The ten-hour long road trip began, and on the driver’s advice, I sampled Gujarati delicacies such as fafda jalebi and creamy dry fruit lassi. Winding through cotton fields, we reached Mundra port, where Ashwin’s bhai stall served unforgettable Dabeli, a must-try local delicacy. Forty-five minutes later, at 7pm, Mandvi’s white sandy bay revealed its beauty. A quick check-in and early dinner ushered in a leisurely stay. As dusk fell over the bay, the lights of the bay came on, illuminating the private fire seats and umbrella-covered cabanas of my Rajwadi Suite. Although the sea remains invisible, its soothing whispers reach my soul, inviting me to enjoy these moments of silence forever.
The rooster alarm clock of a hundred hungry seagulls woke me from my righteous slumber. Looking out from my palatial Rajwadi tent, I'm greeted by a panorama that would make even the grumpiest hermit smile. Forget boring sunrises on the grass, here are a hundred feathered beach bums strutting their stuff like they own the bar. After a leisurely hour or two soaking up the sun at a unique beach spot, I strolled back to my luxurious Rajwadi Suite, where the comfort practically waved at you.
The spacious private dining area also doubles as a productivity hub (because who says productivity can't be by the waterfront?), relaxation area, reading nook, or just a sanctuary for carefree sipping of hot tea. Inside, the bedroom feels more like a cozy living room, complete with comfy seating, a dedicated work space, an impressive dreamy poster bed, an extra desk to hold your odds and ends, and plenty of power for charging Click to power your device. But wait, there’s more! The Rajwadi Suite features a stylish dressing area with a life-size mirror, a wooden table suitable for luggage, and even bathroom slippers for your comfort. Don't forget the attached restroom, which has chic wood accents and is stocked with all the fancy toiletries you could want, bamboo toothbrushes, and towels fluffy enough to rival a spa.
Geared up, I set out to conquer Vijaya Vilas Palace (A delightful bonus included in my 3 night package) With Shanker, our charming and knowledgeable guide from White Sands Bay. Not only did he capture some Instagram-worthy photos of the palace in all its palatial splendor, but he also regaled us (a bunch of happy guests) with the legendary stories of the palace. On our return we had a delicious lunch in the restaurant – need I also mention that every mouth-watering bite was an important part of the all-inclusive package? The food here is a fusion of local flavors and local delicacies, a culinary symphony that will make your taste buds dance.
The rest of my day was a leisurely adventure between bustling public beaches and tranquil private beaches, where I acted as a spectator in a veritable circus of water, air and land antics. Mandvi’s coast is a veritable playground for adventurers – paragliding, ATV adventures, jet ski excursions, kayaking adventures and even horseback riding are all on the menu. Time seems to have grown wings and flown, driven by the refreshing sea breeze, accompanying me on this January jaunt – when you embrace the warmth, when the sun condescends to add color to the sky with its presence, this It's a rare treat.
Before I knew it, the day had slipped through my fingers like sand, prompting me to take a short break for afternoon tea in the restaurant, where ginger beer and delicious snacks awaited. I strolled back to the beach just in time to see the sky put on a colorful evening gown and the sun bid a fiery farewell to the horizon. With every wave lapping at my feet like a playful kiss, and every seagull gliding lazily home, I couldn't help but feel that even nature itself was part of the spectacle, savoring the twilight in silent friendship.
The after-dinner event is a veritable feast for the senses, with a variety of options to rival lunch – and let’s not forget the continental delights that make an appearance. Once full of energy, I headed to the event center where a nightly cultural extravaganza took center stage. On the second day of my adventure, I was treated to heart-pounding melodies of Kuchi tunes provided by local masters, while the third day unfolded a vibrant tapestry of Kathakali dance, artfully performed by homegrown talent Woven from the ground. These cultural evenings truly stole my heart and became a staple of my daily adventures, happily immersing me in the richness of Mandvi and Kutch culture.
On my third day at White Sands Bay in Manvi, I continued to frolic on the waterfront while paying homage to the majestic 72 Jinalaya – a gleaming white wonder that is an absolute must-see for any holidaymaker heading to Manvi Attractions and conveniently included in my accommodation package. My trusty driver, the affable Vijay, also took me to the famous ship workshop, a symbol of Mandvi’s craftsmanship. Here, I marveled at the manufacturing process of these majestic ships, each a behemoth weighing between 250 and 3 tons. Fun fact: only a handful (3 to 5 to be precise) are produced every two years, which is a testament to both the level of craftsmanship and scarcity. Let’s not forget the wood – imported Malaysian wood, chosen for its toughness and ability to resist the repeated bending that plagues its Indian counterparts.
Tucked away in the historic center of Mandvi, this charming shipyard is a treasure trove for those with a passion for the wonders of the sea. If time permits, I heartily recommend a leisurely stroll through the labyrinth of alleys, where the ancient houses are like silent sentinels, testimonies of a bygone era in their architectural splendor. With activities galore every day, from beachfront adventures to temple visits and more, coupled with the cozy embrace of a luxurious Rajwadi Suite, my Manvi adventure was nothing short of spectacular.
Thank you Evoke Experiences for creating such a glorious tent city on the Paradise Coast, welcoming every guest warmly, and treating us like dear relatives, no matter the cabin we call home. It was this unparalleled hospitality that brought me back to Mandvi so quickly. With the news that ferry services will resume in September, allowing travelers to travel between Shivrajpur and Mandvi in just one and a half hours by sea boat, the prospect of exploring these two beaches and enjoying their unique charm becomes even greater Tempting.
