The capital city of Gujarat, situated in the western corner of India, is Gandhinagar. Compared to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar is much different. Green trees surround the place. The place has large and wide streets. There are huge, well protected homes of many of the politicians of the state of Gujarat. During the time when Mumbai was divided, Ahmedabad was made the capital city of Gujarat. However, Gandhinagar was made the new capital, which is situated on Sabarmati River’s western bank. It is located at a distance of 32 Kms in the northeast direction from the previous capital. The name ‘Gandhinagar’ was derived from the name of Mahatma Gandhi. The second planned city of India is Gandhinagar, first being Chandigarh. Surrounding the central government complex, there are as many as 30 sectors. Shopping centers, health clinics, educational institutes and community centers are present in each of these sectors. In the year 1970, the secretariat came here to live. Numerous Educational and Research Institutes are present in Gandhinagar, for which the city is famous.

One of the major causes of making a trip to Gandhinagar is to visit the marvelous and strikingly beautiful Akshardham Temple. A rich Hindu Swaminarayan community owns this temple. The temple was constructed with the help of as many as 1000 workers. The structure has been built with as much as 6000 tones of sandstones, pink in color. The temple has been constructed with great precaution and care. Well trimmed lawns and beautiful greenery encircles the temple.

Two terrorists, probably belonging to Islam religion, terrorized the people by shooting bullets at them at this place in the year 2002. 31 people were dead. The terrorist were shot down themselves. Apart from the mark of the bullets, which can be seen on the ceiling, there is no evidence of this unfortunate violence.

The months between March and June witness a hot climatic condition. The temperature range during the summer months remains between 36 degree and 42 degree Celsius. The maximum temperature remains somewhere in this range. The minimum temperature remains in between 19 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius. During the winter months, which are the months between November and February, the average minimum temperature remains 14 degree Celsius, while 29 degree Celsius is the average minimum temperature. The weather remains very dry. The time period from middle of June to middle of September witnesses a wet and humid weather due to the southwest monsoon.

                                                   THINGS TO SEE

Akshardham: One of the major causes of making a trip to Gandhinagar is to visit the marvelous and strikingly beautiful Akshardham Temple. Hindu Swaminarayan community, the wealthiest sect in the world, owns this temple. The temple has been constructed with pink stones. Well trimmed lawns and beautiful greenery encircles the temple.

Capital Complex: The law offices as well as the government offices are located in Sector 10. The sector is a well organized and well planned complex full of buildings. Patel Bhavan is a grand dome shaped structure which stands high and mighty like a king right in the middle of a circular lake. This structure contains the Vidhan Sabha and law offices. Two contemporary buildings, comprising of several floors are situated beside the bhavan and they are connected with suspended passages or corridors. The different departments related to the state Secretariat are present in Sardar Bhavan., while the heads of all the departments have their offices in the Narmada Bhavan. At present, a building having three floors has been constructed in Sector 9 in which the Secretariat as well as the heads of all departments sits. 

Children's Park: For the enjoyment of the kids, Children’s Park is quite a popular place. A mini train and area for boating is also there. This park is located in the Sector 28. 

Sarita Udyan: A perfect location for having a relaxing picnic, Sarita Udyan is situated along the river bank. In order to offer several refreshing facilities, this total region is in the process of improvement. 

Deer Park: In the village names Indroda, neighboring the Sarita Udyan, a wide stretch of land is there which is made into a deer park. It is quite popular amongst children as well as for adults. The deer park is located in the outer area of the city.

Craftmen's Village: The Pethapur village is located on the bed of Sabarmati River. It is situated close to Gandhinagar, the distance between the two being a mere 7 Kms. Previously, saris coming in a variety of bright colors, called ‘Bandhani’, was the famous product of Gandhinagar. Printing blocks made out of wood were also exported to Singapore.  These wooden blocks are utilized in case of hand printing of cloth. Impeccable designs and patterns are engraved on the wooden blocks. Ahmedabad, Bombay, Jetpur and Rajkot, which are considered to be the main centers for hand prints, still demand for these hand printing wooden blocks. Gujjar Suthars mainly comprise the craftsmen community of Pethapur. Adalaj Stepwell is known to be an architectural wonder. On the National Highway, this structure is located, the distance between the step-well and Gandhinagar being 15 Kms. Its unusual structural design is quite renowned. It also contains a large building like structure and also many a number of stairs. The steps lead to the water. In the entire state of Gujarat, the Adalaj Step-well is believed to be one of the most excellent step-wells.

                                                      HOW TO REACH

By air: The closest airport to Gandhinagar is located in Ahmedabad.

By rail: Railway station exists in Gandhinagar. All the main cities situated in India’s western part are well linked to this station.

By road: Services are offered by various state transport buses from different places in the state of Gujarat.