February 15, 2025

A Memorable Holiday in Gujarat: Reconnecting with Family and Friends in Ahmedabad, VV Nagar, and Anand

4 min read

This past holiday, I had the joy of visiting Gujarat, India, to reconnect with family and friends. We explored the vibrant cities of Ahmedabad, Vallabh Vidyanagar (VV Nagar), and Anand. Each city had its unique charm, but the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly our stay at the luxurious Madhubhan Resort & Spa in Anand, where we enjoyed a few days of relaxation, incredible food, and family gatherings. Here’s a look at our four-day adventure in Gujarat, filled with nostalgia, good food, and cherished memories.

Day 1: Arriving in Ahmedabad and Exploring the City

We began our trip in Ahmedabad, the bustling heart of Gujarat, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant markets. As soon as we landed, the warmth of the city welcomed us with open arms. We spent the first day reconnecting with family members, sharing stories over cups of chai and delicious home-cooked Gujarati food, such as dhoklakhandvi, and thepla.

In the evening, we explored the Sabarmati Riverfront, a beautiful urban space that offers peaceful walks along the Sabarmati River. We also visited Sabarmati Ashram, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where we soaked in the rich history of the Indian independence movement.

For dinner, we indulged in authentic Gujarati cuisine at a local thali restaurant, savoring dishes like undhiyufarsandal, and rotis, each bite bursting with flavor. Ahmedabad’s street food scene is incredible, and we couldn’t resist grabbing some freshly made jalebis and fafda on our way back to the hotel.

Day 2: Heading to Vallabh Vidyanagar (VV Nagar)

The next day, we traveled to Vallabh Vidyanagar (VV Nagar), a town known for its academic institutions and peaceful atmosphere. VV Nagar holds a special place in our hearts as it’s home to many of our relatives, and the sense of community here is unlike anywhere else. We spent the day catching up with extended family and old friends, reminiscing about childhood days and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

In the afternoon, we took a leisurely walk around the town, admiring the lush greenery and serene environment that contrasts so beautifully with the hustle and bustle of Ahmedabad. The weather was perfect for an evening stroll, and we ended the day with a casual dinner at a family friend’s home, where we enjoyed a spread of homemade Gujarati dishes like baingan bharta and shrikhand.

Day 3: Relaxing in Anand at Madhubhan Resort & Spa

On day three, we headed to Anand, famously known as the “Milk Capital of India” and home to the legendary Amul Dairy. But the highlight of our stay in Anand was the luxurious Madhubhan Resort & Spa, where we spent two nights indulging in relaxation and pampering.

Madhubhan Resort & Spa is an oasis of tranquility, offering world-class amenities, lush gardens, and a serene atmosphere. Our stay began with a refreshing welcome drink, after which we explored the beautifully landscaped property. The resort’s swimming pool and spa were the perfect way to unwind, and the service was top-notch.

In the evening, we dined at Mirch Masala, a popular restaurant within the resort, known for its authentic Gujarati and Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant’s ambiance, designed with a traditional yet contemporary vibe, set the tone for a fantastic meal. We started with chaats—crispy pani puri and dahi puri—followed by rich curries like paneer tikka masala and dal makhani, accompanied by freshly baked naan and rotis. For dessert, we couldn’t resist the sweet and creamy kulfi. Every dish was delicious, bursting with flavor, and perfectly spiced.

Day 4: Exploring Anand and Amul Dairy Visit

Our final day in Anand was spent exploring the town and visiting the famous Amul Dairy, where we learned about the cooperative dairy movement and its incredible impact on Indian agriculture. It was fascinating to see how Amul has grown from a small cooperative to an internationally renowned brand.

After the dairy tour, we returned to Madhubhan Resort for lunch at their outdoor café, where we enjoyed light snacks like khandvi and dhokla, paired with refreshing coconut water. The day was all about unwinding, and we took full advantage of the resort’s Ayurvedic spa treatments, leaving us feeling rejuvenated after days of travel.

Wrapping Up Our Gujarat Adventure

Our four-day trip to Gujarat was the perfect balance of family bonding, cultural immersion, and relaxation. From exploring the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad to enjoying the peace and tranquility of Madhubhan Resort in Anand, the holiday was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and new experiences. Mirch Masala at Madhubhan offered some of the best food we had on the trip, with its mouthwatering curries and flavorful chaats leaving a lasting impression.

This holiday in Gujarat not only reconnected us with loved ones but also reminded us of the region’s incredible heritage, warm hospitality, and rich culinary traditions. Whether it was the historical allure of Ahmedabad or the relaxing haven of Anand, each city offered its unique charm, making our holiday a memorable experience that we’ll cherish for years to come.