Old City Heritage Walk through the Pols
Old City Heritage Walk through the Pols is a guided or self-guided walking tour of Ahmedabad's historic walled city focusing on the unique 'pol' neighborhoods — tightly-knit urban clusters with intricately carved wooden houses, narrow lanes, and living community heritage. The walk explores architecture, living traditions, local crafts, temples, mosques, and the daily markets that make Ahmedabad's old city vibrant.
Location
Old Ahmedabad (Pols) — starting commonly at Teen Darwaza / Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad, India
Duration
2–3 hours (typical); 3–5 hours for extended visits with food stops and museum entries
Best Time to Visit
Ideal months: October to March (cooler, pleasant).
Best time of day: Early morning (7:00–10:00) to avoid heat and crowds, or late afternoon/evening (16:00–19:30) for golden light and street food at Manek Chowk.
Pricing
Self-guided: Free (you only pay for food, entry to some monuments).
Guided group tour: ~INR 500–1,000 per person (2–3 hours).
Private guide / customised tour: ~INR 1,200–2,500 depending on duration and inclusions.
Note: Prices are approximate and seasonal. Some specialized tours (including meals or museum entries) cost more.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Narrow lanes and maze-like layout of traditional 'pol' clusters
Intricately carved wooden facades, balconies and ornate gates of old havelis
Architectural landmarks: Teen Darwaza, Bhadra Fort precinct, Jama Masjid, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (famous jali window)
Living heritage — see residents, community wells, chowks (small squares) and traditional trades
Local markets and street food (Manek Chowk is a highlight after sunset)
Opportunities to meet artisans, see old wooden craftsmanship and household altars
Itinerary
Meet at Teen Darwaza / Bhadra Fort — orientation and brief history of Ahmedabad's walled city.
Check-in with guide or pick up a local map. Teen Darwaza is a prominent, photogenic starting point.
Walk into neighbouring pols (e.g., Khanpur, Teen Darwaza pols) — observe wooden facades and lanes.
Guide explains house numbering, community structure, and conservation efforts.
Visit Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (outside the typical pol lanes but nearby) to view the famous 'Tree of Life' jali.
Small entry/photography restrictions; quiet spot for appreciation of stone carving.
Explore back lanes, chowks and a local household or haveli (where accessible) to see interiors and courtyards.
Some private houses allow visits by arrangement — group tours often include one such stop.
Walk through market streets — textiles, jewelry, traditional utensils and small workshops.
Good place to buy small handicrafts; bargaining is common. Carry small change.
Finish at Manek Chowk (for evening tours) or return to Bhadra/Teen Darwaza — food stop or debrief.
Evening: Manek Chowk becomes a famous street-food hub. Morning tours may finish with a tea/snack.
Safety Requirements
Wear comfortable, closed walking shoes — uneven stone paving and narrow thresholds are common
Stay hydrated and carry water (Ahmedabad can be hot and humid in summer)
Respect local customs — dress modestly when entering religious sites and private homes
Be mindful of motorbikes and bicycles that sometimes use narrow lanes
Avoid photographing people (especially inside homes) without permission
Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medication
Tips
Hire a knowledgeable local guide — they add historical context and help access less-known corners
Start early in the morning for cooler temperatures and authentic daily life scenes
Carry small-denomination cash for tea stalls, donations, and small purchases
Try local snacks at Manek Chowk (paneer, khaman, fafda, jalebi) but ensure hygienic-looking vendors
If taking photos of residents or rituals, always ask politely first
Allow time to get mildly lost — the lanes are part of the charm, but use a guide or GPS to return
Check festival days — some pols have special decorative displays during Navratri or local festivals which are a treat to see
Respect privacy — these are living neighbourhoods, not museum sets; keep noise and group size considerate
