Bhuj - The Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Discover Bhuj and the Rann of Kutch
One of the most captivating cities in Gujarat is Bhuj, the gateway to the Rann of Kutch and the home of ancient palaces with impressive dining rooms and glittering artefacts. Almost completely destroyed by a huge earthquake in 2001, the city has mostly been rebuilt but most of the architecture and palaces still hold reminders of the horrific destruction.
Things to do in Bhuj and the Rann of Kutch
- Take a safari to discover Kutch and the 40 Banni Villages with their diverse communities and fascinating traditions. You will see the people dressed up in their colourful traditional attire, and possibly the nomadic and semi nomadic groups roaming from place to place accompanied by their cattle. The Kutch people are known for their artistry and craftsmanship, and this is a chance to witness their expertise first hand. The local Mutwa embroidery, which includes a chain of stitches inset with mirrors, is particularly impressive and a popular item for people to buy.
- Explore Kutch Museum Gujarat’s oldest museum which covers everything from Kachchh tribal costumes and artefacts to geography, wildlife and weapons. After a visit to the Kutch Museum, the vast Hamirsar Tank is just a few steps away, with a small park on its central island.
- Aina Mahal – The beautiful Aina Mahal palace was the former residence of Maharao Lakhpatji who ruled Bhuj in the mid-eighteenth century. It was built by a sailor from Dwarka who had studied European arts and crafts on his many voyages. Only the lower floor storey of the palace is open, as the top floor was lost in the 2001 earthquake, but there are plenty of treasures to discover in the ‘Palace of Mirrors’. A massive 15.2m scroll portrays a Kachchh state procession, the decoratively mirrored interior has been designed in a European style, and there are fantastic views of from the top of the tower. Head to the Fuvara Mahal room, where fountains splashed merrily around the King while he watched dances or wrote poems.
- Prag Mahal Palace- Another palace damaged by the earthquake is the 19th-century Prag Mahal. Its ethereal Durbar Hall still adorned with vast chandeliers is still very impressive, as are the gold-skirted statues and the maharajah’s taxidermy collection. Bollywood fans might recognise this former regal residence from the cricket film Lagaan.
- Explore Bhuj, you’ll find shops selling high quality textiles in the maze of narrow noisy streets.
The best way to see Bhuj and the Rann of Kutch
If you would like to visit this area, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
