Backpacking across Ahmedabad

Last year I went to Ahmedabad, the bustling city in Gujarat's hinterland twice. And it turned out to be a worthwhile trip, not just because of the lovely stories I got to report from here, but also because I was pleasantly surprised by this city famous for having the IIM and infamous for being a dry state! Dry state--for many it spells boredom with a capital B. But I understood early on, dry or otherwise, Gujaratis certainly know how to let their hair down without causing any major trouble.

The first thing which struck me was how clean the city is. Coming from Mumbai I am accustomed (If not happy) to see people spitting, throwing garbage and of course (men) peeing in any and every corner. Here I was pleasantly surprised to see people diligently looking for a dustbin to throw their rubbish even while on move. Needless to say, the city earned some brownie points just for that.

After as-comfortable-as-it gets train journey (Shatabadi Express) I reached Ahemdabad little after lunch time. Went to straight to my guest house. There was no traffic snarls to stop us and the drive explained that Gujjus love taking a chota break post lunch. Wow siesta hour, the term did not even figure in my dictionary and wasn't Mumbai the friendly neighbour city??? After freshening up, I went for my first assignment. While returning to my guest house, there were people full throng outside the city doing what they love doing--Eating! Roadside eateries selling number of savouries had opened and people were in full swing enjoying this palatable variety. I was overwhelmed pleasantly so for several strangers (families with lot of girls) invited us to have a treat with them. Though I refused politely their hospitality certainly won me over.
I refused because I was on my way to Vishala, a beautiful restaraunt designed tastefully like a village. Vishala is not just any restaraunt it is a little known tourist destination where you can taste not only scrumptious Gujrati cuisine but also a taste of the village life. As the evening turned into night beautiful girl resplendent in colourful garb came and danced garbha, dandiya etc while men dressed in turban and Gujarati attire of kurta and dhoti served the many guests. A word of caution: Go here only if you are a true food lover for they will fill you on and on without scrumptious local dishes like rotli, subzi, dhokla, thepla etc etc. Not that I was complaining! I returned to my room exhausted but satiated.

The next day my first stop was the famous Adalaj step well. Located around 10 miles from the main city, the step well, as the name suggests is a well with many steps to go inside. Now completely dry it was built some 500 years ago during the Vaghela rulers regime by Rani Rudabai. The well was a haven for travellers in the good old days where they would come to relax and have some water before proceeding. The total length of the well is about 240 feet and it has three separate entrances, the platform of the well rests on 16 pillars and each pillar is decorated with intricate carvings as is the various steps. Once a symbol of splendour today it resembles an abandoned building with signs of deceript catching in slowly. It was quite disheartening to see pan stains etc on this architectural wonder. But still, the clean parts spoke a story of utmost royalty.

No trip to Ahemdabad is complete without visting the historical Sabarmati Ashram, so my next stop was that. The Sabarmati Ashram, where history was written has always intrigued me. I was not surprised to see the Ashram without many visitors save for few History students and foreigners interested to know about the Gandhi legacy. There is something about the place it humbles you down instantly. I visited Gandhiji's abode and was surprised to see how sparse it was even back then. The Ashram authorities do a great job keeping it clean and green throughout and they are certainly a courteous bunch. Gandhi's story is filled in every nook and corner be it the home, the notice board with letters and sculptures and photos depicting Gandhi in many avatars. I really loved the place just for the quite it offered plus the lovely greens. The quaint Sabarmati river added to its beauty. Soon the banks of the river will be developed ( read Malled) and we might as well lose a symbol of simplicity and austerity very soon.
Now, a you cannot take Shopping out of a girl's list especially if the Girl is me! So, before wrapping up the journey, I made a quick dash to the Teen Darwaza bazaar, a bustling flea market. Flea markets and street fashion have always interested me. I firlmy believe a lot of latest catwalk trends comes from here and I never miss a chance to visit one. The Bazaar here is a microcosm offering you a great bargain on Gujarati textile, shoes, handicrafts etc. I brought some colourful dupattas and mojris which were completely value for money. And I left for home little poorer with money but richer with experience :)