Our Travels: Mandvi Beach.

Mandvi Beach.

As per our ‘package’, the itinerary for the second day included a visit to the famous Bhuj Museum, followed by a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace, and finally, a trip to the private Mandvi Beach. Lunch and high tea were also included. After that, it was return to The Tent City.

Due to road construction, we were not able to visit the Bhuj Museum as originally planned. Instead, the itinerary was changed, and we were taken to 72 Jinalaya, which is around 50 kilometres from Bhuj.

After visiting 72 Jinalaya and Vijay Vilas Palace, by the time we reached Mandvi beach it as alsmost 1:30 in the afternoon.

We had lunch, which was arranged by the Tent City. Lunch was arranged at an open-sided hall, the Restaurant dining hall of the owners of Vijay Vilas Palace / Vijay Vilas Beach Camp, built on the beach and serviced by a cookhouse and other auxiliary buildings constructed nearby. The place had a very good view of the beach.

It was a clear day, the Sun was strong, and the temperatures were in the high thirties. The beach, being private, was deserted and had a desolate look. Amongst us, Priti and I were the only ones to venture out on the beach from the protective shade and cooler comfort of the hall.

Beach had strategically placed grass, tetched shades and chairs spread around the beach. It was clean. It looked like a gently sloping beach where one could enjoy a dip in safety.

There were four to five very optimistic locals offering camel, horse and horse cart rides. Unfortunately, there were no takers. Priti is very fond of walking along the waterline in ankle-deep water and letting the incoming waves wash over her feet, also hastily scootting away whenever a bigger wave approaches. Took a few photos and returned to the hall after about 45 minutes or so.

High tea was served around 4:30, five PM. After that, it was back to the bus and a 150 Kilometre ride back to the Tent City.

As they say, one has to be at the right place at the right time. We were at the right place at the wrong time, and it got reflected in three, rather than a four-star rating.

This aspect was appropriately highlighted in the feedback to the tour organisers.