Hot and dry, a harsh land to inhabit, very sparsely populated, Kutch is nevertheless a
Bhuj, the capital of the former state of Kutch for almost 400 years and now the headquarters of Kutch District, is a mix of the ancient and modern. Compared to metro cities such as Mumbai or Delhi, Bhuj is a veritable oasis of peace. But by Kutch standards, it is positively bustling with life. With good stay options and connectivity, Bhuj is also the best base for exploring the rest of this interesting region.
You drive into it on a road flanked with hills that are crowned with a fort’s ramparts. These are the Bhujiya Hills from where Bhuj gets its name. Unfortunately, the main city is mainly remembered for the devastating earthquake of January 2001, the scars of which are still apparent.
Things to See & Do
Darbargadh Palace Complex
Close to the Swaminarayan Temple is this complex, which houses both the Aina Mahal and the Prag Mahal. The first thing about Prag Mahal that hits you is how incongruous it looks – its European architecture standing out amid the crumbling ruins of the complex. Tall and stately, with Gothic windows and Corinthian pillars, it seems like an object out of a space-time warp. The palace itself is imposing, and the intricate carvings on the walls and the jaali work on the jharokhas are exquisite. There are the unmistakable symbols of erstwhile royal pursuits – yellowing photographs of young men in sports attire, and walls of trophies, comprising lions, deer, bears and even a hippo. However, everything has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Aina Mahal, the mirror palace, was added to the complex in the 18th century, during the reign of Maharao Lakhapatji. It was designed by the legendary Ramsinh, who survived a shipwreck off the coast of East Africa, reached Europe, and over 17 years learned skills such as shipbuilding, stone-carving, glass-blowing and tile-making, and eventually introduced them to Kutch.
Damaged in the earthquake, Aina Mahal is still the prettier of the two palaces. The hall of mirrors would have, in its heyday, put Oriental and European palace rooms to shame. Even today, lined with stained white marble, mottled mirrors and fading daguerreotypes, it awes visitors.
Museums
Kutch Museum is the oldest in the region and contains the best collection. The Bhartiya Sanskriti Darshan (or the Folk Arts Museum) has a collection of local textiles and artefacts. Also visit the Sharad Baug Palace, which is built amidst beautiful grounds.
Hamirsar Lake
Depending on the time of the year, Hamirsar Lake, in the western end of Bhuj, may be dry and therefore largely deserted, or full of water, and surrounded by merry making families.
Where to Stay & Eat
There are a variety of stay options in Bhuj. The best amongst them is the Hotel Prince (Tel: 02832-220370; Tariff: ₹3,375– 7,575) on the station road. Hotel Lake View (Tel: 253422; Tariff: ₹900–1,300), Hotel Ilark (Tel: 258999; Tariff: ₹2,600– 6,000) and Prince Residency (Tel: 230236; Tariff: ₹1,500–4,100) are other decent stay options in Bhuj.
For food, besides the restaurants in the hotels, Green Rock Hotel located opposite the Bus Stand is a great option for anyone who is in the mood for sumptuous Gujarati thalis.
Around Bhuj
Mandvi (60km)
Mandvi, a little seaside town with a beautiful beach is south of Bhuj, on the southern shore of Kutch. It is also well known for its cottage shipbuilding industry and batik work. For many centuries, Mandvi was a famous seaport in Kutch, having trading links with South Africa, Zanzibar, Malaysia, China and Japan, and the building of small ships has been going on here since the 16th century. There is a beach here, but a more attractive one lies a few kilometres from town, part of a seaside resort called The Beach at Mandvi Palace. Next to it is a small palace that tourists can visit.
Things to See & Do
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding takes place on Rukmavati river, which runs through the town. The ships are small and have a Dutch influence. You’ll see workers busily creating structures from wood: climb up a ship and find someone who will explain the craft.
Mandvi Town Beach
This beach is frequented by locals in the evenings, who congregate here to relish the ragda patties and gol gappas, feed seagulls and enjoy their evening walks.
Vijay Vilas Palace
Also called Mandvi Palace, this elegant 20th-century structure was a residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kutch. It now hosts a guesthouse .
Where to Stay & Eat
The Beach at Mandvi Palace (Tel: 02834-277597; Cell: 09879013118; Tariff: ₹8,000) offers comfortable, air-conditioned tents and an exclusive, pristine white-sand beach. The restaurant is open to non-residents. Vijay Vilas Heritage Resort (Tel: 277700; Cell: 09898944958; Tariff: ₹6,000–9,000) is in the Vijay Vilas Palace Complex, with eight suites and a restaurant.
Fast Facts
When to go October–February are best for explorations
Tourist offices
Gujarat Tourism Office, HK House, Ashram Road Ahmedabad, Tel: 079-26578044-43, 26589172
Sanctuary Game Warden, Little Rann of Kutch, Bajana, Patdi, Surendranagar, Tel: 02757-226281
STD code 02832
Getting There
Air Ahmedabad Airport (10km/ 0.5hr). Connected with major Indian cities and international cities. Bhuj Airport connec-ted to major Indian cities. No pre-paid taxis or autos available at Bhuj Airport
Rail Trains from Ahmedabad. Prebook taxi/ auto from Bhuj Railway Station
Road From Ahmedabad take NH947 and the GJSH18 to Dasada. Then take GHSH18, NH947 and GJSH22 to Morvi. Morvi to Bhuj lies on NH8A Bus Private buses from Ahmedabad to Bhuj available
Gujarat
Kutch
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