**Q:** What is the best time to visit Ahmedabad? / **A:** The best time is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
**Q:** Is alcohol available in Ahmedabad? / **A:** Gujarat is a dry state. Alcohol is banned for locals. Tourists can apply for an e-permit online and purchase it from designated star hotels.
**Q:** What is a 'Pol'? / **A:** A Pol is a traditional, historic housing cluster in the old walled city of Ahmedabad, comprising families usually linked by caste, profession, or religion.
**Q:** What is the local language? / **A:** Gujarati is the primary local language, but Hindi and English are widely spoken and understood.
**Q:** How do I get around the city? / **A:** The city has an excellent BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), a growing Metro network, and plentiful auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola).
**Q:** What are the must-try local foods? / **A:** Dhokla, Khaman, Fafda-Jalebi, Khandvi, Dabeli, and the massive Gujarati Thali.
**Q:** Where is the best street food found? / **A:** Manek Chowk (at night) and Law Garden (Khau Gali) are the most famous spots for authentic street food.
**Q:** Is Ahmedabad safe for female travelers? / **A:** Yes, it is widely considered one of the safest cities in India for women, even at night.
**Q:** Which is the main airport? / **A:** Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), located about 10-15 km from the city center.
**Q:** Can I visit Sabarmati Ashram for free? / **A:** Yes, entry to Sabarmati Ashram is entirely free, and it is open every day of the year.
**Q:** What should I buy in Ahmedabad? / **A:** Traditional textiles (Bandhani, Patola), embroidered garments, Chaniya Cholis (especially at Law Garden), and silver jewelry.
**Q:** What is the Heritage Walk? / **A:** It is a daily guided walking tour organized by the local municipal corporation that takes you through the ancient Pols, temples, and mosques of the UNESCO Walled City.
**Q:** How far is the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad? / **A:** It is approximately 200 km away, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours by road or train.
**Q:** When does the Kite Festival happen? / **A:** The International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) takes place every year on January 14th.
**Q:** Does the city have a metro system? / **A:** Yes, the Ahmedabad Metro is operational, connecting vast stretches of the East-West and North-South corridors.
**Q:** What is Manek Chowk famous for? / **A:** It's a vegetable market in the morning, a bullion/jewelry market in the afternoon, and a bustling street food market at night.
**Q:** Can I take photos inside the Jama Masjid? / **A:** Yes, photography is allowed, but visitors must dress modestly and maintain the sanctity of the active place of worship.
**Q:** Are there wildlife sanctuaries nearby? / **A:** Yes, Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary and Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary are excellent nearby spots for wildlife enthusiasts, especially in winter.
**Q:** Is it safe to drink tap water? / **A:** It is not recommended for tourists. It is best to rely on bottled mineral water or water purified by an RO system.
**Q:** What is the Sabarmati Riverfront? / **A:** It is a massive urban rejuvenation project that developed the banks of the Sabarmati River into promenades, parks, and recreational spaces.