Hello everyone! I’m Archi Patel, a software developer and travel blogger. Recently, I went on a one-day picnic with my friends near Vadodara. It was a spontaneous trip filled with unexpected adventures. Here’s a detailed account of our day, along with some tips for your own trip.
Starting Our Journey
We kicked off our day early, excited to visit Pavagadh. However, upon arriving, we found it extremely crowded, as it was a Sunday. If you’re looking for a peaceful visit, I recommend avoiding weekends.
Searching for an Alternative
Disappointed by the crowd, we decided to look for an alternative spot. We found a reel on Instagram about Gupteshwar Waterfall, located near Pavagadh. Intrigued, we set off for the waterfall, only to be stopped by the police. They informed us that the waterfall was closed to the public.
Heading to Hathni Mata Waterfall
After some discussion, we agreed on visiting Hathni Mata Waterfall. On our way there, we passed through a beautiful jungle, which tempted us to stop and take some pictures. It was a delightful experience, and we spent some time capturing the beauty of nature.
Arrival at Hathni Mata Waterfall
Finally, we reached Hathni Mata Waterfall, but to our dismay, the waterfall hadn’t started flowing yet. Despite the crowd, we found a cozy spot to sit and relax for a couple of hours. It was peaceful and serene, providing us with a much-needed break.
Lunch Under a Mango Tree
Feeling hungry, we grabbed some khichu from a local vendor. As we headed back, we found a picturesque spot with a mango tree and a small hut. We decided to stop there, unpacked our dabba, and made bhel. Eating under the mango tree felt like a perfect picnic moment. We enjoyed our meal and spent some quality time in this beautiful setting.
Discovering Vadatalav
As we were heading back home, we found out that the main Pavagadh route was closed. We took an alternative route, and to our surprise, discovered Vadatalav. This place was breathtaking, like something out of a Pinterest board. The view of Pavagadh mountain from here was stunning. We spent three hours taking pictures, making videos, and soaking in the beauty of this hidden gem.
Feel free to check out my vlog for more visuals of our trip. Happy traveling!
Tips for Your Trip:
- Avoid visiting Pavagadh on weekends to escape the crowd.
- Check if tourist spots are open before heading out.
- Keep an eye out for hidden gems along the way.
- Pack some snacks and enjoy a picnic under the open sky.
Enjoy your travels and make the most of every moment!