The Road Trip to Gujarat

Greetings, Adventurers!

After the resounding success of last year's road trip to Goa, my wife, Vidya, and I vowed to turn it into an annual tradition. And what better occasion to embark on this adventure than our anniversary? So, here I am, eager to share another unforgettable journey with you.

As we celebrated our 12th anniversary milestone on April 26th, we decided to venture into the vibrant state of Gujarat. Perhaps we were influenced by the legendary words of Amitabh Bachchan, who famously proclaimed, "Kuch Din To Gujariye Gujarat Mein" 😄.

Nestled along the western coast of India, Gujarat boasts an extensive coastline stretching approximately 1,600 km, making it the longest in the country. Bordered by Rajasthan to the northeast, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to the south, Maharashtra to the southeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and the Arabian Sea and the Pakistani province of Sindh to the west, Gujarat is a treasure trove of cultural diversity and natural beauty.

Our carefully planned itinerary spanned seven days, embarking from Mumbai and featuring stops at Dwarka, Somnath, and Daman, before completing the loop back to Mumbai. Special thanks to my schoolmate Vishwajeet Sukhija, fondly known as Vishu, for generously sharing his Gujarat trip itinerary with us a few months ago.

Truly, we left no stone unturned in our preparations, starting a month in advance - from refreshing our wardrobes to stocking up on snacks and securing all necessary accommodations.

Day 1: Mumbai to Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar holds significant importance as a trade hub, boasting numerous large and small-scale industries, including the renowned Alang shipbreaking yard, the largest of its kind in the world. The city is also celebrated for its rendition of the popular Gujarati snacks 'Ganthiya' and 'Jalebi'.

Our initial destination was Dwarka, but covering the approximately 900 km distance, taking over 16 hours by road directly from Mumbai in one stretch would have been quite a challenge. So, we wisely opted to break the journey with an overnight stop in Bhavnagar. To add a touch of variety to our travel experience and avoid extended periods in the car, we decided to skip some part of the road journey and incorporated a ferry ride from Surat to Bhavnagar. Booking in advance is always a smart move, and that's exactly what we did for the ferry. You can check out the DG SEA CONNECT website for booking your ferry tickets.

Setting off bright and early at 6 am, we embarked on the NH 48 route, covering approximately 403 kilometres, including a 13-kilometre ferry journey. Anticipating a journey duration of 10-11 hours, we aimed to beat the traffic by commencing our drive at the crack of dawn. However, our plans hit a snag as we encountered heavy traffic merely 20 kilometres into our journey, owing to ongoing road concretisation works along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. Aware of this bottleneck, which persisted until the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, spanning about 100 kilometres. To maintain our composure, we immersed ourselves in engaging conversations, particularly facilitated by our son's ceaseless chatter. We made intermittent pit stops for breakfast and to stretch our legs.

Upon reaching Hazira Port around 2 pm, where we were scheduled to board the ferry departing at 4 pm, we utilized the ample time at hand to enjoy a local delicacy at a nearby dhaba, rather than opting for upscale eateries. A quick and delectable meal later, coupled with a brief rest, we proceeded towards the ferry terminal. In hindsight, opting for economy-class tickets might not have been the wisest decision, but every experience is a learning opportunity.

What was supposed to be a leisurely 4-hour ferry ride stretched into a 6-hour odyssey, impeded by opposing water currents. Nevertheless, the open deck and comfortable seating facilitated an enjoyable voyage. The open deck and comfortable seating arrangements provided a delightful setting for our journey, enhanced by capturing picturesque sunset moments and witnessing spirited locals dancing to traditional Garba tunes.

Finally docking at Ghogha Port around 10 pm, we swiftly made our way to our chosen hotel for the night - Hotel Clarks Collection. Opting for a budget-friendly yet decent accommodation suited our purpose for the brief stopover. With the late hour and an early departure looming, we settled for a quick dinner before retiring for the night, eagerly anticipating the adventures awaiting us on the next leg of our journey.

Day 2: Bhavnagar to Dwarka

Situated on the banks of the Gomti River, at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch overlooking the Arabian Sea, Dwarka holds immense significance for Hindu pilgrims. Home to the revered Shree Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites known as the Chardham, established by Adi Shankaracharya at the four cardinal points of India. Additionally, Dwarka is counted among the seven most ancient religious cities (Sapta Puri) in India.

Our aim for the day was to arrive in Dwarka by afternoon, allowing ample time to explore the various temples in the vicinity. Covering a distance of 393 kilometres, we set off at 6:30 am, opting for a quick breakfast in the car with locally sourced delicacies like dhokla and fafda.

The journey proved to be an absolute delight, with smooth roads flanked by verdant greenery and picturesque farms. The serene landscape encouraged a steady pace, occasionally interrupted by the presence of wandering cattle.

Arriving in Dwarka around 2:30 pm, well ahead of schedule despite a few brief stops along the way, we checked into the Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn, opting for a sea-view room. After a satisfying lunch at the hotel's restaurant, we took a moment to relax in our room.

As plans often deviate from their intended course, we found ourselves visiting two temples originally scheduled for the following day. Our first stop was Beyt Dwarka, an inhabited island located 25 km north of Dwarka. Here, we paid homage at the Shri Beyt Dwarkadhish Temple, believed to be the exact residence of Lord Krishna on Dwarka island. Dating back 500 years, the current structure was erected by Shri Vallabhacharya Ji.

Following a swift darshan, we proceeded to Nagheshwar Mahadev Temple, home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India as mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Adjacent to the temple lies Gopi Talav Tirth, a lake steeped in legend, associated with the sacrifice of gopis who devoted themselves to Lord Krishna.

After a leisurely stroll along the Dwarka beach, we headed back to the hotel for a quick dinner before calling it a night, excitedly looking forward for the next day's journey.

Day 3: Dwarka Tour and Journey to Somnath

We kicked off the day with breakfast at hotel's restaurant before making our way to the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple. This Hindu temple venerates Krishna, known here as Dwarkadhish or the 'King of Dwarka'. The temple's main shrine, housed in a five-storied structure supported by 72 pillars, is called Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Archaeological evidence suggests its origins date back to at least 200 BCE, with significant rebuilding and expansion occurring in the 15th–16th century.

Due to temple regulations, we couldn't capture the beauty of the shrine on electronic devices. Despite the weekend crowds, devout pilgrims flocked in abundance to catch a glimpse of the deity.

Returning to our hotel, we prepared for the next leg of our journey to Somnath. This destination is renowned for the Shree Somnath Temple, emitting a serene ambiance perfectly suited for any pilgrimage. Somnath holds significant respect among Hindus, being the first of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Shiva. Despite facing multiple destructions by various Muslim invaders and rulers in the past, the temple stands as a testament to resilience and faith. For more information, visit their website.

Our drive to Somnath mirrored the comfort of the previous day's journey to Dwarka. Covering 237 km in approximately 4 hours, the coastal route treated us to vistas of coconut trees, verdant landscapes, and wind turbines harnessing energy from the breeze.

En route, we indulged in a delightful lunch at a local Kathiawadi restaurant (Hotel Gatral Krupa), offering unlimited servings with every thali order. Priced reasonably at Rs. 120 per plate, the meal included refreshing chaas, a variety of vegetables, dal, wheat and jawar roti, and rice - a culinary delight worth every penny.

Arriving at The Fern Residency Hotel around 4 pm, we indulged in some much-needed relaxation. In the evening, we attended the captivating laser light and sound show at the Somnath Temple precinct, which offered a compelling narrative of the temple's history. A brief stroll in the newly developed temple area left us in awe of its architectural splendour and serene surroundings.

After a hearty lunch, we chose a lighter dinner to wind down our day, marking the end of another eventful day on our journey.

Day 4: Exploring Somnath

After a restful night, feeling rejuvenated, we prepared for the highlight of our Somnath visit - the Shree Somnath darshan at the temple. The recently constructed temple complex is nothing short of impressive, a testament to meticulous planning and architectural finesse by the government. Adjacent to the temple, there's a spacious parking area, making accessibility hassle-free. Upon parking, a short walk across the road leads you to the temple entrance, where a vast open space greets visitors, offering a serene atmosphere to wander, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and marvel at the temple's grandeur.

Thanks to it being a weekday, we encountered manageable crowds, allowing us ample time to immerse ourselves in the divine ambience and behold the deity.

To the temple's south, facing the sea, stands the "Baan sthamb" pillar, crowned with an arrow pointing towards the ocean. Its existence is mentioned in ancient texts dating back to the 6th century. Its inscription, "आसमुद्रांत दक्षिण ध्रुव, पर्यंत अबाधित ज्योर्तिमार्", signifies "there is no earth terrain from this point of the sea to the South Pole," showcasing it's remarkable to contemplate how such a structure was erected without the aid of modern technologies like satellites or GPS, a testament to our rich ancestral knowledge.

Following our temple visit, we enjoyed an early lunch at a restaurant (Hotel Namaste Somnath) opposite our hotel before returning to our hotel room to unwind with an afternoon siesta.

The evening unfolded leisurely, as we strolled along the beach, indulged in some snacks, and brought dinner back to our hotel room. With a movie playing in the background, we relished our meal before winding down for the night, eagerly waiting for the adventures of the following day.

Day 5: Adventure in Gir National Park

The much-anticipated day finally arrived as we set out for Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a gem on our travel bucket list. Also known as Sasan Gir, this sanctuary, situated near Talala Gir in Gujarat, encompasses a forest area rich in biodiversity. Established in 1965, it spans a total of 1,410 km², with 259 km² designated as a national park and the remaining 1,152 km² as a wildlife sanctuary.

To secure our spot, we made reservations via their website and opted for the 9 am to 12 pm slot, considering our travel from Somnath to Gir. It's crucial to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to obtain permits from the forest department. With only 50 people allowed per slot, ensuring timely arrival is essential.

Our safari commenced promptly at 9 am, accompanied by my son's bubbling excitement at the prospect of encountering wildlife he'd previously only seen on screens or confined in zoo enclosures. While our journey through the jungle introduced us to various species such as deer, nilgai, monkeys, and peacocks, the highlight was undoubtedly spotting a leopard. Witnessing its stealthy pursuit of prey, we marvelled at the hunter's patience and strategy. Though our anticipation for glimpsing a tiger or lion remained unfulfilled due to the unfavourable timing.

After concluding our safari at noon, we made our way towards Bhavnagar, where we planned to spend the night before continuing our journey to Daman the next day. The 270 km drive, estimated to take around 5 hours, presented diverse terrain, including a stretch through the Gir forest with no roads, followed by challenging road conditions over 100 km, before transitioning into a smoother ride.

Upon reaching Top3 Lords Resort Bhavnagar around 5 pm, we found the accommodations fell short of our expectations, particularly given its outskirts location. However, with it being a brief overnight stay, we didn't dwell on the disappointment. Opting for dinner at a nearby roadside dhaba (Sunny Paji Da Dhaba), we wrapped up the day, eagerly waiting for the last destination of our journey for next two days in Daman.

Day 6: Journey from Bhavnagar to Daman

Our final destination awaited: Daman, a city serving as the administrative capital of the Indian territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Situated in the Daman district of the union territory, Daman is bisected by the Daman Ganga River into two distinct parts: Nani-Daman (Little Daman) and Moti-Daman (Big Daman). Contrary to its name, Nani-Daman is the larger segment, housing essential amenities such as major hospitals, supermarkets, and residential areas, while the historic city primarily lies in Moti-Daman. Vapi, Gujarat, stands as the nearest city to Daman.

Setting off from our hotel at 6:30 am, we swiftly reached Ghogha Port within 30 minutes. With the ferry scheduled to depart at 8 am, we ensured an early arrival, reaching the port by 7 am. Boarding commenced promptly upon our arrival, reminiscent of our experience on the first day. Opting for business class tickets this time around, we sought to avoid the inconveniences of economy class. The business class offered a cleaner, less crowded environment with superior seating and tinted windows, allowing us to remain indoors to escape the scorching temperatures outside. I took advantage of the comfortable seating for a quick nap, rejuvenating myself for the drive ahead.

Arriving at Hazira Port punctually at 12 pm, we embarked on the next leg of our journey towards Daman, covering a distance of 150 km, estimated to take approximately 3 hours. En route, we relished a non-vegetarian meal at Hotel Sheetal Family Restaurant. It was a welcomed deviation after nearly five days of vegetarian fare. Following a brief 45-minute stop for lunch, we resumed our journey towards Daman.

Our accommodation for the next two days awaited us at Silver Waves Resort and Spa Daman, where we anticipated a comfortable stay and ample relaxation. Upon arrival around 4pm, we settled in and took some time to unwind. By 7pm, we ventured out to rediscover the area surrounding the hotel, noting the positive changes in Daman since my last visit years ago.

The day concluded with a relaxed evening, indulging in a few drinks - whisky for myself and wine for my partner. Opting for local eateries adjacent to the hotel rather than the hotel menu, we enjoyed a flavourful meal. A good movie rounded off the evening nicely.

Day 7: Anniversary Celebration and Relaxation

It was our 12th wedding anniversary, and we deliberately left the day unplanned to simply unwind. After a week of travel, we opted for a leisurely day at the hotel. I kicked off the morning with an invigorating hour-long brisk walk along the coastal road, followed by an hour of pool time with my son. Breakfast was enjoyed at the hotel restaurant, after which we lounged in our room for the remainder of the day.

In the evening, we took a drive down the road for a bit of shopping and savoured dinner at the hotel's open-air restaurant, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the occasion.

Day 8: Journey Home

Morning mirrored the previous day's routine, beginning with an hour-long walk along the coastal road followed by a refreshing swim in the pool with my son. After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel around 9:30 am and embarked on our journey homeward.

Our return trip, unfortunately, encountered less-than-ideal road conditions, particularly after crossing the Gujarat border. Despite this, we managed to arrive home by around 2:30 pm, relieved to be back after a rejuvenating getaway.

Conclusion:

Our journey through Gujarat proved to be a remarkable experience, showcasing the state's impressive progress under the guidance of its government. From well-maintained roads to enhanced infrastructure and abundant opportunities for its residents, Gujarat leaves a lasting impression of development and growth.

Moreover, the natural beauty of the landscape captivated us at every turn, leaving us in awe of its splendour.

With another memorable road trip checked off our list, we eagerly await our next adventure, fuelled by the excitement of exploring new destinations and creating more cherished memories along the way.