Googling to going...to Gujarat!

Old Feb 15th, 2017, 12:28 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Googling to going...to Gujarat!

I leave tomorrow , too darned early a.m., SFO to Ahmedabad, Etihad Business Class, using precious Frequent Flyer miles. The bare- boned skeleton of when and where I'll be is below.
Inspired by numerous terrific trips reports, and guilt at not having written one in many years (that for St John USVI) I'll try to occasionally write from the scene, wifi and Kindle screen willing. Otherwise, trip report upon return.
Wish me Fodors' family luck to survive pretrip packing and organizational panic which doesn't dissipate 'til safely through TSA and on the plane . It's a personality defect I've given up on battling., after decades of knowing it will eventually all be ok!! My goodness, with all the chargers and devices and plug adapters, needed, it's worse than ever. Now I understand why a Fodorite (can't recall who) once wrote that they not longer take cameras! Contemplating the pile of items, I'm tempted to say, "Just fuggedaboutit!"

Friday February 17 th Arrive Ahmedabad French Haveli= Agaashi Room
Saturday February 18 th Ahmedabad Overnight at French Haveli- Agaashi Room
Sunday February 19 th Ahmedabad- Palitana Overnight in Palitana at Vijay Vilas Palace
Monday February 20 th Palitana- to Gondal overnight at Orchard Palace Gondal
Tuesday February 21 st Gondal Overnight at Orchard Palace - Standard Room
Wednesday February 22 nd Gondal- Bhuj Overnight at The Bhuj House - Rohee’s Room
Thursday February 23 rd Bhuj overnight in Bhuj at The Bhuj House- Rohee’s Room
Friday February 24 th Bhuj- Hodka overnight at Shaam-E-Sarhad, Bhungas/Mud Hut
Saturday February 25 th Hodka Overnight near Hodka at Shaam-E-Sarhad- Bhungas/Mud Hut
Sunday February 26 th Hodka- Dasada Overnight at Rann Riders, Coobas
Monday February 27 th Dasada- Danta Overnight at Bhavani Vilas, Super Deluxe Room
Tuesday February 28 th Danta- Udaipur Overnight in Udaipur at Karohi Haveli, lake-facing room
Wednesday and Thursday March 1 st and 2 nd Udaipur
Two full day Udaipur. Two more nights in Udaipur at Karohi Haveli- Deluxe Lake-facing room
Wednesday March 3 rd Udaipur- Mumbai- Depart
(Very) early morning transfer- around 5.30am- to Udaipur airport where you’ll need to check-in for your flight to Mumbai (Jet Airways 9W-2094) by 6am with departure at 0700 hours. On arrival in Mumbai you’ll be met and have use of a vehicle and driver for the day.
CaliNurse is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 01:19 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,811
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sounds amazing, CaliNurse! I love that you're going to a less touristed location! Each of the places you're visiting look fascinating! It's going to be a terrific trip.

Yes, that pre-trip prep is a hassle and stressful, but once done, you'll be on your way to a wonderful time!

Have a great trip and safe travels! Write if and when you can as this is a region that I suspect most of us (at least, I don't) know very little about and it will be a treat to learn about it.
progol is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 01:56 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow! That is packed but also what sights you will see. Amazing.

Best of luck with all the connections. Ethiad biz should be great especially when you want to chill on the way back.

I love to when nurses have fun. .

Larry. .
jacketwatch is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 02:33 PM
  #4  
rje
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Gujarat! Like most people on Fodors, I've only seen it via the first half of your post title! But from what I've read and the photos I've seen, it looks like you are in for an incredible trip.

May Ganesh remove all obstacles (TSA or other) and make your plug adapters fit effortlessly. (I hope it wasn't blasphemous to conjure Ganesh, my own experiences in India tell me it is OK!).

And thanks in advance for an on-the-go trip report. But should you find yourself too enthralled with what you're seeing to write often, I'm sure we'll understand. Even though it will break all our little Fodorite hearts. But no pressure!

Enjoy your Etihad business flight. We did. Consider having the biriyani!
rje is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 02:58 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CaliNurse, how exciting ! May your trip through these less travelled parts be as incredible and glitch free as our recent trip.

Bon Voyage !
sartoric is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 03:10 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all, dear fellow Fodorites ! (Too true, JW-- we nurses need big fun!)
I'll take all your kind and understanding and enthusiastic and funny and obstacle-removing, much -needed words to heart.
Have just seen the weather forecast (another way to procrastinate on packing). My goodness...100 F temps!!!! That's not what the forecast averages said back in October when I booked! Thank heaven for bottled water!
CaliNurse is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 03:25 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
India can be HOT! but 100F this time of year is unusual. Not sure why but I read a few days ago that temps now in Oz are way up with one place hitting 117F! Our niece is in Brisbane and it was 102 there a few days ago.

Hopefully it will cool off a bit.
jacketwatch is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2017, 06:24 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It sounds like a wonderful trip! I look forward to reading all about it.
Kathie is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2017, 07:43 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am very jealous. I work near a gujarati restaurant, and the food makes me want to go. I didn't realize there were already trip reports about the gujarat state.
shelemm is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2017, 09:27 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,607
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Looks very interesting! Will look forward to hearing how it works out.

Good luck with the flights! People are always asking me before a trip if I'm excited, and I say "not until I'm on the plane".
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2017, 06:10 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Happy & safe travels Cali,make the most of every moment,Gujarat is the Indian PM's home State.Looks an exciting & reasonably off-beat trip. A culture that will be an enriching experience.Will be awaiting your TR.
inquest is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2017, 06:22 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BTW , Gujarat is a 'dry' State. i.e no liquor available.Permits are issued to traveller at the airport.This is to remind you to buy your quota of wines at the duty free.Cheers.
inquest is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2017, 06:48 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Have a wonderful and safe trip. Your knowledge of India is always an asset on this forum, and now you will know even more. I can't wait to hear about your trip.
CaliforniaLady is offline  
Old Feb 17th, 2017, 03:48 PM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Made it!!!! Now rediscovering how much and why I love "Incredible India" in its numerous manifestations. In the first hour between airport and this wonderful old haveli, there was. already enough to fill a long novel. I woke this morning to the chant/song from the Hindu temple across the lane, local family talk, chattering birds, view from terrace of cow and donkey, smokey cooking smells.

I'll need a good two hours later to write it properly here. Off now , full of masala omelet, fresh fruit, and gingery chai, to see more of Ahmedabad.

Thursdaysd, I agree about the point when excitement begins and the stress (for me) of getting my stuff together dissipates. Fortunately, Etihad's flights and connections were fine, and there's nothing like biz class with miles and a $50 total fare to start a trip in a good mood.

Hoping to share all this as adequately as the trip and my fellow Fodorites deserve.

More later...
CaliNurse is offline  
Old Feb 17th, 2017, 05:27 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Welcome to India.
Just curious, how was the airport in Ahmedabad? And where did your flight stop enroute--SFO to..... to India.

Have a fun time, weather should not be very hot in Feb. so tell us has there been a change to cooler temperatures.

Waiting for your trip report.
ileen is offline  
Old Feb 17th, 2017, 11:28 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yay, you're taking me back already !
Roll on later.....
sartoric is offline  
Old Feb 17th, 2017, 11:31 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ethiad is a 5* rated carrier so yes good choice indeed, good start.
jacketwatch is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2017, 12:25 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,811
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So good to hear from you CaliNurse! Glad that you arrived safely and you had such a welcoming arrival! Sounds like a good start to a great trip!

Looking forward to more...
progol is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2017, 04:47 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You've landed safely! I'm here following as much as I can, have fun ......
Shanghainese is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2017, 01:38 PM
  #20  
rje
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
And the adventure begins!

And already enough to fill a long novel? I would happily read that novel. But I'll understand if we get the abridged version!

Ilene,
I know that flight, and like most Etihad long haul flights, it has a connection in Abu Dhabi, with a fantastic lounge there.
rje is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -