Previous Days

Gujarat Road Trip – Prologue

Gujarat Road Trip – Days 1-3

Day 4: 17th April 2023: Monday

Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram

Leaving our hotel after a satisfying buffet breakfast, we headed to Sabarmati Ashram by auto. Upon arrival, we were struck by the peacefulness of the place, with only a few visitors present. The ashram beautifully depicted the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi through captivating paintings and exhibits. We were particularly moved by the spinning wheel, symbolizing Gandhi’s commitment to self-sufficiency. Exploring the guest houses of Mira Behn, Manu, and Abha gave us insight into the lives of those who shared Gandhi’s ideals. We also couldn’t resist buying postcards with messages from Gandhiji himself, which my daughter happily sent to loved ones in Chennai and Bangalore.

Embracing history at the pristine entrance of Sabarmati Ashram.

Finding respite under the cool canopy of trees.

The Spinning wheel… Everywhere…

A glimpse into the historical ambiance of the freedom movement era.

Then: Resilient brick houses – amidst the dry vegetation

And today: Timeless houses nestled among lush greenery

Dandi March Route

The humble abode where greatness thrived

A glimpse into the simplicity of a great soul’s possessions.

Immersed in serenity, the tranquil Sabarmati waterfront.

Gordhan Tal\

Next on our itinerary was indulging in a sumptuous Gujarati Thali. Based on a friend’s recommendation, we visited Gordhan Tal, where we were treated to an unlimited spread of mouth-watering dishes like poori, roti, sabji, kadhi, chaats, dhoklas, salads, and more. My daughter was especially fascinated by the mango pulp, known as “aam ras,” and ended up having multiple servings, much to her delight. The attentive waiters gladly refilled her plate as they noticed her fondness for it. The food was served on elegant silver plates, adding to the traditional charm. While settling the bill, I couldn’t help but notice the pictures of Narendra Modi displayed in the restaurant, and the cashier mentioned that he frequents the place even as the Prime Minister.

Impeccable ambiance, a delightful dining experience at the restaurant.

And the food? Simply outstanding, surpassing the highest standards.

Pictures of prime minister everywhere

Ratanpur market

The Ratanpur market proved to be less appealing for my daughter and me, especially after our fulfilling meal. While Preethi immersed herself in various shopping delights, we found ourselves less enthused by the bustling atmosphere. Nonetheless, we made a practical decision to purchase caps to protect ourselves from the scorching sun for the rest of our trip.

Sabarmati Riverfront Flower Park

After a brief rest in our room, we embarked on our evening adventure to the Sabarmati waterfront. Our first stop was the mesmerizing flower park, adorned with a vibrant array of blossoms. However, we were disappointed to learn that SLRs were not allowed inside. Thankfully, I approached the park manager who reluctantly but kindly agreed to keep my camera safe until our return. While my daughter joyfully frolicked in the park, I couldn’t shake off the slight unease of being separated from my camera, hoping for its safekeeping.

Vibrant and pristine entrance to the riverfront park.

Lush greenery everywhere, a soothing treat for the eyes.

Captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the fountain, my daughter couldn’t resist getting immersed in its allure.

Enchanted by the vibrant water fountains, we were captivated by their dazzling colors.

A picture-perfect moment, capturing it for the wallpaper.

Prowling lions on the hunt, capturing their majestic grace.

Atal Bridge: A man-made marvel, a landmark structure that beckoned my camera.

Atal Bridge: When it lit up, it transformed into a breathtaking beauty.

Atal Bridge

Once I had my camera back in my possession, a wave of relief washed over me. It was a moment of realization, reminding me of the value of cherished possessions. With my camera securely in hand, we made our way to the iconic Atal Bridge. Unlike the tranquil places we had visited earlier, this bustling bridge was filled with a sea of people, each one eager to capture their own memories through countless selfies.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, we found a quiet corner on the bridge, away from the bustling crowd. As I stood there, the cityscape and the river flowing beneath us, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of these moments. The bridge became a metaphor for the transitions we experience in life, connecting different aspects and people together.

In that moment of contemplation, I was inspired to pick up my SLR camera and truly immerse myself. I captured the colors, the energy, and the essence of that lively scene, freezing those reflections of life in time.

A kaleidoscope of hues on the bridge’s path

A mesmerizing interplay of blue and red hues dancing on the water

The vibrant nightlife of the bustling city comes alive with dazzling lights

A mesmerizing display of light diffusion through a projector

Dazzling hues adorn the magnificent Atal Bridge

Following our exploration of the bridge, we made our way to the charming cafe nestled within the waterfront park for a delightful dinner. Excitedly, we ordered Dhoklas and chaat from one of the food joints, anticipating a mouthwatering experience. However, to our disappointment, the food fell short of our expectations, leaving us craving for more satisfying flavors which was fortunately the only exception during our entire trip.

After a fulfilling dinner, we returned to our cozy room, ready to recharge for the adventures that awaited us the next day. The anticipation grew as we prepared to bid farewell to the comforts of the city and embark on a journey to explore the charm of the smaller towns. With dreams of new experiences and discoveries in our minds, we peacefully drifted off to sleep, eager for what lay ahead.

Day 5: 18th April 2023: Tuesday

On the fifth day of our journey, we woke up early and quickly prepared ourselves after enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast. As per our routine, my daughter eagerly assisted with cleaning the car while Preethi took care of the checkout process at the hotel. Once everything was settled, we hit the road, bidding farewell to the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.

Ready to uncover the hidden gems of Gujarat, starting with the majestic Rani Ki Vav in Patan.

Our destination for the day was Patan, where we planned to visit the magnificent Raani Ki Vav, a step well, and the renowned Modhera Sun Temple. The route to Patan took us through picturesque smaller towns, treating us to natural beauty along the way. Although the road was generally smooth, the last 2 kilometers within Patan town presented some challenges. Despite the sweltering heat, we persevered and finally reached the parking lot near our desired destination.

Rani Ki Vav, Step Well, Patan

Upon entering the parking area, we were pleasantly surprised to find only a handful of cars. It was an unexpected sight, as there seemed to be hardly anyone around. To add to the excitement, we discovered that it was World Heritage Day, which meant free admission to these incredible heritage structures. What a remarkable coincidence! This was a date we had planned months in advance, and here we were, standing before these awe-inspiring landmarks on the very day dedicated to celebrating our rich heritage. It truly felt like a special and unforgettable moment.

We decided to hire a guide which proved to be invaluable. Their expertise and storytelling brought the intricate carvings and historical significance of the step well to life. With his guidance, we delved deeper into the remarkable artistry and architectural splendor, gaining a profound appreciation for this mesmerizing heritage site.

Finding shade under nature’s canopy on a scorching day

A green oasis leads to the magnificent step well entrance.

Standing in awe, we marveled at the whole structure from a vantage point at the top. As we looked down, the grandeur and complexity of the stepwell unfolded before our eyes.

Unveiling the artistic marvels, step by step.

Descending deeper into the architectural marvel, embracing its mesmerizing beauty.

The architectural marvel of Rani Ki Vav leaves one in awe. As we descended the steps, a world of intricate carvings unfolded before our eyes. The walls adorned with divine sculptures and mythical figures showcased the impeccable craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Each step seemed to reveal a new story, a testament to the rich cultural heritage. Intriguingly, we noticed an interesting feature – the interlocking of woods between the stones. It was fascinating to witness the innovative methods employed by the craftsmen of the past to create such intricate and lasting structures.

The interlocking of woods was a testament to their engineering brilliance.

The drawings of pillar prototypes on the walls. These drawings depicted the various designs and styles of pillars used in the construction of the stepwell.

As we explored the walls, we noticed the presence of exquisite Patola prints. These vibrant and carefully designed textiles adorned the walls, adding a touch of elegance and beauty to the surroundings. Patola is a traditional Gujarati textile art form known for its rich colors, geometric patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship. The presence of these prints showcased the cultural significance of Patola in the region.

Some more Patola Prints

One of the most captivating aspects was discovering a familiar sight from the Indian currency. As we admired the carvings and architectural marvels, we came across a depiction reminiscent of the 100 Rupee note. The image on the note showcased a section of Rani Ki Vav, capturing its grandeur and cultural significance. It was truly a surreal experience to witness the real-life counterpart of a well-known banknote, further emphasizing its historical and artistic importance.

Also, one can witness a captivating portrayal of Lord Vishnu across the three realms: Earth (Bhuloka), Heaven (Swargaloka), and the Netherworld (Patalaloka). The carvings and sculptures vividly depict the divine presence of Lord Vishnu in each realm, showcasing his various avatars and divine manifestations.

From the majestic and serene Vishnu reclining on Sheshnag in Bhuloka to the celestial abode of Vishnu surrounded by celestial beings in Swargaloka, and the fierce Varaha avatar rescuing Goddess Earth from the depths of Patalaloka, every detail intricately brings these mythological narratives to life. It is a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of the artists who created these timeless masterpieces, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the mythology and spirituality of ancient India.

After immersing ourselves in the marvels of step well, my daughter and I found delight in the simple joys of playing on the lush green grass. These carefree moments created memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Continuing our journey, we set our sights on Becharaji, our base for the next two days. With the desire to explore the vicinity of the Indo-Pak border, Nadabet, we carefully selected this location. The roads leading us from our previous stop, Rani Ki Vav, to Modhera, were in good condition, and the stretch from Modhera to Becharaji was nothing short of excellent.

Upon our arrival at the accommodation at Golden Oasis, we quickly settled in for lunch. The check-in process was seamless, allowing us to satiate our hunger pangs before heading to our room. The delectable food surpassed our expectations, and we were particularly impressed by the attentiveness of a young waiter who diligently attended to our needs. Despite the rooms being on the smaller side, they exuded a cozy atmosphere, providing us with a comfortable space to unwind and relax. The warm hospitality displayed by the staff at the in-house restaurant further enhanced our overall experience.

After a refreshing hour of rest, we started to the renowned Modhera Sun Temple, a mere 15-minute drive away. The temple premises boasted a spacious parking area and much to our delight, entry was free in celebration of World Heritage Day.

Modhera Sun Temple

At the mesmerizing Modhera Sun Temple, we engaged the services of a Hindi-speaking guide to unravel the architectural marvels. The visit began with the grand Ramakund, a rectangular step well adorned with 108 shrines dedicated to various gods and demigods. Ascending the steps, we entered the Sabha Mandap, where elegantly carved pillars depicted the twelve Adityas, symbolizing the twelve months. The main tower, adorned with 52 pillars arranged in a geometric pattern, represented the 52 weeks of the year. The mandapam was divided into seven sections, each representing a day of the week, while the base showcased 365 elephants, signifying the days in a year. Remarkably, amidst the 365 elephants, stood a lone lion, representing the concept of a leap year. Although the statue of the sun god has been lost in time, the temple still holds a mystic allure, especially during the equinox, when the sun’s rays illuminate its inner sanctum. As we marveled at the temple’s ingenious design, we couldn’t help but ponder the wisdom and knowledge possessed by those who built it nearly a thousand years ago.

Immersed in lush greenery, a tranquil path unfolds, leading to the majestic Sun Temple.

A mesmerizing greenery leads to the main sanctum

An enchanting panorama: The grandeur of the main structures and the captivating step well in one breathtaking view.

Zooming in on the panorama: Exquisite details and the elegant craftsmanship of the main structures and the mesmerizing step well

Flawless structures standing tall: Capturing the grandeur and architectural splendor of the main buildings in all their glory.

A divine symphony of shrines, the step well at Modhera Sun Temple with stunning details. Three main shrines at the Kund – Ganesh, Vishnu, and Lord Shiva in his dynamic form, performing the cosmic dance of ‘tandav’.

An enthralling step well, surrounded by a captivating backdrop and adorned with serene waters in the foreground.

Lost in time, one can sit here and marvel at the intricate beauty, oblivious to the passage of time.

The inverted lotus motifs gracefully adorn the entire structure.

365 majestic elephants standing guard, representing each day of the year, adorning the structure with their regal presence.

A stunning depiction of a water birth, carved a thousand years ago, captivating our imagination and sparking conversations even in the 21st century.

Radiant divinity: A mesmerizing depiction of the Sun God, with exactly seven representations symbolizing the seven days of the week.

In majestic motion: The magnificent chariot of the Sun God, propelled by a powerful team of seven horses.

In the absence of the deity, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman stands strong, a testament to unwavering faith even in challenging times.

After immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sun Temple, we were initially tempted to stay for the much-anticipated sound and light show. However, as we looked around, we realized that we were among only a handful of visitors, and the deserted ambiance raised concerns about safety. Prioritizing our well-being, we made the decision to head back to the hotel.

En route, we came across a captivating sight—the famous Narmada Canal stretching as far as the eye could see. Its tranquil waters shimmered under the golden hues of the setting sun, creating a mesmerizing reflection.

As we continued our journey, we eagerly searched for the renowned Tropic of Cancer board, an iconic landmark in this region. However, to our disappointment, it appeared to have been temporarily removed, possibly for ongoing construction activities.

Returning to our comfortable hotel, we had our dinner and replenished our energy. The cozy ambiance of the hotel room provided the perfect sanctuary for a restful night’s sleep, preparing us for the exciting and most coveted journey that awaited us on the following day.