Kutch- a land so unique and magical!

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With a unique landscape, diverse cultures, great history and heritage, rich crafts, the largest district of India is a little enigmatic. In this article, I intend to share with you a list of five must-do things in Kutch, drawing from my long time experience in Kutch. 

5 must-do things while in Kutch: 

1. Watch the sunset over the salt-flats near Dhardo village:


At about 80 kms from the district HQ of Bhuj, the village Dhordo is base for the great salt flats, where the annual Rann Utsav (Desert festival) is organized. Every year (Nov-Feb) during the festival, a temporary township is established by the government offering best of Gujarat's art, music, food and cultural vibes.  

2. Have a little fun at the Mandvi beach:

Mandvi, a small town in south Kutch, 60 kms from Bhuj, offers a pristine beach; good to visit both in the morning and in the evening. I would suggest staying here at least for a day.

3.  Marvel at the architecture of Vijay Vilas Palace:


Built in the early 1920s by the then King of Kutch Maharao  Shri Khengar ji III as a summer palace, the palace today is a major tourist attraction in Kutch. Just 7 kms from Mandvi, it has its own private beach and houses a museum too. The design and architecture of the palace are inspired by the Rajput-Orchha style of architecture. The royal family now resides in the palace.

4. Bhuj local sight-seeing: 

Among the must-see places in Bhuj are the Prag Mahal Palace, adjacent Aaina Mahal, Kutch museum, Hamirsar lake and the Swaminarayan temple, all situated in a compact area. 
The Prag Mahal was commissioned in 1865 by the then King of Kutch Pragmal ji (the Palace is named after him) and was completed in1879 by King Khengar ji III. Designed by Henry Wilkins, the Palace was built in Italian Gothic style.
The Kutch museum is also situated nearby. The complex would take half-a-day to explore. 

5. Turn the pages of history in Dholavira: 
If you are a history or archeology enthusiast, Dholavira is a must for you. It's located 210 kms north of Bhuj in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kutch, and will need a day-trip. It was one of the prominent sites of the Indus valley civilization, inhabited between 3500 BC and 1450 BC! Discovered first by the archeologist J.P. Joshi in 1967-68, it has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.


To know more about Kutch, and travel options, here is a link: 


* The article was first published in 2009, and updated in November 2021; the pictures are taken over a period from 2007- 2015
Location: Kutch, Gujarat, India

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 14, 2022 at 11:55 PM

    Beautiful kuch and awesome description...

    ReplyDelete
  2. ParinaJanuary 17, 2022 at 12:02 AM

    Kutch is unique! Loved the blog..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Udaya Bhanu PrakashJanuary 18, 2022 at 8:10 AM

    Kutch is exactly what it's art looks like - a patchwork, an amalgamation of interesting pieces. A visually appealing, Heritage rich and a trip which resonates with the 'off-the beaten track'idiom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuvenduJanuary 20, 2022 at 8:44 PM

      We had a great time traveling together in Kutch; nice memories :) Thanks for the feedback mate.

      Delete
  4. Yashwant.January 19, 2022 at 9:32 PM

    Beautifully described. Its in my bucket list . I will plan for Rann utsav very soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuvenduJanuary 20, 2022 at 8:45 PM

      It's very different from anything else in India. Worth visiting one day.

      Delete
  5. UnknownJanuary 21, 2022 at 6:17 PM

    This place is really different. Glad to know about this place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuvenduJanuary 24, 2022 at 9:24 PM

      Oh yes, it's unique; always a wonderful experience to be there.

      Delete
  6. UnknownJanuary 21, 2022 at 6:21 PM

    This place is quite unique.

    ReplyDelete
  7. rupali_scribblingJanuary 24, 2022 at 8:34 PM

    Kutch is truly awesome!! Your blog rewinded some of my childhood memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuvenduJanuary 24, 2022 at 9:22 PM

      Glad to know that. Do you belong to Kutch? May I know more about you? I worked there for a long time; very fond memories.

      Delete

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