After reading my first blog in this series, for those who must be wondering what I am writing for, let me tell you that I was on an 1100 KM Bike Ride to explore some good destinations of central and south Gujarat.
NOTE: Extremely sorry I am very late to post this. It is the tale of 2 years back, which I Started but could not continue properly. Here it is. Enjoy
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It was 6:25 I woke up after 2 times snooze (of 10 minutes) in my mobile alarm. Ohh... late... rushed to the bathroom, had a bath... quickly... then packed rest of the clothes in the beg. Oh, how can I forget the laptop because my WatsAp was installed in Laptop through BlueStack software.
Unfortunately, my tablet phone expired couple of days back, so.. sorry guys don't have the photographs of entire journey. I know you people will kill me reading this... :( but anyways next time. I will be putting some photographs from Internet wherever necessary.
Anyways, it was 7:05, and I locked the door. Hurrah... the journey began. Checked my bike thoroughly... Yes its ready and equipped with new liners and jumpers just a day back. I started my bike, and suddenly the security guard of my flat asked: sir are you going towards Juhapura? I said yes, and I took him to drop there.
My house is at location from where almost all the highways are easily accessible and you do not need to enter into the city. For example towards Gandhinagar and North Gujarat - catch S G Highway. Towards Saurashtra - catch S G Highway and NH8. Towards south Gujarat, just pass by Juhapura and Vishala.
So I dropped the security guard and stopped at Tavakkal Tea Stall in Juhapura. Had an excellent tea and then started again...
Passing by Vishala->Narol Cross Road-> NH8-> Jetalpur->Kheda and then stopped at Nadiad Highway.
The road NH8 from Ahmedabad to Vadodara is still under construction (6 lane conversion), so hell lot of diversions. Still could maintain 45-55 KMPH and then reached around 9:15 to Nadiad.
Again the same NH8 with lots of diversions. I must say some of the diversions are so much confusing. They have not kept any sign board or indicator. At one place I also was confused and by mistake entered into the village, then turned back and continued with NH8.
After crossing Anand, when I was entering into Baroda near GSFC, my bike came in reserve mode and I refueled with 300 Rs.
I must say, my bike has given me the excellent mileage throughout the journey. Believe me, after servicing previous day, I just had the petrol of Rs. 200 and it lasted till Baroda. Please note, that after servicing the garage people discards so much fuel, still this mileage is really good.
So after refueling, I switched to Vadodara By-pass and just after few kilometers on Ring road I entered to Vadodara - Halol highway.
Excellent road...!!! I visited Pavagadh earlier (year 1997) but the quality of road was not so good at that time, but this time, really good 4-track road with Toll Booths. (who cares, no toll fee for bikes hehe..!)Around at 11:30 I reached near Pavagadh. The base is Champaner village from where the excellent hilly road of Pavagadh starts (to "Machi")
Just look at the road. They were excellent and I enjoyed a lot riding my bike on this hilly road. It is around 11 km from the base and full of sharp turns.
Around 12 PM I was at Machi. They have good parking facility there and taking Rs. 30 as a parking charge for whole day (Two Wheeler).
I was thrilled to go to the temple by Ropeway. Not much crowd so I easily got the ticket of it. Rs. 99 including to and fro. They also have their setup at Saputara and Mansa Devi (Haridwar).A beautiful journey and unforgettable scenic view of Champaner. "Paisa Vasool Yaar...!!!"
within 15 minutes it reached to the Temple site from where a good market starts. I went there and reached temple. Ohh... so much crowd there. Just did "Darshan" and came back. It was 1:30 and I was hungry. So thought to have Puri and Shak. But when I saw into the Thali, there were 6 Puris. And in Shak 2 big potato pieces were swimming in oily gravy.
You may also face such situation. Let me give you idea how to eat this. Crush both the potatoes and make the pulp of it and mix it in oil gravy. It will make a testy potato gravy which will taste excellent...!!! hehe.. try it!
At-last I returned back to Machi and drove back to Champaner village where I wanted to see the famous mosque of Mughal Saltanat and Chapaner Fort.
The mosque has the entry fee of Rs. 10 but to know the history, this fee is negligible.
Well, after mosque, when I was returning back, somebody told that there is a nice lake to the east of Champaner. The name of that lake was "Vada Talav". I must tell you, it was looking like Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur. It was having nice seating arrangement also from where, the look of the lake was elegant. I am sure many of the tourists who see Pavagadh, would not have the idea that there are some ancient mosque and nice lake to see in Champaner.
The lake has a triangle chowk, from where one road goes to Champaner city, one goes back to Halol and one continues to Godhra.
Returned from Champaner around 4 PM and headed towards Vadodara. Suddenly my phone rang and my client Mr. Sanjeet Tiwari called me for some GPS related issue. Thank god, I had Reliance broadband dongle with me, so I took a halt on a highway hotel, order a mast masaledar tea, and started my Laptop. Just took 10-12 minutes and I sorted out. Wow, thanks to internet, that I am able to serve my clients from anywhere I am.
Reached Baroda around 6 PM. Baroda is new for me, so it took time for me to study the route and first I went to Kamati Baug. I must say, this is the city of Maharaja. It has its own charm and royal attitude. There is a nice toy train in Kamati Baug. I sat there for an hour and saw everyone enjoying around. I felt that I was not alone, there is a big community with me around.
Well, after this how can I forget to see the famous GSRTC bus stand of Baroda? I entered and I felt that I am in an airport terminal. Nice basement parking, good cleanliness, wonderful interior and public friendly atmosphere.
All I wanted to do have is a cup of tea and Samosa in the cafeteria. Reasonable rates and good quality, I am impressed. Having sip of tea and with Garam Samosa, looking at the passenger traffic, a nice evening indeed.
Well, once I finished, I headed towards Sunil Sir's home which is at eastern part of Vadodara. I went there and they were so much happy to see me. Had food and went off.
This is the end of 1st day, get ready for 2nd day, it is much much thrilling... :)
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