Experience in Ahmedabad, India by Meetkumar

What is it like to live in Ahmedabad? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ahmedabad (AKA Karnavati), The name Ahmedabad comes after the name of saint "Ahmed". If you have visited Mumbai (Bombay) you surely feel the touch of Mini Mumbai in Gujarat state. Mahatma Gandhi has lived here during his fight for Free India. In heredity, Ahmedabadis (People of Ahmedabad) posses helping and polite nature. It is Educational Hub, financial capital and one of the active cities of Gujarat. Out of 6.27 crore population of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has almost 55 lacs people. As it is slightly populated, one may face traffic during office hours, but with modern amenities (Roads, Infrastructures, Transport Connectivity) people can commute easily. "NO ALCOHOL"- Gujarat is a dry state, for one who is highly addicted would not be able to have alcoholic drinks during his/her stay in the Gujarat state. I highly recommend this place for food lovers (especially street food).

What is the student lifestyle like in Ahmedabad?

For students, its the perfect place to experience new life in Ahmedabad. It would give you the major experiences at low costs. Also, there are lots of universities, hence it would be very easy to pick your choice of courses at a particular university. IIM Ahmedabad (Indian Institute of Management) is one of the best Business school in India. For the Technical courses, there are IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) and Gujarat Technological University, both provide major Engineering courses. Also, CEPT University and National Institute of Design provides a path to success in Design. Gujarat law college is very famous for its higher level of education related to laws. Overall, if you're a student and selected Ahmedabad to study in, you are at the right place to pursue quality education in the most popular city of Gujarat state.

How much does it cost to live in Ahmedabad?

As a student, it would cost around 10-15k per month. In the case of the 1BHK flat would cost around 5k-8k Rupees per month. And, in case of a shared apartment, it can further go lower around 3k to 4k. Utility bills for a month would be around 2000 Rs. High-speed internet would cost around 1000 (depends on plan). Transportation for students is very cheap in BRTS and City buses. Movie tickets would cost 200/person. Groceries would cost around 5,000 to 6,000 Rupees. Some of the examples for food items are 1kg rice=50 Rs, 1kg tomatoes=30 Rs, 1kg potatoes=20 Rs, Meal at Macdonald=250 Rs, Bread 600Gms=55 Rs, Chicken Breast 500Gms=205 Rs, 1Lt Milk=56 Rs. Overall it would cost 15,000 Rs for a student to spend a month in Ahmedabad which is almost 1/3rd than other metro cities of India. Living cost in any of the German city would be around 800 Euros=56,000 per month which is almost 4-times than the cost of living in Ahmedabad for a student.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ahmedabad? Is there any advice you can give?

It is never difficult to get accommodations in Ahmedabad. You just have to contact an agency and there you go with your new place. There are many of the Online sites which can confirm your stay even before arriving in Ahmedabad. Some of those are Airbnb, 99acres, rentmystay, and Magicbricks. For short stays you can book by Makemytrip, Yatra, Goibibo.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Now comes the best question,
It is one of the very few cities in the world which has a large number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here, one can find all the big food brands like McD, Dominos, Pizza Hut, KFC at every single mile of distance. But what I recommend, street food of Ahmedabad. There are thousands of food lorries available throughout the day and night. Fortunately, have many favorite dishes. I would like to begin with:

1) 

 "Dabeli"- 

(Bun Filled with Mashed potatoes, spicy peanuts, sev and Chatni (Sweet and Sour Sauce). 

2) 

"Vadapav"-

(Pav aka Bun filled with Vada and spicy chutney. Vada is made from Potatoes and coated with gram flour and deep fried in Oil.)

3) Khaman, Dhokla, Fafda, Undhiyu, Jalebi are the traditional Gujarati items, one should not miss these items if visiting Ahmedabad.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ahmedabad?

1) Sabarmati Ashram - Built by Mahatma Gandhi after returning from South Africa

2) ISCKON Temple- Hare Krishna Mandir

3) Akshardham Temple (Swaminarayan Temple)

4) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Museum- Museum which archives the achievement of Sardar Patel.

5) Kankariya Zoo & Kankariya Lake

6) Parimal Garden- Kids picnic place

7) Law Garden night market - Exclusive showcase for buying traditional Gujarati clothes ( Chaniya Choli )

Is it good to eat out in Ahmedabad? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes its always best to eat in Ahmedabad. In most of the places you’ll find spicy tasty food.
I recommend, Manek Chowk- In the evening to try street food, Karnavati Dabeli, and Das Khaman outlets, Panipuri (Gol Gappa),

Sev Usal,

Sandwiches (Shakti Sandwich is Famous).

Punjabi Food,

Who would not like to dine in the sky at the height of 220Ft in the center of the city? For this experience, has to go to Patang Hotel. It is the restaurant who rotates and can give you the look of the whole city during your dinner time. The city looks very lively from Patang Hotel.

Is the nightlife good in Ahmedabad? Where is good to go?

Yes, it’s always lively.
You can have till late night food at Manek Chowk.

There are pubs available for Enjoyment (Note: pubs in Ahmedabad has no alcoholic drinks to provide because Gujarat is Dry State)

What advice would you give future students heading to Ahmedabad?

Just one thing I would like to suggest, be prepared for extreme summer.
Avoid going out in summer.
That’s success mantra.