The Vadodara-Halol highway is a beautiful stretch of four-lane tarmac, best enjoyed early morning.

It's a quick 50km drive from Vadodara to Champaner-Pavagadh.

Sport mode made the drive very entertaining.

Easy to maintain good average speeds on a road like this.

Sat Kaman (seven arches) is located on the southern cliff edge of Pavagadh.

The Kalika Mata mandir perches atop Pavagadh’s summit, some 800m above sea level.

The Elantra easily fits through the narrow gate of the fortified royal precinct.

The Mandvi separates the royal precinct from the rest of Champaner.

The Sahar Ki Masjid is surprisingly well maintained, given its medieval age.

The Pavagadh ropeway is the highest in India, and a fun way to make the ascent.

Neglected 10th century temples lie in a dilapidated state atop Pavagadh.

The architecture is a mix of Hindu and Islamic styles.

Final climb to the Kalika Mata temple has hundreds of steep steps.

You’ll never go hungry at the top of Pavagadh, thanks to dozens of eateries.

Nothing like a cutting chai as a reward for a few hours of non-stop driving.

2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic makes the Elantra a powerful and comfortable cruiser.

Beautifully styled LED rear combination lamps.