Offbeat hangouts in Ahmedabad

science city ahmedabad
Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you have already visited the tourist attractions of Ahmedabad and seeking new ways to explore the city, here are some of the many things that you can do.

[And you can finally say- A day well spent! ;)]

Decode basic physics at the Science city

science city ahmedabad
Courtesy: deshgujarat.com

The Science center of Ahmedabad was set up by the Government of Gujarat in 1960. to buzz your interest, you can indulge in a variety of activities here like watch a show at 3D IMAX theatre, enjoy rides, visit exhibition centers, etc. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here. The charges may vary from INR 10 to INR 125, depending on the activities you participate.

Address: SP Ring Road, Hebatpur, Ahmedabad

Visiting hours: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Explore Calico Museum of Textiles

Calico Museum of Textiles
Courtesy: blog.jaypore.com

It is a one of a kind textile museum that showcases a complete collection of ancient Indian Textile. Trust me, some of the textiles are even 500 years old. A perfect place to get inspiration for the artist inside you.

Address: The Retreat, Opposite Shahibaug Underbridge,  Ahmedabad

Visiting time: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Wednesday closed

Shopping while not spending more

law garden ahmedabad
Courtesy: thegalnxtdoor.wordpress.com

Do you also feel the shop bug biting you every now and then but you don’t want to spend heavily on branded clothing?

If so is your mood, then hop on to the Law Garden. You can find here some interesting traditional outfits, apart from handicrafts and stuff.

Address: Netaji Road, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad

Visiting time: 11 AM onwards

Take a vintage car ride

Auto World Vintage Car Museum
Courtesy: www.indiapalette.com

If you have a flair for antiques, then the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is your place. It displays one of the largest automobile collection in the country. You can also find Bentleys, Lincoln’s, Daimler, and Rolls Royce here.

Address: Dastan Estate, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Kathwada, Ahmedabad

Visiting time: 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM

To make your quest of spending a healthy weekend easy- you can also hire a car in Ahmedabad on day rental and enjoy hassle-free trips.

Useful Links-

The Ahmedabad food that wins your heart

Fascinating places you can visit on one day Ahmedabad trip

5 amazing and accessible places from Ahmedabad

11 Tips for hiring a tourist car and driver in India

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The journey is equally important as our destination. When we are particular about choosing our travel destinations, why not consider the comfort and joy of the journey. After all, we spend a major part of our tour in the ride.

Therefore, next time when you plan your visit, you can mark these points before hiring a tourist car and driver in India.

#1 Which vehicle shall I choose?

The travel companies propose a range of vehicles like compact car, Sedan, SUV, Tempo Traveler, etc. If you are traveling with children or have more luggage, you should prefer the sedan over compact cars.

For shorter distance and fewer members to travel, compact cars are equally good.

#2 I shall book a tourist car from which website in India?

Most local tour and travel agents can provide you with a tourist car and driver. Even hotels can arrange for these vehicles. However, wherever you rent from, you want to make sure that the company stands by its service and assures you a quality trip.

Various online and offline providers operate regionally. You can consider the following points while choosing the taxi service provider.

  • Go for the company that can provide you cars with driver for outstation trips or airport pickups.
  • Check if they have 24X7 customer care service.
  • Be aware of the pricing, the inclusive and exclusive charges.
  • Choose the company which has backup support in case of vehicular breakdowns etc.
  • The company that offers a quotation before confirming the booking.

We suggest to shop around and understand the existing rates and prefer the service provider who has a network in your destination.

For example, if you wish traveling to Mahabaleshwar, the Outstation Taxi company should have a network of operators in the Maharashtra region.

#3 How to ensure that I am charged correctly?

You can ask for quotations and clarify that tolls, fuel, parking, drop-off, state border charges, etc are included in the rental. If the company is disclosing it all before booking, you can trust this company for your itinerary.

Here is a sample billing system, which states the fare and charges clearly.

#4 What should be the minimum features of the car I am renting?

While booking a car for long-distance travel, your safety and comfort should be the first priority. For safety, the car/driver should be equipped with GPRS devices (smartphones can also do), first aid kit, spare tire, tool kit, driver’s license, and vehicle registration papers.

For comfort, the car should have enough leg space, luggage space, should have AC, clean, and odorless.

#5 Is the driver acquainted with the native language of our destination?

Mostly, we do not notice that knowledge of the native language is important especially when you are traveling in the South Indian region. A driver knowing the native language can be a bonus because he can better deal with the locals for asking direction, food outlets, toilets, etc.

#6 How experienced is the driver?

Experienced drivers are important to make your journey comfortable. You may encounter uneven roads, repairing blocks, traffic jams, etc. The driver should be patient and able to take out the passengers in a stress-free environment.

You can opt the company which provides quality services and has able drivers in its team.

#7 Is the booking cancellation policy of the service provider comfortable?

Nobody wants to cancel the trip, but out of unfortunate events, if you wish to cancel the booking, the taxi company should be flexible to cancel and return the booking amount with minimum deductions.

#8 Is there flexibility to change route and plan?

There are always the charges for extra miles traveled (for any travel company) and tolls encountered in the new route.

Having known this, if your destination remains the same, you can look for this facility as well.

#9 Does Company’s cab service already exists in my travel destination?

If you are booking a one-way cab and you are happy with the services of the company, you might want to return via the same tour operator’s taxi. Hence, it is a good idea to check for the cab services of the company in your destination city.

It also has an advantage, if you change plans, and want to delay or prepone your return, you can travel hassle-free.

#10 What is the user review of the company?

If someone among your friends or family have already used the service of the company, and happy with it, you can rely on his opinion.

If you are using services from a company for the first time, check online for reviews and ratings, especially the reviews towards your destination.

However, it should not be the ground for judgment, as people mostly share their bad experiences and overlook the good experiences with the company. But, you can make a special request to the company to avoid sending that driver or car, which has a negative review.

#11 Do I get a pick-up from the airport?

Generally, the outstation taxi service providers avoid pick-ups at the airport because of traffic and airport parking charges. But if you get a Taxi operator to pick you from the airport and take care of your travel henceforth, it would be definitely worth opting.

What to eat in Puri, Odisha and where?

Prasadam- Jagannath Puri temple
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At least once eat the prasadam served at the Jagannath temple.

Jagannath temple Jargon: The prasadam or bhog is cooked in firewood in seven pots, mounted one over the other. The food in the topmost pot gets cooked first, followed by the others in order.

The cuisine in Puri is Oria. It uses less oil and the food is cooked with mild spices. Rice is a staple food here and Chenna, a milk product is also people’s favourite. Well, some of the delicacies worth trying in Puri are-

Pokhalo

Pokhalo
Courtesy: www.oriyarasoi.com

Pokhalo is a fermented rice dish, usually eaten in summers. The dish is accompanied by Aloo Bharta and Badi Chura. One of the great places to eat Pokhalo is Odishi restaurant in Brahmapur, enroute Puri.

Chenna Poda

Chenna Poda
Courtesy: diehardfoodies.blogspot.co.id

Chenna is a type of cheese curd, made by adding food acids to the boiling milk. The water from the milk separates and what is left is a fluffy paste of milk. Chenna Poda is made by baking this curd cheese or chenna with Jaggery (Gur). The authentic Chenna Poda is baked in Tandoor or outdoor ovens. Trust us, you will not find that taste of Chenna Poda outside Odisha.

Chingudi Kossa

This is a shrimp dish prepared with onion, green chillies, and mild spices. As Puri is located at the sea shore, hence the fish is undoubtedly an important part of the local cuisine.

Macha Besara

Macha Besara
Courtesy: satrupa-foodforthought.blogspot.co.id

It is a deep fried Rohu fish, steeped in mustard gravy. The dish is extremely delicious and a delight for the fish lovers. If you are not a frequent fish eater, please be careful while eating this dish, as Rohu fish has many sharp bones.

Planning to hop around the city to explore the untold cuisine? You can book AC cab in Odisha and enjoy your food trail.

Hey Guys, check out these topics too-

Significance of Jagannath temple in Puri

How to spend one day in Puri?

Places to visit near Puri

What are the best shopping places in Puri?

Route plan for one day trip to Vrindavan

Prem Mandir
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Don’t you think, much time gets wasted if we are not familiar with the route?

If we know the target places to visit, and decide upon the route to follow, then the travel becomes very simple. We have a route plan for your one day trip to Vrindavan. You can book a taxi in India from your place and hop around the town and enjoy to the fullest.

But before, lets point to the sightseeing places in Vrindavan. These are-Prem Mandir, Iskcon temple, Sneh Bihari temple, Seva Kunj, Nidhivan, and Radha Raman temple.

Travel route plan in Vrindavan

One day trip to Vrindavan
Courtesy: Google Maps

Within 40 kilometers ride, you can cover most of Vrindavan.

Prem Mandir

This temple has decorative marble facade, lush green garden, and a musical fountain.

Prem Mandir
Courtesy: www.theindia.co.in

[Image source]

Address:Raman Reti, District Mathura, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India

Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk

Helpline number: +91 85878 49873

Time to spend: 1 hour

Next destination: Iskcon temple, 10 minutes walking distance

Iskcon temple

The Iskcon temple in Vrindavan is also known as Krishna Balaram Mandir. It is a popular destination of the Hare Krishna Trust. The temple hosts free breakfast and lunch to the visitors. It also has guest house in the temple premises.

iskcon idol
Courtesy: centres.iskcon.org

[Image source]

Address: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India

Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk

Helpline number: +91 565 254 0021

Time to spend: 1.5 hour

Special: you can enjoy free lunch or breakfast at the temple.

Next destination: Bihari ji temple, 10 minutes drive

Bihari ji temple

Lord Krishna’s idol in Bihari Ji temple is known as Thakur Ji. The temple has a faith that the eyes of the lord are very powerful. That is why, Lord’s view is hidden behind the curtains and is opened and closed every few minutes.

Bihari Ji temple
Courtesy: news.vrindavantoday.org

[Image source]

Address: Kaliya Dah Bankebihari Road, Bankebihari Colony, Biharipura, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India

Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk

Helpline number: +91 87558 09579

Time to spend: 50 minutes

Next destination: Seva Kunj, 10 minutes walking distance

Seva Kunj

Seva Kunj is a garden of countless basil trees. Basil or Tulsi, is favourite to Lord Krishna and so is the garden dedicated to him.

Seva Kunj
Courtesy: www.brajfoundation.org

[Image source]

Address: Kunj Gali, Near Radha Vallabh Temple Road, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India

Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk

Helpline number: +91 70557 40000

Time to spend: 50 minutes

Next destination: Nidhi Van, 5 minutes walking distance

Nidhi Van

This is a place where Lord Krishna used to rest with his beloved Radha. Because of some traditional beliefs, visitors are not allowed here after sunset.

Nidhi Van
Courtesy: ritsin.com

[Image source]

Address: Tanga Stand, Patthar Pura, Gopinath Bagh, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India

Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk

Special: Flower decoration inside the temple

Time to spend: 30 minutes

Catch up more information about Vrindavan-

What is Vrindavan famous for?

Places to visit in Vrindavan

Things to do in Vrindavan

Vrindavan picture gallery

Must have food in Vrindavan

Holi in Vrindavan

Two days trip to Vrindavan

How to reach Vrindavan