Gandhinagar being the state capital has many tourist attraction including the Government Secretariat and Udyog Bhavan. The other popular tourist attractions include Akshardham Temple, Sarita Udhyan, Deer's Park (Hiran Udhyan), Children’s Park, and Science City.
Akshardham
Akshardham is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to lord Swaminarayan. It is designed and constructed according to ancient Indian architecture (known as the Sthaapatya shastras). The temple is made of intricately carved 6000 ton of pink stone procured from Rajasthan without using cement or steel. The temple is considered as one of the wonders of the world for its magnificent beauty, its extricate carving, and unique combination of ancient and modern technology. The main attractions of the temple are its beautiful monument, exhibitions (Audio Animatronics show –First ever in India), Mystic India and life of Lord Swaminarayan. It is located at sector -20 opposite to Chief Minister's residence. The temple complex also includes food court, gardens, and kids’ corner.
Science City
Science City, also known as Gujarat Science City is the bold initiative undertaken by Gujarat Government to popularize science by developing scientific temper among the masses. Gujarat Science City showcases contemporary and imaginative exhibits, minds on experiences, working models, virtual reality, activity corner, labs and live demonstrations to provide understanding to common man through simple, interactive, and entertaining way. Science City is located off the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway between Gandhinagar and Ahmadabad on a 107 acre sprawling campus. In future, it plans to include Planet Earth and Indian Heritage in Science & Technology. It also includes recreation facilities like Auditorium, Video Games, Cafeteria, Kund, and Entrance-cum-shopping plaza.
The primary attractions are
Hall of Space and Hall of Science
Space and Communication Pavilion
Thrill Ride/Simulator
Musical Dancing Fountain
Energy Park
LED Display
Life Science Park
IMAX 3D – First of its kind in India
Sarita Udhyan
The Sarita Udhyan is located at sector -9 on the bank of river Sabarmati. It is one of the favorite picnic spot for the city dwellers. The garden is well maintained by the city authorities. Its lush lawns, trees, colorful flowers, and tranquil environment are the factors that attract the visitors. Though it is located at the periphery of the city, all modes of transportation are available to reach there.
Indroda Nature Park (Deer Park, Dinosaur Park)
The Indroda Nature Park is located at the outskirts of the city near Indroda Village. It houses both Deer Park (Hiran Udhyan) and Dinosaur Park and its one of the best tourist spot for nature lovers. The park has various animals like Deer, Wild boar, Hare, Porcupine, various reptiles, and mammals. The Dinosaur Park has the second largest hatchery of Dinosaur eggs in the world and is considered as India’s Jurassic Park. The Dinosaur Park was developed by Geological Survey of India and is managed by the Gujarat Ecological and Research Foundation (GEER). The various types of dinosaur models that are on display at the park include Tyrannosaurus rex, Megalosaurus, Titanosaurus, Barapasaurus, Brachiosaurus, Antarctosaurus, Stegosaurus and Iguanodon. The life-size models also include the details of each periods in which they existed.
The dinosaur fossils were found from various parts of Gujarat; namely Balasinor, parts of Kheda, Panchamahals and Vadodra district.
Children's Park
Children Park is located at sector -28. The main attraction of the park are train journey and boating, besides other regular kids activities.
Adalaj ni Vav(Step-well)
The step well (known as vav in gujarati) is located 18 kms from Gandhinagar towards Ahmedabad at Adalaj. One of the popular tourist attraction of the city, the step well is known for its beautiful intricate carvings. Built by Queen Rudabai in 1499 AD, the step well was major stop over for caravans and travelers traveling on the trade route. The four level well has carvings of leaves, flowers, birds, animals and Hindu Gods and Goddesses on its wall and pillars. Tourists can visit the place from Gandhinagar and Ahmadabad either through Bus or Taxi services.