Gujrat

About Me: I am Snigdha, a regular follower of Shilpi's 'My Recent Trips'. I have spent a great holiday in Rajasthan and Gujrat during this Durgapuja and already have shared my Rajasthan experience. Today I am going to write about our travel experience of Gujrat, as I had promised.
I hope you will enjoy reading my experience . In case of any query, please feel free to comment on the post or send mail in "dutshilpi@gmail.com" or "snigdha.aec@gmail.com"


About Gujrat: Gujarat – The Land of the Legends, stands bordered by Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The Arabian Sea borders the state both to the west and the south west.
The State took its name from the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s. Stone Age settlements around Sabarmati and Mahi rivers indicate the same time as that of the Indus Valley Civilization while Harappan centres are also found at Lothal, Rampur, Amri and other places.
Rock Inscriptions in the Girnar Hills show that the Maurya Emperor Ashoka, extended his domain into Gujarat in about 250 BC. With it’s fall, the control of the region came under the Sakas or Scythians.
The state has witnessed many great historical events starting from the age of Sultan Allauddin Khilji to establishment of British East India Company to freedom movement by Gandhiji, Sardar Ballavbhai Patel, Morarji Desai.
The great sons of our nation like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat. Gujarat was also the site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha. Strategically located on the West Coast of India, Gujarat is also a Gateway to the rich land-locked Northern and Center Vicinity of the country. Gujarat spearheads the Indian march for the “Global Economic Super Power” status with access to all Major Port based Countries like UK, Australia, China, Japan, Korea and Gulf Countries, etc.

Duration of the Trip: This was a trip of 7 days and 7 nights from Rajasthan to Gujrat and from there back to Asansol.

Transportation: We travelled Gujrat by car as I as I already have told in Rajasthan post. For returning back to Asansol we had board “Garba Express" (12937), at11:25 pm on Saturday night from Ahmadabad and reached Asansol railway station at 10:10 am on Monday morning. Ticket cost Rs 514/- for Sleeper classes, Rs 1390/- for 3 tiers AC and Rs 1906/- for 2 tiers AC for each.

Details of the Trip:
Day 1: We started from Mount Abu for Porbandar by 7:30 in the morning.
On the way we visited Ambaji, one among the 51 ancient Shakti piths. The Great Miracle of this Holy Place is that there is no idol or picture in the Nij Mandir the Temple of Shri Arasuri Mata Ambaji, but a simple cave like Gokh in the inner wall, in which A Gold Plated Holy Shakti Visa Shree Yantra having kurma back convex shape and 51 Bij letters therein, connected with that of the original Yantras of Nepal and Ujjain Shakti Piths, is also ritually installed in such a way it can be visible for devotion. The worship of this Visa Shree Yantra is done only after tying a bandage on the eyes.
We reached Ambaji by 9:30 am and offered puja there and again started for Porbandar. We reached the Ambaji 9:30 offering puja there n started for porbandar. Though the way was long but the natural beauty of Araballi range throughout the path made the journey worth. Finally we reached Porbandar around 9:30 pm and checked into
Hotel Silver Palace
Silver complex, S. T. Road
Porbandar: 360575
Gujarat
Ph.: + 91-286-2252591
       + 91-286-2249991
       + 91-286-2251393
Email id: odedrab@yahoo.in
            Silverpalace77@hotmail.com
            h_silverpalace@yahoo.com
Day 2: We started for local site-seeing of Porbandar around 7 in the morning. The places we visited throughout the day were,
Sudama Mandir, a beautiful shrine dedicated to Sudama, the best friend and devotee of Lord Krishna. The temple, located in the center of the Porbandar city, is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to this ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. The Sudama Mandir at Porbandar, constructed between 1902 and 1907, holds a great historic and religious significance. The temple has a maze within its complex. According to common belief among the devotees, if a person crosses this maze all his sins are forgiven. A large number of devotees, especially the newly wed Rajasthani Ksahtriya couples, flock to the place every year.
Kirti Mandir, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama, holds great historical and religious importance. The place has emerged as one of the major tourist attractions of Porbandar.
The Kirti Mandir is situated close to the ancient Haveli belonging to the Gandhi family. Also known as the “Temple of Peace”, the Kirti Mandir is counted amongst the popular monuments of the nation.
In the year 1950 Shri Nanji Kalidas and Shri Puru Shotam Mistry, in reverence to Mahatma Gandhi, renovated the building, adding a new dimension to the place. This building has three stories. A symbol of Swastik, in one of the rooms in the ground floor of the building, demarcates the actual place where Gandhi took birth. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi lived here till the age of twelve. The upper story of the temple which houses Gandhi’s room and a Gandhian library is connected by a wooden staircase. There is also a big prayer room, a nursery and a spire. The spire has a vast collection of pictures depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also has various pictures of his wife Kasturba Gandhi. The walls of the temple are decorated with 79 Diyas (lamps). These Diyas symbolize the age of the great leader at the time of his death. Navi Khadi, the birthplace of Kasturba Gandhi, is located just beside the Kirti Mandir.

Tara Mandir is one of the popular tourist destinations of Porbandar. There is an overhead round screen inside the Tara Mandir planetarium with celestial bodies depicted on it. The scientific projection of these stars and planets, with the help of special effects, adds to the interest of the viewers. The Tara Mandir Planetarium is said to be built by the donations of Shri Nanjibhai. It not only interests the children but also catches the interest and attention of all age groups. The tourists visiting Porbandar should never miss to visit the planetarium.
Bharat Mandir, is the mirror of Indian tradition Pictures, sculptures and symbols and portraying Indian culture and religion have been exhibited in this place.
Chowpati, a white sand beach of Porbandar. The magnificent view of the sea, with an exotic ambiance, brings in a lot many tourists and residents to the beach.
The Huzoor Palace at Porbandar was built by Natwar Shah. This sprawling structure resembling a European mansion is located at the end of the beach. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and water fountains, the palace faces the Arabian Sea. The neo- classical pillars and the porticoes with a semicircular design, the terraces with beautiful rails and the slopping timber roof add to the grandeur of the building.
The porticoes and pillars, of this magnificent palace built in the European style, mark the entrance of the palace from different sides. The large windows and wings of the palace, interconnected with the front and back yard, give a panoramic view of the sea.
The architecture, beauty, and the picturesque view of the sea attract a large number of tourists to the Huzoor Palace. Being located on the sea side it is visited by both residents and visitors of Porbandar.
After visiting all the major places of Porbandar, we started for Dwarka by 9:30 am and reached there in an hour or so. The major attractions of Dwarka are,
Dwarkadheesh Temple, the temple of Jagat Mandir, with the presiding deity of Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadheesh, is an imposing edifice and a superb architectural monument. The temple consists of a shrine that is supported by 60 pillars made of granite and sandstone. Photography is not allowed inside the Temple.

After visiting the famous Dwarkadheesh temple, we started for another famous temple of Lord Krishna in Bet Dwarka. The only way to reach Bet Island is by boat or rather say steamer from Okha Port. We reached there by 12:15. But unfortunately the temple was closed by the time we reached.
Hence we decided to take bhog and wait till the temple door opens in the afternoon. But one person in temple suggested us to visit some places like, Hanuman Garh, Kam dev temple in the re opening of The Temple door.
Though Hanuman Garh is not very famous, but as per legend this is the place where Hanuman met his son Makardhavaj who is part reptile and part Vanara. The story of Makardhwaja's birth is said to be that when Hanuman extinguished his burning tail in the ocean, a drop of his sweat fell into the waters, eventually becoming Makardhwaja, who perceives Hanuman as his father. There is a statue of Hanuman which is said to be sinking inside the ground, ans will completely go inside the the end of Kaliyug.

Kamdev Temple is also not a very famous place but according to mythology 108 famous saint completed their Tapashya.


The is also a very beautiful sea beach

After visitng all those great places, again we came back to the Bet Dwarka temple by 3:45 and waited for the temple to resume at 5 pm.
Bet Dwarka, also known as Bet Shankhodhara, is famous for its temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and is of great importance in the ancient Hindu tradition. It and other coastal sites have ample antiquities, mainly potsherds, suggesting maritime trade and commerce with the Mediterranean countries around the Christian era. This flourishing harbor and religious capital is believed to have submerged under the sea after the Krishna left dwarka for vaikunth.
Photography is not allowed inside the Temple.
By 5:45 we again took a boat to reach back Okha port.
Upon reaching there, we started for another round of Dwarka visit.
The places we visited in our second innings of the day are,
Gopi Talaw, has a strong connection with the stories of Lord Krishna's childhood abound with youthful pranks and romance. As a young boy he used to dance the raas with the Gopis in Vrindavana. When he moved to Dwarka, the Gopis could not bear the separation and came to visit him. They united with their Krishna at the Gopi talav, 20 km north of Dwarka on the night of Sharad Purnima and once again danced the raas with him. Legend says that, unable to part from Krishna, the Gopis offered their lives to the soil of this land and merged with their beloved. It is said that they turned into yellow clay, known as Gopi Chandan. Even today the soil of the Gopi talav is extremely smooth and yellow in color.


Rukmini Mandir, stands 2 km away from Dwarka City. The local explanation given for this distance is an old legend. They say, once Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini went to the sage Durvasha to invite him for dinner at Dwarka. He agreed on the condition that Krishna & Rukmini would have to pull his chariot instead of any animal. The couple happily obliged. While pulling the chariot, Rukmini became thirsty so Lord Krishna prodded his toe into the earth to draw a spring of the holy Ganga water. Rukmini took a sip without offering Durvasha. Annoyed by her impoliteness he cursed Rukmini that she would be separated from her beloved husband. Hence Rukmini temple is located 2 kms away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. Maybe 2500 years old, but its domed mandapa and stepped sanctuary cannot be older than the 12th century in its present form.
The exterior of the Rukmini Temple is richly carved. It has a panel of sculpted naratharas and a panel of sculpted gajatharas at the base. The traditional spire of the main shrine contrasts strongly with the hemispherical dome of the pavilion. The garbhagriha has a recessed seat on which the present image of Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna, was consecrated. The usual sculptures of god and goddesses, along with male and female figures, are seen on the exterior of the shrine.

Nageshwar Jyothirlinga Temple is located on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat is this important Lord Shiva Temple. It is enshrined by one of the 12 swayambhu (self-existent) jyothirlingas in the world, in an underground sanctum. A 25 m tall statue of a sitting Lord Shiva and a large garden with a pond are major attractions of this rather serene place. Some archaeological excavations claim five earlier cities at the site.
Finally we reached Dwarka at 8:30 pm check and in,
Hotel Dwarka Residency 
Near Iscon Gate
Dwarka 361335
Gujarat
Ph.: + 91-2892-235032
Email: info@dwarkaresidency.com
Day 3: We started for Somnath Temple around 8:30 in the morning. We reached Somnath around 1 pm. The places we visited there are,
Somnath Temple is one of the very ancient temples and stands as a famous landmark in Indian history. The temple is located about 79 kilometers from Junagadh in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval. Study of history reveals that the Somnath Temple was invaded by the different conquerors who came to India whereby some looted its wealth and others destroyed some parts of it. Many legends are attached to the Somnath Temple regarding its origin and existence. This town, unaffected by the modern luxuries and concrete jungles, still holds its historical, mythological and religious appeal to masses of Hindu devotees. Placed at the extreme southwest Arabian Coast in Sourashtra, Somnath town encloses a serene beach, few streets and a bus stand. It is believed that Somnath is located at a place where the holy River Saraswathy flows into the Sea.
This sacred temple town vibrant with ‘Shiv Bhajan’ is visited by millions of tourists every year..
Time of Darshan: 6.00am to 9.00pm; Timing for Aarti : 7.00 am, 12.00 Noon and 7.00 pm
Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Veraval Beach, situated just about 5 km from the Somnath Temple is an amazing beach and great place to relax and refresh your body, mind and soul. Though not recommended for swimming but it offers some active patches where you can enjoy a camel ride and light snacks.
Triveni Sangam Ghat in Somnath is at the confluence of three holy riversKapila, Hiranya and a mystical River Saraswati (also known as GuptaSaraswati) from where the rivers flow to the ultimate destination of Sea.This is a sacred place to take bath and it is believed that the bath in thewaters at this Ghat offers relief from all curses and ills happened.It is considered to be a Moksha theertha. It is also a sacred place to payhomage to ancestors and offer Pitru tarpana. In Chaitra and Bhadrapadamonths of Hindu calendar huge crowds are seen here. The ghat has beennamed after Morarji Desai former Prime minister of India who was also thechairman of Shri Somnath Trust for several years. The Ghat has goodarrangements for bathing and changing of clothes.
Bhaluka Tirtha (Bhalka Teerth) is a holy tirth (pond) in Somnath along Prabhas-Veraval highway. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter known as Jara. Lord Krishna was sitting under a Banyan tree in meditation when the hunter mistook the legs as a dear and shot at.
This tirtha is placed at the confluence of three holy rivers including the river Hiran. There is a small temple built under the Banyan tree on the bank of the tirtha with a majestic white idol of Lord Krishna. The pink colored foot of the Krishna and an image of the hunter Jara with folded hands are also seen in the temple.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Kamnath Mahadev Temple
: It is said that, this was the place where Rathi Devi wife of Manmatha also known as Kamadev did severe penance to get back the life to her husband.Earlier Manmatha who had disturbed Lord Shiva from his penance became a victim to his wrath and got converted into ashes. Pleased with Rathi Devi’s prayers and penance, Lord Shiva blessed her husband life back without physical body and fulfilled her desire. Thenceforth the Lord Shiva at thisplace came to be known as Kamnath Mahadev.
Panch Pandava Gufa is a temple situated near Lalghati in Somnath. This is a marvelous temple founded by the late Baba Narayandas in the year 1949. This temple is dedicated to five Pandava brothers. This temple, located at an elevated place, offers a beautiful view of surrounding holy city. Imposing idols of five Pandava brothers are enshrined. The idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Goddess Durga are also installed in this grand modern temple. The temple is built in a scenic environment and the ambiance offers a calm and cool spiritual atmosphere. A Sanskrit college is established in the compound of this temple.
Suraj Mandir, also popularly known as Sun Temple, in Somnath is also an ancient temple dating back to the origin of Somnath temple. This temple is situated at the north of the Triveni Ghat, the confluence of three holy rivers. The temple was set up to offer prayers to Sun God.
The temple architecture is amazing with many images of elephants, lions and other birds and animals. This temple also was attacked many a times by Muslim foreign invaders. But later it was renovated to present structure. The temple is a rare specimen of worshiping to nature and is praise worthy symbols of Hindu cultural heritage.
Once finished visiting all the above places, we started for Ahmedabad. We checked in to a well mentained Dharmasala at Chotila, Surendranagar. We took our dinner at a dhaba in front of the dharamshala.

Day 4: There is a famous Chamunda Mata Temple, situated at top of hills of Chotila but as we didn’t had ample of time in our hand and moreover to visit that temple one has to cross 800 stairs by no other way to reach there is available , we decided to skip the place. We started for Ahmedabad by 8 am. On the way we visited,

Divya Saraswati Temple, the temple of goddess Sawaswati. The peace full surrounding and the beautiful architecture of the temple is worth of spending sometime in the place.
Finally we reached Ahmedabad by 11:30 am and checked in to
Hotel Kingsway
G.P.O Road,
Near Relief Cinema,
Ahmedabad – 380001
The places we visited in Ahmedabad are
Adalaj Step well is five storied high, or rather rather five- storied under the ground step well. There are three entrances leading to the stepped corridors which in turn have an octagonal opening on the top. As one steps down each storied, is confronted with some of the most beautifully crafted flower motifs, elephants, peacocks and fishes adorning the walls reminding one of the carved temples of ancient India. But even before one begin appreciating the intricate carvings on the walls, what catches attention first are the erect pillars, 16 in all standing in perfect symmetry and supporting the whole magnificent structure. Even these flaunt some exquisite designs of flowers, and other frenzied motifs.

Akshardham Temple was built in the dedication of Lord Swaminarayan, in 1992; is one of the most magnificent edifices of modern India. It measures 240 feet in length, 131 feet in width and 108 feet in height. It is 3 storied building. In the first floor there is a seven feet long idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the chief deity at the Akshardham temple. Top floor is enriched with vanis of Swami Narayan. Underground floor is a museum of different things which were used by the Lord. Within the complex of Akshardham, lies a beautiful garden known as Sahajanand Van. The temple is open 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Monday to Friday and is closed on Sunday.
Photography is strictly prohibited here.
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha is located at the bank of River Sabarmati, hence named so. This was one of the residences of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This ashram is now a national monument established by the Government of India due to its significance for the Indian independence movement in the form of the Dandi March in 1930.
The ashram now has a museum, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay. In 1963 the museum building was erected (designed by architect Charles Correa), and memorial activities were then started here.One of the important activities undertaken is the establishment of a Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. Initially started in 'Hriday Kunj,' Gandhi's own cottage in the Ashram, the Sangrahalaya has now shifted to its own well-designed and well-furnished building which was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, on 10 May 1963.
The places to visit inside Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram are,
Magan Niwas - Magan Gandhi - A Soul of ashram also introduced different design of charkhas.
Upasana Mandir - Prayer Ground Where ashramite listened to bhajans-hymns and reading from Holy Gita, Quran & Bible.
Hriday Kunj - Like heart in a body this centrally located abode supplied energy to the entire place. Vinoba-Mira Kutir - One hut where Vinoba Bhave & Ms. Madeleine, British admiral's daughter stayed. Nandini - This was the guest house of Ashram.
Udyog Mandir - A Temple of industry symbolizing self reliance & dignity of labour.
Somnath Chattralaya - It is cluster of rooms occupied by ashramities who forsook family affairs and shared Ashram.
Teacher's Niwas - Bapu's associates stayed at teacher's chali
Gandhi in Ahmedabad - The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya (Museum) was opened in 1963. This gallery exhibits major events of Gandhiji's life from 1915 to 1930 in Ahmedabad.
Painting Gallery - Eight life size paintings have been displayed.
My life is my message - Events which were turning points in Gandhiji's and which ultimately changed the history of India are depicted through oil painting and photographs.
Library & Archives - Archive preserves legacy of eternal Gandhi in 34,000 manuscripts, 150 felicitations, 6,000 photo negatives, 200 files of photostats etc. And Library has 35,000 books including 4,500 books from Mahadevbhai Desai's personal collection and books on Gandhian thought. It is a valuable resource for researchers.

The place will take you to freedom fighting movement days. We returned to our hotel with a heavy heart after visiting the place.
Day 5: We started for another round of Ahmedabad site-seeing. The places we visited during the day were Swami Narayan Temple, situated in Kalupur, is the first and foremost Swaminarayan temple. Being the most prominent temple, it is always thronged by people. People come from different parts of the country and congregate here in this temple to seek the blessings of the deity. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple boasts of its exquisite wooden carvings. The structural design of the Ahmedabad Swaminarayan temple is mesmerizing. The interiors and exteriors of the temple have been adorned with the typical Gujarati designs that depict different aspects of the Gujarati culture and lifestyle. The architectural style of the temple is commendable and truly has an unbeatable charm. Standing royally behind the huge gates across the Relief road, the Swaminarayan temple of Ahmedabad has beautifully decorated domes and galleries.
Jain Temple, built in the year 1850 AD, the Hathee Singh Temple is dedicated to the 15th Theerthankara of Jains, Dharmnath. This temple is named after Sri Hathee Singh, a rich jain merchant of yesteryears, who had under took the great task of such an amazing construction. Famed for its brilliant structural designs, this two-storied white marble structure provides a delightful experience to the beholder. Elaborate porches on three sides are a specialty of this temple. A lovely dome on the front porch gives a peculiar appeal to this architectural splendor. Other two porches displays prolifically carved patterns.
Another unique aspect of the temple is its tiled courtyard, which is encircled by daunting row of pergolas with 52 shrines. Each shrine shows remarkable designs and fine carvings and all of them encompass an image of a Tirthankara. One of the prettiest Jain shrines in India, Hathisingh Temple follows the usual architectural pattern of the Diwara Jain Temples of Rajasthan.
Asaram Bapu set up his first ashram at Ahmedabad, known as the Sant Shri Asaramji Ashram, in the year 1997 in the riverbank of Sabarmati. Presently, the Ahmedabad ashram is the main Bapu Asaram Ashram in India. It comprises of an ayurvedic clinic, gaushalas (cow sheds) and a sadhana (prayer) hall. One of the unique features of the Sant Shri Asaramji Ashram of Ahmedabad is its Maun Mandir (temple of silence). Individuals coming here for the purpose of meditation are locked inside and provided with only with food and water. The time you spend inside the Mandir is for you to discover yourself.
Photography is not allowed.
Bhadrakali Temple, situated inside the famous Bhadra Fort, was constructed during the rule of Aazam Khan. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, worshiped by its devotee to acquire prosperity and wealth. Being one of the cogent deity in Hindu pantheon, the Bhadrakali Temple is visited by hordes of devout from across the country throughout the year. During the Navaratri Festival, which is considered as the major festival of the city, the Bhadrakali Temple is thoroughly decorated. The nine days festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in the temple premises. During this period, the Bhadrakali Temple witnesses thousands of tourists thronging in the temple to worship, dance in colorful outfits and enjoy the festival. Ahmedabad Bhadrakali Temple is worth visiting during this festival of song and dance. The Bhadrakali Temple is one of the oldest temples of the city that still survived the ravages of time. The temple is as old as the city of Ahmedabad.
ISKCON is the abbreviation for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This temple depicts Lord Krishna with his beloved lover Radha, who is regarded as the epitome of true love. Also called as the Hare Krishna Temple, ISKCON temple situates in a vast area with lovely trees, which gives a serene and tranquil environ to the devotees.
Temple has much spacious interiors compared to its exterior portions. Huge halls decorated with beautiful chandeliers attribute the devoutness of the shrine. Prayer sessions in the temple provide a soothing feeling to the devotees as the entire ambiance would be filled with the chanting of hymns and Keertans. Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav are the two auspicious days in the temple, which witnesses’ great participation of devotees.

Photoghraphy is not allowed inside the temple.
A very ancient temple, located in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad, Jagananth Temple has the chief deity worshipped as Lord Jagannath. Others coming in line are Balaram and Subhadra. The focal point of this temple is the ratha yatra. Every year in the months of June/July a substantial procession is taken out, in the lines of the Puri Jagannath Temple. Chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra are the principal attractions of the procession, beginning in the morning. The chariots are garlanded, beautified with elephants, gymnasts, acrobats, saints and devotees, all joining in as part of the huge festivity.

Kankaria Lake, an artificial lake dates back to the time of Sultans, is a crowd puller in recent times. It was constructed by Sultan Qutab-ud-Din in 1451 AD. Formerly known as Hauj-e-Qutub, this lake was the bathing ghat of late Sultans and their queens. Mughal Emperor Jahangir and his empress wife Noor Jahan frequently visited the lake.
Nagina Wadi, an island garden set in the midst of the lake is just picturesque that adds the bewitching beauty of the lake. One of the banks is connected to this island by virtue of a pathway. Another interesting pass time in the lakeside is the boating facilities. Adventurous lots and fun lovers can engage themselves with this water sport. The lake witnesses large crowd in weekends, especially in the evenings of weekends. One would not get a better place to watch sunset than Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad. Children can enjoy the facilities in the children’s park and the adjoining zoo.
A toy train facility is available to take rounds around the lake. Ticket cost is Rs. 25/- for each. Other than the toy train, entry ticket for the lake is Rs. 10/- and the children park is also Rs. 10/-

Day 6: It was the last day of our trip. We went to city market to shop famous articles of Ahmedabad like sarees, badam, lehenga etc.
We had board our train, “Garbha Express” at 11:25 of night from Ahmedabad station and reached Asansol on next to next day i.e., on day 8 by 11:10 in morning. With this a great travel came to an end.

Disclaimer: We went for this trip on Oct’ 2011. There are chances that rates and timing have changed. Please check with hotel, travel agent and Indian Railway about current timings and rates.
I have tried to provide as much details as I could for the trip. For any further clarification please feel free to contact me @ snigdha.asan@gmail.com or Shilpi @ dutshilpi@gmail.com or comment on the blog.

Your feedback is always appreciated.