Experience in Ahmedabad, India by Ronak

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

It is a different experience to live in a metro city like Ahmedabad. It is different from other Indian metro cities. Not too fast and not too slow. Traffic is better than other cities. Daily needed items are available at most of the places. The weather is pleasant during winter and monsoon but it is harsh during summers. I would recommend strongly to stay during October to February. These are the months when most of the famous festivals are celebrated and the weather is also wonderful during this time.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ahmedabad?

Students usually hangout near their campuses. Their main hangout places are close to famous eating joints. They flock in groups. Most of them like to eat and talk. They would go to some cafe or road-side popular vendor to eat. You can find them discussing all the topics in the world near such joints. Most of the students study full time and have their homes in the city itself. Others(very few) would work part-time, however there are very few jobs for students. Most students are supported by their families. Partying culture is not so vibrant. For us, party is having lunch/dinner at a costly restaurant. Treats mean having ice cream or going to a bakery and having sweet cakes and pasteries.

How much does it cost to live in Ahmedabad?

The university area is costlier then the rest of the Ahmedabad. It would, normally, cost between INR 5000-15000 per hear per month to stay in Ahmedabad. Food expenses can vary depending upon one's eating habits. Normally it would be between INR 5000-10000. These costs can be reduced if you can be thrifty.

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

You can find houses and apartments to rent. They are not so cheap, but affordable. There are hostels(privately owned) near universities where one can find accommodation (however, I would recommend against it as it is not conducive to serious studies). Students wanting to focus on studies should prefer renting flat/room near societies or community houses to avoid nuisance (however this option is costlier).

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

Food is awesome. You can find all kinds of restaurants here. You can get good Punjabi, South Indian, continental, Mexican, Italian food. There are very few and selective places to get good non-veg food here as most of us are vegetarians. Ahmedabadis like to eat fast food a lot. Places like Manke Chowk, you can get food till 1.30 am in the night. I like paani puri (many places to get these), dabeli (best ones at 'Karnavati dabeli'), vada pav, kachchi bowl, Ghughro(available only at Manekchowk), chocolate sandwich , bhajias (best available at raipur darwaja), Gaathias (best ones at Gaathiya Rath, area - Nehrunagar circle), Undhiyu (best ones available only during the kite festival - Mid January), Fafdas, Jalebis, sandwich Dhoklas, Khaman, Kachoris, khakhras and lots of other food items. It is fun to explore different dishes served at various shops in Ahmedabad.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ahmedabad?

Thol bird sanctuary during winter, Kite festival during January (between 8-13 January), Navrati festival (during months: Mid October to Mid November), River front on sabarmati river, Kankaria lake (Lots of fun rides available here for all ages), Gandhi Ashram (must visit), Old city (Khadia, relief road), Ratan Pole (for amazing range of ehtnic and festive wear).

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

The range of food available is great but it would be a challenge for your stomach to digest such food everyday. I would suggest to find good places where you can eat everyday. The special items of Ahmedabad are good when taken in limited amount else it might affect health. Manek Chowk is one such place (one of my favourites). I like Mainland China - chinese food and Kansar Gujarati thal (gujarati food).

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

Night life is not too great, but it is good. Few selective places are open till late night. These places are open for eating food. Places like Manek Chowk, Iscon Gathiya (SG highway) are open till 1 am. You can go around the city during night. You will find most of the locals would be either asleep or taking a walk along the roads/bridges.