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Gujarat Road Trip – Prologue

Gujarat Road Trip – Days 1-3

Gujarat Road Trip – Days 4 and 5

Day 6: 19th April 2023: Wednesday: A Journey to the Indo-Pak Border: The Most Anticipated Adventure

Today was the day we had been eagerly waiting for since the inception of our trip. Our destination, the world’s most coveted and protected border, remote and distant, lay approximately 150 kilometers away from Becharaji, our chosen stay, which served as the base for this exciting expedition.

If it hadn’t been for Preethi’s unwavering support, my ambitious plan to visit this place might have been immediately dismissed. And rightfully so! The journey entailed a night drive, something we usually avoid during our long trips. It meant navigating through the remotest areas of Gujarat, with the entire return journey post 6:30 PM, potentially reaching our stay at 10 PM. It was an adventure filled with excitement and trepidation, knowing we were embarking on an unforgettable experience at the border’s edge.

After a hearty breakfast, we set out on our journey to the Indo-Pak border. The initial 10 kilometers proved challenging as the roads were under construction, lacking street lights and signs of life. The thought of returning on the same stretch in the darkness later in the night was a concern that lingered in the back of my mind. However, the allure of the destination ahead kept my spirits high.

Seeking Solace in the Water: Birds Finding Respite from the Heat.

Birds Rising from the Serene Waters.

My Loyal Companion on the Journey.

Closer to the Frontier Than Ever Before.

The Thrilling Approach to Nadabet Base: A Step Closer to the Border

With each passing mile, our excitement reached new heights. As we entered the Nadabet base, we were greeted by a vast parking space, a sign that we were drawing closer to our much-anticipated destination. However, we still had 25 kilometers to go before reaching the actual border.

To access the border, we purchased our tickets online from the Nadabet website. Upon arrival at the administrative building, we presented our tickets and ID cards. The staff was delighted to see my child’s excitement, and the check-in process was swift. Each of us received a unique wrist tag with an individual ID, making us feel like special guests for this extraordinary journey.

A helpful staff member guided us through the layout of the place and directed us to the designated bus boarding point. With eager hearts, we were to ready board the bus, for the 25-kilometer adventure that would take us closer to the border’s edge, the very own T junction. Before boarding the bus, I was asked to register my car in their system, ensuring a smooth and organized experience throughout the visit.

An Unexpected Honor: Driving to the Border

As I went to register my car with the staff, little did I know that this simple action would lead to an extraordinary experience. As soon as I mentioned I was from Bangalore and had driven all the way to reach there, their excitement knew no bounds. They couldn’t believe they had a guest who had driven 2000 kms to visit the border.

His enthusiasm grew even more when he saw my daughter joyfully jumping around. The staff offered me an unforgettable opportunity – to drive the last 25 kilometers to the most protected border in the world. Goosebumps ran down my spine, and I could hardly believe what I was hearing. How could I say no to such a rare and thrilling chance? Do I need a second invitation? The answer was a resounding “Yes!” I would drive down myself. The excitement and thrill of the journey were too irresistible to let go.

The staff introduced me to their senior officer, distinguished army personnel, who shared the same excitement about our journey. He meticulously noted our vehicle details and granted us a special vehicle permission slip. He wished us luck and encouraged us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

My heart was pounding with excitement as I rushed to my car, ready to embark on the much-anticipated 25-kilometer stretch. Even the mighty bull, my car, seemed to share in the excitement. With the army staff guiding us, we drove out of the base and onto the path that would lead us to the highly guarded and cherished destination – the Indo-Pak border.

Would I ask for payment to enjoy the sweetness of a sugarcane? The entire topography of the area.

As I ventured on the 25 km stretch, driving became an exhilarating experience that stretched an entire hour. Each mile held irresistible beauty, urging me to halt and capture countless moments with my camera. The vast salt lakes adorned the landscape, adding a touch of magic to the journey. But the true delight was yet to come – reaching the Indo-Pak border. My excitement soared to unprecedented heights. This is what drives my passion for exploration, reminding me once again why I live for moments like these – to discover the world.

Stepping into historic realms

Following the arrow straight road to the T junction

Enchanting exhibits along the way

The mighty bull on an unforgettable journey

Amidst the Salt lakes on either side

A panoramic shot

Unstoppable clicks: Capturing the car amidst this breathtaking landscape.

Scorching heat: No thoughts of climbing the numerous viewing galleries.

Wild asses thriving in this unforgiving landscape.

A solitary bird braving the vast expanse.

Graceful takeoff in the boundless wilderness.

Vast salt lake stretching to the horizon.

Standing at the border, feeling the weight of the entire nation behind us.

At the T junction, a perfect portrait of the car marks the milestone of our epic journey.

Truly a surreal moment frozen in time.

Just a stone’s throw away from history.

Near the border – Google Maps marked our journey’s milestone.

A proud moment: Witnessing the flag fluttering amid the strong winds.

960 Main Border Post

A vast parking space, the mighty bull stands alone, unfazed by its solitude.

Ascending the viewing gallery, we experienced the harsh environment; a heartfelt salute to the soldiers stationed here.

With our hearts filled with pride and memories etched in our minds, we started the journey back, cherishing the moments we spent just a stone’s throw away from Pakistan. Relishing our packed lunch, curd rice, right at the border area, we savored every bite symbolically. The return journey of 25 kms felt swift as we relived the precious moments in silence. Back at the final check post, we bid adieu to the most coveted and protected border in the world, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable memories.

Nadeshwar temple

After our exhilarating visit to the Indo-Pak border, we made a stop at the Nadeshwar temple in Nadabet. This temple, built and run by the BSF, holds immense significance for the personnel stationed there. It was a moment of reverence and gratitude as we offered our prayers, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of the brave souls guarding the border.

Stepping into serenity – Nadeshwar temple awaits.

Spiritual solace amidst sacred and harshest surroundings.

At the food court, we indulged in average quality snacks. Next, we decided to do a bit of shopping and came across camouflaged dresses for my daughter, which she adored. This unique souvenir would always remind us of our extraordinary journey near the Indo-Pak border.

We continued our exploration at Nadabet by visiting the art gallery and museum. The art gallery impressed us with its remarkable creations crafted by the talented BSF artists, showcasing their creative prowess beyond their duty. Eager to delve deeper into the stories of courage, we entered the museum that displayed the challenging terrains and conditions where our brave jawans selflessly serve and protect our borders, leaving us in awe of their unwavering dedication and bravery.

Talent and creativity on display: Artwork by dedicated BSF jawans.

Dedication in extreme conditions: Jawans serving in the harsh deserts of Rajasthan.

Unyielding spirit: Jawans serving at Siachen, conquering Himalayan heights with Everest-like passion.

Sentinels in the Wilderness: Jawans braving the forests of North East.

As the scorching sun began to relent in the late afternoon, my daughter found solace in a basic indoor play area, where she could enjoy herself despite the heat. However, with the anticipation building, we eagerly awaited the highlight of the day – the flag retreat ceremony at 5 PM. Though on a smaller scale compared to the grandeur of the Attari-Wagah border, it still stirred patriotic feelings within us. Witnessing the parades and hearing the national anthem being sung filled us with immense pride and a sense of unity. It was a heartwarming moment that left an everlasting impression on my daughter, making her truly proud.

Grand Parade Theatres: Where Patriotism Takes Center Stage.

A Majestic Farewell: The Tricolour Descends Amidst Mesmerizing National Anthem.

With the curtains drawn on an eventful day, the journey back home awaited us, spanning 150 kilometers through the secluded villages of Gujarat. As we reminisced about the day’s incredible expedition, my daughter’s concerns about the late-night drive lingered in the background. To ease our minds, we immersed ourselves in heartfelt conversations while the soulful tunes of Illayaraja’s music played in the background, providing us with the perfect company. From the nostalgic melodies of “Thendral Vandhu” to the soul-stirring “Thenmadurai” and the ever-green “Kodaikala Kaatre,” the enchanting music accompanied us on our return to our stay in Becharaji, where we arrived past 9 PM.

It was a moment I had dreamt of as a child – traveling to the world’s most coveted border in our own car, accompanied by my beloved family, and returning to the comfort of our stay with the melodies of Illayaraja filling the air. A truly scintillating experience that etched an unforgettable memory in our hearts.