Rupang Bhatt, Ahmedabad: As festival-related holidays or long weekends approach, many Gujaratis plan road trips to their favorite destinations, such as Udaipur, Eklingji, and Shrinathji. Although Ahmedabad is connected to Udaipur by trains and regular flights, most travelers opt to drive because the highway journey itself has become pleasant and convenient. Driving also offers flexibility, allowing easy access to resorts, nearby places like Eklingji, Shrinathji, and Kumbhalgarh, or even an extended visit to Chittorgarh.

Selecting the Right Route: Via Gandhinagar or the Bypass

The most suitable route depends on your starting point in Ahmedabad. Travelers from the eastern side can take Airport Road – Naroda – Chiloda to avoid passing through Gandhinagar. Those coming from western Ahmedabad may choose either the Sarkhej – Gandhinagar Highway or the Naroda – Chiloda stretch, based on convenience.

Improved Highway Conditions

The Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway is now wider, safer, and significantly faster than in earlier years, when narrow roads and frequent junctions slowed traffic. Some flyover construction remains incomplete—three near Himmatnagar and two between Himmatnagar and Shamlaji, but service lanes help maintain traffic flow. Travelers should also note that congestion may occur at around five locations due to ongoing flyover works: near Prantij, Motipur Circle in Himmatnagar, Gamdi, the railway overbridge after Gambhoi, and the stretch between Raigadh and Javanpura. After Shamlaji, the road remains smooth up to Udaipur and further ahead. Those heading toward Nathdwara, Shrinathji, or Eklingji should use the newly developed bypass for easier connectivity.

Clean Food Stops Along the Way

While numerous roadside dhabas are available, those looking for a cleaner, branded option may consider ‘Honest’ restaurant outlets located near Prantij (toward Himmatnagar) and just before Shamlaji on the Rajasthan side.

Beware of Impostor Eunuchs

Groups of eunuchs are often seen near toll booths, railway crossings, and speed breakers, particularly between Himmatnagar and Shamlaji, where some try to stop vehicles for money. The safest response is to ignore them, keep the windows shut, run the air-conditioning, and continue driving calmly.

FASTag Is Essential

Vehicles without FASTag are charged double toll fees. However, FASTag counters are available at most toll plazas, allowing motorists to obtain one within minutes.

Shamlaji Temple: A Meaningful Halt

Maintaining an average speed of about 60–80 km/h (or slightly higher) allows travelers to reach Shamlaji in roughly two hours. Visitors can take darshan of the tall black-stone idol of Trivikram Vishnu at Shamlaji Mandir and rest before proceeding toward Udaipur. Entry is restricted for those wearing half-pants or revealing clothes, as indicated on notices outside the temple. Inside, a striking black-stone idol of Garuda stands directly before the Trivikram Vishnu murti—just as Nandi is traditionally placed before the Shivalinga in Shiva temples. The temple’s outer walls display remarkable carvings featuring both sacred and erotic themes, and two large elephant statues at the entrance further enhance its grandeur.

Buy Fresh Produce and Local Snacks

Outside the temple, tribal farmers sell fresh vegetables at prices far lower than in urban markets, making it a good opportunity to purchase farm produce. Visitors can also enjoy local snacks such as gota, bhajiya, and batata vada served with kadhi at nearby eateries.

Fuel Efficiency on the Highway

Driving on highways generally improves fuel economy, though results vary by route. On the Ahmedabad–Vadodara stretch, maintaining an average speed near 80 km/h can significantly increase mileage compared to city traffic. For instance, mileage on the expressway reached about 18 km/l, while city driving typically delivers around 10 km/l. On the Ahmedabad–Udaipur route, especially beyond Shamlaji, fuel efficiency may dip slightly to around 14 km/l, mainly because multiple flyovers require additional engine power during climbs. Even so, highway travel remains more fuel-efficient than city driving.

Fewer Visible Liquor Shops

Previously, several liquor shops were clearly visible along the Rajasthan side of the highway, often displaying Gujarati signboards to attract travelers. Due to new flyovers, route realignments, and regulations requiring liquor outlets to be located 220–500 meters away from highways, far fewer shops are now seen along the roadside.

New Vande Bharat Rail Service to Begin Soon

A new rail connectivity boost has also been approved for travelers on the Ahmedabad–Udaipur route. The 26963/26964 Udaipur–Asarva (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, except Tuesday.

Train No. 26963 will depart Udaipur City at 06:10 and reach Asarva at 10:25. In the return direction, Train No. 26964 will leave Asarva at 17:45 and arrive in Udaipur City at 22:00. With commercial stoppages at Zawar, Dungarpur, and Himmatnagar, the semi-high-speed service is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for passengers across the tribal and semi-urban regions of Rajasthan and northern Gujarat.

However, when traffic remains normal and vehicles are driven within permitted speed limits, the road journey between Ahmedabad and Udaipur typically takes a comparable duration of around four to four-and-a-half hours.

DeshGujarat