Shahnai Vatika

You can find Shahnai Vatika out on the Ahmedabad Road, near the Swagat Gate in Kaya. It’s right on NH-8, so it’s a spot where a lot of people stop when they are driving between Udaipur and Ahmedabad. Unlike the small shops in the city, we have a bit more space here because of the location. There is a lot of open ground around us, which feels good after being in the crowded parts of town. The Swagat Gate is the main landmark people look for. We get a lot of travelers, but also some local folks from the Kaya area. The vatika is a bit of a mixed space; sometimes it’s just people stopping for a bite, and other times it’s busier with larger groups. We have some trees and plants around to help with the dust from the highway. The kitchen is set up to handle quite a few people at once. It’s not a polished or high-end place, just a regular stop on the road where you can stretch your legs. The staff lives nearby and they’ve been working here for a long time. We spend most of our time keeping the outdoor area tidy because the wind blows a lot of sand from the road. It’s a straightforward place to stop when you are on a long drive and just need a break.