Ahmedabad's Kankaria Lakefront attracted over 6.72 lakh visitors from April 27 to June 3
Gandhinagar, June 9
Gujarat prepares to host the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Central Gujarat region on June 29 and June 30 at Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals University, Vadodara.
Tourism and Culture have been identified as focus sectors for driving regional economic growth. In this context, Ahmedabad's Kankaria Lakefront stands as a notable example of how well-developed tourism infrastructure, cultural attractions and recreational facilities can contribute to urban development, stimulate economic activity and strengthen a city's position as a vibrant tourism destination, according to a release.
Located in the Maninagar area (Southern Part) of Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lakefront has emerged as one of the city's most prominent tourist attractions. Once a historic lake known for its architectural and cultural significance, Kankaria has evolved into a modern tourism and recreation destination that attracts lakhs of visitors every year from across Gujarat, India and abroad. The popularity of Kankaria Lakefront is evident from the consistently high visitor footfall. According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Kankaria Lakefront observed a total footfall of 6,72,785 from April 27 to June 3, 2026.
Kankaria Lakefront was transformed into a world-class public space through a holistic redevelopment in 2008. Inaugurated on December 25, 2008, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat), the project brought in modern amenities, vibrant public spaces, and new cultural and recreational attractions, turning the lake into a premier tourism landmark.
Kankaria Lakefront's success demonstrates how strategic investments in tourism infrastructure can transform urban spaces into vibrant economic and cultural assets. By attracting visitors, promoting cultural engagement and generating livelihood opportunities, the destination exemplifies the broader impact that tourism-led growth can have on cities and regions, the release stated.
The steady influx of tourists has also generated significant economic benefits for the city. Increased visitor spending has provided a substantial boost to hospitality, food and retail sectors, supporting local businesses and creating livelihood opportunities. Such outcomes align closely with the focus areas of the upcoming VGRC, which seeks to explore the role of tourism and culture in driving sustainable regional development, the release added.
As VGRC Central Gujarat also focuses on advancing new avenues of growth through Tourism & Culture, Kankaria Lakefront serves as a significant model of how well-planned tourism initiatives can contribute to economic growth, enhance city branding and strengthen Gujarat's position as a premier tourism destination.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I take my family there every few months – the balloon rides and the musical fountain shows are lovely. But my only gripe is the parking situation on weekends. It becomes a nightmare. Also, the food stalls could be more hygienic. Still, kudos to the municipal corporation for maintaining it well overall. Let's hope they address these small issues to keep the numbers growing. 🎈
As someone who's lived in Ahmedabad for work the past two years, Kankaria is definitely a highlight. It's refreshing to see a public space that's actually meant for people, not just vehicles. The evening crowds are a great sign of community life. The Vibrant Gujarat angle makes sense – if every region can develop even one such anchor attraction, Gujarat's tourism potential is huge.
The numbers are impressive but I hope the focus on tourism doesn't come at the cost of the lake's ecological health. I've noticed some algal blooms near the edges recently. Also, the entry fees for the various attractions can add up for a middle-class family. Would be nice if AMC kept some areas free or subsidised. Still, it's miles better than most city lakes in India. 🌿
I live just 10 minutes from Kankaria and the buzz is real. The number of selfie-taking youngsters, families picnicking, and even elderly couples walking has increased massively. The local chai-wala near the Nagina Wadi gate told me his business has tripled since the redevelopment. That's the real impact – tourism lifting local livelihoods. Vibrant Gujarat should replicate this model in Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot too.
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