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| Kutch (Rann of Kutch) |
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An abundance of tradition and culture in vibrant colors, exuberant sprit of local populations amidst not so-friendly surrounds and enchantment of the handicrafts – this is Kutch, the perfect destination for next vacation. Remote and thrilling could best describe the Kutch experience. Lying in the westernmost part of Gujarat, Kutch gets separated from the sindh region of Pakistan by the great Rann of Kutch.
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In and Around Bhuj |
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Founded in 1548, Bhuj is the central town of Kutch. It was set up when Khengarij I of the Rao dynasty of Kutch shifted his capital from the town of Anjar. Due to ists close proximity to the sea, which facilitated trade, a lot of cultural interaction took place. Many monuments with interesting architecture testify the rewarding cultural exchange that the town witnessed. The Bhuja Hill of Bhuj rises to height of 160m at one end and is in itself a landmark being flat on top and surmounted by the fortifications of a hill fort. This strategically located fort obviously served the purpose of sighting enemies and alerting defense. An old wall made for security reasons surrounds the city. Interestingly, till recently, the city gates were locked each night from dusk to dawn but now entry into Bhuj can be made at any time of the day as the city is always welcoming. |
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Another exciting place is the Kutch Museum- the oldest museum in Gujarat. Regardes as one of the best, this musesum has an excellent collection . founded in 1877 by sir James Fergusoon, who was Governor of Bombay under the British Raj, the museum was earlier reefed to as the Ferguson Museum. The two most interesting palaces at Bhuj, Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are both located in the same campus. Aina Mahal (palace of mirrors) It was the palace of the erstwhile Maharao of Bhuj, but is has now been converted into a museum. The aina Mahal presents a fasincating Indo-dutch style of architecture. The aina mahal also contains exquisite specimens of intricately embroidered panels, lithographs, cutlass, 18th centuray paintins and clocks, etc.
Facing the aina mahal is the CITY PALACE (Pragh Mahal), the architectural master piece of Bhuj designed bya Scottish architect McClelland. The Darbar hall of the city Palace remains open for the sightseeing.
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Mandvi Beach |
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Mandvi Beach is one of the finest beaches of Gujarat and historic port town of the Maharao of Kutch. The port of Mandvi was an important sea trade post between the near East and the far East which brought prosperity to the Royal family. Lying close to the Mandvi beach is the Vijay Vilas Palace crowned by elegant Chhatris (cenotaphs), this sandstone-hued edifice was built in the 1930s. |
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Sharad Utsav |
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Sherad Utsav is held every year on Purnima night in the exotic deserts of Kutch. The festival showcased the best of the colourful dance, music and culture of Kutch. It is a heavenly experience to bask in the glory of endless white desert under the full moon accompanied by melodious music. |
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Dholavora : It presents the most exciting remain |
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Narayan Sarovar |
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Narayan Sarovar it is one of the most sacred piligrim places of Hindu religion. The temple at one of the five holy lake witness visits by thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Distance form Bhuj : 160kms. |
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Bhadreshwar |
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It is home to one of the holiest shrines of jain religion. Nearby, the ancient step well, Sol Thambi mosque and Kera temple hold special historical and religious significances. Distance from Bhuj: 75kms |
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Anjar |
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It is famous for Jesal Toral Samadhi (Tomb) There is also a museum of Kutch art, which is worth visiting. Distance from Bhuj |
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Lakhpat Fort |
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It is situated at a distance of around 150km northwest of Bhuj. The First Guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak visited Lakhpat in the 16th centuray enroute to Mecca and believed to have stayed here. |
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Kutch Hendicraft |
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The villages of the Kutch region specialize in handicraft items, and it would be easy to spend a week visiting some of them using Bhuj as a base. Some of the important villages (and the crafts they specialize in) included Bhujjodi (wool and cotton weaving), Padhar and Dhnaeti (Ahir embroidery), Dhamanka (block printing) , Lilpur (embroidery) and Anjar (nutcrackers, Block printing, and tie and dye.)
HODKA VILLAGE - Hodka is quintessentially a Kachchhi village on the edge of the Rann of Kutch, with a hue of India's diversity. It is situated in the north-west of the Kutch district in Gujarat. The main livelihood here is art and craft form. The village is resplendent with colorful attire that the womenfolk adorn. What's more, the exquisite embroidery, enduring life of the community and the art from will enchant visitors. Distance from Bhuj is 68kms.
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Tera Village |
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The 500-year old Tera village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch has now been declared as "heritage village" by the Government of India. Built by Bhayats, the ruling family of Kutch, Tera has been declared a heritage village, solely for its priceless culture and unique architecture. The Jain temples of Tera are one of the five pilgrimages of Kutch called Nani Panchtirth. Besides, the temples of Goddess Mosheswari and goddess Ashapura are also famous. |
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Wildlife |
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The Kutch area is the home of the last remaining population of Ghudkhar (Asiatic wild ass) in India. There is also a large bird population, particularly of the large flamingos and Great Indian Bustards, near the Dattatreya Temple at Kaladoongar (75 kms from Bhuj), Which overlooks the spectacular Rann, one spot some rare species of beautiful white foxes. |
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