Kem cho (How are you?) is probably the I Gujarati phrase I came across in conversation.
Gujarat with its unique geological and topographical landscape, history, and its hospitable people, was my choice for exploring on my motorcycle this past Diwali week. Sabarmati Ashram, Dwarka, Rann of Kutch and Somanath were a priority on my list. At IFMR, my friend Rtn. Srinivas Babu who had not done any long rides said he would accompany me. He is a good and a safe rider and so it was an instant ‘Yes’ to him. He wanted to check out his endurance too.
Pics at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drprithviraval/sets/72157625389321984/
Click on slide show
Equipment:
Prithvi: Bajaj Avenger 200
Srinivas: TVS Apache RTR 160
We booked our bikes with Gati to Ahmedabad around 22nd Oct. On Saturday 30th October, we flew down to Ahmedabad and picked out our bikes from the warehouse. It was well packed and there were no damages. We just had to fill in petrol and we were at to our hotel by 12.30 pm. We did some local sight seeing and visited the Sabarmati Ashram.
My friend, PDG. Rtn. Dr. Shasank Rathod (ophthalmologist) had invited some friends over and had organized a meet with his club Rotarians, Ahmedabad Metro at his home and later dinner at Manjuben’s house. It was full Diwali flavor on their sprawling lawns and hospitality genuinely at its best. The President presented us with their club banner. Met many Rotarians and literally it was Ahmedabad Metro that flagged off our ride! We cannot forget the enthusiasm of PDG Joitabhai Patel on giving us directions and PDG. Dr. Vyas’s presentation of Saturday night humor books. Thanks to all for a memorable evening of fellowship and friendship
We left early next morning and the route we took is below. Overnight halts are in Bold letters.
Ahmedabad > Gandhinagar > Modhera > Becharaji > Dasada > Patdi > Kharaghoda > (The little Rann of Kutch) Patdi > Surendernagar > Rajkot > Jamnagar > Dwarka > Okha > Bet Dwarka > Dwarka > ( 773 Kms) Porbandar > Somanath > Sasan Gir > Junagadh > Gondal > Rajkot > Bagodra > Nal Sarover > Bagodara > Lothal > Bagodara > Vadodara > (1635 Kms) Valsaad > Saputara > Nashik > Shirdi > (2170) Sangamner > Pune > Satara > Kolhapur > Belgaum > (2711 Kms) Chitradurga > Bangalore. (3218 Kms)
3218 Kms Traveled.
Observations:
1. Sabarmati Ashram: Salutations and respects paid to the outstanding Indian leader!
2. Akshardham: At Gandhinagar, visit to the temple. We were early and it was not open yet.
3. Modhera: 85 Kms NW of Amdavad, to see the magnificent Sun temple, 1026 AD, about 100 years older than the Konarak temple. (13th Century) The temple was built by King Bhimdev.
4. Rann of Kutch: It is awesome ! Literally a desert and we rode into it for about 12 Kms with a local. Had a cup of tea with the nomads who were working there sitting on a ‘charpai’ and the setting sun. We sighted some Wild Asses too.
5. Island of Bet Dwarka: A boat ride from OKA land's end is real nice. Dwarka itself has a beautiful temple and the Shankar Math, initiated by revered Shankara 9th Century
6. Somanath: The coastal ride to Somanath from Dwarka is superb.
7. Sasan Gir: We could not see the Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir, but the ride was nice.
8. Girnar Hill: at Junagadh, with Ashoka's inscriptions at the base of the hill. 250 BC
Had a flat rear tire at Rajkot and thanks to Srinivas, who was able to bring in a mechanic from 1 km down the road, to fix it.
9. Nal Sarovar and Lothal: From Bagodara each is located on either side of the highway. 2500 BC Harappan time excavations, takes you back in time to see the community’s rain water harvesting system !
10. Shirdi: Temple visit, not much crowds.
11. Kolhapur: Lakshmi temple visit and rode down to Belgaum
12. Home Stretch: Left Belgaum at 6 am in the morning, and reached home at 4.15 pm. (507) Kms. Some rain encountered on the way.
13. Gujarat Roads on average are very good.
14. Odometers: The accuracy to Odometers is another subject. Consistently the Apache Kms were more than my Odo. One test run of 1 Km on my Odo showed 1.1 on the Apache. That’s a 10 % diff straight away. Subsequently, I have checked my Odometer with the AGPS from my Nokia phone, and found it to be accurate on 3 diff readings.
“Aavo Padharo”, are the words of welcome in the language of Gujarat and true to it the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again. Ever friendly and eager to give directions, at any intersection, three people would give directions at the same time !
Total Gas used: 76.56 Liters
Mileage; 42 Kms / liter
