Location Guide

Santram Mandir, in the heart of Nadiad, is one of the most respected spiritual centres in Gujarat, founded in the nineteenth century around the saint Santram Maharaj. It is known for its community kitchen, social service and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome, and the temple is particularly lively during Guru Purnima.

Nadiad is the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the leader who unified India's princely states after independence. His family home in nearby Karamsad, around eighteen kilometres away, is preserved as a memorial with photographs and documents from his life. It is a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Indian history.

The Ranchhodrai temple in Dakor, about thirty kilometres away, is one of the most important Krishna pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. During full moon days, especially Sharad Purnima, thousands of pilgrims walk to Dakor from across the state. The temple's architecture and atmosphere are impressive even outside festival times.

Anand, about seventeen kilometres away, is the home of Amul, the dairy cooperative that transformed Indian milk production. The Amul plant offers tours on certain days, showing how milk, butter and chocolate are produced, and the Vallabh Vidyanagar university area nearby hosts an ISKCON temple.

Vadodara, around fifty kilometres south, offers the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, and the UNESCO listed Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park further east, combining Islamic and Hindu monuments on a hill.

Ahmedabad, about an hour north by expressway, is India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, with the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, stepwells and the old city pols with carved wooden houses.

For food, Gujarati thalis are the local specialty, with dal, kadhi, rotlis, vegetables and sweets served in many small bowls. Street snacks such as khaman, dhokla and fafda with jalebi are popular in the mornings.