However, Adalaj Ni Vav, a water temple in a small village outside Ahmedabad, is the most popular stepped well. It is in fact a na vav, literally meaning its structure is an upside down form of a step-well.

The carvings, construction and architecture of these water temples amaze many experts, since they were built at a time when sophisticated and meticulous engineering techniques had not developed to recent standards.

Openings in the ceilings above ground enable light and air to enter the well. However, direct sunlight never reaches the flight of steps or landings except for a brief period at noon as the inner ceilings are arranged to receive the sunlight through these openings. According to research, there is at least six degrees between the outside and inside of these wells, making them veritable air-conditioners.

There are hundreds of stepped wells in Gujarat, each unique in its construction. Displaying centuries old intrinsic stone carvings and water collection systems of a bygone era, they attract thousands of tourists every year.....runs to 1500 wds. Copyright story & images ©Karen Halabi 2007

Gujarat is the land of the Mahatma, the birthplace of Ghandi, and the only place on Earth where you can see the Asiatic Lion - in the Gir Forest, one of the world’s best free-range game parks.

In this under-explored part of India, you’ll be well away from tourist throngs of the more popular states such as Rajasthan.

Stretching out into the Arabian Sea, like the open jaw of a lion, the Saurashtra peninsula and the Kutch desert mark Gujarat’s mid-western border.

Gujarat is well known as a progressive business state; however few are aware of its exquisite beaches, enchanting forests, enthralling wildlife and rich cultural heritage.

With dancing, singing and music in the streets, Navaratri is India’s version of Carnevale or Mardi Gras but, unlike these festivals, Navaratri doesn’t just take place in one city or region. It’s a nationwide affair, with the biggest and brightest celebrations taking place each year in India’s western-most state of Gujarat.

Here the revelry extends into the wee hours of the morning as every city, town and village resounds to the beckoning hypnotic beat of drums.  It’s a rainbow of colour and mirrored costumes twirling in a dazzling spectacle of spellbinding symmetry.

Gujarat doesn’t sleep during Navaratri and its capital Ahmedabad, comes alive with the colour of this Hindu festival of worship and dance. The word Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit; Nava - Nine and Ratri - nights. During these nine days and nights, nine forms of Shakti or female divinity are worshipped. Navratri is bigger in Gujarat than in any other part of India, including Rajasthan and it is also the largest festival celebrated in Nepal.

Copyright ©Karen Halabi 2007

1800 wds

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Maharao Sri Pragmal Sinhji III is the 19th in a distinguished lineage of maharajas who have governed this remote territory for the last four hundred years. Today, even with his political power stripped away, the Maharao believes he plays an important role in Indian society. He also makes some pithy remarks on current world problems, including terrorism.

This story runs to about 1,200 words, but exact word count can be tailored to editorial requirements.

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