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Bhuj

Ahmedabad - Bhuj (Base for Greater Rann of Kutch)

Route

• Ahmedabad
• Sarkhej
• Sanand
• Viramgam
• Dhangadhra
• Halvad
• Bhachhau
• Bhuj

Distance

360 kms one way.

Type of destination

weekend getaway. For exploring deeper parts of GRK you shall need couple of extra days.

The history of Bhuj dates back to the days of the Naga Chieftain and is said to have witnessed the exile of Pandavas during the Mahabharata, the Indus Valley Civilization and Alexander the Great`s Invasion. It is believed that the golden period was however when the Rajput rulers shifted their capital from Anjar to Bhuj

Bhuj is an old walled city with historic significance located in the state of Gujarat. It is an important town in Kutch and also the district headquarters. It is located in the heart of Kutch. Maharao Hamir founded Bhuj in the year 1510.It is also believed that Rao Khengarji I chose the base of Bhujiyo Dungar as the strategic location and founded the city of Bhuj in 1548 AD. Bhuj is well known for its Katchi style of architecture.

It remained as an independent Princely state of India during the British rule and was included in the Indian Map post independence. It is located at 23.27° N 69.67° E. The average elevation is 110 meters. The climate is dry due to its closeness to the Rann Desert. The best time to visit is between October and March.

The brightly ornamented temples, intricately carved wooden pavilions and magnificent palaces add effervescence to the place. It is a place of great importance for handicraft lovers what with the batik, bandhini or tie and dye and embroidery work being done here.

Specific castes and community are involved with the various embroidery work and other forms of art.

Places of interest

Maharao Madansinji Museum

It has interesting historical artifacts belonging to the Maharaja. A painting depicting the victory of the king and his army which is 20m long is seen at the museum. The museum also has a wide collection of paintings, photos and Kutchi Embroidery.

Aina Mahal(New Palace)

As the name suggests this is Hall of Mirrors. It is an old palace which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji which has now been transformed into a museum. It was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji in the year 1750.Ramsinh Malam was the craftsmen who put his heart and soul into transforming a royal dream into reality. The ornate beauty of the palace speaks about the deft skill he was blessed with. He mastered the art in Holland for 17 Years. Making clocks and tiles, canon fabrication, enameling and architecture were some of the skills, which he mastered during that time.

Aina mahal is a part of an even larger palace complex. The palace complex houses a Darbar hall or the court, a hall of mirrors, and suites belonging to the different members of the royal family.

The aina mahal reflects a strong influence of European style of architecture, which sets it aside from the rest of the monuments in Gujarat. The white marble walls at the palace are covered with mirrors and gilded with ornaments. The floor of the hall is laid with tiles. A podium found above the tiled floor is surrounded by a chain of fountains. There is a large Chandelier made of Venetian glass, which adds grandeur to the Hall.

The fortified courtyard, which houses the Aina Mahal, is also decorated with a few rare idols.

Fuvara Mahal

This is a music room decorated with fancy glass – blown lanterns and venetian glass shades.The room was used to perform the Vraj Haveli Sangeet. This hall was constructed in the year 1752 by Lakhpatji Maharao.

The Fuvara Mahal is also famous for the fountain and distinct architecture. The internal timber columns rise about 3.2 m above the masonry walls and the perimeter roof strip, to support a timber truss. The truss carries a flat roof over the centre of the room. They are unusual structurally as there are no horizontal ties at their base and have bolted metal strap. One can also speculate that they may represent a repair post the earthquake in the year 1819.

Pleasure Pool

This is a place with a square in the middle where the Raja would sit.

Hira Mahal

This place is adorned with a bed, some outstanding Kutch carpets and clocks.

Cenotaphs Complex

This place is also known as Chattaradi. They are tombs built of red stones .Among the tombs the one built for Rao Lakha is distinctly the largest and finest. Polygonal in shape it has balconies and an intricately carved roof. There are other impressive cenotaphs namely the ones built for Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal.

Prag Mahal (Old Palace)

Located across the courtyard from Aina Mahal, it is relatively a new palace made of marble and sandstone. This was constructed towards the end of 19th century. Paintings of former kings adorn the Durbar hall. The Durbar Hall and the clock tower are the main places allowed for tourists.The mahal was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins Camera and video is allowed with a charge of Rs 35 and Rs 100 respectively. The entry fee is Rs 15 and it is open on all days except Saturdays.

Sharad Bagh Palace

It was built in the year 1867 and personal items of the last Maharaja who died in the year 1991 are preserved here. Open on all days except on Fridays.

Kutch Museum

Being the oldest museum in Gujarat the Kutch Museum has an interesting collection of archaeological artifacts, weapons, a picture gallery, musical instruments, and textiles are seen at the museum. It was established in the year 1877. The museum was formally known as Ferguson Museum named after its Founder.

Swami Narayn Temple

It is located near the Aina Mahal

Folk Museum or Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan

This museum has an interesting collection of artifacts including textiles which are displayed at typical village habitat. The Bhuj area has tribal people namely the Rabaries,Jats and Ahir to name a few. Therefore the museum here is rich in folk culture and art and is a must see.

Fairs and Festivals

One visit to the picturesque Bhuj and the colorful festivals cannot be left behind. Bhuj is considered to be an access to the Rann of Kutch and the Rann Utsav which is also known as the desert festival is held every year in February/March. The main attractions are demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, cultural events and tours to places in and around the city.

Places to visit in Bhuj

Bhujjodi: Famous for weaving
Dhaneti : Popular for traditional Ahir embroidery.
Dhamanka: It is known for Block Printing
Lilpur: Famous for embroidery.

Excursions From Bhuj
Than Monastery

It is about 60 km from Bhuj. It has a basic Dharamshala.Direct buses connect this place to Bhuj.

Mandvi Beach Resort

It is located near Arabian Sea, 60 km southwest of Bhuj. Since it was an important port in the 18th century and mansions with carvings are seen here and are a tourist attraction apart from the beach.

Dholavira

It is a small village situated in Rapar Taluka in the Kutch district of Gugarat.It can be reached from Bhuj via Rappar.It is situated approximately 140 kms from Bhuj.

Extensive research has proven this to have been a part of the harappan civilization.

Anjal Wild Ass Sanctuary

The kutch district is well known for its wild Ass sanctuary. Wild ass is a sturdy creature which gallops at a speed of 50Km per hour. The wild ass is known as Khar Gaddha. The sanctuary is about 35 km from Kutch.

Gandhidham

It is a well planned and prosperous city which was primarily built for persons after partition. It is located around 60 km from Bhuj. There are many temples and one Monument dedicated to Mahathma Gandhi which is worth visiting.

Places to visit in Gandhidham include the following.

Khavda: Khavda is famous for its handicrafts and cattle rearing. The place is also known for its Flamingo colony and Khavda handicrafts village.

Bhadreshwar and Purneshwar: Bhadreshwar and Purneshwar are two important temple spots worth visiting

Shrine of Gulam Ali Shah: The Muslim shrine of Gulam Ali Shah , Urs is held every year attracting devotees from all faiths.

Reaching there

By Air: Nearest airport is Ahmedabad

By Rail: The railway station is situated 1 km north of the city. Few trains pass through Bhuj .one has to go either to Palanpur or Gandhidham as these places have good connection to important cities and towns around this region.

Direct trains from Bhuj to Ahmedabad on meter guage are vailable.

By Road: State transport buses and luxury coaches, auto rickshaws and taxis are available. Bhuj is connected by state highway uto Bhachau(85 km) and from Bhachau to Ahmedabad by national highway No.8A(310 km)

Staying There

KBN Hotel,Bhuj
Station Road Bhuj-Kutch Gujarat – 370001
India
Tariff: 1700-3500

Poonam Residency Hotel
Survey No:331/1, Kukama Bhuj-Anjar Road
V & P.O. Kukama Nera Shekhpir
Bhuj, Kutch
Gujarat - 370105
India
Tariff (Rs 600- 1000)

Abha International Hotel
P.L Shah Marg
Sidharth Complex
Waniawad, Bhuj
Gujarat - 370001
India
Tariff (Rs 600- 1300)