Tag: gujarat

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North-West India Spiritual Hubs

Somnath – the shrine eternal

“The Somnath temple signifies that the power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction.”

– Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India

Somnath temple is one of the most influential historical landmarks of India. Destroyed at least 17 times by Muslim and Portuguese invaders, the temple rises again from its ruins like the mythological phoenix who rises out of its ashes. This magical power, which has won it the title of the ‘shrine eternal’, arises out of love it holds among Hindu devotees for whom it is of great spiritual importance and a destination of pilgrimage being the very first of twelve jyotirlingas.

And it is this love which makes it such an amazing tourist attraction. We bring you here all you need to know to plan your trip to Somnath temple.

When to visit Somnath Temple?

The weather from October to March remains pleasant and is considered as the best time to visit Somnath. Summers may be too hot.

If you are interested in temples for devotional reasons, you must consider visiting it during Shivratri when spacial celebrations are held in the temple and a visit on those nights is considered especially auspicious. On the other, those interested in temples for purely aesthetic reasons might want to avoid crowds on those days.

The Darshana can be made at any time all days of the week or year between 6 a.m. and 9: 30 p.m. but the Artis are held thrice a day at 7 a.m., 12 noon and 7 p.m.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

The beautiful Somnath temple is located in a small town named Prabhas Patan near Veraval in the Saurashtra region on the western coast of Gujarat. Its location is such that, according to an inscription in Sanskrit is found on the Bāṇastambha (literally Arrow Pillar) found within the temple, there is no land to North of it –  that is to say, starting from the North Pole, it is the first point of the landmass on that particular longitude.

Keshod is the nearest airport to Veral located at a distance of 125 kilometers. The nearest railway station is located at a distance of only 5 kilometers. Direct trains to Veral also leave from Mumbai and Pune. An attractive option for those coming from North Indians could be to add a trip to Rajkot to the bargain as they can easily get a cab from there for the nearly 200 kilometers long road trip.

Locally, Gujrat enjoys powerful road connectivity through both public and private transportation.

What to buy at Somnath?

You can buy inexpensive handicrafts from the vendors outside the Somnath complex.

What to eat at Somnath?

Besides prasad, you can have coconuts, peanuts and other eatables from the vendors outside the complex.

Where to stay?

Being a popular tourist destination, Somnath offers plenty of accommodation options for travelers with kind of budgets. We recommend staying in lodging near to Temple to have the option of reaching the temple in time for aarti conveniently if you desire to.

History of Somnath

The site of Somnath has been a Hindu pilgrimage site from ancient times because of its being a Triveni Sangam (the place of confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati).

The word ‘Somnath’ (or the alternative title ‘Somkareshwar’) means the ‘The Lord of Soma’ which is an epithet of Lord Shiva – Soma means ‘Moon’ . Soma or the Moon-god, according to the legend, had lost his luster due to a curse for having preferred one of his wives over others. Soma did penance at this place which won him the mercy of Lord Shiva. Upon the suggestion of Lord Shiva, he bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain it. He thus created the temple in gold as a gesture of gratitude (According to legend, he built the temple in gold, while it was later constructed in silver by Ravan, in wood by Krishna and King Bhimdev built the temple in stone.) The myth tries to explain the waxing and waning of the tides at this seashore location. The name of the town of its location Prabhas itself means luster.

The temple also owes it’s reputation to its being home to one of the twelve jyotirlingas – the places where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a fiery column of light. These jyotirlingas are taken as the supreme, ultimate and the undivided reality out of which Shiva partly appears. Each of these 12 jyotirlinga sites takes the name of a different manifestation of Shiva.

In addition to the one at Somnath, the other Jyotirlingas are at : Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, Baidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Nageshvara in Dwarka, Gujarat, Ramanathaswamy in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar in Ellora, Maharashtra.

There is no historical evidence to show when was the first temple built here but the second temple “Yadava kings” of Vallabhi around 649 CE.  Ever since the temple was destroyed by Arab and Portuguese invaders again and again only to be reconstructed by Hindu Kings each time. The invasion by Mahmud was probably the most violent and probably most unpopular. The last time it was destroyed by Aurangzeb, ever since some restoration was done by Marathas and later British who had a particular interest in its treasures. The titular stone from English classic novel ‘The Moonstone’ by Wilkie Collins was supposed to be stolen from Somnath temple.

The present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture by Government of India and was completed in May 1951. This reconstruction was started under the orders of first Home Minister of Independent India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, and was completed after his death.

A visit to the temple

The town doesn’t create a very good impression being full of dusty and crowded roads but the temple is all majesty from its very first sight. Designed in Chaulkya Hindu Temple architectural system; the seven-story structure stands 155 feet tall. It is topped bg a Kalash that together with the temple weighs 10 tonnes and above that stands a 37 feet long flag mast with a saffron-colored flag on it.

You are greeted by impressive carvings on the walls of the temple which shows Hindu sculpture genius. One also noticed how the temple is so far cleaner than the town outside and what tranquil peace one enjoys as one hears the sound of Arabian Sea beating on shores of India. You can have panoramic views of Arabian seas from within this Seaside temple.

The jyotirlinga itself is, of course, the biggest attraction of the temple. The sigh of it afloat on waters is astonishing. Though we don’t have the first clue who built it, though it was Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India, who last established it here in 1951.  And it is a work of metallurgical genius – being made of such material that it remains afloat over water and without losing its auspicious beauty.

Rules and tips

Unlike some other temples, there is no VIP line here, and everyone has to go through the same line. Also, please note that Cell phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the temple.

Other attractions of the town

Baldev Gufa

Situated 4 KM away from the Somnath temple, Bladev Gufa is one of the important sightseeing attractions that enjoy government patronage as well. According to a legend Baldev (also known as Balarama), Lord Krishna’s elder brother disappeared through this cave into the netherworld and returned to his original form of Sheshnag (the king of snakes).

Patan Museum

Somnath Prabhas Patan Museum is a local museum which is home to several artifacts from ancient India including amazing pillars, stone apsaras, statues of Lord Agni, Uma Maheshwara, Lord Vishnu, Parwati and Natra Bhairava. There is also in it a very unique section where the waters of many revered rivers like the Nile, St Lawrence, Danube, Tigris, Murray, etc are kept.

Triveni Sangam

Triveni Sangam is the point of confluence of three sacred rivers – Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati and is at the very same sight where they also meet the Arabian Sea. The Laxminarayan and Gita Temple are located on the shores of this Triveni Sangam. It is also believed that Triveni Sangham was cementing the place of Lord Krishna.

Shashi Bhushan Temple

Constructed by an ancient priest of Somnath temple,  Shri Bhav Brihaspati, Shahsibhushan Temple is one of few temples in India dedicated to Moon God Soma (Shashibhushana is an epithet of Moon God and means ‘the ornament of the night’).

Besides visiting above mentioned places, pilgrims can also enjoy camel ride and photography at the seashore of Somnath Temple.

Places of interest near Somnath Temple

Bhalka Tirtha

According to Mahabharta, shortly after the death of his elder brother (Balarama), Lord Krishna went into mourning and retired into the forest. While he was sitting under a tree, a hunter named Jara who was passing by mistook his partly visible foot as a deer. He shot an arrow which mortally wounded Lord Krishna. This legendary tree still passes through the roof of Bhalka Teerth.

Gir National Park

located at a distance of mere 70 kilometers, Gir National Park offers an amazing adventure to couple with the pilgrimage to Somnath temple. It offers an amazing opportunity to see regal lions among several other exotic animals.

You can also climb the 10000 steps to Girnir hill to have access to a panoramic view of Gir forests and visit the spirituality important temples there.

Diu

Located at a distance of mere two and a half kilometers, the union territory of Diu is full of incredibly beautiful seashores and has that same bit of laid back lifestyle which we are used to expecting from Goa. It is a bit of alcoholic heaven for Gujrati people living in a dry state. All the sights of the island worth seeing can be easily seen in a single day.

Dwarka

Though it is located at a distance of 236 kilometers, a trip to Dwarka is often coupled with that to Somnath. Once Lord Krishna’s kingdom, it offers sights of stunning natural beauty. The main temple is Dwarkadish temple (Lord of Dwarka) dedicated to Lord Krishna.

While here, visit Okha lighthouse to have a panoramic view of Arabian seas and from here take a ferry to Bet Dwarka, a small island. During your journey fluttering, seagulls will accompany you and you can also feed them.

Rajkot

The historical city of Rajkot is 200 kilometers from Somnath temple. It has several attractive places including libraries, gardens, historical landmarks, museums, etc and might be a welcome detour for those coming from or leaving Somnath temple in that direction.

Conclusion

A visit to Somnath temple is full of several other attractive opportunities. Does the trip attract you? Do write to us in comments below. 🙂

Categories
Central India Corporate Outings Culture Deserts

Ultimate Guide to Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

If not for the persistent advertisements by Amitabh Bachchan popularizing this spot, this land would have gone unnoticed for a long while. The vast white land merging with sky blue horizons was no less than a wondrous sight. While seeing this part of the Thar desert, one can be reminded of the Rajasthan’s sand dunes. As we were guided on camel-backs throughout the desert, a conversation kept brewing, telling us about the place. When monsoons hit, the place gets covered by Arabian sea and when the summers come, the water dries up, leaving behind salt marshes.

On our visit to the district, we found so many reasons to visit Rann of Kutch. And if you do believe in the truth ‘Nature is beautiful”, Rann of Kutch will prove you right. One look at the vast panorama was enough to convince us that ‘Kutch nhi dekha toh Kuch nhi dekha’. Though popular belief says, the real view of the shallow marshlands are seen under moonlight, we preferred the views of sunrise and sunset. The orange hues on clear blue sky contrasting with the white of the lands made for a picturesque scene.

The White Rann

It has to be the major highlight and yes, the biggest reason we found for our memorable trip to Rann of Kutch. As we stood there in the morning with the cold wind blowing, and the rays of sunlight brightening up the salt crystals, it was the most mesmerizing scene ever. We had goosebumps as we saw the beautiful transformations of the skies. The white desert of Rann of Kutch is something of an enigma with its calmness and charm.

Mandvi

Getting to dip your feet in the Arabian sea is an entirely different feeling than watching the sunset in the White Rann. Mandvi is one of the old ports in Gujarat and used to be a summer retreat for Maharajas. There are so many fascinating things to see over here, like the 400-year-old industry that built ships, Vijay Vilas Palace, and the harbour. As we walked around, we saw many ships in different stages of completion and the bird flocked to them.

Bird-watching

We didn’t have to go specifically for bird-watching because here in Kutch, these water birds flock together in abundance. All around the lakes, marshes, oceans, and swamps, you can see the variety of birds. We saw many pelicans as well as flamingos in the lakes near Mandvi. There were other birds like spot-billed ducks, black-winged stilts, and red-wattled lapwings as well, among other water birds. We did nothing but sit there for hours watching the birds and soaking in the sun until it got too much to handle and then we finally moved away.

Dhordo – Rann Utsav

Most of the tourists that do come to Kutch do it during the Rann Utsav which takes place mostly during the winter months. Starting from Bhuj, it covers entire districts and finally stops in Dhordo for the grand finale.

Amenities

There are many tents available in Dhordo that go from basic necessities to luxurious, depending on your requirement. It is established so as to be able to keep up with extreme temperatures of Kutch and provides basic comforts like air conditioners as well as heaters and hot water supply. Even the marketplace, adventure sports and exhibition centres are not far away placed. We stayed at White Rann Resort and had a great experience.

Exhibition and shopping

The exhibition centre showcases the real Kutch with its history, culture and traditions. It is such a vibrant place to be that we often forgot that we were there on a barren land.  We were amazed by the varieties available to us on sale. The selection of things you can buy in the markets is dazzling. Those handcrafted pieces with intricate work on them is a feast for the eyes. Most difficult part is trying to decide what to buy and what to leave behind.

Food

There are huge dining halls serving authentic, yummy Kutch delicacies and it doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie or not, you will want to eat everything. There are food corners all around and one can find something to munch on at all odd hours.

Culture

The evenings in Kutch are when we got to soak in the culture. With beautiful cultural performances going on, with music and dance by local artists, we couldn’t help but be dazzled. Those tunes are the kind we carried in our hearts for a long time and the whole performances were a nice mix of modern and ancient styles making it even more interesting.

Sightseeing

There is so much to Kutch that you cannot expect to see it just wandering around the ‘city’. So we decided to do what seemed the best idea at the time: Hot air ballooning.  A beautiful view of the whole of Kutch from amidst the air. It is a sight to behold. Don’t forget to visit the Narayan Sarovar and Charl Dhand. There are just so many places in Kutch that one can’t afford to miss out on. Just keep your camera handy because you don’t want to miss capturing the perfect shot. And those views are ones that will be imprinted on your memory forever but it is still better to capture the moment.

Adventure

Whether it is kids or adults, the Rann Utsav has something for everyone. The bikers get to have a solo ride on the desert on a Desert Patrol Vehicle. That is always a fun thing to do. There are also pool tables, paragliding and other modes of entertainment available.

Craft of Kutch

You can’t go to Kutch and not go Village hopping. As we went to the heart of Kutch, visiting village after village, we saw such beautiful craft and every hamlet specialized in one kind of craft. But the number of practitioners was so low. We saw weavers working in Bhujodi and printing practices in Ajrakpur. One of the must-see villages that we recommend would be Nirona where they still use castor oil for their art which is in Persian style. There were many other villages with their own specialization and we visited to see the craftsmen at work while getting tempted to buy some of the things.

Some Things to Know:

1.    You can fly straight to Bhuj and then travel to the venue. Also, there is a Kutch Express rail that travels from Mumbai to Gandhinagar. There is also a direct train to Bhuj. The place is well connected by roads as well.

2.    Look for the best packages and book them for Rann Utsav in advance.

3.    Do not miss the sunset from Kalo Dungar which is the highest point.

Everyone should get to experience the vibrant festivities of ran Utsav or witness the beauty of the White desert in Rann of Kutch. It is a sight to behold and you will leave with a light heart and a mind full of memories, each beautiful and unique. For any queries related to Rann of Kutch, drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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Corporate Outings Staycation

Review : Hotel Siddhartha Palace, Ahemdabad

The History of this hotel unfolds and we see a craftsman who has been working on an elephant border for about eleven years. The Palace not only presents a hospitable now but stands as a witness to the glorious past. Hotel Siddhartha Palace is an antique structure which was once the property of the Divan of Kutch. It was his dream to have such a royal structure that the coming generations would remember him by and it would go on to be praised for centuries to come. Today, Hotel Siddhartha Palace is a perfect blend of modern contemporary luxuries and ancient aesthetic and tradition.

How to Reach:

Nearest Airport is 3 km away.

The nearest railway station is 4 km away.

Address: Dafnala Road, Shahibaug | near Rajasthan hospital, Ahmedabad 380004, India

Rooms:

The Palace has about twenty-two rooms classified as Super Deluxe, Palacial Rooms, and Maharaja Suites. Out of all three, the grandest was the Maharaja Suite. While the super deluxe room was like a modern hotel room with amenities and necessities available for families, the Palacial room had its individualistic charm. We stayed in the Maharaja Suite and from its appearances to the luxury available; it did make us feel like true royalty. The room had the modern luxuries but its design and structure were elegantly traditional. The room was an eclectic blend of the forgotten era and architectural brilliance. The rooms were spacious and yet looked authentically grand and ancient. It had a huge comfy bed along with basic toiletries: bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer etc. There was a tea and coffee maker in the room. The rusty shades of the furniture matched the creamy walls. There were unique pieces of tapestry on the walls and ceiling which we liked to ogle. The whole hotel had a vintage look from its exteriors to its rooms.

Dining and Hospitality:

The Palace has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Divan’ that serves various cuisines from Continental food to authentic Marwari dishes. We ordered some local dishes to try them out and they turned out to be delicious. We also ended up ordering Malai kofta which we were told was prepared wonderfully here and we weren’t disappointed.  The preparation was simplistic, yet the taste had an authentic Marwari touch to it. Our taste buds were flourishing after every bite. And the prices were quite low as well. The place seems to be frozen in time, except for the food which is always hot and delicious. The staff was also quite cooperative and though it took some delay in check-in, afterwards, our stay in the hotel went by smoothly with the staff being at our beck and call and always polite about it. There were some issues with the bathroom but they resolved it quickly and apologized for the inconvenience. They woke us up in time for the morning tea as well which is appreciated.

Nearby places to see:

The best part about the hotel was it being in close proximity to all the great tourist sites. It took a very little time for us to travel to the places we wanted to see. The Hatheesing Jain Temp, as well as the Camp Hanuman Mandir, are quite close. We easily walked out of the hotel and found some spots to be within walking distance or just a 5-10 min ride away. Apart from these, the Gandhi Ashram and Swaminarayan temple were also located close by. It is easy to find the marketplace and shopping areas. We would seriously recommend seeing the Calico Museum and Jhulta Minara. Located in the heart of Ahmedabad Hotel Siddhartha gave us our money’s worth.

Highlights:

The two major highlights of the palace would have to be its garden area and the top floor referred to as “Ghoomat”. As we spent some time leisurely strolling in the garden to relax, we were able to enjoy the exterior beauty and the architecture of the hotel along with beautiful views of the city. But to top it all off was the picturesque and panoramic view from the top floor. We got to enjoy the marvelous sight of the city’s skyline from the top floor. And to make it even better is the intricate detailing from the periphery. It was when we stepped on the top floor that we realized why it was called ‘Ghoomat’. It is an intricate and traditionally elegant structure dominating the patio.

Overall Verdict: Hotel Siddhartha Palace pulsates in the heart of the city always reminding us of the glorious past of Ahmedabad.  Along with wonderful staff service and hospitality, we got pampered like the royals in the Maharaja suites. It is a perfect spot to stay while in Ahmedabad and we think we will be returning to Hotel Siddhartha Palace whenever we are traveling to Ahmedabad again.

Categories
Culture Staycation

Review : White Rann Resort, Kutch

Address: Dhordo Kutch, Kutch 370510, India

Getting There By Air : Bhuj (80 kms), Rajkot (310 kms), Jamnagar (335 kms)

By Rail : Bhuj (80 kms), Gandhidham (140 kms), Wankaner (272 kms)Introduction:

Amidst the vast spread of sandy deserts of Kutch is this beautiful resort. White Rann resort is not only the best place to stay at but also the organizer of Rann Utsav, a festival every tourist would want to be a part of for its colors and festivities. Surrounded by amazing landscapes and beneath the moonlight, the place is vibrant with dynamism, vigour, and hospitality. The aura around White Rann as soon as the sun begins to set turns serene and peaceful. The whole ambiance is so calm and nice, making you want to do nothing but walk around or sit outside your tent absorbing in the experience. The location of the resort is quite good as well since it falls right at the edge of Rann making the trip accessible. The place is comfortable to stay in and very well-equipped for the luxury of the guests.

Rooms:

The main attraction of White Rann is its luxurious tent life. Living here at White Rann resort, Dhordo gave us plenty of opportunities to explore Kutch and enjoy its beautiful culture and breathtaking beauty. The tents have everything to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay. Along with a twin bed, it has a coffee table with chairs. Hot water is readily available, not that we needed it. The tent was air-conditioned and also had a mirror table. The basic toiletries were given to us along with a complimentary bottle of water every day. There was also a goodie basket that we were provided with upon arrival. The tent itself was quite cozy and spacious enough to walk around. It was kept clean and in hygienic conditions which can often be the real problem with living in tents. The tents are traditionally-designed but with all the modern amenities. It had an attached bathroom along with a private sit-out space. The resort itself was as pristine as the sand of Rann and just rejuvenated us during our stay here.

Dining Experience:

The food here, with its traditional flavors and good quality, was a delight to our taste buds. The food was catered by Courtyard by Marriot and was delicious. More than that, the serving staff was also very nice and hospitable. The staff handled everyone courteously. The food cost was included in the package and we had 3 buffet meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) along with tea. The food also included many local dishes, which we were excited to try out. And glad we did because they tasted amazing. Such lip-smacking Gujarati and Kutchi food stayed on our palate long after we had left.

Things to Do

The Resort offers many excursions such as a trip to the White Desert & Kalo Dungar. A bus takes us there and we clicked some amazing photographs. Another thing included was a Rann Safari in an open-decker bus. We stopped around a lot, to do bird-watching. The resort also has some indoor sports which one can indulge in such as Table tennis, pool, Board games etc. There is also an adventure zone where one can opt for Parasailing, ATV rides etc. We went to something of a Craft Village which was a shopper’s delight with all these handcrafted pieces of art. The last day also involved a trip to Bhuj where we visited Swami Narayan temple, Bhujodi and Aiyna Mahal which turned out to be quite fun. And of course, if you decide to stay here during the Rann Utsav, it would be the most exciting and vibrant time of your life because you will get to see the festivities with such close proximity.

Highlights:

Apart from being right at the entry point of the white desert, making the resort accessible, it also had a recreation room, conference hall and dining hall. They gave cycles for moving inside the resort which was kinda fun. There was also a traditional dance and music show organized in the evening which made the stay even more memorable. We swerved to the melody and were enchanted by the dance moves.

Though there are many options for stay in Rann of Kutch, we recommend White Rann because of the ease and comfort with which we spent our time here. Along with great hospitality, there are many sightseeing opportunities and believe us, it is worth staying. The staff was very helpful and cooperative but the best part had to be the view of the sunset and the night walks beneath the moonlight. All in all, it is the perfect place to stay on your trip to Rann of Kutch.

Categories
Beaches Rejuvenate

A memorable escape to bliss on the Indian Islands

The mainland India, especially the northern part is brimming high with all the picturesque tourist spots to hang out. And needless to say, the huge traffic of the foreign and local tourists have enabled the hospitality industry there to come up with luxurious attempts to lure in more and more of those tourists. In all that gloss of the mainland India, people usually tend to forget that there are some islands in the Indian Ocean which are no less than any other place in terms of luxury and comfort. Let’s get to know about a few of them.

Lakshadweep- Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful places you can expect to find in the country. The 36 small and big islands collectively constitute Lakshadweep, whose name is defined literally as The Island of a hundred thousand lands. Out of all of them, Kavaratti is the most developed and has the most comfortable facilities to stay and spend some time at. Agatti and Bengaram are other two very popular little islands which are just recently getting the popularity that they deserve. It happens to be located near Kerala.

Andaman and Nicobar- If we talk about the Indian island most frequently visited by the international tourists, Andamans would be the one. They are located in the Andaman Sea on the east of the country. There are many popular stories about this set of islands that have made their way into the popular literature. Once upon a time, they were known as the dreaded Kaala Paani and now, as the times have changed, they are full of luxurious five-star hotels and resorts. However, the stories about the cannibals still existing in here may attract the most adventurous ones as well.

St. Mary’s Islands- These are a small set of four beautiful islands, located near the state of Karnataka. Also known as the coconut islands, these little pieces of landfall in the Arabian Sea, to the west side of the country. The biggest attraction of these islands is the massive pitch black lava stones that resulted with an eruption of the very aggressive volcano over the centuries. There are a great number of hotels on the islands promising a very comfortable stay.

Netrani Island- Located about 20 kilometers from Murudeshwara in the Arabian Sea, the Netrani Island also happens to be known as the Pigeon Island. For the tourists hailing from Goa and Kerala, the nearby places, the islands serve as a perfect place for some daring water sports such as Scuba diving. The biggest highlight of the island is only visible from the space though, as it looks like a heart located right in the middle of the sea. The island remains closed during the monsoons due to the heavy rains that fall in here annually. Any other time in the year is perfect for a visit to this little beauty of an island.

So, forget the hills and all the snow, have a visit to one of these islands and you will know how there is much more to our beautiful country what we are still unaware of.

Majuli Island

Majuli Island is one of the most coveted islands on the list of Indian Islands. It’s one of the biggest river islands in the world and the most unique of all the islands in India. We are sure to enjoy this place for its breath-taking sunrises and stunning sunsets. Out of all the islands of India, this one is the most unconventional one where you will find moss instead of sand on its coast and traditional north-eastern cuisine instead of seafood.

Diu Island

Who doesn’t want to visit an island so cool? Diu Island is a small island which has traces of Portuguese culture infused in it.

This island has a little bit of everything that appeals right from the architectural beauty and serenity. The beautiful beaches and tropical sea-food with a hint of Gujarati influence will make it a notch diverse from other islands in India. if you are looking to have a good time with your alcoholic friends, the best part is that alcohol is legal here, unlike in Gujarat!

So, which of these islands captivate your senses and allure you to visit them at least once? 

Categories
Architectural

Stepwells of Gujarat, you should not miss

Stepwells can be traced back to the cities of Indus Valley civilization. These are wells in which water is reached by steps. Gujarat is the place where more than 120 stepwells are found. These wells may have helped our ancestors during droughts but now they are considered sacred as they belonged to the time of Vedas. Some of the stepwells we visited while in Gujarat were:

Rudabai Stepwell or Adalaj Stepwell

When we saw the architecture and how those stepwells were built 500 years ago, it astonished our minds. It didn’t only impress us with its ancient architecture but also the system of water management. You can easily spend 45 minutes of your time here and get to know more about its significance through the information board outside. It is situated in Adalaj village close to Ahmedabad and is just at a 5km distance from Gandhi Nagar district.

Dada Hari Stepwell

Mughal architecture can be seen at this historic site. We believe that such an important place should be maintained a little better, but anyway, we spent an hour looking around. This stepwell has spiral step cases reaching to each level and it is built with sandstone. The most wonderful experience we had was looking up from the lowest level as its octagonal shape let a little light in. That is something one has to experience on their own to understand. This stairwell lies in the Asarwa area of Ahmedabad.

Rani Ki Vav

With an intricate structure and its location being near the Saraswati river banks, it is a popular tourist attraction. We saw beautiful scriptures on the wall of God Vishnu and the view from the top was breathtaking. From the carved pillars to inscriptions on the wall, this is a place that mesmerised us with its beauty. It is located in the town of Patan in Gujarat which is well connected. Don’t forget to keep your camera with you when you visit and also pack your own food and water since you won’t find much nearby. Because of its architecture and historical importance, Rani Ki Vav really is the Queen among stepwells.

Mata Bhavani Stepwell

Now this one is the earliest among all stepwells that we visited. It is also located in Asarwa in Gujarat. Along with long flight of steps that led to water, it also has a shrine of Hindu Goddess Bhavani at the lower level from which the name of the stepwell is derived. The columns and steps have been ornamented beautifully showing the artistic talents of people in 11th century. Yes, it really is that old.

Amritvarshini Vav

Also known as Panchukva Vav since it is located near the Panchukva Darwaja in Ahmedabad, it is a beautiful step well. The main thing we noticed was its L-shaped design. It has more elaborate arches than the other stepwells that we saw. It is a historic monument that shows both Hindu and Islamic architecture. It has three storeys and we spent around an hour there.

For all history lovers and people intrigued by old architecture, these step wells are a must-visit. These are good places to spend time with your family and friends and the climate remains cool in these stepwells. It is better to get a guide who can inform you about the historical importance of these stepwells but if now, there are information boards there that you can read.

Categories
Architectural Corporate Outings North-West India Western Ghats Western India

Urban legends of Pavagadh Hill

Such a historical hill that lives up to its name of “Fire Hill” as it ignites a fire within your skin. Sudden plans to visit the hill were made and we reached Champaner by bus. It was a 45-kilometer long ride from Vadodara but with good music to keep us company, the time went by before any of us noticed.

This hill has great significance as most Hindus know the story of how Parvati’s foot fell on this hill making it sacred. The Kalika temple on top of the hill has been visited by devotees since ages. Reaching the temple is no hard task. Public buses take you until the end of the road from where we started hiking up. Midway, when none of us could walk more, we took the cable ropeway which took us straight to the top. The sights from above the hill were just as majestic as the temple itself. We got to know from the locals nearby that every once in a while a fair is held at the temple and thousands of devotees come there. The pilgrim site was, fortunately, less crowded by the time we visited. The temple is open even at odd hours to accommodate people who have come from far for pilgrimage. We saw the temple and had darshan of Goddess Kali. There was also a Muslim shrine to a Sufi saint Sadan Shah Pir there.

We stayed at the Machi Haveli for the night after visiting the temple and some remains of Raval palace are still there even though it has been modified into a guest house for travellers. The next day we went out to explore the hill. The hill has different plateaus, the Kalika Mata plateau and Machi plateau which we had already seen and adored. Then there were also Mauliya Plateau, Bhadrakali Plateau, and Atak plateau.

We saw Teliya Talav and Dudiya Talav. The story behind the Dudiya Talav is that sage Vishwamitra had a cow that would speak and yield lots of milk. This cow was called Kamdhenu and one day it fell into the valley while grazing. It tried to get back up but couldn’t. Finally, she produced so much milk that it filled the valley and she swam to top. The sage prayed to the gods so that no cow would ever fall into the valley again and gods made a hill appear there. Well, it is just an urban legend.

We moved on to our next stop where we saw some beautifully constructed Jain temples carved from white stone which gave it a marvellous architectural charm. It was unbelievable to think that those temples dated back to the 14th-15th century. There were beautiful stone images inside of Tirthankaras. Within its vicinity, there is also a tall statue of God Bahubali which is almost 30ft in height. The entire place is splendid in its beauty and holy in ambience. There was also a Jain restaurant, gardens and Dharamshala nearby. We stopped there for some food and it turned out delicious. After wandering around the premises for some more time, we started clicking pictures and finding other places to see around there.

During our journey back home, we stopped at the foot of Pavagadh to visit ‘Vada Talabh’ and Kabootar khaana and then finally relaxed at a beautiful garden called ‘Virasat Van’. It was a serene atmosphere and the sights were beautiful. This experience gave us unforgettable memories of our trip to Pavgadh. Even now we have those visions behind our eyes and can feel the cool breeze upon my skin.

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Central India Itinerary

24 Hours in Ahemdabad

A mini-metropolis in the state of Gujrat, Ahmedabad provides travellers with a rejuvenating combination of the old and the new. From locating religious shrines and ancient monuments to relishing lip-smacking street food and exploring indigenous textiles, you can make the most of a 24 hours-long visit to the city. Not to miss, place is also known to groom best B-school graduates from India.

With merely a day in hand, a Heritage Walk is probably the best commencement to the city’s tour. You have to decide between two options- Ahmedabad’s Municipal Corporation conducts a morning walk which starts at 8:00 and takes you to numerous important Havelis, temples and heritage sites before concluding at the Jama Masjid in the city centre and its alternative, the House of MG provides an 80-minutes-long walk, which you can undertake with a pre- recorded audio guide

The next destination for the day can be the Calico Museum of Textiles in the Shahibaug area. It boasts of one of the world’s supreme collections of archaic as well as contemporary Indian textiles, that are all handmade and at most 500 years old. There are some exceptionally beautiful pieces like Kashmiri shawls whose making took 3 years and double-ikat cloths, 1,00,000 threads of which were dyed separately before weaving. The prime textile galleries can only be visited during the morning tour by a maximum of 20 people, which lasts for 2 hours and the afternoon tour which is for a maximum of 10 people is dedicated to Sarabhai Foundation’s religious art collection. Therefore, advance booking is required.

The next destination is best described by its name- Talli Ahmedabad which means ‘intoxicated Ahmedabad’ in English. This eatery claims to infuse their dishes with a degree of lusciousness that will leave you in a trance. In tandem with its bold and brazen name, the dishes are titled creatively. Worth every penny, this is an amazing option for some quick and delicious food.

Located in close proximity to Ahmedabad’s railway station, the Shaking minarets of the Sidi Bashir Mosque can be the next place in the 24 hours- the itinerary of Ahmedabad. The minarets got their name because of the fact that they literally shake because if one of them is touched, the other trembles after a few seconds! Each of them is about 70 metres high and has carved stone balconies. You can explore the rest of the Sidi Bashir Mosque also, while you are here.

The succeeding area of visit-The Law Garden Night Market– is an evening market which remains jam packed with kiosks selling glittery articles from Saurashtra and Kutch. Costume jewellery embroidered wall hangings, Gujarati cholis and extravagantly decorated chaniyas sold here will leave you awestruck. Even if you end up buying nothing, this is an experience exclusive to Ahmedabad which is definitely not to be missed.

Furnished to represent the culture and lifestyle of Indian villages, Rajwadu is the spot to go for genuine Gujarati cuisine and is thereby the concluding place in our 1 day Ahmedabad itinerary. Established in 1998 with the aim providing natives with a flavour of their own culture, this restaurant has grown to become extremely famous since then. It is located in Ahmedabad’s suburbs and you should go here for the outstanding food and captivating ambience. With this, your day will come to a perfect end!

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

The Gateway Hotel Ummed , Ahmedabad

Located on the banks of Sabarmati River, hotel Ummed is one of the Taj Gateways property and it lives upto it. Situated mere 1Km from the airport and 8 kms from the railway station, it is in the proximity of places like Central Business District (9 kms), Gandhi Nagar (12 kms), Jama Masjid (9.0 kms), Shaking Minarets (8.8 kms), Sidi Saiyad Masjid (7.9 kms) and Gandhi Ashram (7.7 kms) where vacationers can go and explore the city.

Food, Amenities and Services – Ummed is a refreshing property with its splendid interiors and stylish décor. I stayed in Garden View Room. The spacious air-conditioned room is equipped with a satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities, personal safe. flat-screen TV and DVD player. Bathrooms are neat and clean with modern fixatures, bathrobs, slippers etc. Executive desk is available for guests to work in all rooms. . Array of modern facilities like multi-cuisine restaurant, fully equipped fitness club, high-speed internet access, secretarial services, rejuvenating swimming pool, doctor-on-call & many such hi-end comforts are been offered.  The staff is very polite and courteous and is available 24*7 for all services.  I was touched by their exemplary service levels with great pre-preps. Travel desk is available, which helps guests in their Ahmedabad city tours. Banquet halls, Board rooms are available with modern facilities for conferences. The dining options in the hotel include GADMenu, a 24 hour multi cuisine restaurant serving scrumptious Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. It offers buffet breakfast and dinner and a-la-carte lunch. Spread has multiple options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Narmada Menu, a delectable Indian Cuisine restaurant serves Indian cuisines with live classical music. The hotel offers lavish, cordial, cosy and luxurious stay with its warm services to both vacationers and business travelers and always on top.

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

The Metropole Hotel, Ahemdabad

Located close to the banks of the ancient Sabarmati river and about 5 kms distance from the Ahmedabad International airport, the hotel is a centrally located and has easy access to the business and shopping districts of the city. Tourist attraction near the hotel includes, Gandhi Ashram, Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza and Jhulta Minar

Food, Amenities and Services – I stayed in the hotel on one of my business trips in executive rooms where-in rooms are very spacious and comfortable. Amenities like LCD, tea/coffee making amenities, refrigerated mini-bar, free bottled water, locker safe etc are available. Rooms have wooden flooring. Highlight of hotel is the themes that rooms on different floors feature, which attracts visitors for its contemporary interiors. Bathrooms are neat and clean with usual toiletries. Rooms also have a workstation and comfortable chair, and free Wi-Fi which provide conducive environment for business travelers. Fitness centre is available for work-out sessions. Hotel staff is courteous and provides facilities like Currency Exchange, Doctor on Call, Laundry and Dry Cleaning services, Airport Transfers, Valet Parking & Travel Services. Moment you enter lobby attracts you for its beautiful interiors. There’s a spacious conference hall in the hotel for meetings and presentations, and a huge banquet hall for business get-togethers. Venice, 24/7 and Valentine are the three dining options available for guests. Venice, is beautiful dining place that serves multi-cuisine dishes. Ambience is stylish. 24/7 lounge is 24*7 coffee shop where guests can nibble snacks across the day. Burgers, and Pizzas are interestingly presented. Buffet breakfast is scrumptious with variety of options available. Valentine is must go if you have sweet tooth. Psalteries, cupcakes and desserts served here can definitely rekindle your love for desserts.

Overall, it is a preferred choice of vacationers, business travelers due to its strategic location.

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