D-Day
After much planning, we finally decided on our road trip from Bangalore to Gujarat in my brand-new Kia Carens. The dates were set: from December 22nd, 2023, to December 29th, 2023. The core group was me, Shrikant, and Sangamesh, and we planned to pick up another friend in Hubli. Here's how our adventure unfolded.
Day 1 – December 22nd, 2023 Friday
Bangalore to Hubli
Due to Sangamesh not being able to take leave on Friday, we decided to start our trip early that morning. The plan was to leave Bangalore at dawn, reach Hubli by lunchtime, and have Sangamesh join us post-lunch to continue his office work remotely.
The day before, I made sure everything was set. I cleaned my car, checked the air in the tires, filled up the fuel tank, and loaded up a playlist of our favorite '90s hits onto a pen drive. It felt nostalgic and perfect.
Friday morning, I woke up early again, gave the car a quick dusting, and after my morning bath and puja, I packed up my luggage. Since we were four people in total, we folded down the last row of seats in the Carens to maximize boot space. The Carens, being a 7-seater, had plenty of room for all of us.
While cleaning, I noticed a small chip on the front windshield—probably from a stone hit. It worried me at first, but after showing it to Sangamesh and Shrikant, they reassured me it was no big deal. We decided to proceed with my car.
By 6:10 AM, we had loaded up everyone's luggage, and we were ready to hit the road. My Kia Carens, just three months old, had already completed its first service and had exactly 999 km on the odometer—an easy number to remember for the start of this journey. And so, we began our first leg, headed towards Hubli, with excitement and anticipation filling the air.
A Refreshing Tea Break and a Change of Drivers
After two hours on the road, everyone was ready for a break—especially for some tea. It was also time to switch drivers, as we had a rule that no one should drive for more than two hours straight. So, we started searching for a tea stop along the highway.
We eventually found a place called Sai Café. To our delight, we spotted a Mudhol hound there—our own pride from Uttara Karnataka. It felt good to see this local breed so far from home. The tea was just what we needed—refreshing and energizing, giving us a boost for the next leg of the journey.
We swapped drivers, with Sangamesh now behind the wheel. I had been a bit cautious about pushing my new car beyond 90 km/h, but once Sangamesh took over, he confidently showed me that we could safely cruise at up to 120 km/h, especially with the lighter highway traffic.
Continuing the Journey: A Pause for Benne Dosa
After driving for about half a kilometer, I realized that I had forgotten the car cleaning cloth in the parking area. Luckily, we were still close to home, so I called my wife, and she kindly brought it to us, wishing us a happy journey once again.
The trip truly began as the early morning light illuminated the road, the cool Bangalore weather creating the perfect atmosphere. The sound of Ganesh mantras played softly on the stereo, accompanied by the laughter and conversations of 20-year-old friends.
We reached Davangere, where Shrikant suggested stopping to try the famous benne dosa, originally from there. However, Sangamesh was eager to reach Hubli as soon as possible to begin his office work. He hesitated about making the detour into Davangere for the dosa. Our trip rule, however, was that everyone’s wishes had to be fulfilled. So, with a tie-breaking vote, I sided with Shrikant, and we turned the car into the heart of Davangere city.
Thanks to Google Maps, we found the legendary "Shri Guru Kottureshwara Benne Dose Hotel," located right in front of JJM Medical College. Parking, however, was a challenge due to the location. We ended up parking about 500 meters away and enjoyed a brisk morning walk to the hotel. We arrived around 11:40 AM.
The dosa lived up to the hype—it was as delicious as everyone had promised. Of course, breakfast isn't complete without tea, so we found another spot nearby to grab a cup, though the tea was just average. Stocking up on a couple of 2-liter water bottles, we resumed our journey towards Hubli.
Arrival in Hubli and a Heartwarming Evening
We finally arrived in Hubli, where we were warmly welcomed by Shashi and his family. They had a vacant 1BHK house on the first floor, and they kindly set it up for us. We moved all our luggage upstairs, as we planned to stay in Hubli for the first night of the trip.
After settling in, we had a cup of tea while Sangamesh started his office work. Shrikant and I took a short nap to recharge. By 5 PM, we were refreshed and decided to visit Shri Siddaroodha Swami Mata, which was just a short walk from Shashi's house. After a peaceful Darshan, we enjoyed some delicious bajjis from a vendor outside the temple. Sangamesh joined us after wrapping up his work.
Next, we visited the Gaushala where Shashi is an active team member. The Gaushala serves as a shelter for cows in Hubli, providing care for homeless, sick, injured, or abandoned cattle. It was inspiring to see the dedication of the team.
Afterward, we returned home, took the car, and headed into Hubli for a bit of shopping. Shashi picked up a few clothes for the trip, and Sangamesh also did some shopping. Around 7 PM, we visited Shashi’s uncle’s house, where they had prepared a traditional North Karnataka meal with jolad rotti, vegetables, sweets, and more. Their house was located right in the middle of a bustling evening market, so stepping outside, we were greeted by the lively scene of people buying fresh vegetables.
After some friendly conversation with Shashi’s uncle, we returned to Shashi’s house. It was nearly 8 PM, and I was ready to call it a night. But just as I lay down, I heard the sound of a mic and a Ganesh song. Curious, I stepped outside and was greeted with a pleasant surprise—Shashi had arranged a small orchestra setup, complete with speakers, a microphone, and rows of Nilkamal chairs for the audience.
To add to the excitement, Shashi’s uncle, a talented singer, came up to the first floor and sang a few beautiful old Kannada songs. Soon, all of Shashi’s relatives had gathered for the performance. Shashi and I even attempted to sing a song together, though it didn’t quite go as planned!
The entertainment went on until about 12:30 AM, marking a delightful end to our first day of the trip. We thanked Shashi’s uncle and all the relatives for the wonderful evening and finally went to bed, knowing we had to wake up early the next day to cover a long distance.
And that wraps up our first day—what a memorable start to the journey!
Day 2 – December 23rd, 2023 Saturday
Hubli to Mumbai:
We woke up early, refreshed and ready by 6 AM. Shashi’s family prepared a delicious breakfast of upma, and Vaini kindly packed lunch for us to take along. After breakfast, we set off on our journey once again, hitting the Pune-Bangalore Highway. Luckily, Shashi's house is close to the bypass, so we easily merged onto the highway and continued our adventure.
A Foggy Encounter on the Way to Belagavi
On our way to Belagavi, we reached a stretch of road that was slightly elevated, and suddenly, we were surrounded by fog. As we climbed higher, the entire road became engulfed in thick fog, reducing our visibility to barely 10 meters ahead. We immediately slowed down, as driving in such conditions was challenging. We had no idea which vehicles were ahead of us, and stopping wasn’t an option either, as we didn’t know what might be approaching from behind or at what speed.
The situation reminded us of videos we’d seen of multiple car accidents on Delhi highways caused by fog, and we couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. However, we kept moving cautiously at a slow pace. Thankfully, the fog lasted only for about 100 to 200 meters before the road cleared up completely.
It was quite an experience, and it made us realize just how important fog lamps are when driving in such conditions.
Detour to Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi
After passing Dharwad and nearing Belagavi, we spotted the magnificent Suvarna Soudha on the right side of the highway, just before entering the city. To visit, we had to take a U-turn and drive back. Since all four of us agreed, we decided to go for it.
We parked in front of the main gate around 7:30 AM. There were about four security guards stationed there, and though they initially stopped us, we politely requested to take a few photos. After some consideration, they allowed us, and we got to capture the stunning Suvarna Soudha in the early morning light.
A Visit to Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
We entered the Maharashtra, On our way to Pune, we decided to make a stop at the famous Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, a historical and devotional landmark in Maharashtra. We arrived in Kolhapur around 10 AM, but as expected, parking near the temple, which is located in the heart of the city, was a challenge. Some shops were open while others were still closed due to the early hour.
After some searching, we found a shop that hadn’t yet opened. We decided to park in front of it and quickly visit the temple. The owner of the adjacent shop informed us that the shop would open at 10:30 AM, so we had to return by then to move the car. We agreed and hurried towards the temple.
Fortunately, the crowd was minimal, and we had a smooth darshan of the goddess Mahalaxmi. After receiving blessings, we headed back to the car, just in time before 10:30 AM, as planned. Everything went smoothly, and we cleared the car from the market area without any hassle.
A Scenic Lunch in the Fields
After about an hour and a half of driving, the delicious aroma of our packed lunch started making us feel even hungrier. We decided that today, we’d enjoy lunch amidst nature, in the middle of a beautiful field. After driving a few more kilometers, we found a perfect spot. We parked the car along the service road, grabbed our packed food, and ventured into the field.
The field had rich black soil with pea plants just starting to grow, and it was surrounded by tall neem trees. Initially, we set up near the first neem tree by the edge of the field, but Shrikant wisely suggested we go at least 100 meters deeper, as the areas close to the highway tend to be dusty. Taking his advice, we moved about 50 meters further inside, found a lovely shady spot under a neem tree, and spread out our lunch.
The meal was nothing short of delightful—huge thanks to Shashi's wife for preparing such delicious food for us that morning. While we were enjoying our lunch, the owner of the field passed by, but he didn’t seem to mind us being there. We finished our meal, packed up the leftovers, and placed everything back in the car.
Following our rule of switching drivers every two hours, it was now Shrikant’s turn to take the wheel, and we were ready to continue our journey.
Challenges and a Quick Stop in Pune
Unfortunately for Shrikant, as soon as he took over driving, we hit a stretch of road under repair, and traffic was diverted onto a congested service road. He couldn't fully enjoy the highway drive because of the dust and narrow lanes.
We soon reached the New Katraj Tunnel, about 50 kilometers from Pune. We had a few friends in Pune and thought it would be nice to meet them. However, after exiting the tunnel, we were caught in a major traffic jam at 3:10 PM, which took us about half an hour to clear. To avoid getting stuck in city traffic, we called our Pune friends and asked them to meet us near the Mumbai bypass, so we could meet quickly and continue our journey.
We reached Pune around 4:00 PM and shared our location with Anand, one of our friends. He arrived shortly after and suggested we visit a nearby hilltop spot that offered a great view of Pune. We all agreed and headed to the viewpoint.
After enjoying the view, it was tea time, so Anand took us to a lovely hotel famous for its chaat. We indulged in some delicious pav bhaji and refreshing lassi. The pav bhaji and lassi were absolutely amazing! We thanked Anand for his hospitality and resumed our journey to Mumbai at 6 PM.
A Dream Drive and a Memorable Evening in Mumbai
One of my long-time dreams was to drive along the Pune-Mumbai highway, and today that dream was fulfilled. As we cruised along, I glanced at the car’s odometer and realized that we were just 30 kilometers shy of reaching 1,000 kilometers on this trip. To my surprise, the car's display showed a mileage of 27.1 km/L, though when we checked it manually through tank-to-tank filling, we calculated it was around 16 km/L—still quite impressive!
Our journey continued on the Mumbai-Pune highway, but soon we hit another major traffic jam where all vehicles came to a halt. We were stuck for about half an hour, and it was already 7 PM by then. Once the traffic cleared, we resumed our drive toward Mumbai.
In Mumbai, Sangamesh's friend lived nearby, so he called him for recommendations on good hotels for the night. We shared our live location with him and pressed on toward the city. Finally, at the outskirts of Mumbai, we met up with his friend, who greeted us with a box of sweets and introduced us to his group. He also suggested some hotels and must-visit places. By this time, it was already 8:40 PM.
As we continued into Mumbai, we encountered yet another traffic delay—this time due to an electric car catching fire on a bridge. The police had blocked the road. Shrikant came up with a sensible idea: instead of waiting, since it was already 9 PM, why not find a nearby hotel and stay the night? It sounded like the perfect plan. We searched for a hotel, took a U-turn, and checked into "Sunrise Residency" around 10:10 PM.
Shrikant and Shashi weren't hungry, but Sangamesh and I went out to find some food. We discovered a fantastic restaurant with a water fountain and live music, featuring a singer performing classic Bollywood songs from the '90s. The restaurant had a beautiful ambiance and was still open at 10:30 PM. We called Shashi and Shrikant, and they later joined us. We enjoyed a delicious meal, accompanied by the soothing water fountain and live music.
After dinner, we returned to the hotel, bringing an eventful second day of our trip to a close.
Day 3 – December 24th, 2023 Sunday
Mumbai to Surat:
A Refreshing Start with Morning Yoga
Shashi has a habit of waking up early, and thanks to him, I found myself up at 5 AM as well. He wanted to take a morning walk, so we stepped outside the hotel for a stroll. During the walk, Shashi started looking for a park. Curious, I asked him what he was looking for, and he explained that he needed a space to practice yoga. Shashi mentioned that his day always begins with 30 minutes of yoga.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a suitable spot outside, so he decided to do it in the hotel room. Shashi had brought along a plastic mat, which he spread out on the floor and began his yoga routine. Watching him, we decided to join in, and he kindly taught us some basic asanas that he recommended doing daily.
After completing the yoga session, we felt refreshed, with our bodies feeling more flexible and energized. Inspired by how great we felt, we made a new rule for the trip: every morning, we would start our day with yoga.
A Morning with Vig Auto Motors
We ordered breakfast at the hotel, and they served it to our room—a delicious Upma, a perfect way to start the day. As we enjoyed our breakfast, Sangamesh and I started talking about Vig Auto Motors. We're both huge fans of their YouTube videos, where they specialize in car modifications, upgrading cars with genuine spare parts, and converting lower variants into higher ones. Out of curiosity, I asked Sangamesh to check how far the Vig Auto shop was from us. To our surprise, it was just 5 km away from the hotel!
The shop wouldn't open until 10 AM, but we were excited and convinced Shashi and Shrikanth to join us, even though they weren’t as big of fans. The area around the Vig Auto shop was filled with similar businesses, and upon seeing our Karnataka license plate, several shop owners approached us, offering their services. But we had one goal in mind—Vig Auto Motors!
We arrived at the shop around 9:30 AM, and although the owner hadn't arrived yet, the shop was already open. We wandered around, checking out various car parts and upgrades. Soon, the owner arrived and greeted us warmly. We had a brief but interesting conversation with him and, of course, took a few photos to remember the visit.
Exploring South Mumbai and the Gateway of India
We headed towards South Mumbai to visit the iconic Gateway of India. Finding parking on a Sunday, especially near such a famous landmark, was a real challenge. Fortunately, just as we were about to give up, a car vacated a spot, and we quickly parked. It cost us ₹100 per hour, but we were relieved to have found a place.
We decided to leave the car in the parking lot and take a taxi to explore other parts of the city.
Standing before the Gateway of India, I felt a blend of awe and nostalgia. Its majestic arch, set against the backdrop of the sea, carries so much history and grandeur. It’s more than just an architectural marvel—it's a symbol of Mumbai's vibrant spirit and rich past. The view of the Gateway of India against the backdrop of the sea was stunning. As we walked around, memories of various movie scenes shot in this area came flooding back.
The Taj Hotel stood majestically nearby, its grandeur impossible to miss. For a moment, we considered having tea inside the famous hotel, but due to time constraints, we had to skip that plan. Being a Sunday, the place was packed with tourists, just like us, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
We took a leisurely stroll near the Taj Hotel and around the Gateway of India, capturing some memorable photos to mark the day.
Exploring Mumbai and Heading Towards Surat
We hired a taxi to take us to Marine Drive, which was nearby, but we didn’t want to risk losing our parking spot near the Gateway of India. A Santro taxi driver agreed to take us for ₹125.
Standing at Marine Drive, with the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea and the shimmering city skyline in the distance, I felt a sense of peace and awe. The curved stretch of the 'Queen's Necklace', creating a magical ambiance. It's the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Mumbai—both tranquil and alive at the same time. After enjoyed the sea, took a stroll, snapped a few pictures, and then returned to the car parking lot by another taxi.
Before leaving, we did some small shopping near the Gateway of India and enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea. Our next destination was Juhu Beach, and we decided to take the scenic route via the Sea Link. On the way, we made a quick stop outside Amitabh Bachchan’s house to take some photos.
It was already 3:30 PM, and we started looking for a nice restaurant for lunch. After some discussion, we all agreed to leave the city and eat outside, as Mumbai's traffic was getting heavy. Sangamesh was driving, but we couldn't help but tease him when a garbage truck easily overtook us in the traffic. We joked about how he didn’t seem to know how to drive in the city!
Once outside of Mumbai, we stopped at a dhaba for lunch. After a satisfying meal, we hit the road again, continuing our journey towards Surat. We arrived around 10 PM and booked a hotel just outside the city, where we got a large room for all four of us to stay together. For dinner, we enjoyed the food that we had packed from home, along with some online orders.
And that wraps up the third day of our trip!
Day 4 – December 25th, 2023 Monday
Surat to Ahmedabad:
Starting the Day in Gujarat: Authentic Gujarati Breakfast
We woke up at 5:30 AM and began the day with an early morning walk followed by yoga, as per our new rule. Now, we were in Gujarat, and I was excited to try some authentic Gujarati food. We searched for a local restaurant for breakfast and finally found a good one that served delicious items like fafda and methi thepla. After a satisfying meal, we resumed our journey toward the Statue of Unity.
An Awe-Inspiring Encounter with the Statue of Unity: A Journey of Reflection and Pride
As we neared the Statue of Unity, we eagerly searched the horizon, thinking it would be visible from 2 to 5 kilometers away. However, it wasn’t until we reached the destination by noon that we could finally see it. We parked the car and took a bus towards the statue. Still, it remained hidden until we were much closer. One interesting sight was the electric pink autos driven by women—a refreshing change. After getting our tickets, we were ready to experience the Statue of Unity, a tribute to the great Indian leader, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The moment I saw the Statue of Unity up close, I was overwhelmed by its sheer size and grandeur. Towering above everything, it felt almost surreal. Its commanding presence left me in awe, and I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of pride and admiration for the effort and vision behind its creation. Normally, the statue is closed on Mondays, but since it was Christmas week, it remained open, and the place was bustling with tourists. Some were taking photos, others were on video calls, and many were making reels for social media. When we stood at the base of the statue, I realized we weren’t even equal to the toenail of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—not just in size but also in terms of his immense contribution to the nation.
For lunch, we went to the restaurant at the railway station. The meals looked good in the display, but unfortunately, they didn’t taste as great. After lunch, we walked back to the parking area, which was a bit far from the station, and we couldn’t find the shuttle buses at that time. We started our journey back around 3:30 PM, reflecting on the incredible experience we had."
A Night in Ahmedabad: Experiencing the Atal Bridge
We began our journey from Ekta Nagar toward Ahmedabad, with Shashi at the wheel. As we approached the city, we started searching for a hotel and, after narrowing down a few options, finally settled on one located along the outer ring road of Ahmedabad. We reached by 7 PM, completed check-in formalities, and quickly refreshed with plans to explore the city and have dinner.
By 9 PM, we set off to visit the iconic Atal Bridge. Arriving at 9:30, we parked in a multi-level building, and from the second floor, we crossed a connecting bridge that led us to the Sabarmati Riverfront. The Atal Pedestrian Bridge, a stunning triangular truss bridge, spans the Sabarmati River. Even late in the evening, the ticket counter was still open, so we got our tickets and stepped onto the bridge.
The view was spectacular. The bridge’s unique triangular structure was illuminated in different colors, casting a mesmerizing glow. Standing there, I was captivated by its modern, artistic design and the serene beauty of the Sabarmati River below. The vibrant colors and wave-like curves of the bridge made it a perfect fusion of innovation and nature.
After soaking in the beauty of the riverfront and the architectural marvel of the bridge, we set off back to the hotel. By now, it was 11 PM, and since most restaurants were closed, we all agreed to have pizza, which was the only available option at that hour. We returned to the hotel afterward and enjoyed a restful sleep, marking the end of our fourth day of the trip.
Day 5 – December 26th, 2023 Tuesday
Ahmedabad to Surat:
A Visit to the Iconic Narendra Modi Stadium
The next day of our Ahmedabad adventure began with a visit to India’s largest cricket stadium, the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium. We arrived at the stadium around 9:15 AM, excited to see the colossal structure that has made its mark in the world of cricket. Knowing that entry inside wasn’t permitted, we still couldn’t resist making a request to the security team, hoping they would allow us to take just a few steps inside to catch a glimpse of the stadium’s vast interiors.
Despite our polite persistence, as expected, our request was turned down. Though we couldn’t explore the inside, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. We made the most of the visit by capturing some great photos in front of the grand entrance. Even from the outside, the sheer scale of the stadium left us in awe!
Experiencing the Tranquility of Gandhi Ashram
After our visit to the stadium, we made our way to the serene and historic Gandhi Ashram. This peaceful ashram, now a museum, preserves the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing his personal belongings, letters, and photographs. It serves as a constant reminder of his enduring principles of non-violence, simplicity, and self-reliance.
Walking through the tranquil surroundings of the ashram evokes a deep sense of peace, reflection, and inspiration. As we wandered through the grounds, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history, knowing that this very place was where Gandhi lived, planned, and executed many of his non-violent campaigns that shaped India’s independence.
To conclude our visit, we indulged in some meaningful shopping, purchasing books that captured Gandhi’s ideals and beautifully woven khadi cloth, a symbol of self-reliance and simplicity that Gandhi passionately advocated.
Journey to the Magnificent Rudabai Stepwell
After our enriching visit to the Gandhi Ashram, we set off towards the Rudabai Stepwell, also known as the Adalaj Stepwell, located just outside Ahmedabad. We arrived at this historic marvel around 11:30 AM, eager to explore its architectural beauty.
As we descended the steps into the depths of this ancient structure, we were immediately captivated by its grandeur and the intricate carvings adorning the walls, pillars, and platforms. Each step deeper revealed more of the stepwell’s artistic brilliance, making us feel as if we were stepping back in time.
The contrast between the cool, shaded interior of the stepwell and the heat outside was striking, enhancing the serene and almost mystical atmosphere within. The play of light and shadow through the stone carvings created a magical ambiance, leaving us in awe of this centuries-old engineering and artistic marvel.
Exploring the Serenity of Gandhinagar and Akshardham Temple
After our visit to the Rudabai Stepwell, we continued our journey to explore Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. Designed as a planned city, Gandhinagar is known for its orderly development, wide roads, lush green spaces, and a clean, serene environment. The city’s peaceful ambiance and expansive parks make it a refreshing contrast to the bustling urban life of nearby Ahmedabad.
By 12:30 PM, we arrived at one of Gandhinagar's most iconic landmarks, the magnificent Akshardham Temple. This stunning structure showcases the richness of Hindu culture and spirituality, with its intricate carvings and sacred atmosphere. As we entered the temple grounds, a profound sense of peace and spiritual connection washed over us.
Inside the temple, the beauty continued to captivate us, with splendid sculptures, deities, and sacred texts that reflect the essence of Hindu traditions. While photography wasn’t allowed inside, the memory of its grandeur and serenity is something that words alone cannot fully describe.
After exploring the temple, we enjoyed a relaxing break within the compound, indulging in delicious dosa and snacks before resuming our journey, feeling refreshed both spiritually and physically.
A Delightful Lunch Break at Shree Khodiyar Kathiyawadi Dhaba
By 3:30 PM, hunger struck again, and we began searching for a good restaurant nearby in Gandhinagar. Our search led us to Shree Khodiyar Kathiyawadi Dhaba, one of the finest dining spots in the area, well-known for its authentic Kathiyawadi flavors.
Despite the late hour, we enjoyed a hearty lunch, savoring the delicious and traditional dishes served. The restaurant also offered their own range of homemade pickles, which instantly caught our attention. For just ₹170 per jar, they had a variety of pickle flavors on offer, and to help us choose, they kindly provided samples for us to taste. We couldn't resist and ended up purchasing a few bottles of different flavors to take home with us.
Feeling satisfied and refreshed, we resumed our journey towards Surat around 4:15 PM, with our hearts full and bags a little heavier with the taste of Kathiyawadi goodness!
Arrival in Surat and Settling In for the Night
We finally reached Surat by 10 PM, and the search for a comfortable hotel began. We had shortlisted a few options beforehand, but upon visiting them, we found that they weren’t as clean or appealing as we had hoped. Our search for a suitable place to stay continued until, around 11:30 PM, we finally found a wonderful hotel located near the airport, though a bit on the outskirts of the city.
The hotel turned out to be a pleasant surprise! They provided us with a spacious apartment featuring two bedrooms, making it the perfect place for everyone to stay together. Situated on the 5th floor, the apartment offered a comfortable and cozy environment, a great way to end the day.
By midnight, we ordered some food online and combined it with the home-cooked meals we had brought along, making do for a late dinner at 12 AM. And with that, our 5th day of the trip came to a close, filled with adventure, good food, and comfortable rest for the night.
Day 6 – December 27th, 2023 Wednesday
Surat to Nasik:
A Serene Morning at Dumas Beach
We began our morning with a refreshing session of yoga, followed by a leisurely stroll on the first floor of our uniquely designed hotel, which features a circular architecture. The continuous round balcony offers a stunning 360-degree view, allowing us to fully appreciate our surroundings.
After revitalizing ourselves, we set out for Dumas Beach, a popular tourist destination in Surat, Gujarat, known for its striking black sand and breathtaking scenery along the Arabian Sea. The tides at Dumas Beach are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, causing the water to rise (high tide) and recede (low tide) throughout the day. During high tide, the water moves closer to the shore, covering more of the beach, while low tide reveals a broader expanse of black sand, creating an inviting space for exploration.
When we arrived, it was low tide, and the water had receded significantly, exposing a wide area of black sand where we could walk freely. In this unique landscape, we observed a few fish scuttling into the sand, searching for water.
Our adventure also included a visit to the Ganesh Temple, which offers a beautiful viewpoint of Dumas Beach. Although there were opportunities for camel and horse rides available along the shore, we chose to simply enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded us, savoring the serene atmosphere of this enchanting beach.
A Culinary and Shopping Adventure in Surat
After returning to the city, we set out in search of a good restaurant for breakfast, only to realize it was nearly 11:30 AM. Deciding it was better to indulge in brunch, we headed to a renowned thali hotel that would begin serving lunch at noon. After a brief 15-minute wait, we were delighted as they promptly started serving an array of delicious dishes at exactly 12 PM.
Post-lunch, we were eager to explore the bustling shopping scene, as Surat is famously known as 'The Silk City of India' due to its rich silk production. The textile market in Surat is vast and diverse, offering the finest silk sarees adorned with intricate Zari work at remarkably affordable prices.
After consulting a few friends familiar with the Surat market, we were advised to visit Bombay Market, renowned for its expansive shopping options. Upon arriving, we were instantly energized by the lively atmosphere, where hundreds of shops lined the narrow lanes, showcasing a dazzling array of vibrant fabrics. The market was a kaleidoscope of colors and activity, with vendors enthusiastically negotiating deals, customers haggling for the best prices, and textile traders engaged in discussions over bulk orders. Here, sarees start at just ₹50, making it a paradise for silk lovers and bargain hunters alike.
Journey from Surat to Nashik: A Night of Adventure
After completing our shopping, we embarked on our journey from Surat to Nashik, passing through the serene Vansda Forest. As we entered the forest area around 6 PM, we quickly realized that we would lose our mobile network, and darkness enveloped us. We found ourselves hoping for a safe passage through the dense woods. The forest route was completed by 8 PM, and we breathed a sigh of relief as we emerged from the shadows.
Immediately after exiting the forest, we decided to stop for tea. We ordered some snacks at a nearby hotel, but it took an unusually long 15 minutes to be served. Unfortunately, the snacks did not meet our expectations. When we brought our concerns to the owner's attention, requesting a better dish, they refused to accommodate our request. Disappointed, we left the snacks untouched and opted for just tea, paying for everything before continuing our journey to Nashik.
As we approached the city, we began our search for a place to stay for the night. We found a nice hotel, but there was only one room available. After some discussion, we agreed to share the room for the night. For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at the hotel restaurant on the ground floor. Since we had booked our room there, they graciously provided service until midnight. And thus, we concluded the sixth day of our trip, filled with adventures and unexpected experiences.
Day 7 – December 28th, 2023 Thursday
Nasik to Bijapur:
Visit to Trimbakeshwar Temple: A Spiritual Experience
In the morning, we decided to visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Renowned for its beautiful architecture, the temple is constructed from black stone and showcases the classic Nagara style. We arrived at 8:15 AM, eager to explore this sacred site.
Upon reaching the temple, we began searching for parking. A local guide directed us to a nearby area, indicating it was a suitable parking spot. However, it turned out to be an informal arrangement; residents had converted their front yards into parking spaces for visitors. The area was rather unkempt, and we paid ₹100 to park our car there.
After parking, we walked about 100 meters toward the temple entrance. We purchased our entry tickets and entered the temple grounds. Despite the initial hustle, we found ourselves in a serene atmosphere inside the temple. The queue for the Jyotirlinga darshan was long, taking approximately 45 minutes, but the anticipation added to the experience. Once inside, we were greeted by the temple's cleanliness and beauty, enhancing our spiritual visit.
Culinary Delights and Spiritual Visits: From Nashik to Siradi
After our darshan at the Trimbakeshwar Temple, we made our way to Nashik city, eager to find a local breakfast specialty: Maharashtra's Dahi Poha. We stopped at a restaurant that boasted a spacious parking area, and we were thrilled to discover their version of Dahi Poha. It was absolutely delicious—unlike any other poha we had ever tasted.
With our appetites satisfied, we set off toward Siradi, reaching our destination around 1 PM. Upon arrival, we entered the temple for darshan, only to find it unusually crowded that day. The wait was significant, taking us about two hours to complete our spiritual experience. Once we finished our darshan, we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant conveniently located in front of the temple, reflecting on the day's events and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding us.
Journey from Siradi to Ellora Caves and Beyond
We departed from Siradi at 3:30 PM, heading toward the magnificent Ellora Caves. Our route took us along the Mumbai-Nagpur Express Highway, which features a smooth concrete surface with three lanes on each side, offering a straight and exhilarating drive. We decided to test our car's speed while staying within the limits.
Arriving at the Ellora Caves by 5 PM, we were relieved to find that they were still open. We eagerly entered the iconic Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This remarkable structure is renowned as the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world, meticulously carved from a single rock to resemble Mount Kailash, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva.
As the clock approached 6 PM, we were informed that it was time for everyone to exit the premises. We made our way out and indulged in some small roadside shopping before returning to our parking area. We set off from Ellora to Bijapur at 6:15 PM, embarking on a journey of approximately 450 kilometers, passing through Solapur along the way.
Around 8 PM, we stopped for dinner, and it was then that I finally informed my parents of our plans to arrive in Bijapur. They had kindly arranged all the necessary accommodations for our stay. With this, we concluded the seventh day of our trip, filled with exploration and cherished moments.
Day 8 – December 29th, 2023 Friday
Bijapur to Bangalore:
Morning Routine and Visit to Shrikant's Home
Since we arrived late the previous night, everyone woke up a bit later than usual. However, we still maintained our morning yoga routine. By this time, we had all learned various yoga asanas, thanks to Shashi's daily guidance. After our session, we enjoyed breakfast at my home.
Following breakfast, we set out to visit Shrikant's home and meet his parents, as Shrikant also hails from Bijapur. Shashi took the opportunity to do some gardening at Shrikant's house, even bringing a few plants back to Hubli. After enjoying tea with Shrikant's family
Temple Visit and Family Time in Hanmapur
We departed at 11 AM toward my native village, Hanmapur, located near Korthi Kolar. My father joined us in the car from Bijapur to attend the ceremony marking the temple inauguration. We reached the village by 12:15 PM and participated in several functions, including a visit to the Laxmi Devi temple for darshan. Afterward, we dropped my father off at the village before continuing on our journey.
Visit to Sangamesh’s Hometown and Warm Welcome
Our next destination was Sangamesh's native place, where his brother had arranged lunch for us. On the way, we passed by a large, historic house known as "Vade," famous for being featured in numerous movies and TV serials. This remarkable residence belongs to a relative of Sangamesh. Though we didn’t go inside, we paused to take some photos of its impressive exterior.
Temple Visit and Local Greetings
As we continued, we saw Sangamesh’s fields and his sister's home along the way. When we reached his place, Sangamesh’s brother warmly welcomed us and had prepared a delicious North Karnataka-style lunch, which we enjoyed immensely.
After lunch, we visited the Shri Kanchaneshwari Devi Temple located just behind Sangamesh's house. The villagers, recognizing Sangamesh, greeted him warmly and eagerly inquired about his visit, making the day feel even more special.
Journey Back to Hubli
After taking darshan, we began our journey back to Hubli around 3:30 PM. Shahsi took driving one more time and enjoyed driving to words his home town hubli. By 5:30 PM, we arrived at Shashi's house, where we met his father and shared our trip experiences over strong tea.
Final Drive to Bangalore
At 6:30 PM we set off toward Namma Bangalore. In the car, it was just the three of us—listening to music and reminiscing about our adventures throughout the trip. As we neared Bangalore, both Shrikant and I grew tired, leaving Sangamesh to drive. We let him know we were going to sleep and asked him to wake us if he felt fatigued, so we could share the driving. However, Sangamesh courageously handled the last 200 kilometers to Bangalore on his own.
We finally arrived in Bangalore around 2 AM, bringing our eighth and final day of the trip to a close—filled with cherished memories and unforgettable experiences.
