Founded by Gandhi in 1917 on the western bank of the Sabarmati river, the ashram (originally called Satyagraha Ashram) served as his home and the base of India’s independence movement until 1930, when he set out from its gates with 78 followers on the 240-kilometre Dandi Salt March to defy the British salt tax. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya museum on the grounds preserves his spartan living quarters, Hriday Kunj, along with his spinning wheel, personal letters and photographs documenting the freedom struggle. Gandhi vowed not to return to the ashram until India won independence, and it has remained a pilgrimage site for followers of his philosophy ever since. Sabarmati Ashram sits at an elevation of 55 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include gandhi’s preserved room with his spinning wheel, the original Dandi March route map display, and hriday Kunj cottage where Kasturba lived. It falls within Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad district, and Gujarat.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
January, November, December, February
Yes, the ashram offers free guided tours in English and Hindi at scheduled times, typically every hour or so, led by knowledgeable volunteers. You can also rent a small audio guide device at the reception for a nominal fee if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main museum, Gandhi’s residence (Hriday Kunj), and the peaceful gardens. The grounds are flat with paved pathways and plenty of benches, but do wear comfortable shoes and take breaks in the shaded areas as needed.
You are welcome to carry your own water bottle, and there are several drinking water stations and clean restrooms on site. While eating inside the main museum is not allowed, there are shaded lawns and benches near the riverfront where you can sit and have a light snack, and a small café near the exit sells tea and simple refreshments.
The ashram is about 6 km from the Ahmedabad railway station and well-connected by auto-rickshaws, city buses, and app-based taxis. There is a dedicated parking area for cars and buses near the main gate, but on weekends it fills up quickly, so arriving before 10 AM is advised for a hassle-free experience.
Entry to Sabarmati Ashram is completely free for all visitors. The ashram is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day, including public holidays, and we recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.