Ahmedabad is usually known for its magnificent temples and booming textile trade. But in the heart of the old city is a world that appears to be from another time—Pols.

The word Pol comes from the Sanskrit Pratoli, meaning “gateway to an enclosed area.” They are ancient, tight-knit neighbourhoods with narrow streets, carved wood homes, and an extended community that has endured for centuries.

Around every corner, there is a new story, a complex balcony, or a vibrant wall painting. If you’re in Ahmedabad looking for its cultural soul, the Pols are the place to be.

Table of Contents

What Makes the Pols Special?
Begin Your Walk Through the Pols
Highlights of the Pols
Best Pols to Explore
Why is the Pol Walk Worth Your Time?
Wrapping Up

What Makes the Pols Special?

Pols are not merely clusters of residence—they are a combination of architecture, heritage, and social history. Such neighbourhoods were constructed centuries ago, usually behind gates and walls, to accommodate families from the same communities.

The homes are constructed near each other, accompanied by communal courtyards and narrow alleys that resemble a maze. This wasn’t done haphazardly—it was a method to protect the community, promote cohesion, and conform to the hot urban climate.

By hiring a car on rent in Ahmedabad, you can easily club this visit with other attractions like Sidi Saiyyed Mosque and Manek Chowk without hurrying.

Begin Your Walk Through the Pols

Most travellers begin their journey from either the famous Mandvi Gate or the Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur. The heritage walks guided in the city are a great idea to see around, but you can also go on your own course if you like to explore on your own terms.

If you do not have much time or are away from the old city, booking an Ahmedabad taxi service will ensure that you reach the starting point of your walk comfortably. This way, you preserve your energy for walking down the quaint lanes and not wandering around for parking or traffic.

Highlights of the Pols

Though every Pol has its own character, there are some signature aspects that you may find on your stroll.

1. Wooden Haveli Architecture

The beautifully detailed wooden walls of the havelis are the main attraction. Doorways, brackets, and balconies showcase fine craftsmanship, which often features floral or mythological motifs. Most of these houses are still inhabited by families who’ve been living there for generations.

2. Chabutaras (Bird Feeders)

Look out for tall stone or wooden pillars in the centre of alleys—those are bird feeders, or chabutaras. They’re a reminder of the kindness of the community towards animals, which runs deep in their veins.

3. Temples and Jain Derasars

Nearly all Pol have a little temple or Jain derasar. Most of these temples are centuries old, with beautiful marble work and serene courtyards.

4. Hidden Courtyards

Behind almost every door is an open courtyard in which the families meet in the evening. Courtyards keep the houses cool during hot summers.

Best Pols to Explore

Some of the most fascinating Pols to include on your walking route are:

Mandvi ni Pol: Known for its impressive entrance and old houses.
Khara Kuva ni Pol: Popular for its balcony carvings and brightly painted walls.
Doshivada ni Pol: Houses one of the most gorgeous Jain temples in the city.
Zaveri Vad: Used to be inhabited by numerous jewellers; you can still witness their ancient workshops.
Dhal ni Pol: The second-largest Pol in Ahmedabad, alive with activity and architectural variety.

If you’re going to visit several Pols around the city, opting for a car on rent in Ahmedabad can make it simpler. This allows you to venture outside of the old city and even incorporate other sites, such as Sabarmati Ashram or Kankaria Lake, into your visit.

Why is the Pol Walk Worth Your Time?

Walking through the Pols is not just about seeing old buildings—it’s about experiencing a way of life that still thrives in the middle of a modern city. You’ll see children playing in the lanes, elderly residents chatting on the steps of their homes, and shopkeepers selling snacks or handicrafts from tiny corner stores.

And don’t forget the grub. There are street vendors offering fafda-jalebi, khaman, and chaas at every nook and corner of the old city so that you can stop for a short snack break midway through your walk.

If you’re travelling in a group or pressed for time, booking an Ahmedabad taxi service to get from one spot to another can help you save your energy for exploring.

Wrapping Up

The Pols of Old Ahmedabad are not only historic neighbourhoods—they’re living testaments to community life, art, and tradition. Exploring them is an opportunity to glimpse a part of the city that still throbs with an old heartbeat, even as skyscrapers dot the horizon.

For those seeking a stress-free trip, Savaari Car Rentals offers reliable and premium intercity and local car rental services, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the journey. Book your ride today!