Places of interest
Mata no Madh
Further west of Kakkadbhit is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jadejas,
the erstwhile rulers of Kutch. The original temple, which was demolished in
the earthquake of 1819, was believed to be 1200 years old. Sunderji Saudagar
built a new temple in its place with unique architectural expositions of
dimensions and space. The main structure rises to the height of 52 feet.
Navratri is also celebrated here.
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Lakhpat
Lakhpat is a trip into history. In this ancient port-city, time has been
standing still for ages. It is today deserted, desolate, uninhabited, and
invokes powerful nostalgia and soulful affection. Renowned for its beautiful
landscape, cenotaphs and memorial stones, the town holds a vantage position
due to its westernmost location flanked by the sea and the Rann. Among the
few remnants that still enthral the visitors, stand the Gurudwara (holy
shrine of the Sikh religion), the 200 year old, gigantic tomb "majhar"
of Ghosh Mohammed Caba, and many other places with ancient stories to tell.
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Narayan Sarovar
One of the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion, Narayan
Sarovar is uppermost in the pilgrims' circuit. There are actually five
sacred lakes here, containing a temple complex is one of its five holy
lakes. It finds mention in the ancient scriptures with the other four being
Mansarovar at Kailash, Bindusarovar at Bhuvaneshwar, Pushkar in Rajasthan
and Pampa in the south. An embankment surrounds the temple complex, which is
an assimilation of many hindu divinities, and the architecture, ancient and
awesome. A fair is held here on 11th to the 15th of Kartik
(November-December).
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Koteshwar
At a short distance from Narayan Sarovar & 215 Kms. from Bhuj, the
village derives its name from a Shiva temple Kotilingeshwar, housing a
self-born ling. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore, rising boldly from
the sea that washes its western parts. A fortified wall encloses the temples
and the nandi (bull of Shiva) is a fine specimen of Kachchhi art. It is an
excellent breathtaking sunset point.
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Aina Mahal
The AINA MAHAL, which now serves as a museum, was built during the rule of
Rao Lakhpatji. It now stands as a repository of the culture and history of
Kachchh. As referred above, the building bears the influence of its
architect Ramsang Malam who was exposed to European style during his long
sojourn to Holland.
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Pragmal Palace
Rao Lakhpatji died in the mid-18th century and this chhatri was built to
honor his memory. The interior is adorned with a stone tablet of the ruler
and 15 of his consorts. The exterior walls bear sculptures of deities,
hunting scenes, animals and couples in local costumes.
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Kachchh Museum
The oldest Museum in Gujarat was established in 1877. It is unique in
having the largest collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, for its gold and
silver ornaments, textiles, armoury and other exhibits.
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Ethnology Museum
This place is recommended for its rich collection of books and paintings of
prominent Kachchhis. On the outskirts of the town is the BHUJIA HILL-FORT,
which is still in good condition and has at its top the Temple of Bhujang
Naag or serpent, the guardian deity of the city. To the west of the town is
HAMIRSAR LAKE, visited by holidaymakers.
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Kakkadbhit Yaksha
A few kilometers from Punareshwar, Kakkadbhit Yaksha is located along the
highway. It is situated on a small hillock with 72 idols of Yaksha or Jakhs,
who are believed to have come from Iran. In the opinion of the scholars they
were the first batch of Parsi migrants who reached Jakhau due to a
shipwreck. The memorial at Kakkadbhit is created in honour of their many
acts of sacrifice and bravery on behalf of the local people, against the
tyrannical rule of the then ruler Punarvo.
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Anjar
Popularly known for the shrine of Jesal and Toral, the folklore duo wherein
the tough outlaw Jesal was chastised by Toral, a Kachchhi woman; is also a
centre of fairs. Also the bungalow of James Macmurdo contains remarkable
examples of the art of Kutch. The visitors who want to carry home the
Kachchhi souvenirs should visit Anjar for its famous block-printing works,
nutcrackers, scissors and penknives.
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Tunda Vandha
A unique Rabari village, it has about 125 exquisitely designed Kachchhi
huts inhabited by about 400 Rabaris. Most of the male population is
generally away from the village. The interiors of the huts present a
pleasant spectacle of native art. A chat with the womenfolk will introduce
visitors to this insulated and pristine culture, a world so different.
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Dhrang
It is famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional
objects, hand-printed and embroidered fabrics, jewellery made and sold
there.
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Mandvi
Founded in 1581 AD, it has a fortification with 25 bastions. It was an old
and historical port from where extensive trade was done between western
India and Africa. The place is a well-known centre for the production of the
country crafts. The Rukmavati Bridge built in 1883 is the longest existing
one of its kind. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the royal splendour of the
past. Mandvi's Hawa Mahal is also imposing, and is reminiscent of similar
palaces of royal traditions of Rajasthan. Banni and Khavda are villages set
like jewels in an expanse of desert. In these villages live some of the most
talented craftsmen of Kutch who practise their traditional skills, to
produce artistic masterpieces.
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Kalo Dungar (Dhinodhar)
The Black Hills of Kachchh are a common geographic feature of the district.
The low hills and hillocks lend the beauty and mystique to the rann, which
has lured the adventurers through ages. Kalo dungar is the tallest hillock
in Kachchh with a shrine dedicated to Lord Dattatreya on the top. A fair is
held here on the Janmashtami day every year. Visit to the top of the hill
also affords magnificent view of the Rann.
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Banni / Khavda
The last village on the border is a Desertland of infinite dimensions, and
in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in Time. Here you will come
across master craft people' expositioning their traditional art, turning our
master pieces everyday. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they
use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum
leaving you spellbound. The Flamingo colony can be approached from Khavda by
road and thereafter on camel back.
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How to reach
Indian Airlines flies daily to Bhuj from Bombay, except on Wednesday and
Saturday. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various
centres of Gujarat. There are direct trains between Bhuj-Ahmedabad on meter
guage line and or Bombay on the broad gauge line from Gandhidham Road. There
is a daily superfast train from Bombay to Gandhidham via Ahmedabad.
Best time to visit
November-April
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