Gujarat Chronicles

Laughs, Legends, and Long Drives - Gujarat with RRR & Suresh

 

As Sabitha and I returned from our unforgettable Kailash tour, we quickly began thinking about where to head next. I was leaning toward Kamakhya, but Sabitha’s picks - Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu or a tour through Gujarat - naturally took precedence. I’ve learned that when it comes to travel, Sabitha always gets the final word!

The idea for our next adventure truly came together at a lunch hosted by Raghu, marking his father’s first anniversary. As we were reminiscing about Kailash, I half-jokingly suggested to Raj that he should organize a Gujarat tour for our RRR group - Raj/Divya, Raghu/Lakshmi, and Ravi/Sabitha. Raj, being the enthusiastic and action-driven person he is, wasted no time getting on board. We all know Raj well, so it was no surprise when he immediately took charge.

Before we knew it, Raj had pulled together the entire plan. In what seemed like just two hours, the details were all finalized. That’s Raj for you - fast, efficient, and always making things happen with no fuss. This is why we’ve all been traveling together for so long - Raj handles the logistics, leaving us to simply enjoy the trip.

What makes this tour particularly exciting is that it will be our first trip without our kids. For years, when they were little, we traveled as one big group, kids in tow, creating some of the best memories. Now that they’re all grown up - either in college or starting their careers - it’ll just be us adults. It feels like a return to our earlier days of friendship, where the joy of travel was about reconnecting as friends without the added responsibility of managing our children’s needs.

We’re also excited to have Suresh and Kavitha joining us for this trip. Suresh moved back to India with all of us, after years in the U.S., and his presence adds a nostalgic touch to this tour. We’ve all been friends for years, and it’s special to see how our bonds have only grown stronger over time, even as life has changed for each of us.

This Gujarat tour isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about reliving old memories, deepening friendships, and creating new experiences with the people who have been part of our journey for so many years. Though the kids are now adults, the excitement of exploring new places with friends remains unchanged.

And this is just the prelude. The real action starts on November 25, and I’ll be sharing updates as we embark on this journey. Expect stories from the road, snapshots of the beautiful places we visit, and, of course, plenty of laughter as the RRR group and Suresh’s family take on Gujarat together. Stay tuned for more as we dive into what promises to be an unforgettable one (I’m sure)!

 

Finally we started the journey as planned: 

25/11: In the rush of excitement, I must have decided to reinvent air travel norms—why bother checking in bags when you can enjoy the thrill of holding up the security line with an overstuffed carry-on? Clearly, my subconscious prioritized catching up with friends over mundane tasks like following airport protocols. Who needs extra time at baggage claim when you can test the limits of TSA’s patience instead? and as always, there had to be some excitement to mull over and laugh about. So now, until we took off, this little suitcase saga was our fun topic of conversation!

1:30 PM: Landed in Rajkot and headed straight for lunch. Govind, our driver, seemed ready to kick off the adventure. 

The moment we stepped out of Rajkot airport, it was clear we weren’t stepping into a bustling cityscape but into the industrial veins of Gujarat. Instead of urban chaos, the Rajkot-Jamnagar highway greeted us with an array of industrial units and structures of all kinds, scattered across the landscape. It felt less like entering a city and more like passing through the sprawling workshops fueling the state’s economic engine. A quiet, industrious hum seemed to hang in the air, setting a very different tone for our arrival. 

Lunch was at TGM on the Rajkot-Jamnagar highway, right after the cricket stadium. Decent meal, but honestly, not much of that authentic Gujarat flavor we were looking forward to. Still, the journey has just begun!

The drive to Dwarka was nothing short of an experience. Cruising through the industrial belt between Rajkot and Jamnagar, we passed big names in the industry like GSFC, Reliance, and TATA Chemicals - testaments to Gujarat’s industrial strength. The smooth roads were a treat, but the towns along the way, despite their industrial significance, felt oddly untidy, a noticeable contrast to the scale of development around them. 

Navigating through Jamnagar town added a dash of thrill, with its bustling streets breaking the rhythm of the otherwise seamless journey.

After a long drive to Dwarka, we finally pulled up at the Lemon Tree Hotel. Ten minutes to freshen up, a quick dinner, and that was it—exhaustion hit hard, and we crashed, ready to let the day fade into the night.

26/11: We got ready early for the morning darshan at Dwarkadeesh Temple. By 7:00 AM, the Pandit arrived at the hotel, and together we headed to the temple, immersed in a divine atmosphere. As we walked, the Pandit narrated the temple’s history and shared the Sthal Puran, enriching the experience with fascinating details.  The air seemed to hum with devotion, heightening our anticipation.

The darshan itself was truly special. Being Ekadashi, the temple had arranged an Annakut display at the main sanctum, it was a breathtaking sight, beyond what words can describe. Simply put, it was awe - inspiring. . “Awesome.” No adjective could do it justice!  but the experience didn’t end there. We later embarked on the temple Parikrama, paying our respects to all the idols of Lord Krishna’s parivaar.  By the time we completed the Parikrama, it was time for the Dhwaj Darshan.  

This ritual, where the holy flag atop the gopuram is changed, was breathtaking. Today’s flag, a vibrant multicolored design with red, blue, and white stripes, fluttering majestically in the breeze, carrying with it the prayers of countless devotees. Learning that this sacred flag is replaced five times a day only deepened our awe. The sight of it being hoisted was nothing short of heavenly, as if the gods themselves were watching over.

The day only got more interesting as we moved on to another temple tradition—Thulabharam. This age-old practice involves donations measured against the weight of the donor. We participated by offering rice, daal, ghee, and sugar, equaling the combined weight of the couple making the offering. The scale tipped, the ritual concluded, and the act of giving felt profoundly meaningful. It was a deeply engaging and fulfilling experience, one that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of devotion and generosity.

After soaking in the divine vibes of Dwarkadeesh Temple, we headed back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast before embarking on our next spiritual adventure—Beyt Dwarka. The darshan there was peaceful, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the bustling day.

Of course, no outing is complete without catering to the group’s varied thirsts in the afternoon heat. Lemon soda or ganna ras (sugarcane juice) became the debate of the hour, with everyone making their choice. I went with the classic lemon soda—a decision that hit the spot perfectly!

The real adventure, however, wasn’t the darshan or the refreshments—it was the journey to and from the temple. Navigating the pat-patty autos proved to be an unexpected test of endurance. Each hop in and out was a gentle reminder from our legs and backs that we’re not as young as we once were. There were some good laughs amidst the grumbling joints as we realized this challenge was as much a part of the pilgrimage as the darshan itself!

Switching hats from CEO to COO, we transitioned from the divine abode of Krishna to the powerful presence of Shiva as we headed to Nageshwar, one of the revered Jyotirlinga temples. Surprisingly, the temple was calm and serene, with only a handful of devotees, a rarity for Karthika Ekadashi.

This serene atmosphere gave us the chance to perform an Abhishekam, immersing ourselves in the divine energy of Lord Shiva. The ritual felt deeply fulfilling, and the darshan was nothing short of satisfactory, leaving us with a sense of spiritual contentment.

The shift from Dwarkadeesh to Nageshwar felt symbolic - moving from Krishna’s playful guidance as the CEO of the cosmos to Shiva’s steady, transformative power as the COO. Both divine energies complement each other beautifully, making this journey a profound reminder of balance in devotion. From here, we made our way back to Dwarka, carrying the blessings of both deities in our hearts.  It’s lunchtime, had some basic light lunch at Yash Mahal and back to our hotel for some rest before we head to next in the line.  

After some rest We made our way to Rukminidevi Temple and later to Bhadkeshwar Mandir, each nestled in settings that felt like nature’s tribute to the divine.

The beach near Bhadkeshwar Mandir added an almost mystical charm to the evening. The waves crashed gently against the rocks as if whispering their prayers, while the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The temple, perched near the edge of the sea, seemed to glow in the soft twilight—a serene and surreal sight.

Each temple had its unique charm, but it was the sunset that truly stole the show. Watching the fiery orb descend into the horizon, with the ocean reflecting its brilliance, felt like a divine spectacle orchestrated by the gods themselves. It was one of those moments where nature and spirituality converged, leaving us in quiet awe of the beauty and power surrounding us.

The Aarti at Dwarkadeesh Temple was an experience beyond words—a mesmerizing symphony of devotion and divinity. The powerful beats of the dhol tashas reverberated through the temple, creating an energy so palpable it felt as though the heavens themselves were celebrating. Each beat seemed to amplify the spiritual fervor, lifting our spirits higher and higher.

As the sacred flames danced to the rhythmic chants of “Jai Dwarkadheesh,” the atmosphere was electrified with divine energy. The sheer power of the moment, coupled with the sight of Lord Krishna adorned in his celestial glory, filled us with overwhelming reverence. It wasn’t just an Aarti; it was a spiritual crescendo that left us humbled and uplifted, our hearts brimming with joy and devotion. Truly, it was an unforgettable glimpse into the divine splendor of Lord Krishna’s eternal presence.

27/11: We all woke up feeling refreshed, quickly wrapped up breakfast, and hit the road to Porbandar without any delay. Covering the 100 km stretch in just 1 hour and 45 minutes, we arrived at the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi—Keerthi Mandir.

While the visit held historical significance, it was evident that not everyone in the group shared the same level of enthusiasm for the site. Nonetheless, we dutifully explored the memorial, acknowledging its importance, even if it felt more like checking off a box on the itinerary.

The journey to Somnath took us along a scenic coastal road, where the sea stretched endlessly on one side, offering a serene and calming backdrop. Coconut trees swayed gently, and the quiet, traffic-free roads added to the sense of tranquility.

The villages early on were dry and parched, their landscapes stark and lifeless. But halfway to Somnath, close to Junagad area, greenery began to appear, and the villages seemed to come alive with vibrancy. Along the way, we also passed through Chorvad, Dhirubhai Ambani native village. It was humbling to think of his incredible journey - from this small village to the heights of Bombay’s corporate world. A true story of ambition and achievement amidst the quiet charm of rural Gujarat.

We reached Somnath around 1:30 PM, eager to immerse ourselves in the sacred aura of this holy town. After a quick check-in at the hotel and refreshing ourselves, we enjoyed a hearty Kathiyavadi thali for lunch, a burst of authentic flavors that energized us for the spiritual journey ahead.

Our first stop was the iconic Somnath temple. The priests there performed a detailed Rudrabhishekham for us, filling the sanctum with divine chants and an atmosphere of reverence. The ritual was so profound and meticulous that it left us deeply content and spiritually recharged.

We then made our way to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati meeting the Arabian Sea. The energy of the flowing waters seemed to echo the cycles of life and eternity. At Bhalka Teerth, the site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left for his heavenly abode, we paused in quiet reflection, feeling the weight of history and divinity combined.

At the Gita Mandir, the inscriptions of Krishna’s eternal wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita inspired a sense of peace and introspection. The tranquil surroundings seemed to amplify the timelessness of his teachings.

As dusk fell, we returned to the new Somnath temple. Bathed in multi colored  lights, the temple stood majestic against the evening sky. The darshan was serene and fulfilling, wrapping up our day with a divine sense of contentment. It was a journey of spiritual milestones, each place adding depth and meaning to the experience.

As dusk fell, we returned to the new Somnath temple. Bathed in golden lights, the temple stood majestic against the evening sky. The darshan was serene and fulfilling, wrapping up our day with a divine sense of contentment. It was a journey of spiritual milestones, each place adding depth and meaning to the experience.

As the day drew to a close, wrapped in peace and devotion, some in the group decided to cap off the evening with a little “spirited” indulgence. But Gujarat, with its strict prohibition laws, turned the quest into an unexpected adventure

What started as an “easy” task to get a permit quickly turned into a bureaucratic saga. At the permit room, every step came with a new demand - this document, that signature, dragging on endlessly. By the time we got two permits approved, the excitement for a drink had completely fizzled out.

Back at the room, we opened the bottles more out of obligation than desire. “Might as well use the permit,” someone joked as we sipped half-heartedly. Dinner at the hotel felt more satisfying than the drinks, and soon we called it a night. Lesson learned: in Gujarat, “dry state” is no joke!

28/11:  In the morning, we checked out and headed straight to Bhalka Teerth, the sacred site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his earthly form. The place carried an air of quiet reverence, as though the whispers of divinity still lingered in the gentle breeze.

Standing under the shade of the ancient peepal tree, said to witness Krishna’s final moments, we couldn’t help but feel the weight of history and spirituality. The idol of Krishna, reclining with an arrow in his foot, brought the scene to life, reminding us of the transition from the Dwapara Yuga to eternity.

Adding to the atmosphere were a group of humble Gujarati ladies seated in a circle, singing soul-stirring bhajans. Their voices, in perfect harmony, filled the air with devotion, as though the divine itself was joining the chorus. It was a moment of pure peace, where time seemed to pause, allowing us to fully immerse in the sanctity of the place.

Later, we made our way to Diu, where the calm waves and golden sands offered a brief but much-needed pause. A quick stroll, a quiet moment by the beach—a simple tick mark, but one that left us feeling recharged.

29/11: Morning came early, and the hotel lobby buzzed with bags, chatter, and sleepy anticipation. The car awaited, ready to carry us on the long, winding journey to Vadodara. It was a day destined to test our endurance and patience, but with the promise of new sights and stories along the way, we were eager to hit the road.

29/11: Morning came early, and the hotel lobby buzzed with bags, chatter, and sleepy anticipation. The car awaited, ready to carry us on the long, winding journey to Vadodara. It was a day destined to test our endurance and patience, but with the promise of new sights and stories along the way, we were eager to hit the road.

We reached Vadodara by 4:30 PM, and it immediately stood out from the other places we’d visited so far. The city exuded a sense of modernity and progress, with well-maintained roads, organized infrastructure, and a vibrant urban vibe. It was a refreshing contrast to the more rural or industrial scenes we had encountered earlier.

While the ladies indulged in their long-awaited shopping spree, the rest of us took a moment to relax and appreciate the development Vadodara had to offer. The city truly felt like a testament to Gujarat’s growing urbanization.

With the Statue of Unity on the agenda for tomorrow, Vadodara served as the perfect pit stop—a blend of comfort, convenience, and a glimpse into the state’s modern aspirations.

30/11: The day started with an early drive from Vadodara to the Statue of Unity, a much-anticipated highlight of the trip. What began as a tick-mark destination quickly transformed into a day full of pleasant surprises.

Our adventure kicked off in quirky pink autos driven by energetic local women, who took us on a cheerful tour around the Narmada River and its beautifully designed sightseeing spots. Each stop along the way added its own charm, showcasing the region’s thoughtful development and natural beauty.

Finally, we arrived at the Statue of Unity, and words simply cannot do justice to its grandeur. Standing as the world’s tallest statue at an astounding 597 feet, it’s a true marvel of modern engineering. We ascended to the viewing gallery at 450 feet, where we were greeted by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The sight was breathtaking, offering a perspective that made every minute of the long drive worthwhile.

It was a day that surprised us all. What we thought might be a routine visit turned into an unforgettable experience, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend adding this landmark to your itinerary. The only caveat is the drive from Vadodara is long, so be prepared to dedicate an entire day to this excursion, but trust me, it’s worth it.

01/12: Back in Ahmadabad, the ladies indulged in a shopping spree at Nutan in the bustling Dhalgarwad market, while the rest of us enjoyed a relaxed morning. Nutan’s vibrant fabrics and traditional wear made for a perfect farewell to Gujarat’s rich culture.

Later, we set out for sightseeing in Ahmedabad, visiting the serene Sabarmati Ashram, the timeless Adalaj Stepwell, and the majestic Akshardham temple. Among these, Adalaj truly stole the show, its intricate carvings and symmetrical design taking us back in time.

Reflecting on the trip, the first three days from Dwarka to Somnath remain the most cherished: full of devotion and adventure. The Statue of Unity added an unexpected thrill, and Ahmedabad’s charm tied it all together beautifully.

Adios for now - until the next adventure!

A special thanks to Pluto Tours, who made this seamless experience possible. Their meticulous planning and support helped us navigate Gujarat with ease, making the most of every moment.