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Ahmedabad has been put on the global map ever since Coldplay decided to perform in the city. The British band had their biggest ever concert in the city last month.

The Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad served as one of the main centres of the Indian freedom struggle.
Days before Coldplay landed in India instead of having a major music marathon to prepare for their much-awaited concert, I let the dark cloud of not getting tickets for their Mumbai show overshadow my enthusiasm.
After all, Mumbai had put itself on the map by hosting some of the best concerts in recent years and even though Ahmedabad was going to be the band’s biggest show yet, the allure of not being able to witness them in Mumbai put a damper on my spirits. The endless reels talking about the Mumbai magic certainly didn’t help the situation either. One way or another, I made peace with my fate and boarded the dreaded early morning flight.
However, my apathy couldn’t make it more than a few minutes after I de-boarded the plane, stepping into the colourful ‘Hawai Adda’. It was buzzing with Coldplay’s tunes and being surrounded by the finest eateries was all it took to let my gloomy mood wash away.
But this was only the beginning, after struggling for a few minutes and finally getting a cab, the real journey had just begun. I was in for a treat.
What took me by surprise was the city’s hospitable atmosphere. Be it the cab driver who made sure, I saw all the sights and made me try one of the best mithai – a ghee-soaked halwa from a small dairy tucked away in the city I’ve had till date – or the auto wala who made sure I reached back safely after the concert, never have I felt more at ease while travelling solo.
Next, it was the cleanliness of my surroundings that left me stunned. Be it the ethereal Sabarmati riverfront which was the ideal spot for some calm amid the chaos of the concert, the metro stations which looked like they had been built yesterday, or simply the streets where bits of trash didn’t stick to your shoes every time you took a step, navigating the lanes of Ahmedabad was a breeze to say the least.
When it came to the concert, it was the most magical experience of my life, and the credit did not only go to the band for giving us an unforgettable night but also to the riveting crowd. Additionally, the stadium management made sure every individual had access to water by not only setting up refilling stations at every checkpoint but by also regularly passing along bottles of water.
Moreover, how can I miss out on the delectable dishes that added so much flavour to this trip? Be it the late-night poha near Thaltej or the scrumptious Dhokla and Khandvi. I had the iconic Das Khaman or the ‘Regular Halwa’ from famous Chandrika Dairy, every bite of these dishes left a lasting imprint on not only my taste buds but also my heart.
Lastly, as the time came closer to bid adieu to the city, I had a few hours to pack in one last adventure, the choice lay between taking the Sabarmati River Cruise or visiting the historic Sabarmati Ashram. As a history enthusiast, it was easy for me to make that choice and I made my way to the timeless Ashram. Here I got a chance to sneak a peek at the past as the dynamic history of our nation as it lay in front of me in the form of letters. I also got a chance to view the original adornments of Bapu and feel Khadi in its purest form.
As my departure came closer, I booked a cab whilst soaking in the richness and safety of a city I had initially doubted. What began as an unexpected detour turned into a memorable adventure, leaving me with not only unforgettable experiences but also a newfound appreciation for Ahmedabad’s warmth, charm, and timeless heritage!
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Delhi, India, India