My Gujarat Trip Itinerary

GUJARAT, as soon as we think of this wonderful state, soft speaking people minding their own business with a sweet diet and caring nature for their guests compulsorily flashes our minds and of course at the very outset and every corner of our hearts we do rush to revive n remember Mahatma Gandhiji, Father of our great nation, also Iron man of Bharat our Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Last but not the least our darling Prime Minister of India the only and only maker of Swachh and Swachh Bharat Narendra Modiji.

It was a very sweet experience touring Gujarat state. As it goes with the name Saurashtra, the land of hundreds  with a great sanctity and serenity. Our pink day started at Hyderabad Airport on 5th February  to Ahmedabad. The flight landed at Ahmedabad at 0730 hrs and the Jaitra Yatra started.

On the way to Bhavnagar we stopped at LOTHAL, the land of HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION. Indian Culture is depicted here on every inch. There was social culture, art culture along with Fashion culture that was portrayed and preserved in the Lothal museum. Finally as usual after a good session of photographs it landed up in Shopping of beautiful beads which were quite tempting for a quick wear on beautiful ladies.

Our evening at Bhavnagar was another pleasant experience as it was visit to NISKALANK MAHADEV Temple admist of the Arabian Sea. the SHANTA SAMUDRAM, astonishingly lord Samudra is paving way for  the devotees to cross the sea to reach up to the lord Shiva. We walked pleasantly along the sea that was glorious without a single tide and we surrounded by sea Gulls flamingoes and other sea birds. 

Nishkalank is a Prathistha of 5 lingas by the Pancha Pandavas also a Shivling by Draupadi. We prayed the lord with Abhisekha. A strange peace filled our hearts and walked to the shore with double energy and momentum. After the devotees prayers our lord Samudra transforms back with his tides and takes the lord Shiva into his lap from 7 pm. Night stay at Bhavnagar was at Lords inn.

Next day we moved towards Somnath, an abode of lord Shiva in the form of Jyothirling, it is one of the most famous temples of Gujarat. The temple is located peacefully on the sea shore and the location and architecture of the Shrine is such that every ray of the sun passes thru without any image formations of the pillars and the Gopuram. It was a splendid bliss to be present for the evening Aarti of lord Somnath with the rhythmic Dhamaruka  beats that was vibrating every inch of our body. After the great bliss we could not stop ourselves for a window shopping at the shopping complex situated outside the temple. Night comfort halt was again at Lords Inn Somnath.

At the dusky dawn we moved towards BHALKA Temple, the place of lord Krishna Avatar Samapti. It was touching moment to see the Lord Sri Krishna relaxingly pose for the samapthi fulfilling all the wishes of his devotees, at the feet of the lord is the idol of Boya(Hunter) who mistook the lords feet as a deer and had injured it with his arrow. 

The temple is on the banks of the Triveni Sangam of rivers Hiranmayi, Gomthi and Saraswathi. On the same bank we worshipped Gita Mandir and Baldeva, the lords brother in the form of serpent God AadhiSesha who also did the Avtar Samapthi. On the other side we visited Rukmini Devi Temple. Rukuma Bai, the princess was on her royal Alankar. Its mandatory belief to have a glass of water in this temple as a mark of Athidhi Maryada and to avoid drastic conditions of natural calamity.

Next step was towards Sasan Gir, the abode of Asiatic Lions. We had a relaxing time at Saavaj Resorts and visited Devaliya Park. Sasan Gir has a forest atmosphere throughout. In Devaliya park, Lions and cheetahs were lazing and dozing around ofcourse fenced and it was a ride among deers. We enjoyed a natural forest and happily purchased hats and fur cub toys. At Saavaj resort, we enjoyed and participated in the African tribal dance.

Early morning it was the most awaited Safari Ride. Quickly we wrapped ourselves in warm clothes but still so cold that all of us were shivering throughout the ride in the forest in an open jeep. GIR jungle was at its own majesty and we enjoyed the glimpse of beautiful deers, antelopes, peacocks, Jackal, noticed Paw print of leopards, varieties of birds but alas couldn’t spot lions. Every one of us were teasing each other and consoling saying that we ourselves are lionesses hence lions vanished, we came out of the forest after 3 hrs ride with a courageous Zeal.

After the Bhayanak GIR range, we headed towards the peaceful Junagadh to find the architecture of Mahabat Maqbara and Junagadh fort. As usual, enjoyed capturing every nook and corner with pictures. From Junagadh it was to the most sacred birth place of beloved Mahatmaji, Porbander. The first place of visit at Porbandar was Sudhama mandir. Sudama, the best Friend of Lord Krishna, it was heartening to see the embracement statue of the lord and Sudhama when the lord granted all the wishes of Sudama without his asking.

Next was Glorious Kirti mandir, the birth place of Mahatmaji. Every inch of the Mandir perhaps was narrating the greatness of Gandhiji. Came out with peace and serenity singing the prayer of Mahatmaji. Vaishnav Jan tho Thene kahiyere. . Another royal visit was to Shree Hari Mandir located on the outskirts of Porbander. Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi were in their own Majestic forms. The architecture depicted Gujarati and Jain Culture.

From Porbandar, the Yatra went on to Dwarka. Dwarkadeesh perhaps Emperor Lord Krishna’s idol where we feel like surrendering ourselves to the lord. We attended the evening Shayan Aarti, in shringar alankar Krishna. We blissfully enjoyed the Aarti and went around the temple enjoying the Sarvam Krishnaarpan feel. Early morning we walked towards the temple along the sea side as we didn’t want to miss the glimpse of the lord. After Darshan and a heavy breakfast at Lords we moved for Beyt Dwarka.

Beyt Dwarka is an island standing majestically midst of Arabian Aea, is the place when Dwarka drowned in the sea after Krishnas Avtar Samapthi. The Yaadavas fought among themselves and perished. We sailed in a launch towards BEYT enjoying Sea Gulls and the beauty of Arabian Sea. Beyt Dwarka is an island for beads and gem stones shopping.

From Beyt, it was to Nagesham, another abode of Jyotirling where Shiv and Parvathy are in the form of Nagas and hence abhishekm offered to both. A huge 90 feet statue of Shiva meditating attracts the devotees as the glimpse can be caught from quite a distance. From Naghesham it was to Bhadkeshwar a small temple but beautifully located on the sea shore.

After experiencing the bliss of Dwarka, we moved towards Jamnagar, a gateway for Reliance and Tata Units. Jamnagar surrounded by Ranmal Lake with Bal Hanuman temple on its bank were add on attractions. Bal hanuman idol made of gold as usual on service to lord Rama and the unique prayer going on in these temples continuous chanting of Rama nama and the belief is that it’s a protection device for Jamnagar. As usual, a beautiful Swami Narayan temple is an add-on jewel to Jamnagar. Stay at Jamnagar was at comfortable Aaram inn.

From Jamnagar the way was to Little Rann of Kutch. The way was via Rajkot and we didn’t miss the window shopping at Rajkot that lasted for a short while. Arrived enthusiastically at Kutch and had a traditional lunch at Bhavna Resorts, our stay place. At about 3:30 pm, we were driven to the Wild Ass sanctuary. Little Rann of Kutch gives us the pleasure of feel of a desert, forest and also a river side. Wild asses were grazing at their own ease. 

We could spot deers, storks, lovely birds, amidst of the land scape was the wonderful sight of river Narmada joining the sea. This is the spot for Salt making. Salt crystals glittering like diamonds was a feast for eyes. On the fresh water lakes were colorful flamingos and swans causing another feast for eyes. Last but not the least was a visionary sun set and full moon rise that was an ultimate wonder of nature. 

Our cameras were on nonstop clicks and shoot to capture the every event going on at Kutch. A moment of Pride for us for being a part of wonderful historic Natural Bharat. We did not forget to have a Sangeet mehfil on our return to Bhavna resorts and we kept on humming happily many music numbers from Hindi Movies, mainly songs picturised on Chandrama while riding with the full moon. We had a happy Campfire in the resort.

With a feel that alas the trip is going to end we started towards Ahmedabad. On the way was the bright Modhera Sun temple skillfully carved. The glimpse of rang mandap i.e dance hall was fabulous that stretched to the four directions where classical dances were on its peak during the rulers reign. Over and above was the Pushkarini, that’s planned and constructed geometrically with wonderful architecture. Before commencement of the puja to Surya Bhagwan, devotees used to have a holy dip here. The idol of Surya is not be found but Sun Rays are spotted in the Garbh Gruha of the temple.

From sun temple it was to Adalaj— A massive carved structure of Step well. One of the splendid architecture of the history with steps and mandaps on the four sides ending in a much ground level well. Then proceeded to the replica of Vaishno Devi shrine at Ahmedabad and Hathee Singh Jain Temple which are add on bonus for the trip.

Ahmedabad is an abode of shopping for ladies and are tempted to purchase every item of moderate cost. The cotton textile garments perhaps soft and cool. In fact it will be a lengthy shopping and can’t stop.

We wouldn’t be pardoned if we are not going to discuss about the serene Sabarmati Ashram on the banks of River Sabarmati. it’s the heavenly place where Mahatmaji resided and worked for Indian Independence. No doubt Sabarmati finds a holy and monumental place in every Indian’s heart and soul. Then we walked into the Sabarmati riverfront which is one beautiful place everyone should experience.

Before boarding for our home destination the visit was for Akshardham. The sacred Place where in Swami Narayan’s very existence is proved. The Dham is very well maintained in all aspects of Sanctity, technically and Devotion. Every part of the Dham is worth seeing and we transform into feelings of good thoughts. Of course we did enjoy the sumptuous Special Swami Narayan Khichdi for Lunch at Akshardham. Thus ended the most awaiting tour of Gujarat pleasantly and happily and we carried all the sweet sharing memories.

• Guest Blogger: Mythili