A Comprehensive Guide for International Visitors to GIFT City, Gandhinagar

An in-depth guide for international visitors to GIFT City, Gandhinagar, with practical tips on accommodation, transport, cuisine, cultural etiquette, and things to see and do.

Posted on June 29, 2025 in travel

Who am I and why am I writing this?

I am Hridoy, currently working as a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Cybersecurity at Deakin University, GIFT City, India, since July 2024 after my postdoc from the University of Cambridge, UK. I have the distinction of being the first faculty member appointed at any international university campus in India! This guide is intended to assist international visitors, whether you are here for business, research or leisure - navigate the chaos with a little less confusion and a lot more enjoyment.

About GIFT City: India's Futuristic Hub

GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is more than just a business district; it's a vision of a future-ready India. Located in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, it is being developed as a global hub for finance and technology. For a visitor, this means you'll be stepping into one of the most modern and well-planned areas in the country.

Key features include:

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: The city is built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology, including a district cooling system (a first in India), underground utility tunnels, and an automated waste collection system.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ): This status provides various economic benefits, attracting top companies from around the world.
A Green City: Despite its focus on technology and finance, GIFT City is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring green spaces and energy-efficient buildings.

Arriving and Getting to GIFT City

Your port of entry will likely be the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, which is about a 30-45 minute drive from GIFT City.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: The most convenient way to reach GIFT City is by booking a pre-paid taxi from the airport or using ride-sharing apps like Uber (available on Android and iOS) and Ola (available on Android and iOS), which are widely available.
Car Rentals: If you learned to drive in a developed country, where people actually follow traffic rules - it is highly recommended you do not attempt this adventure. Your sanity (and the car) will thank you. If you still want to give it a try, here are some recommendations:

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Short Stay

GIFT City and its vicinity offer a range of accommodation options:

Luxury: For a premium experience, hotels like the GIFT City Club (Radisson Hotels), Grand Mercure Gandhinagar GIFT City and The Leela Gandhinagar offer excellent amenities.
Business & Mid-Range: Several business hotels offer great comfort and service. Some popular choices nearby include:
- Fortune Inn Haveli, Gandhinagar: A well-regarded option from the ITC group, a short drive away.
- Prominence Hotel: Another comfortable mid-range option close to the city.
Service Apartments: If you are planning a longer stay, consider a service apartment, which provides a more home-like environment with kitchen facilities. Bliss Serviced Apartments is one such option, though it may not be recommended for international visitors.

Long Stay

Planning to settle in for a while? GIFT City and surrounding areas like Gandhinagar, Randesan, Kudasan and Raysan offer numerous residential options suitable for professionals, families and even digital nomads with furniture preferences (Furnished/Unfurnished).

Online Listings: Only trust the trusted platforms: Housing.com, MagicBricks and 99acres
Broker Wisdom: Want the place without the hunt? Trust brokers with solid ratings and reviews. Just remember, the going rate is usually one-month’s rent as brokerage. Yes, they will "definitely show you the best flat just 2 minutes away" - so keep your sneakers ready. Also, if you have spent some years abroad (and your accent picked up a bit of a global flair), it is highly advised to switch to Indian accent protocol to avoid the mysterious 'NRI/foreigner surcharge'. Apparently, clear enunciation signals sometimes mean you have deep pockets and possibly a suitcase full of dollars.

Navigating the Area

Within GIFT City: The city is quite walkable, with lovely sidewalks and green areas perfect for a morning stroll - until the temperature hits 45°C and you feel like you are being slow-roasted. At that point, walking turns into a survival sport. As for driving, let us just say traffic rules here are more like polite suggestions and helmets seem to be optional fashion accessories. Your best bet? Take a cab, buckle up and enjoy the ride - it’s safer, and comes with free local driving entertainment.
Local Travel: For traveling to Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad, Uber (available on Android and iOS) and Ola (available on Android and iOS) remain the most convenient options. Auto-rickshaws are also available but be prepared to negotiate the fare.

Connectivity and Communication

SIM Cards: To stay connected, you can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or from official stores of providers like Jio, Airtel, or Vi (Vodafone Idea). You will typically need your passport, a copy of your visa, and a passport-sized photograph.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is readily available in all hotels and most cafes.

Grocery, Supermarket and Food Delivery

Food Delivery Apps: Services like Swiggy (available on Android and iOS) and Zomato (available on Android and iOS) operate efficiently in GIFT City and surrounding areas. You can order from a wide variety of restaurants offering local Gujarati cuisine, North and South Indian dishes, as well as popular international options.
Grocery Delivery: Apps like BigBasket (available on Android and iOS), Blinkit (available on Android and iOS), and Zepto (available on Android and iOS) offer quick and convenient delivery of groceries, fresh produce, and daily essentials.
International Supermarkets: You will find well-stocked international groceries in Magson. You can consider it to be mini-Aldi/Coles/Sainsbury/Walmart.
Local Supermarkets: You will find well-stocked grocery stores and mini-marts within or near GIFT City for essentials like snacks, toiletries and basic cooking ingredients. D-Mart is nearby, just make sure to go during office hours (preferably before 5pm IST) or you might end up in a crowd that feels more like a last-minute airport check-in line before a long weekend (think elbows and carts with laser focus). But let's be honest, why carry heavy grocery bags when you can just tap a screen? It is way easier to use the above grocery apps.

Cuisine: A Taste of Gujarat

Gujarati cuisine is famous for its unique blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Don't leave without trying:

Dhokla: A savory steamed cake made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpeas.
Khandvi: Soft, yellowish, tightly rolled bite-sized pieces made of gram flour.
Gujarati Thali: A platter with a variety of dishes, including different curries, bread, rice, and sweets. It’s a complete meal and a great way to sample the local food.
Fafda-Jalebi: A popular breakfast combination of a crunchy snack (fafda) and a sweet, syrupy pretzel-shaped dessert (jalebi).

For an authentic and highly-rated Gujarati Thali experience, consider visiting Gordhan Thal on SG Highway, a short drive from GIFT City. It's renowned for its delicious and extensive thali spread. Other recommendations: Rajwadu (Gujrati), Eat Punjab (Punjabi).
International restaurants: Roast and Toast, Little French House, Terracotta Multicuisine Restaurant.

Cultural Etiquette

Greetings: A simple "Namaste" with a slight bow is a respectful way to greet people.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal for the climate.
Tipping: While not always expected, a tip of around 10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants.

Sightseeing and Exploration

In Gandhinagar:

Akshardham Temple: A magnificent temple complex dedicated to Swaminarayan, known for its stunning architecture, exhibitions, and gardens.
Adalaj Stepwell: An architectural marvel, this five-story deep stepwell is intricately carved and provides a glimpse into the region's history.
Indroda Nature Park: Often called India's Jurassic Park, it houses a zoo, a botanical garden, and one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil and egg collections.

In Ahmedabad (a short drive away):

Sabarmati Ashram: The historic former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, from where he led the Dandi March. It's a serene and inspiring place.
Calico Museum of Textiles: One of the world's finest collections of Indian textiles.
Heritage Walk in the Old City: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad, with its beautiful pols (traditional housing clusters) and havelis.

Practical Tips

Currency: The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available and you can exchange currency at the airport or authorized exchange centers.
Power Sockets: India uses Type D and Type M power sockets with a voltage of 230V. It is essential to bring a universal travel adapter.
Health: Always drink bottled water. Carry hand sanitizer and any personal medications you might need. It's also wise to have comprehensive travel insurance.

I hope this detailed guide helps you make the most of your visit to GIFT City. It is a unique and rapidly growing part of India, and I am sure you will have a fascinating time exploring it. Here is a map-based guide with legends related to GIFT City that might be of your interest.