Ahmedabad and Dungarpur
 

Just wanting to see who has visited the above places and what to expect, see and do.
Thanks

G - this a really strange question. How about you get a bit more specific? I've been to Ahmedabad five times - it's a very interesting city with terrible traffic. A wise traveler would stay at The House of M.G. A Google search - or the merest glimpse at a tour guide will tell 'what's there to see' - nobody can tell you what to expect, simply because your reactions depend entirely on you.

I know you're heading off very soon. I bet you're getting excited. Whaddya wanna know?

As for Dungarpur, you'll be staying here:
http://udaibilaspalace.com/

It's a rural area, a great half-way point on the drive between Udaipur and Ahmedabad. Haven't stayed here, but the hotel is highly thought of.

Check the tariff page for room categories at Udai Bilas Palace.

You can be "extra bad" for only INR 1200!!!

No wonder the Dogster knows that website!! (-;

Thanks Dogster. I guess what I am trying to find out is if there is anything in these places that the typical tourist might not see if he/she just followed the guide books. There is not too much information targeted to these places (especially Dungarpur) other than what the guide books and some web sites provide. But as you well know, each town/village/city may have sites or other "finds" that you can only get from other travelers, like yourself, who can provide valuable additional insights.
In other words, I have done my research but I am just "reaching" out to see what else there may be at some "stops along the way" besides what guide books provide. By the way, it is because of your previous advice about The House of M&G on another topic that we already made reservations there for our stay in Ahmedabad.
We have been to India about three years ago (Delhi, Jaipur, Jodphur, Jalismer, Pushkar, Agra, Varanasi,etc.) but some of these places I referred to in my original post will be entirely new to us.
Always appreciate your input!!

OK, that extra info always helps.

For Ahmedabad sightseeing, you have several really nifty options, all of which can be sourced thru the House of MG - practically on spec. Really, you don't need to think further than these - it's all there for you, presented in a very interesting way.

House of M.G.:
the upstairs restaurant is great, but the food is kinda strange if you, like me, aren't really familiar with Gujarati cuisine. Worth the effort. It's an eat with your hands job, but I grew to really like it. Thali.

http://www.houseofmg.com/agashiye.php?topid=Mg==

BUT outside, just by the gate, is the House of M.G. takeaway booth, serving thali to taxi-drivers. Highly recommended. [it's actually the same food as the hotel serves]
http://www.houseofmg.com/packed_meal.php?topid=Ng==

Next:
two options for day trips. One with tuk-tuk [my preference] and one in an AC car. Both drivers are great and locally famous. The House will know. I'll look 'em up. I know both drivers. Good English, great characters.

It's a full-on zoom around. Great fun. An excellent Le Corbusier property worth a visit - just do it. Tuk tuk is best 'cos you'll think you're gonna die. Traffic in Ahmedabad is perilous. Two days will show you everything. Textile museum is a big hit with those who like textiles.

House of M.G. has a sister restaurant in the middle of a great place. There is also a very cool heritage walk. The architecture is your secret treasure. Just do it. There is one at night that finishes you up at the restaurant. They'll take you back. Recommended. Very much.

http://www.houseofmg.com/haveli.php
http://www.houseofmg.com/nightwalk.htm

Any famous architectural stuff is pretty damn good. There's a step well outta town a bit that's wonderful. For me, a wander thru the old part of town, thru the wedding street and the statue street and all that stuff is great.

They are not friendly in Ahmedabad. It's perfectly safe but it's not like the rest of India. They will be friendly - but only when they want to be - so don't expect the usual 'oooh ahh tourists!' business. Quite the reverse. You'll be in the distinct minority. Which is what makes Ahmedabad so good.

Dungarpur is really all about the hotel. There is some good tribal stuff wthin a 50 k radius - but you really have to be hard-core to wanna do it. Check for any festivals around the time you go. But really Dungarpur will be your chill place, unless you wanna get rurally creative.

BTW, Dog's fave room at House of MG is the front, upstairs #8 verandah suite - but, oh, it's noisy. AND the reception at MG are famously po-faced. No matter how hard you try they won't smile. Don't take it to heart.

Dogster, that information is exactly what I was looking for and wouldn't necessarily find in a "typical" guide book. You could only find those things out from people who have been there and done that. So again many thanks for your kind reply and information.
By the way, have you ever been to Patan as an excursion from Ahmedabad? We (wife and I) enjoy visiting villages and meeting people.
Thanks

No, I've never been to Patan. I'm going back to Gujarat to complete my cycle of eccentric heritage hotels so I'll do it then.

If you want to meet people, stay at Heritage hotels and/or home-stay. This listing in Gujarat is very juicy:
http://heritagehotelsofgujarat.net/

BTW, the roads are excellent in Gujarat.

Dogster--Will it be Diwali in Gujarat with Harendrapal's cousins or have you lined up some other festivals? When are you leaving?

Well I'm off in a fortnight to Istanbul. After that things get pretty sketchy. I'm heading east, that's all I know. I think Gujarat is east.

This is, however, the be-kind-to-Dogster trip, not the intrepid-stupid-fool-Dog trip. But then, they all start out that way...

Another cruise? More Russians? Don't forget to take us along. Enjoy.

Ah, Istanbul! It's been ages since I've been there. One of these days when I have more time, I'll go back.

Enjoy - and yes, do take us along.

Second thoughts on Turkey.

Dunno. Maybe I should go to Ahmedabad instead.

Wherever. We're not picky. As long as you take us along.

Remember, in Gujarat everybody is Harendrapal's cousin...

Oh, why not start in Istanbul, it's a great city. Then you could just go east overland, through Iran and Central Asia - my dream trip - but not "be kind to dogster" variety. Or how about going north? I really liked Ukraine - although it might be a bit late in the year for that - same problem with the Greek Islands.

You'll like Istanbul, Dogster. Guaranteed.

Oh PLEASE go to Istanbul Dogster! I am heading there next July and would love to hear your take on it. :)

Don't forget to stop by BKK on your way there mate!