Gorgeous Gujarat

Tripoto
5th Sep 2015
Photo of Gorgeous Gujarat by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Day 1

The Trip of Resurrection, a trip which should have happened a year back, a trip that we promised which would happen, a trip that we needed to tick off our list, a trip that haunted our thoughts and other destinations that we covered.

The much awaited, impromptu trip that we did not plan on, we could not foresee.

And, the journey began on a Saturday night to the Airport, with the new fleet of Taxi Service available OLA, we all met up at the International Terminal. Boarding pass, security checks, a custom declaration list (which was never checked or submitted),some wasteful time spent at the Airport, discussing how Consumerism has brought a miniature MALL bang-on in the Centre of the Airport before entering and moving onto our individual gates and bridges.

The flight takes off before hand with the pilot stating and quote ”we can use the early departure as an advantage”. A welcome Screen showing us the Current Speed of the Aircraft, Altitude, Outside temperature, Expected time to reach Ahmedabad and an on-the-fly route.

Day 2

We reach Ahmedabad and use that early arrival to our advantage indeed, we leave for Sun Temple,Modhera.

Before the sun rises we hit the temple gates,enter and the camera shooting frenzy begins. Meanwhile, our much troubled Kantibhai (dedicated driver for the trip) takes a powernap.

Onroute-Patan,the Queens Bath ( Rani ni Vav) is where we are headed. An 11th Century, Solanki Dynasty step-well built by Udayamati in remembrance of her late husband Bhimdev,a recently declared UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. This step-well was flooded by the Sabarmati River and fully excavated by the ASI in the 80s. A step-well in its grandeur would be-fit the sets of THE DARK KNIGHT. A wounded Christian Bale rising from oppression. Nonetheless, this seemed like an area of leisure-worth long, no really long baths.

Again, the photo-frenzy begins, with wide-angles, macro, PhotoSpheres, mono, panoramas not to belittle the unprecedented DPs !! While the hunger hit us as we had missed our breakfast( lets not count the 400gms worth Paapdi which was had at a road-side dhaba at 5am) we were driving towards Mt.Abu our destination for the day. The Aravalli’s had arrived, the flat landscape of Gujrat gave way to the Northward and the Oldest Mountain Ranges (of India )standing tall boasting its Basaltic ( subject to correction ) surfaces and ginormous rocks. A small glitch as Kantibhai had some trouble entering the Rajasthan Border due to some paperwork for the vehicle getting misplaced. A few phone calls, A fine and we were through. Next stop was for some internal cooling for both the men (Shikanzi water) and the machine before the 30 odd km upwards ghat drive to Mt. Abu. A mad number of motorcycle devotees descending the ghats, with their flashy flags, chanting, not-following a number of rules of the road and with minimal road sense crossed us while we ascended ever-watchful of the recent landslides due to rains which had drained some dangerous sections of asphalt. Mt.Abu welcomes us with a nice greys, some much awaited cloud cover after a Sunny Gujarat. The temperature was pleasant, the entry to the hill station easy, considering this is the highest in the Aravallis ( Guru Shikhar being the tallest peak, approx. 1722 m. above MSL). With the N-number of devices on-charge back in our hotel room, we hog at Jodhpur Bhojanalay, a local joint, which was recommended to us by one of our contacts in Mt. Abu who also got us a good deal for our accommodation at Hotel Aravalli. The food some of us enjoyed, the DaalBati, a local delicacy, is a personal choice, some of us did not enjoy it including me. Raw Balls of Wheat!! We decide to give Kantibhai a break and leave for a short tour of Mt.Abu to check out the Dilwara Temples, but the site is a typical Tourist/Devotees mad house with a trust (with our experience of such trusts only ruining the character of these places with a host of shops, a lot of worthless memorabilia that gets the locals some chance to make quick bucks, which can be invested in producing unique goods, which may not necessarily be useful to the tourists, anyway that’s a totally different topic). So we decided not to visit the temple premise, and head back via Nakki Lake and other local hotspots back to our hotel for a quick powernap. The powernap ends up in a set of long discussions while few of us are lost in slumber, some food, some music and off to sleep for a long day ahead. We sleep early and we plan to start early.

Day 3

Mt.Abu decides to show us some Rain and Cold in the morning, we start early, back to Ahmedabad where we are supposed to meet up Shreejith. It’s a 250+ km drive back to Ahmedabad, Mt.Abu brings in a lot of crowd across the state border for obvious reasons, since Gujarat is a dry State. All along the trip, the NHAI and the required authorities deserve a clap, since the Tarmac is really commendable and we are rethinking and missing our Motorcycles which are resting back at home.

Enroute-Ahmedabad, we first stop at Adalaj, for a stepwell built by Mohd Begda for Rani Roopba in the 15th century. These Vaavs are fairly famous and attract a host of college-going, some old tourist and some foreign tourists as well.Again, the photo frenzy begins, and this time, we finally find some Water in the Vaav.

Next stop, Ahmedabad city. We meet up with Shreejith, unload our bags, and run for a quick lunch at Maruti Lunch Home, a local joint again, dishing out the Gujarati Thali and what a massive thali.

Burp away, we head back to the tour of the city, the Dada Harir ni Vaav, this one was on the outskirts of the city, in a quiet corner of the city, adjacent to the hustle and bustle of the ring roads, a dark,damp,unkept well, and yes again dry.

Now for some local Bandhani Shopping at Law College Road, with some refreshing Goti(marble)-Soda to quench our thirsts in this dry and sunny city.

The sun sets down and we leave for the Sabarmati Riverfront, a quiet weekday (Monday) greets us with minimal crowds in the complex, this complex spreads on the banks of the Sabarmati River and has the required elements of a Joggers Park, with some recreation for the kids and the elderly. Kantibhai drops us back at Shree’s apartment and we bid adieu to him.

Day 4

Early next day, we start with a quick breakfast, a quick Cab-call via OLA, and we leave for Kathwada our next destination, the Auto World Vintage Car Museum, yes WORLD. A-one-of-its-kind Museum, the largest collection of Vintage Cars, ranging from the Ford Model-Ts’ to the Rolls Royces’, the Cadillacs, the Dodges’, the Bentleys’,the first and only Maybach in the world, the Jaguars', the Triumphs', the Buicks', the Bedfords', the Lagondas', the Lincolns', the Packards', the Chevrolets', the Chryslers', the Plymouths', the Daimlers', the Alvis', the Armstrong-Siddleys', the Sunbeams', the Wolseleys', the Citroens' and a Contessa, makes up the arsenal here. AND YES, the INDIAN CHIEF, THE NORTON and a somewhat unknown to us AJS are also seen kept hid in a corner, which we joyfully check. The guide shows us a 20 foot long Cadillac (could be due to our Geeking-out at each car that we see since we entered this place) which is kept away from the eyes of the normal public since its under restoration. We rush back to the Airport since we are on a tight schedule back home and yes, back to OFFICE!

Here are the photos from this trip:

Day 1

Passing Time at the airport

Photo of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Day 2

Entering the Modhera Sun Temple

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Similar board welcomes us.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Elephants everywhere...

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

First view of Sun Temple along with the stepwell.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Lord Vishnu in his sleeping stance.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Reflections

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

The main tower

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

steps...

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Reflection

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

What a view while sitting in the steps - pigeons and parrots flying around.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Lord Vishnu in his sleeping stance

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Step Reflections

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

I believe this could be Hanuman (Subject to correction)

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Every small temples situated within the stepwell has deities.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Intricate stone carvings

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Carvings in the small temples around the step well.

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Pillars nearby the temple

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Symmetrical structures

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Sculptures everywhere

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Our Captain 'Kanthi Bhai' taking a power nap

Photo of Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Entering Rani Ki Vav

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Window Designs 1

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Window Designs 2

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Window Designs 3

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Sculptures depicting Dasavatars

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

360 Degree View

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Photo with a local near Gujarat-Rajasthan border

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Naresh solving the paper issues of our captain

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Mt Abu

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Photo with Friends at Mt Abu

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Jugaad Bike and a photo bombing cyclist

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Adalaj Walls

Photo of Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Day 3

Setting up a perfect frame for myself

Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Hotel Maruti, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Hands of Blood at Dada Harir ni Vav

Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

The reason why these are called Step Wells

Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Admiring the beauty

Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Dark Knight Rises Moment

Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Deshi Basara Basara...

Photo of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Jumma Masjid

Photo of Jumma Masjid, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Shopping for everyone at Law Garden Handicraft Market

Photo of Law Garden Handicraft Market, Netaji Road, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway West, Narayan Nagar Society, Kocharab, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Photo of Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway West, Narayan Nagar Society, Kocharab, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)
Day 4
Photo of Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

My Dream Muscle Car of India

Photo of Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Dodge

Photo of Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Vintage motorcycle with a side car

Photo of Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

Back to Mumbai

Photo of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India by Jegan Somu (motowanderer)

That's All Folks!

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