Adalaj is a suburb of Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Vav is a term in Gujarati which means a step well. This term is also probably derived from hindi term for step well, i.e. Bavari (बावड़ी). Adalaj Vav is among the few remaining step wells in Gujarat and among the most popular ones besides the Rani ki Vav in Patan. Being not so glorious as Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj gets a comparatively less number of tourists. Still it is very preserved, beautiful and an important landmark in the history of Vaghelas. It was built in 1498 AD for Rudabai, wife of Vaghela chief Veer Singh. As per inscription at the well, this Oblong step well runs from south to north. Entry to the Vav is from south through stairs on three sides which descend into a spacious landing with octagonal opening supported on eight pillar...
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As the norm is, being to a national park or reserve invariably means watching a big cat. The success of visit always depends on having a sight or not having it. This over enthusiasm of looking for a tiger or a lion actually robs one of the 'thrill of the unexpected'. Every jungle has its own beauty, even in terms of the wildlife. In search of expected, we miss the 'unexpected other' which actually make the jungle beautiful. So for all those, who return with their heads down after missing on the big cat, here are few 'non-cat' moments from a recent safari in the GIR national park and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat. Known as only haven for Asiatic Lions in the wild in world, this dry deciduous forest has a fair share of other wildlife- 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, 300 spe...
Read MoreThough November has approached, but still day temperatures are unusually high forcing these two male lions at the GIR national park in Gujarat to be in shade for the most part of the day, so that they can conserve their energy for a kill in the night. Watching a lion in wild is a treat and sighting two of them together is a double bonus. So sharing my festival bonus with my readers! ...
Read MoreWhen it comes to big cats, undoubtedly they sway all the enthusiasm of tourists in their favour. Thats the reason that although forests themselves hold inherent beauty with all important fascinating wild life other than the cats, but when one goes to a sanctuary there is a single point motive of seeing a big cat in wild. If you don't see a big cat in a safari than you will hang your head in disappointment at the end. In this respect, we were fortunate enough to get a good sighting of an adult lioness within first half hour of our safari in GIR national park of Gujarat, only home to Asiatic lions in the world. This lioness was alone and perhaps looking for her cubs (thats what our guide Aasif said). But she remained around our vehicle for more than ten minutes, giving us an eyeful. Have ...
Read MoreNo sight can be more captivating and fascinating then watching the King in its territory. Well here is a queen although... but by no means lesser in beauty and pride. Watching a lioness in wild at just an arm's length or may be less, with nothing in between except hard breath of both man and animal, is perhaps an experience of a lifetime. GIR in Gujarat gives you that in an open jeep safari. Here is one of those alluring images of a lioness- third that we encountered in two safaris last week. ...
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Hope to get it floating in ten months After a long delay of four years the project to launch cruise in Sabarmati River in Gujarat is finally going to see the light of the day. So far authorities have been looking for a firm which could prepare a 'river-cruise' like Goa but now they hope to provide this 'fun, food and float' combo soon. After closing in with the operator, authorities hope to get it operational in next ten months. Once it happens Sabarmati will add to rivers like Ganges, Hooghly and Narmada in India to have a cruise running. Sabarmati waterfront has been developed a lot in recent years and hence civic authorities here decided to launch a cruise or a floating restaurant facility. Deputy Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), M Thennarasan, says that all form
Read MoreDang Darbar to be held on 13th March 14 upto 15th March 14 honours a tradition that began in British times when the rulers and other leaders of villages got together for gathering called “Darbar”. The tradition continues today in the Dangs, a tribal dominated district in South Gujarat in India as many of the former Rajas and Naiks are still accorded status unlike the princely families whose titles and privy purses were abolished. Dang Darbar is such only annual event where this cultural heritage is preserved. Kings of village Gadhvi, Daher, Linga, Vasurna and Pimpri along with 9 Naiks and 476 Bhavbands are awarded Political Pension till date. This is a time for great festivity for 3 days at Ahwa, the district headquarter of Dangs. The exact venue of this festival is Ahwa near Saputara, but
Read MoreOn a full moon night, in a clear lit sky you can mistake it to be a calm sea. Such is the beauty of Rann of Kutch. One of the most unusual places to be... vivid, diverse, colourful and adventurous like no other. And it is the time to be there... Gujarat Tourism has announced the dates for this year’s Kutch Festival - 14 December 2013 to 18 March 2014. One has to experience The Kutch at its colourful and exotic best during the Rann Utsav in Every December, Kutch, Gujarat, India. This annually organized festival offers an opportunity for visitors to attend Folk Dance, desert festival kutch, desert festival gujarat, desert festival india, Camel Safari, Live-in -Tents, Musical Moments, Visit the Centuries and many more activities. To watch artisans at work, to shop directly from NGO's
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