Sabarmati Ashram Museum

Address: Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi Ashram), Ashram Rd, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Hours: Daily 8:30am-6:30pm

Admission: Free (no general admission)

Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s primary residences and bases for political activity during the Indian independence movement. The site contains preserved living quarters and a museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life and work.

The ashram complex includes Gandhi’s cottage, a prayer ground and exhibition spaces that display letters, photographs and personal items associated with his time there. Interpretive panels and guided information provide context about nonviolent resistance and the ashram’s role in national campaigns.

Gandhi established the ashram in the early 20th century as a centre for constructive work, community living and political organising; it later became the departure point for the 1930 Salt Satyagraha. Over the decades the site has been maintained as a public memorial and museum.

Situated in Ahmedabad city on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram is easily reached from the city centre and is one of Ahmedabad’s principal heritage sites.

• Salt March connection: Served as the launching point for the 1930 Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March), when Gandhi led protesters from the ashram to the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Founding and preservation: Founded in the early 20th century by Mahatma Gandhi as a centre for his social and political activities; many original structures and personal effects are on display.

What to See#

• Museum and preserved rooms: Collections include personal items, letters, photographs and exhibits documenting Mahatma Gandhi’s activities in India; several original rooms from the ashram are preserved.
• Prayer ground and cottages: The prayer ground and Gandhi’s living quarters are on the ashram campus and are maintained as heritage spaces for visitors.

Sabarmati Ashram sits on Ashram Road on the banks of the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) railway station it is about a 4-6 km drive (roughly 15-25 minutes by car or taxi); from Sabarmati Railway Station it is closer (around 2-3 km, a 10-15 minute auto‑rickshaw ride or a 20-30 minute walk). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is approximately 14-16 km by road (about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic). City buses and auto‑rickshaws serve the Ashram Road area and there are bus stops within a short walk of the museum grounds.

• Visit Sabarmati Ashram early on a weekday morning when the compound and riverfront are quieter and you can spend time in Gandhi's living quarters before school or tour groups arrive.
• Allocate time for the on‑site museum and Gandhi's personal rooms - the small exhibits (letters, photographs, the charkha and prayer ground) convey context that many visitors miss on quick stopovers.
• Combine the visit with a short walk along the Sabarmati riverfront (the ashram sits beside it) and check local schedules for any talks or small exhibitions so you avoid times when larger groups or ceremonies fill the site.