[Samfromindia]

Prologue

After relocating to Pune, Maharashtra on 2018, my first road trip to Gujarat happened on 2019, while visiting the newly opened Statue Of Unity with a colleague on his car. It was a great experience for 1N stay.




Always wanted to visit Gujarat but the plan never worked out. Last year during Christmas, I had the whole week off and originally planned to visit Nepal ( Kathmandu - Pokhara ). However cancelled the plan on last moment and decided to head to our neighboring state instead Wanted to keep things less hectic & meet up with some friends. Heard a lot about Ahmedabad from my Gujarati friends & colleagues and decided to explore the city along with Rann of Kutch. Wanted to do Somnath temple as well, but had to decide between that and Rann and chose the latter.

Left Pune post 1AM and made my way past Thane towards Ahmedabad. Road was good for the most part, save and except some congestion crossing Mumbai which was expected. Post noon, around 100KM away from Ahmedabad, my car finally crossed 100,000 KM

Finally after 14+ hrs. of driving reached my place to stay near Agora mall, on Gandhinagar - Ahmedabad border.




1L KM comes up !

https://youtu.be/MpdL2eSgvUU

FastTag Toll info for PNQ - AMD

[Samfromindia]

Ahmedabad

I was exploring the city on my own for the most part. Things I noticed were:

• Its not as big as Metro cities like Kolkata & Mumbai which I am used to.
• Relatively clean and well maintained. Gandhinagar is like Navi Mumbai.
• Multiple bridges across river Narmada every few KM.
• New developments like Riverfront road, Atal bridge etc gives it a modern touch.
• Many Veg only restaurants. I once went to Dominos and it served only Veg menu !
• Cost of living, especially house rent is on lower side, like Kolkata

Here are the list of places I visited :


Teen Darwaza
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teen_Darwaza






Jama Masjid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jama_Mosque,_Ahmedabad




Manek Chowk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manek_Chowk_(Ahmedabad)



Discovered Jamun Shots, and got addicted I miss them so much now in Maharashtra !





Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidi_Saiyyed_Mosque






Lucky's Graveyard Café
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/61237319.cms








The Graveyard café is so unique, featuring a real graveyard inside restaurant ! More details in the Curly Tales video, from 2:00:

https://youtu.be/OTMe_H75zx0

[Samfromindia]

Adalaj Vav
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalaj_Stepwell
















Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabarmati_Ashram

[Samfromindia]

Kankaria Lake
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankaria_Lake

This place seemed to be very popular with locals, drawing huge crowds and being the venue of Kankaria Carnival during Christmas.














Sunset Drive In Cinema
http://www.sunsetdriveincinema.com/

While other places may be having drive in cinema concepts recently, Ahmedabad had its own since 1973 ! Everything about this place has the feeling of old world cinema, right down to the prices of tickets and food items. This is one of the largest in Asia, with the capacity of 665 cars and has options for normal seating as well for those who walk in. The movie that we watched (Cirkus) was bad though

[Samfromindia]

Well after visiting the old town & the popular spots, it was time to see the newer developments that are changing the face of this city.

Entartica
https://entartica.com/sabarmati-riverfront-ahmedabad/




















Atal Foot Bridge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atal_Pedestrian_Bridge

The footbridge is nice, however I wish they change the transparent walk over glass which got scratched / opaque just few months post launch.




















Sabarmati Riverfront Children Park
https://sabarmatiriverfront.com/parks/



All I will say is that the Bong has found his Fish

[Samfromindia]

Rann Of Kutch

Finally the time came to visit the most unique part of Gujarat, The Great White Rann ! Its a huge salt desert having a unique white look. During winters, additionally two things are present : Rann Utsav, which is like a fair having flea markets and cultural events and the Tent City. Both of them are present just outside the entry of White Rann near Dhordo village at Bhuj. Tent City comprises of huge area having events and cultural activities throughout the day. While Rann Utsav is open to public, only guests who booked accommodation have access to Tent City.

https://youtu.be/o8UPQIq1xz8

Decided for a one night stay. That place is around 400KM / 8Hrs from Ahmedabad. The recommended place to stay is the Tent City by Gujarat Tourism :
https://www.rannutsav.net/

https://youtu.be/sqhHlLImN3E

Unfortunately being Christmas weekend, all entry - mid level tents were sold out, and only ones costing 30K + per night were available So decided to go there and book other available options. As that place is secluded, most accommodation comes with stay + lunch + dinner options as a combo.


One needs to get permit for visiting the white rann, which can be done both online and offline. However offline process can take some time, so its recommended to get it before online.
https://rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in/

The road was a mix of good and bad. Started from Ahmedabad early morning and reached there post noon.

Tropic Of Cancer Board


Offline Permits are issued here, few KM away from Rann checkpoint.


Way to Rann Utsav


Tent City




Booked cottages here, walking distance from White Rann checkpost










Cultural festival at accommodation at night


Included Gujarati Veg Thali for dinner



Rann Utsav

[Samfromindia]

The Great White Rann
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rann_of_Kutch

We took permits for 2 days, on day 1 we visited during evening and on day 2 at morning. Once the BSF checks the pass at check post, one needs to drive few KM to parking area. Here some activities like Para Motoring were happening. Was expecting Hot Air Balloons, but didn't see them. This place has lots of food stalls and public toilet.

From parking one can walk around 2KM to the white desert or take a camel cart. We walked to and took cart on way back. White Rann looked very beautiful especially during sunset. This place is huge and white One needs to be cautious of watery spots where feet can get under the muddy salt. During noon it was hot, but as evening approached climate became super nice with the cool breeze. A perfect place for making Instagram reels.


DAY 1 : Evening






















DAY 2 : Morning

[Samfromindia]

Epilogue

The way back from Bhuj was uneventful. Watched Avatar : The Way Of Water in 4DX at PVR Acropolis as well. Finally the time came to return Pune. Started from Ahmedabad at 3:30 PM and reached Pune by 5AM. Had dinner at this lovely place @Ankleshwar on the highway along the way.

https://kitchenkabana.com/








Well this ends my Gujarat sojourn. Spent a relaxing week exploring the city and visiting Rann which was on my bucket list for so long

Things I wanted to do, but missed are:

Ahmedabad Heritage Walk
https://ahmedabadcity.gov.in/portal/...itage_walk.jsp

Highest Vantage Point @ Rann
https://www.gujarattourism.com/kutch...lo-dungar.html


Hope this TL provides info to new travellers looking to explore Ahmedabad & Rann Of Kutch in coming days

[GTO]

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

Going to our homepage today

[vigsom]

Excellent account with beautiful visuals, @Samfromindia. Although I've stayed in GJ for many many years, I never explored Ahmedabad, but everytime I'd make a day trip there, the Riverfront always impressed.

Originally Posted by Samfromindia

FastTag Toll info for PNQ - AMD

If you look at the image you shared, the two heaviest tolls after Khalapur are the ones on either side of Vadodara. Karjan at 105 bucks and Vasad at 140 bucks. Why heavy? No idea.

[surjaonwheelz]

Originally Posted by Samfromindia

Discovered Jamun Shots, and got addicted I miss them so much now in Maharashtra !

Hi Sam,

Let's meet at Falahaar, Pune Did you try the cheese-pineapple sandwich at Manek chowk?

Awesome travelogue as always Did you take the same route on return?

Keep exploring,
surjaonwheelz

[PapaBravo]

Beautiful travelogue Sam. You have covered the places in great details. I will refer to this whenever I visit Gujarat since this thread would do a better job than the GJ Tourism website.

Cheers,
Pawan

[ABHI_1512]

First things first, congratulations on completing the One lakh mark on this fabulous little machine Sam. We both know how mile munching is so much fun with the Ecosport.

As for the trip, it’s such a detailed report that one doesn’t need to look further anywhere about the places one needs to visit in and around Ahmedabad. The pictures of the areas around Rann and the Atal bridge came out real good. Although, I was hoping to see some drone shots of the Rann Utsav as well, don’t know whether drones are allowed or not !

Keep munching miles and keep traveling,

Regards.

[Samba]

I just completed reading the full travelogue. As expected, the write-up is very informative. Plus adding the links, if anyone wants to read more about that place was very thoughtful.
The pictures of the sunset looks fantastic & they definitely do need a special mention. Rated 5*.

Visiting the Rann of Kutch is in my bucket list for a long time. But the drive to this place from Kolkata will be a long one, so I guess taking a flight to Ahmedabad from Kolkata, & taking a self driven car should make more sense! What do you suggest?

[haisaikat]

Thank you Sam for this detailed travelogue on vibrant Gujarat. Gujrat is certainly on my go to list for the future, and now with better roads it makes the case even more compelling for a visit especially during the Rann Utsav and may have to add Gir and Akshardham along with Statue of Unity. Rated 5 stars.