Days 24 & 25 - Vadodara (Baroda)

Hello everyone!

Two days in Vadodara, a refreshing halt! We reached Vadodara from Ahmedabad, on Sunday afternoon, after a short drive of 110 kms. Excellent 6-lane highway all the way! Before our departure from Ahmedabad, our visit to Sabarmati Ashram, on Sunday (Day 24) morning, has got to be one of the high points of this road trip. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, Gandhiji's Ashram is an oasis of total calmness and peace amid the hustle and bustle of Ahmedabad. So much of history behind that Ashram. Maintained in excellent condition, the artifacts, letters and memorabilia in the Museum, Gandhiji's living quarters, the guest rooms and the grounds leaves you in awe, great respect and admiration for the Mahatma. 🙏 Lunch at Agashiye, on Sunday noon, turned out to be a damp squib. Despite making a reservation for a table, the previous day, we were waitlisted when we reached there for lunch, and so, had to settle for a Gujarati thali at another 'wannabe' restaurant in the same premises. It was a complete ripoff! To make matters worse, we received email confirmation that our table was ready, after we reached Baroda at 4.30 pm!!😜😆 The attitude of the staff at Agashiye, too, wasn't very friendly. Perhaps, the 'brand' has marginalized the Customer! 😂

At Vadodara, we drove around the City on Sunday evening. Alkapuri is the happening place in Vadodara! Much like Indiranagar in Bangalore. 

This morning, Day 25, we set out for the Statue of Unity - 90 kms from Vadodara. Unfortunately, yesterday evening, itself, we realised that the SOU is closed on Mondays. Well, our tight schedule did not permit us an extra day in Vadodara. So we decided to, anyways, take a drive to the SOU. We could not as close to the Statue, as we would have liked; nevertheless, we are happy we saw it. Magnificent settings on the banks of the Narmada river, and adjacent to the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Bronze Statue of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is really an imposing structure. Ekta Nagar, as the place is called, is fast developing into a major tourist attraction. A Railway station (Ekta Nagar), Resorts, Hotels have all sprung up. 

Post lunch, 'Mikael' had a Car Spa appointment. After 25 days on the road, he was in a mess. He came out looking handsome, as ever 😃 

Tomorrow, we journey to Nashik. "Our Discovery of India" has been an absolutely stunning experience, this far! 🙏🙏 7500 kms, 12 States, and counting...

Take care, guys, and.....

Stay with us...... 🚘😎👍