Day 5: Reunion with an old friend and a glimpse of Ahmedabad

The day started late at roughly 8 AM and the aim was to reach Ahmedabad after having breakfast. Today’s plan was flexible because the main aim was to catch the train at 06:00 PM and to visit some place only if time was available.

My ride was mainly uneventful and fast so I reached Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad roughly at 12 noon which was a prominent centre of Sufi culture built by Sultan Mahmud Shah I. The compound appears to be built in parts surrounded by an artificial lake which was dried up at the time. The site also houses the tomb of Sufi saint Ahmad Khattu “Ganj Baksh”.

The next stop was Sabarmati Ashram where I was supposed to meet an old friend living in Ahmedabad. When I reached the parking of Sabarmati Ashram; she was already waiting there. Now I had company and she had been to the Ashram four times before so I had to make a decision to bore her by browsing through and reading everything or wrap up fast. And, I decided to wrap up in 30 minutes because:

She planned on having lunch and was hungry.

I had read not to bore beautiful ladies else they bite.

It’s Ahmedabad, I have one trip left of Gujarat and can return here anytime.

So, she guided me to a normal looking place called “Toran” but the food and hospitality was unforgettable. On top of that I also learnt the outlines of the recipes of Patra, Vasundi and Undhiyu. After overeating we went to the Sabarmati river front and talked for the rest of the available time.

We returned the bike and she drove me to the railway station and I left Gujarat with lots of memories and experiences to cherish.