Gandhinagar & Adalaj — India's cleanest capital + an octagonal stepwell
India's quietest state capital is a grid of leafy avenues, gardens and temples, with two star attractions close enough to reach from Ahmedabad on a single half day.
Akshardham + Adalaj
The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world — a 100-foot pink sandstone mandapa surrounded by gardens with a large step-well, exhibition halls and a Sahajanand amphitheatre. Allow 2–3 hours including the exhibitions. Modest dress.
Then return toward Ahmedabad and stop 16 km before city limits at Adalaj stepwell — an octagonal, 5-storey masterpiece built in 1499 by Queen Rani Roopba. It's an easy, photogenic visit and a wonderful counterpoint to the more famous Rani ki Vav further north.
Add Gandhinagar & Adalaj
An easy half-day from Ahmedabad — ideal for a first or last day.