahmedabad To Have Some Leisure Time With Your Family
Comparison Between Manchester Of England And Manchester Of India
Image Credits: sarangib for Pixabay
Now, what was it truly that made Ahmedabad earn the title of Manchester of India? The original city of Manchester is located in England and is majorly renowned for its cotton mills not only in the country, but across the globe, a trait that Ahmedabad picked up by the end of 20th century.
Second, while Ahmedabad is sitting next to the River Sabarmati that helps in drying out the cotton threads easily, Manchester is sitting on the banks of River Mersey which also helps the mills there in easy drying of threads.
The temperatures that both of these cities face are equally perfect for ideal spinning of the cotton threads. One advantage that Ahmedabad has is the climate there also helps in growing the cotton.
In the present day, it is Ahmedabad that ranks at the top as a manufacturer of cotton textiles. Home to the oldest of the mills in the entire country, this city earned the title of ‘Manchester of India’ because of the uncompromised quality of textiles they offer.
Suggested Read: 13 Terrific Weekend Getaways From Ahmedabad For Your Next Road Trip
Best Time To Visit The Manchester Of India
Every season, every month in Indian Manchester City is different from one another. Each possess a charm of their own and have a great experience to offer.
March-May: These months call for everyone’s favorite – summer season in the Manchester of India. This is the time for all the budget travelers to pay a visit. Lesser crowds, lower rates, and the best deals are the highlights of traveling to Ahmedabad when the mercury is rising. The temperatures during this month can be as low as 20 degrees Celsius and as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Make sure you pack your cotton and linens or you can always buy them from the city of cotton textiles, eh?!
June-October: The winds are ferocious, the clouds are screaming, and the roads are wet. These months are what welcome the monsoon season in Manchester of west India. The temperatures during these months drop tremendously and can only be as high as 30 degrees Celsius. Make sure you are carrying your umbrellas along for a trip during these months!
November- February: Winter season is perhaps the best time to visit the city. The weather is pleasant and perfect to stroll around the major attractions of the city. The temperature usually ranges between 12 degrees to 35 degrees Celsius. Evenings in these months can be a little colder, hence, pack your woolens along.
Suggested Read: 16 Road Trips From Ahmedabad That Prove That Unusual Roads Lead To Beautiful Destinations
Top 3 Places To Visit In The Manchester Of India
Apart from the cotton textile mills, there are also a plethora of places that Manchester of India is known for. Check them out below!
1. Stepwells Adalaj
2. Sarkhej Roza
3. Kankaria Lake
1. Stepwells Adalaj
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Constructed back in 1948, Stepwells Adalaj was once an important structure to curb the water crises in the nearby village. In the present day, this stepwell is an architectural marvel that provides access to groundwater. It is now the finest example of the excellent skills and illustrations by the engineers, workers, and architects from the golden era. The intricate carvings, tranquil environment, and the pleasant temperature combine to offer the experience of these stepwells.
Location: Adalaj Road, Adalaj, Gujarat
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: 7 Best Adventure Sports In Ahmedabad Which Will Give You That Adrenaline Rush
2. Sarkhej Roza
Image Credits: Museeb fakih for Wikimedia Commons
This is another one of the architectural marvels sitting on the floors of the Manchester of India. Sarkhej Roza is a tomb that also houses a mosque in its premises. Exhibiting the finest Islamic architecture from the centuries back, this tomb is situated in the Makbarara area of the city. One is bound to get transported to the area of Mughal period when visiting this attraction in Ahmedabad. It is also famed as the Acropolis of Ahmedabad after Le Corbusier compared the design of the marvel to that of the Acropolis of Athens.
Location: Post Jeevraj Park, Sarkhej Makarba Rd, Makarba, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
3. Kankaria Lake
Image Credits: Pranj2004 for Wikimedia Commons
Kankaria Lake is famous for being the second largest one in the entire city and for offering something for everyone from parents to their little ones. Initially known as Hauz-e-Qutub, this lake was built back in the 15th century and has plenty of activities to offer. From balloon safari to toy trains, from amusement park to water sports, this lake ensures that you have the best of the time here. For those in search of solace can surely take a stroll around the stunning park located in the premises.
Location: Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 (for adults) | INR 5 (for children)
Suggested Read: Top 26 Places To Visit Near Ahmedabad On Your Gujarat Vacation
Top 3 Things To Do In The Manchester Of India
Here are the top experiences that one should not miss out on their trip to the Manchester Of India. Make sure you mark these in your Ahmedabad to-do list.
1. Manek Chowk: An Offbeat Culinary Experience
2. Heritage Walk: An Insight Into The Culture
3. Sunset Drive-In Cinema: Enjoy An Open-Air Movie Experience
1. Manek Chowk: An Offbeat Culinary Experience
Manek Chowk is perhaps the best spot to witness life in Manchester Of India after the sun sets and stars shine bright in the sky. A jewelry market by morning, Manek Chowk turns into a street food galore at night. For all those night owls out there, this city square is bustling and lit till as late as one at night. The spot might be crowded, the experience can be a little overwhelming, but it is all worth it. From pav bhaji to dosas, from kulfi to ice cream sandwiches, there is a plethora of delicacies to try out that will only crave you more. Heaven on earth for the vegetarians, this spot is a must visit!
2. Heritage Walk: An Insight Into The Culture
Image Credits: Zarnesh Kanojia for Wikimedia Commons
The next experience that one should not miss out on is an early morning heritage walk that covers all the historically significant spots of the city. The walk starts as early as 7:45 am in the morning and covers the maximum number of attractions on foot. Most tours show around 22 different attractions in the city during the heritage walk. Some of the spots that they commonly cover include Calico Dome, Secret Passage, Dodiya Haveli, Fernandez Bridge, Ahmedabad Stock Exchange, and Jama Masjid.
Suggested Read: 52 Intriguing Tourist Places In Ahmedabad For Your Gujarat Getaway
3. Sunset Drive-In Cinema: Enjoy An Open-Air Movie Experience
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Just imagine witnessing a classic blockbuster under the star-studded sky, sitting in the comfort of your cars, just like old times. Sunset Drive-In Cinema is a major hit among a younger group of friends and couples. This is perhaps the oldest cinemas that can be seen standing on the premises of the city but is still a popular choice among locals there. There are also other seating arrangements right in front of the projector where you can sit on the grounds, comfortably, and simply have the best night of your lives. Nightlife of Manchester Of India is definitely something different, isn’t it?
Further Read: 19 Beaches Near Ahmedabad Which Will Let You Get Over The Monotonous Life
Ahmedabad was named the Manchester Of India for all the right reasons. The leading cotton textile manufactures, architectural marvels, and an intriguing rich history has led to this city gain its much-needed fame. So, the next time you plan a trip to Gujarat and have an itch to witness something ancient with a hint of modernity, head to Ahmedabad, there’s plenty to see there!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester Of India
Which city is known as the Manchester Of India?
Ahmedabad is known as the Manchester of India and for all the right reasons!
Why is Ahmedabad known as the Manchester of India?
Just like the original city of Manchester, Ahmedabad is sitting on the banks of a River which makes it easy for the cotton threads to dye, is the leading manufacturer of cotton textiles, and has the perfect climatic conditions for growing and spinning of cotton threads.
What is the best time to visit Ahmedabad?
The winter season is the best time to visit Ahmedabad. The months from November to February are considered the best to plan a trip to Ahmedabad.
What are some things to do in Ahmedabad?
There are plenty of things to do in Ahmedabad including watching a movie in an open-theatre, attending a food fiesta in Manek Chowk, strolling around and shopping, as well as taking a heritage walk in the city.
A pastry-chef turned writer, Srishti has a knack for traveling to various corners of the country and penning them down in the most justifiable manner possible. When she’s not writing you can find her petting mountain dogs and not eating cottage cheese!
