[Bluebird_7]

Post visiting Adalaj step well, we decided to go to Akshardham to watch much touted watershow but there was still time left. Searched again on the net for places to visit and wow it says Auto World and how can a team bhpian miss this. Reached the place in no time and it was really an awesome experience. The size of these yesteryears' cars is huge and they carry a persona of their own !





































After satiating my heart with these sights, we left for Akshardham in Gandhinagar. The parking entry had a long queue and after about half an hour i was able to park the car. Entered the temple and no offence to anyone but it seemed to be a place for outing. People queing up at various counters for different food stuffs, pizza, south indian, punjabi, beverages etc. We also joined the bandwagon and had our share of joy !
Post which i bought the tickets of watershow but due to unprecedented rush we were accommodated in 2nd show as 1st show was already housefull. People stepped over each other to enter the amphitheater and we also obliged everyone with the same service since there was no other choice. People traveled in Mumbai local trains can visualize the experience of getting in and out of train. But the show was the best i have ever seen. The technology is too good and the effects wonderful. Its a must watch for anyone travelling to Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar. Post watching the show went back to hotel and slept off for the last day excursion before the trip comes to an end

[Bluebird_7]

D-11:Ahmedabad to Balasinor- Last day
So finally the last day of the trip has arrived and we have planned to see some dinosaur fossils on this day in the only Dinosaur fossil park of India in Balasinor.

Balasinor is some 100+ KM from Ahmedabad. The site was a disappointment. Probably we reached there 2-3 years before. The work has just started on developing the site and hence there is no marking, information, guide or any facilities. Nonetheless we saw some fossils over the rocks, ate wild berries from the trees, had tea from a 'thela' laughed at ourselves for coming to the place. But the route is beautiful after one leave NH47, it passes through beautiful villages and vivid landscape. The roads are good to average with some bad patches. Anyone planning a trip to this location can avoid this is my suggestion as of now.







































Since we had time, so we went to the Science City. Its quite nice and informative specially on Indias' space program. Also watched a 3D documentary on walking the moon, 'Magnificent Desolation'.
My cousin had his flight so i dropped him at the airport and came back to hotel. Had dinner on the way in one of the numerous restaurants on NH48.

D-12: Ahmedabad to Mumbai:Ghar Wapasi

Woke up late in the morning, first time during the trip, checked out of the hotel and took a detour towards Daman. From Daman drove nonstop to Mumbai. The vacation ends and its now back to work !

I thoroughly enjoyed the drive and the place, it could not have been better than this except if my family would have joined.

Key Pointers(solely my experience)

• GMaps is dependable 95% of the time, use judgement for rest of 5%
• Roads are overall brilliant
• Good traffic sense by truckers, they switch to dipper from high beam when you do, car owners do not bother
• Very dangerous traffic condition on Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar NH48, no traffic lights and people come from all directions
• You get the best of the tea in Gujarat, strong tea culture as well
• No bullying, road rage attitude among people
• Food/tickets/permits are reasonably priced
• People love to travel in large groups
• You get more of Punjabi and Chinese food than Gujarati food in Gujarat
• Lots of toll are free for car owners while they charge CVs. I do not know the reason.
• If you want to taste the best food stop at a place where most truckers stop
• The yellow chutney served along with fafda is wonderful
• People are helpful and accommodating in general

I can only end by saying i will visit again to relive the moments and create new memories !
Thanks Gujarat and thank you people of Gujarat !

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line to Travelogues. Thanks for sharing!

[zalaps]

I must say you covered almost everything! Well planned!

Originally Posted by Bluebird_7

[*]Good traffic sense by truckers, they switch to dipper from high beam when you do, car owners do not bother

Car owners are not trained for that. They never learn by themselves. In contrast, they will opt for higher capacity beams!

[*]Very dangerous traffic condition on Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar NH48, no traffic lights and people come from all directions

Newly christened NH48 is known as SG Highway. Traffic is very heavy even when heavy traffic is banned. Last week Government approved six lane-ing & over bridge work for entire 45KM stretch for 860+ Cr. Check http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/re...inutes-2574516

[*]You get the best of the tea in Gujarat, strong tea culture as well

Yes, It is tea only state, that too 'Kadak-Mithi' (Strong & Sweet)! No coffee here. I agree with the less quantity part. People here are more habitual of having more than 6-7 rounds of tea during the day. Hence less quantity. It's more of a cultural requirement.

[*]Food/tickets/permits are reasonably priced

That's because of strong, strong Middle-Class Majority!

[*]Lots of toll are free for car owners while they charge CVs. I do not know the reason.

All state government roads are toll-free for all private vehicles. You pay the toll on NH only.

[*]The yellow chutney served along with fafda is wonderful

That's Kadhi. Here you go http://bijalsauthenticgujjuaroma.blo...anthiyago.html

[Queryanalyzer]

One heck of a travelogue! Something that takes time and meticulous planning, kudos to you. I have got to bookmark this for reference.
I am amazed by the Narara walk, to be able to see all those creatures in their natural habitat is just priceless. I am also a little bemused, that the walk is not seen as invasive to the sea floor.
And that step-well is on my travel wishlist. Thanks for the inspiration.

[paragsachania]

This is awesome Bluebird! A well planned and an even well executed trip and you did circumnavigate Surashtra and Kutchch!

In 2011, I had done similar trip from Bangalore covering each of these except beyond Mandvi and your pictures bring those memories back. In fact we had even covered Becharaji temple while staying at my folk's place at Mehasana and recall the hot garpapdi served in plates here.

The Reliance complex before Jamnagar looked brilliant at night with all the artifical lights and the picture of cattle again reminds me of a super close call I had here at night when a herd was having a round table conference on the road then.I was doing Dwarka Jamnagar that evening.

Thank you for a lovely travelogue. Rating this a well deserved 5 stars. Makes me want to do this circuit again but off late my drives to GJ ae strictly social visits .

[ARAY]

Beautiful narration. Some wonderful pictures. Beautiful planning and execution.
GMaps is dependable 95% of the time, use judgement for rest of 5% - So true
With the offline maps option and offline searching Google maps has become really useful. We used it extensively in our recent North East trip.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

[SJM1214]

Amazing travelogue. A well planned and amazingly executed trip. I am from Gujarat & I must say that you covered almost everything. I am familiar will almost all these places. I am planning a similar trip with my family. Your travelogue will be really helpful for my trip.

Thanks for Sharing. By the way, bellow is my plan.

Anand-Jamnagar-Dwarka-Madhavpur-Diu-Anand.

Originally Posted by Bluebird_7

Thanks Gujarat and thank you people of Gujarat !

You are welcome!!

[911er]

Fantastic travelogue and much helpful and timely for me as I'm taking the same route on the 26th. I hadn't added Dholavira to my plan but seeing your photo I think I'll camp thee for a night. Thanks for sharing all the details!

Also, the birds you mentioned as cranes seem to be pelicans and flamingos are actually cranes.

Originally Posted by Queryanalyzer

I am also a little bemused, that the walk is not seen as invasive to the sea floor.

The way it is done today is, does affect the seafloor and its animals quite a bit. Under no circumstances should these animals be lifted from their habitat the way they are. In fact crabs will intentionally break off an arm if they are handled the way they are, at Narara. So, if you do plan a trip there, request you to not ask for them to be picked up.

[Bluebird_7]

Originally Posted by zalaps

Newly christened NH48 is known as SG Highway.

Thanks for the update. Probably the next drive will be less stressful.

Originally Posted by zalaps

Yes, It is tea only state, that too 'Kadak-Mithi' (Strong & Sweet)!

True that !

Originally Posted by zalaps

All state government roads are toll-free for all private vehicles. You pay the toll on NH only.

Thanks ! Now i know the reason

Originally Posted by Queryanalyzer

One heck of a travelogue! Something that takes time and meticulous planning, kudos to you. I have got to bookmark this for reference.

Thanks alot for kind words. Infact i am a paranoid planner

Originally Posted by paragsachania

This is awesome Bluebird! A well planned and an even well executed trip

Thanks alot !

Originally Posted by paragsachania

The Reliance complex before Jamnagar looked brilliant at night

Its gigantic to say the least ! Missed taking the clicks.

Originally Posted by paragsachania

and the picture of cattle again reminds me of a super close call I had here at night when a herd was having a round table conference

Ya the herds are generally very big.

Originally Posted by ARAY

Beautiful narration. We used it extensively in our recent North East trip.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks alot. Northeast circuit is a dream to do !

Originally Posted by SJM1214

Amazing travelogue. A well planned and amazingly executed trip. I am from Gujarat & I must say that you covered almost everything. I am familiar will almost all these places. I am planning a similar trip with my family. Your travelogue will be really helpful for my trip.

Thanks ! Wish you all the best for your trip.

Thanks for Sharing. By the way, bellow is my plan.

Anand-Jamnagar-Dwarka-Madhavpur-Diu-Anand.

Attachment 1717303




You are welcome!![/quote]

Originally Posted by 911er

Fantastic travelogue and much helpful and timely for me as I'm taking the same route

Thanks and enjoy your trip !

Originally Posted by 911er

Also, the birds you mentioned as cranes seem to be pelicans and flamingos are actually cranes.

Thanks for correcting me, i guess i need some lessons in ornithology !

[T-The Traveler]

Great Travelogue, my appreciations.
I have been to Kutch once, liked it so much that I am planning my second trip.