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Touring Soulmates, Tamia (2026)

11/10/2026

Safari in Little Rann of Kutch
Gujarat Road Trip
Post 30, Day 11

After lunch, we reached Eco Camp Jogad around 4 PM, ready for our much-awaited safari in the Little Rann of Kutch. We met Mr. Ajay Dhamecha, with whom we had connected over the phone beforehand regarding safari and its necessary permissions.

While Bajana has become a more commercialised hub for safaris in the Little Rann, so we chose Jogad for a more exclusive experience, away from the usual tourist trail.

Before setting off, Mr. Dhamecha welcomed us with a cup of tea, and we had a lovely little chat about his years of experience in forest conservation in the region. And then, it was time to venture into the vast expanse of the Little Rann!

The Little Rann is also a haven for a remarkable variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. This was where Mr. Dhamecha’s extensive knowledge truly enriched our experience. As our guide and driver, he patiently explained the behaviour and fascinating details of the different wildlife species we encountered, helping us appreciate much more than what met the eye.

The Little Rann of Kutch is the only place in the world where the Indian wild ass survives in the wild, and we were fortunate enough to spot a large herd of wild asses grazing peacefully in the golden light of the setting sun.

Along the way, we also got a glimpse of the region’s traditional salt-production farms, a livelihood that is deeply intertwined with this stark, arid landscape.

05/10/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 30, Day 11
We left Mandvi around 10 AM, ready to kick-start our long journey back home. But just as we were leaving the town, something caught our attention — enormous old-school wooden ships taking shape along the riverbank. We couldn’t resist stopping to find out what was happening.

What we had stumbled upon was Mandvi’s centuries-old shipbuilding tradition. Along the banks of the Rukmavati River, skilled craftsmen from the Kharva community still build massive wooden dhows, continuing a craft that has been passed down through generations for nearly 400 years.

As we left Mandvi, we confirmed our little Rann Safari telephonically. We were both a little under the weather, battling sore throats and fever, but there was one thing we really didn’t want to miss — our safari in the Little Rann of Kutch which is only home in the world for Wild Asses and known for its dramatic flat salt plains.

So, we popped some medicines, gathered whatever energy we had left and got back on the road for 250 km journey towards Halvad. Before we left the highway for secluded little Rann, we stopped for a lunch break as our safari host has informed us that there won’t be any eating point after exiting highway from Halvad.

20/09/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 29, Day 11

Waking up to the sound of waves, with the sun slowly rising over the Arabian Sea and painting the sky in golden hues — this was the kind of morning we had hoped for when we chose to stay right on the beach. 🌅🌊

The morning vibes at Vayro Resort were even more soothing. With the gentle sound of waves, soft sand beneath our feet and hardly anyone around, it almost felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves.

We took a slow morning walk along the shore, letting the sea breeze do its thing, and then sat down for breakfast with an uninterrupted view of the ocean. ☕🥐

We had originally planned a safari in the Little Rann of Kutch, but both of us were a little under the weather with a sore throat and fever, so we weren’t sure if we would be able to make it.

Vayro Resort gave us exactly what we needed — a peaceful stay, beautiful mornings and memories we’ll carry with us And with that, we said goodbye to Mandvi… hoping the road would bring us another beautiful experience ahead. ❤️

14/09/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 28, Day 10

Staying in Mandvi wasn’t part of our original plan, but sometimes the best travel memories come from the unplanned detours. And we were so glad we made this little change, because it brought us to one of the most beautiful stays we experienced in Mandvi — Vayro Resort. ✨

Tucked right by the beach with private access, this picturesque property had beautiful Greek-inspired vibes that made it feel like a little escape of its own. 🏛️🌴

Sipping tea while looking out at the sea, watching the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon, and later sitting under a star-filled sky with nothing but the sound of waves in the background — every little moment felt special.

We ended the evening with a delicious, comforting homely dinner and called it an early night. Both of us were coming down with a sore throat and fever, so a quiet evening by the sea was exactly what we needed.

Sometimes, the unplanned stops turn out to be the ones you remember the most. ❤️

07/09/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 26, Day 9

Leaving Bhujodi for Mandvi, it was already lunchtime — bright, sunny and too hot for the afternoon!, so we decided to take a little break and found the perfect spot on the Bhuj bypass — Cafe Green Haus. 🌿☕

A beautiful little café with a cozy ambience, it was just what we needed. We sat back, ordered some coffee and snacks, and spent some time chatting and unwinding before getting back on the road.

Next stop — Mandvi, just about a 1.5-hour drive away. 🚗✨

27/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 24, Day 9

We woke up early to catch the sunrise from one famous spots at Smritivan — the Sunrise/Sunset Point, which is top of Bhujiyo hill, known for its beautiful views at both ends of the day. After missing the sunset here the previous evening, we were determined not to miss the sunrise! 🌅

We hiked along a well-laid-out trail of around 4 km to reach the top, joining locals who regularly come here for their morning walks and hikes. The climb was worth it — the viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views of Bhuj city, slowly coming alive as the sun rose over the horizon. ✨

After soaking in the morning views, we headed back to the hotel, had breakfast and checked out.

Our next stop was the Royal Cenotaphs of Bhuj, locally known as Chhatardis — a beautiful heritage site dedicated to the Jadeja rulers of Kutch. Built largely in the 18th and early 19th centuries, these ornate red-sandstone memorials are characterised by their umbrella-like domes, intricate carvings and balconies. Several of the structures were damaged in the 2001 earthquake, but some of the them has survived and marks a peaceful place where history, architecture and the legacy of Kutch’s royal past come together. ❤️

21/08/2026

Story of a Sunset — not so perfect, yet unforgettable! 🌅

20/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 23, Day 8

Exploring Bhuj, Samritivan

We reached Bhuj in the late afternoon, and without wasting any time, we headed straight to one place that had been right at the top of our list — Smritivan Earthquake Memorial & Museum.

Built on Bhujiyo Dungar, Smritivan is a tribute to the nearly 13,000 people who lost their lives in the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake. But what makes it truly unique is that it is much more than a memorial. Spread across seven immersive zones, it takes you through the story of the earthquake, its aftermath, the incredible rescue and rebuilding efforts, and ultimately, the resilience of the people of Kutch.

The experience was educational, interactive and deeply emotional. We moved systematically from one gallery to another as part of a well-managed guided experience. One of the most moving sections was hearing the personal stories and testimonies of people who lived through the earthquake, as well as memories of those who lost their loved ones. Suddenly, the earthquake wasn’t just a historical event anymore — it became a collection of real human stories.

And then came the Relive section — a state-of-the-art 360°/5D earthquake simulation that recreates the tremors with sound, light and movement. It is an incredibly immersive experience and gives you a small sense of what those terrifying moments must have felt like.

We spent around 2½ hours inside, and by the time we stepped out, the sun had almost set. There was something fitting about ending the visit with the fading light over Bhuj — after spending hours witnessing a story that moved from destruction to remembrance, resilience and rebuilding.

By then, we were also very hungry — we had skipped lunch — so our next stop was a nearby Domino’s for an early dinner. 😄

After that, we headed to our hotel, VC Club Bhuj, checked in, and then went out once again — this time to explore Bhuj Market and do a little shopping.

And finally, after a long and eventful day, we called it a night. ❤️

11/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 22, Day 8

A detour into the artistic soul of Kutch 🎨✨

We checked out of our stay in Dhordo and started towards Bhuj, with a little detour planned to Nirona — a craft village famous for its traditional Rogan art, handmade metal bells and lacquer work.

Our first stop was Bhirandiyara, famous for its delicious mava (condensed milk). We loved it so much that we got some packed for the road! 😋

After a 1.5-hour drive, we reached Nirona, parked at the village entrance and followed Google Maps into the village to find Mr. Munaf Khatri, a Rogan artist who kindly welcomed us and gave us a fascinating demonstration.

Rogan art is a rare traditional art where intricate patterns are painted freehand on fabric using a special castor-oil-based paint and a metal stylus. The craft has been kept alive by artisan families who have passed the technique down through generations.

We even tried our hands at it — and quickly realised that creating those delicate patterns freehand requires some serious skill! 😄

Walking deeper into the village, we discovered the traditional Kutch bell-making craft. The artisans demonstrated how beautiful bells are made from scrap metal, without welding — purely through traditional techniques and skill. 🔔

Then, with the help of a local child, we found the lacquer artisans, who showed us how wooden kitchenware is beautifully transformed using traditional lacquer techniques. 🌈

We were initially a little sceptical about exploring the village on our own, but everyone we met was so warm and welcoming. We ended up spending nearly two hours discovering these incredible crafts and bought a few souvenirs — a small way of supporting the artisans and taking a piece of Nirona home with us. ❤️

With an evening planned in Bhuj, it was time to hit the road again.

08/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 21, Day 8

We woke up early to catch a sunrise—not from the famous White Rann, but from Kalo Dungar, the highest point in Kutch. About an hour and fifteen minutes from our resort, the journey began at 6:30 AM. Yet, despite the hour, it was still pitch dark—the westernmost region of India was only just beginning to wake up.

As we drove through the darkness, the sky slowly came alive with vibrant shades of orange, pink and purple, making the drive itself part of the experience. 🌄

Somewhere along the way, we encountered something we had only heard about before—a magnetic point, where our car seemed to roll uphill when put in neutral! Scientifically, it is believed to be an optical illusion, but watching the car seemingly defy gravity was certainly fun to experience. 🚗✨

The road then turned into a winding uphill drive towards Kalo Dungar, and just as we climbed higher, the sun began appearing on the horizon.

Kalo Dungar is better known for its sunsets, but arriving early had its own charm. We were the first ones there, with the entire viewpoint almost completely to ourselves.

From the highest point of Kutch, watching the vast salt plains stretch endlessly into the distance and seemingly merge with the sky was incredibly peaceful. The silence, the morning light and the sheer expanse of the landscape made it a truly soothing experience. 🤍

By the time we drove back to our resort, it was already breakfast buffet time. After a hearty breakfast, we packed up, got ready and set off for the next leg of our journey—towards Bhuj. 🚗

Touring Soulmates

11/10/2026

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20/09/2026

14/09/2026

07/09/2026

27/08/2026

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