Day 5 – 23 December 2020 - Somnath to Bhuj – 426 km

Thanks to Rajiv’s wide network of friends and colleagues accommodation was never a hassle on the trip and Somnath was one such example. We got to stay in the commodious Sarovar Portico-Somnath, which is a delightful four star hotel with resplendent interiors and spacious rooms. Moreover, it was quite well located, not far from the Somnath Mahadev Temple. The GM was at hand when we reached the hotel last evening and he made sure that we were comfortable. Even though embarrassing, he refused to bill us for the food that we had during our stay there.

The Somnath Mahadev Temple had looked mesmerizingly magical last night. I had to get back to experience it at the crack of dawn. When I got there Aarti was being performed inside the temple; due to the pandemic the temple is closed to public at that time. However, worshipers gather near large digital screens to be part of the televised prayers and puja taking place inside the sanctum sanctorum.

The sunrise added yards of inner peace to those prayerful moments. Local people hawking flowers, garlands and milk to worshippers who wanted to make offerings in the various temples, could be seen everywhere. So are photographers, as visitors have to deposit mobile phones and all digital and electronic items at the cloak room. Photography is prohibited inside the temple premise. So are leather items and footwear.

The day before, as I was driving to Alang, alerts had started appearing on the display panel of the car of the front brake pads being worn out. They became persistent during the drive to Somnath. Rajiv, through his network, located a service centre in Junagad and booked a slot to get the car attended to. Within two hours of leaving Somnath we drove into the Mahindra service centre right on the highway to Bhuj, which looked frightfully busy. Rajiv explained the problem succinctly and why we had to get it attended immediately. The Works Manager and his assistants gave it their best shot and the front brake pads were replaced and the rear ones checked. In slightly over an hour we were back on the highway.

Rajiv had arranged overnight stay in Dream Resort a few km short of Bhuj, in Madhapur village, through his travel agent friend Sanjay Gadhvi, the foremost travel agent of Kutch region. Madhapur village has a unique distinction in India's economy, said Sanjay. It has a large NRI population due to which it has the highest bank deposits for a village in India, over $200 crores, and thus, is the richest village in India. Kutch is the largest district in India with an area of 45,674 sq km and 2 million population.

Mahendra Raja is the owner of Dream Resort, a 45 cottage facility spread over 25 acres and categorised into three types. A highly successful entrepreneur, Mahendra bhai has had a most enviable life, with wide ranging experience that has taught him the toughest lessons in life. His palatial home is indeed a tourist attraction and we suggested that he operate a high end homestay. Although his business interests keep him busy he spends quality time with his wife and younger daughter, Khushi.

Weather is changing; nights are getting colder as we move westwards. Making new friends, experiencing new situations and learning new things every day keep the insides warm.