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Imagine stepping into a world where history, nature, and modern thrills seamlessly blend—a place where the past whispers its tales while the present bursts with vibrant energy. Welcome to Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad’s iconic waterfront destination. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure junkie, or a leisure seeker, Kankaria Lake offers an experience like no other. From feeding exotic animals at the Kankaria Zoo to taking a magical ride in a hot-air balloon, this 76-acre artificial lake is a hub of entertainment, culture, and relaxation. And if you happen to visit in December, the Kankaria Carnival will immerse you in the rhythm of Gujarat’s rich heritage. So, if you’re in Ahmedabad, this spot is unmissable! Let’s dive into the best things to do here.
A Glimpse into Kankaria Lake's Rich Past
Nestled in the heart of Ahmedabad’s Maninagar area, sprawling over 76 acres, Kankaria Lake is more than just a picturesque waterbody—it’s a slice of history. Built in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II, the lake was originally named Hauj-e-Qutb, meaning "Pond of Qutb," and was a royal retreat for the sultans. The name “Kankaria” is said to have come from the Gujarati word kankar, meaning limestone, as the construction involved large-scale excavation of limestone. Its unique 34-sided polygonal shape, stone embankments, and central island called Nagina Wadi ("Jewel Garden") at its centre—a serene island connected by a bridge featuring a garden and the Ghattamandal summer palace, make it an architectural wonder. Over centuries, the lake has transformed into one of the popular family outing spots in Ahmedabad, filled with fun rides, gardens, and cultural hubs, making it an ideal getaway for locals and tourists alike.
Kankaria Zoo
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Kankaria Zoo, officially known as Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, was established by Reuben David in 1951. Spanning 31 acres, it is home to 450 mammals, 2,000 birds, and 140 reptiles. The zoo houses a variety of wild animals, including tigers, lions, pythons, anacondas, elephants, and rare albino species such as the white blackbuck, rhesus monkey, and spotted deer. It has also successfully bred endangered species like crocodiles, wild asses, and bearcats. Reuben David was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974 for his contributions to the zoo.
Where: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 (Adults), Rs. 10 (Children)
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Balvatika
Balvatika is a children’s park named after Jawaharlal Nehru. It features a boathouse, playroom, butterfly and weapon displays, a mirror house, a toy house, and a planetarium. The park has been under renovation since June 2024. A major attraction is the Atal Express, a toy train imported from London that takes visitors on a delightful 2.3 km ride around the lake. The train offers scenic views and fun-filled moments for families.
Where: Chacha Nehru Balvatika, Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 2 (Children)
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Amusement Park
Kankaria's amusement park features five thrilling rides installed by a Netherlands-based company in 2014. Popular attractions include the Boomerang Roller Coaster, the Flipping Arm, the Torching Tower, the Disk 'O' Pendulum, and the classic merry-go-round. The park also includes a dedicated kids' play zone with interactive computer games. As a top-rated amusement park in Ahmedabad, it offers excitement for visitors of all ages.
Where: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Free (Rides start at Rs. 40 onwards)
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:10 PM
Kids City
Kids City is a unique, interactive world designed for children, covering 4,240 sq. meters and featuring 18 activity centres. Kids can engage in role-playing at various setups, including a bank, fire station, police station, courtroom, prison, medical hospital, science lab, newsroom, and more. The attraction introduces children to real-world scenarios in an engaging and educational way, using a unique virtual money system called Virmo.
Where: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 onwards
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Toy Trains
The Atal Express, named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birthday (December 25, 2008), was imported from London. It runs on a 4.5 km track circling Kankaria Lake at 10 km/h, carrying up to 150 passengers. Due to its immense popularity, two more toy trains were introduced: the Swarnim Jayanti Express and a train modeled after Japan's E5 series bullet train. The joyride offers scenic views and a nostalgic experience.
Where: Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 onwards
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Balloon Safari
Ahmedabad Eye is a tethered balloon ride offering panoramic views of the city from 350 feet above Kankaria Lake. The 3,000-square-yard complex also houses a themed restaurant, an exhibition on the making of Ahmedabad Eye, and a heritage exhibit. The SKYZ restaurant, managed by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, provides a dining experience with a spectacular view.
Where: Kankaria Football Ground, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 onwards
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:10 PM
Nagina Wadi
Nagina Wadi is a picturesque island garden located at the centre of Kankaria Lake. Once a summer retreat for Mughal royals, it is now a popular tourist attraction. The island is accessible via a tree-lined walkway and features a musical fountain with multicoloured laser light displays at night. The area also has food stalls, making it a perfect spot for an evening outing.
Where: Near Kankaria Lake, Gate No. 6, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 onwards
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:10 PM
Stone Mural Park
Gurjar Gaurav Gatha, India’s largest stone mural park, is an ongoing project depicting Gujarat’s rich history in pink sandstone. The murals cover 3,150 sq. feet and will extend to 6,000 feet upon completion, making it the world’s largest mural. The artwork narrates stories of Gujarat’s rulers, freedom fighters, cultural heritage, and global Gujaratis, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Indulal Yagnik.
Where: Kankaria Lakefront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 25 onwards
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:10 PM
Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park at Kankaria Lake is an 8,000-square-meter botanical garden designed to attract and sustain various butterfly species. It offers visitors the opportunity to observe butterflies in their natural habitat amidst lush greenery, making it a serene and educational experience.
Where: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 onwards
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Dutch and Armenian Tombs
Located on the One Tree Hill embankment, the Dutch and Armenian tombs showcase the influence of 17th-century Dutch East India Company traders in Ahmedabad. Built in a Saracenic style with domes and pillars, these tombs reflect the city’s rich trade history and architectural heritage.
Where: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Free
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Joyrides
For adventure seekers, Kankaria Lakefront offers an array of thrilling rides, including Segway rides for easy movement, a mini golf course, Aqua Kart water sports, the Vertical Swing, Paintball Shooting, Black Flash rides, and the Sky Fly. These joyrides promise excitement and fun for visitors of all ages.
Where: Kankaria Lakefront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 300 onwards
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Other Fun Events
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Kankaria Lakefront is home to various attractions, including the historical Dadu Dayal Temple, the Natural History Museum, an aquarium, and a desert safari. Visitors can also explore One Tree Hill Garden, Jaldhara Water Park, an open-air theatre, and a boating facility. The area is popular for morning yoga, jogging, and exercise at Ambubhai Purani Vyayamshala.
Where: Kankaria Lakefront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 onwards
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kankaria Carnival
Kankaria Carnival is a grand week-long cultural festival held in the last week of December since 2008. It features art, dance, music performances, social awareness programs, games, and activities for children, making it a vibrant celebration of Ahmedabad’s rich culture.
Where: Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Entry Fee: Free
Time: Last week of December (Timings vary)