Walking Tours with Walking Shoes

As my walking shoes on my walking tour squeaked and squawked making me feel uncomfortable, depriving me of my full enjoyment, it dawned on me the importance of proper footwear for the trips.

Habituated to carry a bagful of shoes matching the attire, never had I given a thought to this important accessory, since then those are removed and thoughtful footwear has become an integral part. Every travel needing different footwear as per the terrain or landscape, I read, researched, purchased, and now carry those, nowhere compromising on either the dress or the terrain.

Walking tours are the best to know the city, heritage, culture, and the locals closely.

Ahmedabad Heritage Walking Tour

As I walked with the uncomfortable feeling on our Amdavad (Ahmedabad) heritage walking tour, early morning 7:00 am which on a vacation seemed a bit too early but on completion never regretted taking it except for my shoes giving me trouble. However, the tour enriched me.

Start point -Swami Narayan Temple

We started with the early morning prayers at the temple and joined an enthusiastic group of people and walked through the lanes listening intently for details about symbolic monuments now hidden in the populated surrounding; we were lucky enough to get the first-hand stories.

The 100 year Old Metal pillar designed to detect the flooding and drainage system, the metal arrow on the top which changes its direction was a great piece of information.

The tour showcased many old hidden gems intricately carved, many testaments of love and remembrance but today encroached by humans.

The Jama Masjid stands tall on 260 pillars made in yellow stone built-in 1424 by Sultan Ahmed Shah.

Badshah No Haziro build-in fond memory of the founder of Ahmedabad Ahmed Shah in 1446 is an exquisite piece of architecture.

Rani No Haziro Built in the 15^th century, is the resting place for the queens of the Ahmed shah Empire and has a unique tale of respect for women.The structure with intricate jali work is beautiful , now  in the heart of the city, these need to be protected and made accessible to the visitors.

TETE a TE with the locals

The tour ended with a sumptuous breakfast of the local delicacy at the old  restaurant  famous with the locals. We had a plate full of Fafda Jalebi, and much more.

I realized I would have missed the heritage had I not taken the Walking tour, you need to be prepared to walk and listen, to maintain the pace with the Guide to enjoy the unique and interesting details.

Lesson learnt a hard way with my sore feet, today sufficient amount of thought is given to my most important accessory my walking shoes.

Nasik Heritage walking Tour

This time though, I was well prepared Clad in my Nike, with a sun lotion and straw hat, a bottle of water, and lemonade, as I was to cover around 5 to 10 Km

Yes, I was on a Nasik Heritage tour.  Early morning walking tour starting at,

Sakshi Ganesh Temple we visited  many places in the heart of the City. Conducted normally by the Local enthusiast or a native ,ours being  Sadabhau   made history come alive with entertaining stories filled with historical facts. Fondly called as Dada ,Sadabhau an veteran of Nasik does this for his love of the city and to connect to new people and exchange cultural & local knowledge thus interacting with them .

Madan Modatkal temple

The walking troupe continued to the Madan Modatkal temple known for the oldest Ganapati IDOL placed in a Wada.

The Kala and Gora Ram Temples

Visiting Gora Ram Temple built in 1782 by the then-lawyer Madhavrao Peshve and Deverao Hinge and the Kala Ram Mandir to see the beautiful Statues carved in Black Marble which even today holds a unique and significant place in the city’s culture. The Yearly fest at the Kala Ram Temple is looked forward to by the locals for a musical treat.

The victory Symbol

The 6 feet tall bronze bell installed to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese by Chimaji Appa, which can be heard up to 5kms called the Naro shankerchi Ghanta on the Naroshanker temple is interesting.

The Sarkar Wada

The Sarkar Wada a heritage building, once the administrative hub of the Peshwa tells us about the city’s involvement and their perspective during the freedom struggle.

Covering almost 15 points and around 6 to 8 Km the tour ended with the famous MISAL PAV, the city’s favorite savory dish. The locals loving their morning tea and tete a tete over hot cup of Tea and the local dish.

Listening and wondering about the KUMBH MELA gatherings and processions passing through these alleys I understand what it must make the administration to make this humongous event peaceful gathering

This time the walking tour was a happy tour with happy feet with comfortable footwear.

My travel Accessories

Through my travels, l have understood the importance of different terrain footwear and plan accordingly. A must-have is Sneakers, Boots, and Flats. I carry fancy sandals which come in varied colors with good grip and comfort to compliment my attire.

 My take on walking Tours

Normally vacations are taken for relaxation major attractions are visited through planned itineraries. Most of the time the city is left unseen though having the most significant importance. When asked for walking tours the answer is a quick no, but l feel walking tour gives you a glimpse and stories untold, you can walk the history and talk to the locals, visit the oldest joints and taste the oldest of recipes made authentically.

I have got hooked to walking tours with my Walking shoes.

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Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching lives through travel

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