Road Trip Across 3 States

It’s that time of year again—when the three of us (my wife Vidya, our son Devansh, and I) load up the car and set off on our annual anniversary road trip.

This year, we hit the 13-year milestone in our marriage, and just like the past couple of years, we decided to celebrate it with a spiritual escape. Our destination? The sacred city of Ujjain—aka “Mahakal Ki Nagri.”

If you haven’t been, Ujjain is an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, right on the banks of the River Kshipra. It’s best known for the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which sits right at the heart of the city. According to legend, Ujjain is one of four holy spots where drops of amrita—the nectar of immortality—fell during the Samudra Manthan (the cosmic churning of the ocean). Pretty mystical, right?

We planned a nine-day road trip that took us through three states, with stops in Gujarat, Ujjain, Indore, Omkareshwar, and Nashik before heading back home to Mumbai. It was the perfect blend of spiritual energy, beautiful drives, and delicious food.

As always, we didn’t leave anything to chance. We started prepping about a month in advance—gave our travel wardrobes a little refresh, packed up a solid stash of snacks (because what’s a road trip without them?), and booked all our stays ahead of time. No last-minute chaos for us!

Day 1: Mumbai to Pavagad

We kicked off our road trip bright and early—5:30 AM sharp! First stop: the Mahakali Mata Temple in Pavagadh, Gujarat. Funny thing is, this temple wasn’t even part of the original plan. But since Vidya missed it during our Gujarat Road Trip last year, we figured—why not? It was just a little detour on the way to Ujjain anyway.

The drive was around 444 km—about 8.5 hours on paper, but we made good time and did it in closer to 7.5 (not counting breaks). The Maharashtra stretch of NH 48 definitely tested our patience—potholes, patchy repairs, the works. But the second we crossed into Gujarat? Smooth sailing. Wide, buttery roads that made the drive a joy. My car was loving it.

We stopped at Hotel Ahura for breakfast—a no-fuss, old-school joint known for its hearty meals and in-house bakery. It's a hot spot for bikers doing breakfast rides, though thanks to the 40°C heat, it was pretty quiet that morning.

We kicked things off with the classic bun maska and chai—simple, nostalgic, and just perfect. Then came the main spread: dosa for Devansh (his go-to), idli vada for me, and misal pav for Vidya. Quick, satisfying, and we were back on the road in about half an hour.

Devansh kept us entertained the whole way with his nonstop chatter (he’s basically our onboard playlist). Even with the sun blazing and the temps soaring, our mood stayed high as we pulled into Pavagadh.

The Mahakali Mata Temple sits atop Pavagadh Hill in the Panchmahal District, and it’s a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the fierce forms of the goddess—Durga and Chandi. Inside, there’s a sacred Kali Yantra that dates back to the 10th or 11th century, and three idols: Mahakali Mata in the center, flanked by Kali and Bahucharamata. The energy there is something else.

Luckily, it wasn’t too crowded. We’d booked cable car tickets in advance (highly recommend doing this!), so we skipped the lines and hopped right onto the Udan Khatola—a fully enclosed cable car that takes you most of the way up. With the heat, that was a lifesaver.

Here's the link to book your tickets for Udan Khatola.

The temple itself has had a major facelift recently—it was renovated in April 2022 and inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The makeover really shows. The complex now has upgraded facilities and feels both modern and respectful of its historic roots. Clean, accessible, and beautifully done.

After spending some peaceful time there, we checked in at Asopalav Inn for the night. It was meant to be a simple stopover, but honestly, it exceeded expectations—spacious rooms, good food, and everything was clean and comfortable. We had an early dinner around 7 PM and called it a night by 9—ready to hit the road again the next morning.

Day 2: Pavagad to Ujjain

This was the day we’d been waiting for—Ujjain! The main highlight of our trip, and a place that had been on our minds for over a year.

We were up and moving by 5 AM, buzzing with excitement. By 5:45, we were packed and ready to roll. I went to fetch the car from the parking lot outside the hotel—only to find the main gate locked. Not totally unexpected, considering it was a quiet area and the hotel was pretty small.

I gently woke up the guy at the front desk, and to his credit, he got up right away, unlocked the gate, and even helped us load our bags into the car. He offered us a cup of tea before we left—such a kind gesture—but we politely declined since we wanted to get on the road while it was still cool.

By 6 AM, we were cruising down NH 47 toward Ujjain—311 kilometers ahead, with about six hours of driving to go. The roads were mostly in great shape, with just a few bumpy patches here and there. Overall, it was a smooth and scenic ride. We stopped once for a quick roadside breakfast and chai, then continued on.

We rolled into Hotel Govindam around 1 PM. It’s a comfy 3-star hotel, but more importantly—it had basement parking! (Yes, I’m one of those people who gets way too excited about safe parking.) The room was spacious, clean, and the staff were warm and welcoming. Bonus: it’s just a short walk to the temple.

The only minor downside was that the hotel didn’t have its own restaurant. But no big deal—Zomato and Swiggy to the rescue!

Once we checked in, hunger kicked in fast. We ordered lunch right away, scarfed it down, and planned to rest "just a little." That turned into a glorious two-hour nap—no regrets whatsoever. After the early start and long drive, we definitely needed the rest.

Mahakal Lok: A Spiritual Walk

Around 4 PM, we were up, recharged, and ready to head out to explore Mahakal Lok—the newly developed spiritual corridor that surrounds the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

And let me tell you: Mahakal Lok is next-level.

It’s not just a walkway—it’s an experience. The whole stretch is about a kilometer long and feels like a massive open-air museum dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mythology, art, culture—it all comes together in this serene and beautifully designed space.

We started our walk at the majestic Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar, two towering gateways with intricate carvings. Nandi Dwar, of course, is inspired by Lord Shiva’s loyal bull, while Pinaki Dwar is named after Shiva’s bow. The craftsmanship on both is seriously impressive.

Further in, we walked past 108 sandstone columns, each topped with a trident and adorned with symbolic hand gestures (mudras) of Shiva. Along the path, there are 192 statues and 53 murals—all telling stories from mythology in the most vivid and stunning way.

But the real magic kicked in at sunset.

As the sky turned golden, the whole corridor lit up with soft, ambient lighting that made the sculptures glow. The atmosphere was calm, almost dreamlike. Gentle chanting played in the background, and you could actually feel the spiritual energy in the air. We sat down for a while, just taking it all in—it was one of those rare moments where everything feels perfectly still.

After that peaceful walk, we grabbed a quick snack from a nearby street vendor (local food is always a win) and made our way back to the hotel. We freshened up, ordered dinner, and settled in for a cozy movie night. Nothing too late, though—we had an early morning adventure coming up.

Day 3: Temple Hopping and a Divine Surprise

Another early start—by now it was becoming a rhythm. We were up by 5:30 AM and out the door by 6, heading straight to the heart of Ujjain: the sacred Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple.

We opted for the Sheeghra Darshan (Express Darshan) to save time and avoid the longer queues. You pay a little extra, and you’re slotted into the third row—close enough for a decent view, though trust me, the crowd still flows like a river.

Here’s the link if you want to book your own Sheeghra Darshan tickets.

Even with the express line, the temple was packed. We managed a brief but powerful darshan of the Shree Mahakaleshwar Lingam—it was very much a blink-and-you-miss-it moment. The security team was doing their job, keeping the line moving, which meant no lingering.

Once we stepped out, we finally had time to breathe, grab a few photos, and just take in the morning light. I casually dropped a few pics on my old-school WhatsApp group—just your usual “good vibes from Mahakal” update. And that’s when things took an unexpected turn.

One of my friends from the group, Savin, messaged me almost instantly. Turns out, he had a contact in Ujjan who could help us with a VIP darshan. I didn’t even hesitate—of course I said yes. Within 20 minutes, I got a call from someone on the temple staff asking us to meet him at a specific gate.

Sure enough, we reached and were swiftly escorted straight into the VIP queue—right behind the sacred Nandi.

And wow—what a difference.

This time, we weren’t rushed. We had space to stand, breathe, and actually absorb the divine presence of the Mahakaleshwar Lingam. It was peaceful, grounding, and honestly a little overwhelming (in the best way). A truly special moment we’ll never forget.

Huge shoutout to Savin—love you, brother!

That VIP darshan wouldn’t have happened without you. Still can’t believe how quickly you made it happen. You turned what was already a special day into an unforgettable one. Forever grateful.

Next Stop: Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple.

Now, if you’ve been to Mahakal, it’s tradition to visit Kaal Bhairav Temple right after. So off we went—a quick 20-minute drive later, and we were at this fiercely energetic spot along the banks of the Shipra River.

This temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Ujjain, and the energy here is raw, intense, and powerful. It’s one of the most visited temples in the city and constantly buzzing with devotees.

One of the most unique aspects? Devotees traditionally offer liquor to the deity. Yep—bottles of whiskey, rum, and the like. While the practice is still respected, recent government restrictions have limited alcohol sales around the temple, so you’ll need to bring your own if you plan to make that offering.

Even without that element, the temple’s vibe is unlike any other. You can feel the energy—like the air is just charged.

More Temples, More Blessings

After Kaal Bhairav, we made a short hop—just 7 minutes down the road—to Jai Maa Gadkalika Mata Mandir.

This temple is ancient. We’re talking possibly Mahabharata-era ancient. It’s dedicated to Goddess Kalika (Kali) and believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas—specifically, where the upper lip of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen.

Legends aside, the moment you step in, you feel the power of the place. It’s humble and old-school, but filled with quiet strength. A truly sacred spot.

Back at the hotel, we ordered lunch (thank you again, Zomato/Swiggy!) and took a well-deserved rest before heading out again in the evening.

Our final visit of the day was to the Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple—another jewel in Ujjain’s spiritual crown.

Legend has it that King Vikramaditya built this temple to honor the goddess, and it’s also believed to be where Goddess Sati’s elbow fell—another powerful Shakti Peeth.

The temple’s architecture is beautiful, with subtle Maratha influences, but the showstoppers are the two towering deep-stambhs (lamp pillars) flanking the entrance. Each one holds 726 lamps. And when they’re all lit—especially during Navratri—it’s pure magic. Even without the lamps glowing, the place radiates devotion and grace.

We ended the day with some street food near the temple—crispy snacks, spicy chaats, and sweet jalebis. The perfect wrap to a day full of divine moments.

Back at the hotel, we called it an early night. We had very early plans the next morning, and if you’ve been following along so far, you know we don’t hit snooze on spiritual adventures.

Day 4: The Divine Bhasma Aarti & Onward to Indore

This day started way earlier than most—technically, the previous night. We woke up at midnight (yep, 12 AM!) to get ready for the most anticipated moment of our entire trip: the Bhasma Aarti at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple.

We had made advance bookings for the 4 AM Aarti, but even with that, you have to be there hours in advance to get a decent spot. We reached the temple by 1 AM, only to find a massive crowd already ahead of us—easily more than a hundred people! The dedication of the devotees here is truly next level.

With so many people in front, we knew our chances of getting a direct view of the sacred Lingam during the Aarti were slim. Still, the temple authorities have done a great job making sure everyone gets a glimpse—there’s a huge LED screen inside that gives a live feed of the Bhasma Aarti, so no one misses out completely.

Managing such a huge crowd is no easy task, but I’ve got to hand it to the temple authorities—they’ve done a fantastic job. Everything was super organized. From queue management to security, everything ran like clockwork. There were proper arrangements to make sure everyone moved in a disciplined manner, and the staff was really helpful throughout.

Phones aren’t allowed inside the temple during the Bhasma Aarti, which makes sense. But they’ve made that part smooth too—with a locker system that works seamlessly thanks to a well-managed ticketing process. The waiting halls are massive, well-ventilated, and equipped with enough fans to keep everyone comfortable. Plus, you’ll find washrooms and water dispensers at every corner—which honestly, was a big relief considering the long wait.

Eventually, we made it into the main hall where the Aarti takes place. As expected, we couldn’t get a direct view of the lingam from our spot, but the vibe in there was electric. Even just being in that sacred space, listening to the chants and watching the Aarti on the big screen, gave us goosebumps. The energy, the devotion, the sheer spiritual power of the place—it was something we won’t forget.

Towards the end of the Aarti, there’s this one moment that completely takes your breath away—when they switch off all the lights in the main temple. The only light comes from the aarti's diyas, casting a soft, golden glow on the Mahakaleshwar Lingam. It’s honestly unreal.

You can’t really put it into words. It gives you goosebumps. You don’t just see it—you feel it. The energy in that space shifts. It’s like time slows down, and for those few moments, it’s just you and Mahadev. The power, the peace, the presence... it surrounds you.

That single moment made every bit of effort, the long wait, the early wake-up, totally worth it.

Here's the link to book your tickets for Bhasma Aarti.

With blessings from Mahadev in our hearts, we stepped out of the temple feeling lighter, calmer, and truly grateful. First things first—we collected our phones from the locker (which again, was super well-managed), and of course, it was time for some pictures! After all, you can’t come out of such a divine experience and not try to capture a bit of that magic—even if just for the memories.

It was around 8 AM by the time we stepped out, and after soaking in the divine vibes, we headed to a local street food stall for a quick breakfast. You just have to try the iconic Ujjain poha, and we couldn’t resist adding some Maggi and a cup of strong chai to the mix. Simple, flavorful, and exactly what we needed after that surreal morning.

Once our tummies were happy, it was time to head back to the hotel for a quick nap—we were running on very little sleep and still had a drive to Indore planned by noon.

The Short Drive to Indore

We hit the road around 12 PM and reached our hotel in Indore—Hotel The Grand—by 1:45 PM. A decent 3-star stay with clean rooms, nice ambience, and just a few minutes from the railway station. As soon as we checked in, we made a beeline to the in-house restaurant because Devansh couldn’t wait another second. And to be honest, neither could we.

The food? Surprisingly awesome! We started with some crispy potli momos that were an absolute hit. Devansh spotted something called Smiley Paneer on the menu and had to try it—it turned out to be as fun and tasty as it sounds! Vidya and I went for a rich mixed kofta sabzi paired with naan. And to wrap it all up, they served us some silky-smooth shrikhand that just melted in the mouth.

Exploring Indore (Kind of)

Post lunch, it was back to the room to catch up on sleep again. By 5 PM, we were up and ready to explore the city. First stop: Rajwada Palace. Sounds great, right? Well, driving there in our car wasn’t the best idea. Indore is densely populated, and with ongoing road construction, finding a parking spot was nearly impossible. After circling around and getting a bit frustrated, we decided to head to the next spot: Shree Bada Ganpati Mandir.

This temple is known for its massive Ganesha idol, and there are quite a few legends around its origin. One says it was inspired by a vision a devotee had in a dream, while another attributes it to Ahilyabai Holkar back in 1775. Either way, it’s a serene place and worth a visit.

With my mind still half-worried about the car, we decided to return to the hotel, park it safely, and switch to an auto rickshaw—a much smarter move in a city like this. Since Rajwada Palace had closed for the day, we redirected ourselves to Chappan Dukan Street (also known as 56 Dukan). This buzzing food street in Palasia is a must-visit. Packed with 56 eateries crammed into a 200-meter stretch, it’s paradise for foodies.

We grabbed a few quick bites, soaked in the lively evening vibe, and called it a night.

As we settled back into our hotel for the night, it hit us how full the day had been—from the surreal Bhasma Aarti in the early hours to the chaotic-but-delicious charm of Indore’s food streets. The spiritual high, the road trip rhythm, the unexpected turns—it all blended into something truly unforgettable. And as always, Devansh's energy kept us smiling through it all. With hearts (and bellies) full, we drifted off to sleep, excited for whatever Day 5 would bring.

Day 5: Indore to Omkareshvar

We decided to ease into the day since it wasn’t going to be a long drive. Waking up around 8 AM, we had a leisurely start—by 9:30 AM, we were checked out and on the road towards Omkareshwar. And here’s the first sweet surprise of the day: while we were still in dreamland, the hotel staff had washed our car! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and honestly, they did a fantastic job—the car looked like it had just rolled out of the showroom, making it the perfect start to the day.

Since the hotel restaurant wasn’t open yet, we grabbed breakfast at a local street-side outlet. There’s something about a simple desi breakfast that can’t be beaten—poha, samosas, and Devansh’s favorite, dosa. We topped it off with a strong chai, poured into our travel sipper to sip on the go.

The Drive to Omkareshwar

The drive was smooth and relaxed, with barely any traffic. We covered 80 kilometers in just under 2.5 hours, reaching Omkareshwar by noon. Our stay for the night was at Hotel Mansarovar. It wasn’t a luxury hotel, but it ticked all the boxes: clean, spacious rooms (two queen-sized beds—talk about comfort!), decent food, and, of course, ample parking. Devansh was absolutely thrilled to have an entire bed to himself, so you can imagine the peace and quiet we enjoyed.

The scorching afternoon heat gave us a good reason to rest up. The hotel staff kindly advised us to visit the temple in the evening, as it wouldn’t be too crowded on a weekday. They were right.

Omkareshwar Darshan

After a delicious lunch and a much-needed nap, we woke up by 4 PM and headed out for Omkareshwar Temple around 5 PM. The temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is situated on the sacred Mandhata Island in the Narmada River. Fun fact: the island’s shape resembles the Devanagari symbol for "ॐ" (Om)—an incredibly beautiful coincidence for a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

We decided to walk across the bridge to the island rather than take a vehicle. By then, the weather had started to cool down, making the walk peaceful and serene. Upon entering the temple, we were amazed to find no crowd at all—just a sense of calm that made the experience even more sacred. The darshan of the Omkareshwar Lingam was absolutely surreal. The spiritual energy in that space was so palpable that even Devansh, who’s usually bouncing around, sat quietly, chanting his prayers in his own sweet way.

Boat Ride & Mamleshwar Temple

Next up was the boat ride—a must-do in Omkareshwar, not just for the scenic views, but for the entire vibe. The boat gently circled the OM-shaped mountain, offering us breathtaking views of old temples and scenic ghats, before docking us near the Omkareshwar Mandir Viewpoint at Gomukh.

From there, we took a short walk to Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Amreshwar. This temple, which sits on the southern bank of the river, is steeped in history. Its stunning architecture, with Mahimna Stotras etched on its walls dating back to 1063 AD, is something to behold. The temple is also said to have been a regular worship spot for Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar herself. Once again, we were lucky—there was no rush, and we could peacefully complete our darshan.

Winding Down the Day

By 7 PM, we picked up a few quick snacks from the street vendors outside and headed back to the hotel. Omkareshwar is quiet, serene, and deeply spiritual, but beyond the temples, there isn’t much else to do. The peaceful ambiance made it the perfect place to wind down.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing in our room, unwinding with a movie, and calling it an early night. Tomorrow was going to be the longest drive of the trip, and we wanted to make sure we were well-rested for the journey ahead.

Day 6: Omkareshwar to Nashik — A Long Drive & a Vineyard Welcome

This was set to be the longest drive of our journey—nearly 430 kilometers, with an expected travel time of around 9 hours to reach our next stop: Soma Vine Village in Nashik. Determined to make the most of the day, we were up and on the road by 6:00 AM, long before the town had even stirred.

Most local eateries in Omkareshwar were still closed at that hour, so we decided to grab breakfast on the way. The route took us through the rural borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, where the roads were a mixed bag—some silky-smooth, others a bit patchy, especially through the smaller villages.

About an hour in, we stopped at a modest roadside eatery. Unsurprisingly, poha was on the menu again—it had become the unofficial breakfast of this road trip. A quick 20-minute break, and we were cruising again.

Roadside Laughter & Long Stretches

After a good bout of early morning chatter, Devansh suddenly went quiet. Curious, I asked, “What happened, buddy? Why so silent?”

His reply was gold: “Baba, how can I keep talking all the time?”

Vidya and I cracked up—trust him to deliver these pearls of wisdom when you least expect it.

We managed a solid 4-hour drive stretch without stopping—the longest we’d gone in one shot so far. By around 12:30 PM, hunger had kicked in again just as we were approaching Nashik. Soma Vine Village was still another 1.5 hours away on the city’s far edge, so we stopped at a roadside restaurant for a proper lunch.

After days of being good vegetarians, we gave in to our cravings. A chicken biryani and a spicy non-veg thali later, we were fueled and ready for the final leg of the day—and maybe, even a little celebration.

The Swimming Costume Saga

Now, Devansh has a standing rule when it comes to booking hotels: “Does it have a swimming pool?”

Of course, Soma Vine Village does. But in a rare slip-up, he forgot to pack his swimming costume.

Cue detour: a pitstop at Decathlon, which added about 30 extra minutes of drive time and another 20 for costume shopping. Fortunately, we were well-fed and in no hurry. And with the mission accomplished, we finally made it to Soma Vine Village around 3:00 PM.

Arrival at Soma Vine Village

Nestled along the peaceful backwaters of the Gangapur Dam and framed by the lush Sahyadri hills, Soma is one of Nashik’s finest vineyard resorts. The moment we stepped in, we could feel the shift—the serenity, the landscape, the quiet luxury.

We had booked a Luxurious Deluxe Room with a poolside view, which also looked out onto the sprawling vineyards and the gentle flow of the Godavari River. It was breathtaking.

Evening at Soma Vine Village: Rest, Wine & Water Fun

We had two religious spots left on our itinerary, but the vibe at Soma whispered just one word: Relax. So we listened. We lounged in our room, caught up on some TV, and treated ourselves to a long, overdue nap.

Well… all of us except Devansh. The moment he saw the pool, he turned into a tiny tornado of excitement. Sleep? Not a chance. He kept checking the time, asking, “Can I go now?” every ten minutes.

With the sun finally softening by 5 PM and temperatures dropping below the unforgiving 40°C mark, I gave in. Off we went to the pool—and it was just what we needed. Cool, refreshing, and the perfect way to wash off the road fatigue.

Vineyard Views, Drinks & Dinner

After the swim, I took a quiet walk around the resort, camera in hand. It’s hard to resist snapping photos when you’re surrounded by sunlit vineyards, reflective water, and that warm golden-hour glow.

As evening rolled in, so did the food and drinks. After all, how could we be at a vineyard and not indulge? Vidya opted for a bottle of Soma’s in-house wine, while I stuck to my old, loyal companion—beer.

The food? Absolutely on point. Rather than browsing the menu, I asked the staff for their recommendations—and I’m so glad I did.

We ended up with a plate of crispy chicken lollipops (Devansh's ultimate favorite), a non-veg platter loaded with flavor, and some classic chicken fried rice to balance it all out.

With full bellies, a splash of wine, and the peaceful hum of the vineyards outside, we called it a night. It was the perfect close to a day that began with relentless driving and ended with the quiet joy of good food, great company, and a place that truly felt like a retreat.

Day 7: Trimbakeshwar Darshan & Leisure in Nashik

After a restful night, I was up again at 6 AM—finally ready to return to something I’d been missing: a quiet morning walk. The air was cool, the sky gently lit, and the 4-kilometer stroll around the vineyard property was just what I needed to reset. The peaceful setting offered the perfect opportunity to brush up on my photography skills, capturing the lush vines bathed in golden morning light.

Afterwards, we tucked into a hearty breakfast at the resort’s restaurant—fresh, simple, and satisfying, and included in our stay. With that, we were ready to step back into exploration mode.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Darshan

Our first stop of the day was the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at the source of the Godavari River, this temple is unique—the lingam features three faces, symbolizing the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The current temple was built in the mid-18th century during the rule of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, replacing an older, more ancient shrine. Architecturally, the temple is steeped in symbolism—four entrance gates representing different spiritual paths: East (beginning), West (maturity), South (fulfillment), and North (revelation).

Despite being a popular pilgrimage site, the crowd was manageable. We were lucky to complete our darshan in just 45 minutes. While Vidya and I had visited before, it was Devansh’s first time, and he was full of curiosity—taking in the details and lingering longer inside, seemingly moved by the temple’s energy.

Muktidham Temple: A Peaceful Surprise

Our next stop was Muktidham Temple, a striking white marble complex located in Nashik Road. Built in 1971 by local industrialist J.D. Chauhan-Bytco, the temple is remarkable for housing replicas of all 12 Jyotirlingas—precisely measured and sanctified at the original sites.

Muktidham isn’t just about the Jyotirlingas. It also features

• A Sri Krishna temple, its walls adorned with vivid murals from Krishna’s life and the Mahabharata, painted by artist Raghubir Mulgaonkar.

• The entire Bhagavad Gita, all 18 chapters, meticulously engraved on the walls.

• Statues of major Hindu deities, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.

• A dharamshala capable of hosting up to 200 pilgrims.

To our pleasant surprise, we were the only visitors at the time. The serenity of the place allowed us to explore every corner at our own pace—an unexpected but welcome moment of calm. A chilled lemon juice from a nearby vendor gave us the refresh we didn’t know we needed.

By now, hunger had returned, and we headed to Red Chillis Restaurant for lunch. We kept it simple—a well-spiced chicken biryani, which disappeared from our plates in record time.

Evening Routine: Pool Time & Vineyard Vibes

Back at the hotel, we eased into our now-familiar evening rhythm. A bit of rest, a light movie, and—of course—Devansh lobbying for more swimming time. This time, I took a breather while Vidya accompanied him to the pool at around 5 PM.

As the sun dipped behind the Sahyadris, the vineyard took on a golden hue. We returned to our patio for a slow and indulgent evening—drinks in hand, feet up, and laughter flowing.

• Vidya stayed loyal to her newly discovered favorite wine from Soma.

• I decided to switch things up with a smooth glass of whiskey.

• Dinner, again, was from the hotel’s in-house restaurant—delicious and comforting.

We wrapped up the day with quiet contentment—soulful darshans in the morning, family fun in the evening, and yet another reminder of why travel isn’t just about destinations—it’s about these little in-between moments.

Day 8: Do Nothing and Celebrate Everything – Our Anniversary at Soma

After a week of temples, long drives, and new experiences, Day 8 was designed to be a pause—a day to breathe, recharge, and most importantly, celebrate our anniversary.

And honestly? Doing nothing never felt so right.

Morning Bliss & Vineyard Walks

As usual, I was up by 6 AM, camera in hand, soaking in the quiet beauty of the vineyard one last time. The morning mist, the gentle sunlight filtering through the vines—it was serene and almost meditative.

Soon after, Vidya and Devansh joined me for a leisurely stroll around the resort. We followed it with a slow and indulgent breakfast, played a few quick indoor games as a family, and simply enjoyed being together—no clocks, no plans.

Wine Tour & Tasting – A Perfect Pairing

Later in the day, we took advantage of the complimentary wine tour and tasting experience that came with our stay.

A friendly wine expert guided us through the journey of winemaking, from grape to glass—explaining the differences between reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. The session concluded with a curated wine tasting, where we sampled Soma’s finest boutique labels. It was more than a tasting; it was an experience—educational, elegant, and quietly celebratory.

Anniversary Lunch at WineINDine

By noon, we headed to WineINDine, Soma’s signature restaurant perched on the second floor, offering panoramic views of the vineyards and the Godavari River in the distance. It felt like the restaurant had been designed for moments like this—perfect for an anniversary lunch.

Devansh ordered his go-to favorite: a signature wood-fired pizza—thin, crisp, and loaded with flavor. He devoured it with the kind of joy only kids have for their favorite food.

Vidya and I opted for a bottle of wine paired with a crispy nachos platter—light, delicious, and just enough after the morning’s wine tasting.

With the warm breeze, vineyard views, and great conversation, it became one of those quietly perfect meals that stays with you.

A Leisurely Evening: Swimming, Music & Celebrations

Post-lunch, it was nap time. Nothing beats a mid-afternoon snooze in a cozy room after good food and wine.

By early evening, Devansh was ready for the pool again, and this time Vidya took him for his ritual swim while I just relaxed and watched the sunset from our balcony.

As night fell, live music filled the air—part of Soma’s weekend entertainment lineup. The melodies added a festive touch to the quiet energy of the place.

Dinner? We kept it low-key with Zomato and Swiggy, ordering in some comfort food while sipping on another glass of wine and beer—a perfect cap to a day that asked for nothing but presence, love, and a little indulgence.

Some anniversaries call for grand gestures. This one didn’t. It called for rest, laughter, and togetherness—and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

The final morning of our journey began like the others—with a peaceful walk around the resort. I soaked in the stillness of the vineyard one last time, quietly grateful for everything this trip had offered us.

Back in the room, Vidya and Devansh were up and buzzing with energy. True to form, Devansh insisted on one last swim before we checked out—and I happily joined him. The cool water, morning sun, and father-son laughter made for the perfect farewell to Soma Vine Village.

After a leisurely breakfast and a few final photos, we packed up and hit the road. Devansh dozed off in the backseat, tired from all the fun, while I drove at a relaxed pace, not quite ready for the trip to end.

But the universe had one last surprise in store.

As we neared Mumbai’s outskirts and stopped for lunch at Hotel Fountain along the Mumbai–Nashik highway, I unexpectedly bumped into my childhood friend Aditya (Adu), who was there with his family. While Adu and I stay in touch, it had been years since I met his family. The coincidence was the cherry on top—a beautiful, unexpected reunion that perfectly rounded off our journey.

After a joyful catch-up and a hearty lunch, we were finally home—tired, content, and full of memories.

Conclusion: A Journey to Remember

This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a beautifully woven tapestry of faith, family, and freedom.

From the spiritual intensity of Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Trimbakeshwar, to the laid-back luxury of Soma Vine Village, these nine days gave us moments that were sacred, silly, soulful, and sometimes, all at once.

• Devansh got his swimming pools and endless chicken lollipops.

• Vidya found her peace in ancient temples and elegant wine tastings.

• And I? I found joy in seeing both of them immersed, present, and happy.

The long drives brought us closer, the new places filled us with wonder, and every chai stop, detour, and late-night movie added a layer to this unforgettable adventure.

We set out seeking darshan, but found so much more—connection, laughter, love, and moments that will live with us forever.

Until the next journey...