Introducing Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar forms a striking contrast to Ahmedabad, with big broad avenues and lots of greenery. This is where state politicians live, in large, well-fortified houses. Although Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat when the old state of Mumbai was split, this new capital was planned 32km northeast on the west bank of the Sabarmati River. Named Gandhinagar after Mahatma Gandhi, it’s India’s second planned city after Chandigarh. The secretariat was moved here in 1970.
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The reason for visiting is spectacular Akshardham Temple (Ja Rd, Sector 20; 9.30am-6.30pm Tue-Sun), belonging to the wealthy Hindu Swaminarayan group. Built by nearly 1000 artisans, it is an elaborately carved building constructed out of 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone and surrounded by manicured lawns and perfect trees.
In September 2002, two suspected Islamist terrorists opened fire on visitors, murdering 31 people, before they themselves were killed, but there’s little trace of this tragedy today, other than some bullet grazes on the ceiling.
Last updated: Mar 24, 2009
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