Looked at as one of India`s premium `specialised` destinations, the Calico Museum, in Shahi Bagh was the brainchild of Indian art historian Dr Ananda Coomaraswamy. It was established in 1949 by the Sarabhais to document the history of textiles in India. It possesses an affluent collection, going back a few centuries, displayed in the resplendent setting of the old Sarabhai haveli.
Entry is limited to a free guided tour on `secular textiles` at 10.30 a.m. and on `religious textiles` at 2.30 p.m.; it is however closed on Wednesdays and government holidays. Cameras are not allowed inside. One can nevertheless fix up a private viewing by appointment.
Across the banks of Sabarmati, northwest of Swami Narayan Temple is the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Library and Gandhi Ashram. One needs to stop and stare, and take in this haven of serenity. The library displays the letters Gandhi had written, together with one addressed to Hitler, in 1939, "...Will you listen to the appeal of one who has deliberately shunned the method of war not without considerable success?" There are also displayed those envelopes of letters that had reached Gandhi without a mailing address - for example, the one simply addressed to `Excellence Monsieur le President Gandi`. The ashram, established in 1918, is maintained with all its minimalism. The entry is free, and the timings incorporate 10.30 a.m.- 6.30 p.m.
Inside the Gujarat University campus is the LD Museum of Indology and the N.C. Mehta Miniature Gallery. They have affluent assemblages, worthy for a visit. The assemblages include medieval bronzes and writing instruments, and rare pre-Mughal and pre-Rajasthani miniature paintings. Entry is free for visiting folk; the timings incorporate 10.30 a.m.- 5.30 p.m. The museum remains closed on Mondays.
Within a building planned by Le Corbusier, across the road from the National Institute of Design, are the Kite Museum and the Ahmedabad City Museum. The Kite Museum houses a brilliant collection of kites from all over the world. On the floor above is the Ahmedabad City Museum, possessing a varied collection of artefacts. It also houses a section on the religious minorities of the city.
Entry is free for everybody. Timings are from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. It remains closed on Mondays. Still camera and Video recording can be done, with prior permission. One can hire a taxicab (Rs. 5-8 per km, depending on type of car) for the day (8 hrs/ 80 km) if one desires to move at his or her own free will, instead of doing it by the tourist coach, arranged by Gujarat Tourism.
