Bhuj : The Heart of Kutch
Hello all,
Bhuj is the capital city of Kutch and may be one of the most visited after the White Rann itself. There are many attractions in Bhuj, and all of them are worth visiting. The city has many stories to tell. The main peculiarity of the town and the district is the people’s passion and resilience to become more vibrant and stronger again after the horrifying earthquake in 2001. And despite all odds, they have emerged and regenerated like phoenixes. You need more than one day to visit all the beautiful places in proper Bhuj.
Along with routine touristy places, there are a few off-beat places, and if you know us, you will be sure that we have selected them for our day in Bhuj.
Chhatedi or Chhatardi
It is one of the best archaeological heritage places in Bhuj. If you are interested in history or heritage places, photography, or architecture, then this is the place for you. Chhatedi means Chhatri or Umbrella in Gujarati. It is said such because of the multiple dome-shaped structures built in memory of the royal family of Bhuj. The ground was used for cremation, and these beautiful structures are like tome stones where people and family members can show gratitude. It is believed that these were the places where the souls were liberated.
The canopies were constructed during the rule of the Jadeja dynasty in the 18th century. The canopies are made from sandstone with intricate detailing in Rajputana style. Many of them were destroyed during the earthquake. But now, the Archeological Department has repaired, restored, and preserved the site.
There are many monuments of Chhatris. Many have different shapes and styles, varying from square to polygonal. The detailed carvings on the red stone walls will blow away your mind. In many Chhatris, there are tablet-shaped stones with idols on horses, which may depict the king surrounded by tablets with female idols, which could be his wives. The biggest and the most beautiful among them is the one without a canopy. The structure had a canopy but was destroyed during the earthquake, but we can still see it with a canopy in the scene of the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Yes! The iconic Phera scene was shot here, along with a few other scenes of the song Albela Sajan. In both of them, you can see the biggest polygonal Chhatri was intact with the giant roof. The ruined parts of the monuments are still there on the ground.
This most significant monument was built in remembrance of Rao Lakhapatji, which was constructed in 1770 CE. He was one of the most influential kings in Kutch, and he played an essential role in the development of the area. Ram Singh Malam designed the monument. It is polygonal in shape with many balconies. There is one giant stone slab in the center, which suggests that 1( of his wives gave up their life at the funeral pyre of the king.
There are a few other tombstones of Rao Raydhanji, Rao Desarjiand Rao Pragmalji. One Chhatri with exceptional blue detailing strongly suggests Turkish influence on the architectural style during that period.
Best time to visit:
We went there in the morning around 10-10:30. But the best time would be the in the morning during sunrise or evening during sunset.
Location : Google maps link
Entrance fees: Free
Timings: open 24 hours.
Points to consider:
Avoid going in the afternoon as the sun is very harsh in this part of the country.
Please, please do not litter.
Khari River Gorge:
It is the small, beautiful canyon-like site huts 3 km away from Bhuj. It is like a mini version of Kadiya Dhrow. They are colossal boulders with aquatic rocks. The river is approximately 3 storeys deep, and you can get down up to the river.
Khari River is a virgin river or Kuwari Nadi, meaning it does not meet the sea. The canyon’s location is in the middle of the Kodki road and can be missed easily. There is one small bridge where you can park your vehicles and go on the other side.
This is the sort of geological marvel with large stalactite formations. The colours on the individual rocks are enchanting, like rainbows. The formations of boulders and patterns on them are like our complex minds! Changing at every rock and creating different moods. Isn’t it the complexity of our minds that defines an individual? Isn’t it the complexity that defines certain emotions? These rocks are also the same!
Location: Google maps link
The best time to visit: Morning or evening.
Entrance fee: Free
Points to consider:
– Again, Avoid going in the afternoon.
-The deep parts of the gorge are filled with wrappers and bottles. It is our responsibility to maintain such natural wonders.
-Please Don’t scribble on the stones.
-This is one of the most unique sites, and authorities can start taking proper care of this hidden gem.
-Wear proper shoes as the boulders are slippery in places.
Ramkund:
It is a well-preserved stepwell with symmetric, geometric construction in Bhuj. The stepwell is square in shape, and its walls are carved in miniature statues of Lord Vishnu in Dashavtar forms, along with a few idols of Hanuman. The stepwell is not known to many and is mainly used for pre-wedding shoots nowadays.
Famous, most frequently visited attractions in Bhuj:
Aina Mahal:
Also known as the ‘Hall of Mirrors,’ was Maharao Lakhpatji’s old palace, and it is said to be the palace of dreams for him. It was designed by Ram Singh Malam, who was an artist trained in Europe. The palace was an architectural marvel. The majority of the place was damaged during the earthquake, but now it has been restored and is one of the most visited sites in Bhuj.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11.45 AM, and 3 PM to 5.45 PM
Prag Mahal:
One of the best architectural wonders, built in the nineteenth century. It is located next to Aina Mahal. The peculiar feature is Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars with intricate carving details. The palace is built from red sandstone with beautiful jhrokhas. But the best part is that the palace has the second tallest clock tower in the country. The view from the top is fantastic.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 12.15 PM and 3 PM to 5.45 PM
Bhujiyo Hill and Fort:
This hill is the constant companion of the city, Overlooking the entire town. The mountain is also of historical importance as it is linked with the victory of Bhujanga against Bheria Kumar. There are approximately 200 steps to reach the top. The Bhujia Fort is on the hill and was built for the safety of the royal families of the Jadeja dynasty.
Smritivan Memroial and Museum:
It is India’s most significant memorial. It is built in memory of earthquake victims on the Bhujiyo Dungar. There is a memorial and a beautiful museum depicting the resilience and reverence of the people of Kutch. It is also home to the world’s most prominent Miyawaki Forest.
Timings:
Tuesday to Sunday
Smritivan: From 05:00 AM -11:00 PM
Museum: From 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Monday: Closed
How to get to Bhuj
Bhuj is straightforward to reach by road, rail, or air. It has excellent connections for all.
By road
The roads to Bhuj are excellent. It is one of the best places for road trips. Wide roads with gigantic windmills on either side and you will know that you are going to an extraordinary place. Regular buses are also available if you want to come by public transport.
By Air
Bhuj has connections with Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The airport, named Rudra Mata Airport, is 5km from the city. Airlines operating in Bhuj are Air India, Star Air and Alliance Air.
By Train
There are regular trains to Bhuj with excellent train connectivity
What to eat:
Without any doubt, the answer will be Dabeli. When you are in Kutch, you must eat Dabeli. You can see stalls of the same in every nook and corner. It was our lunch for all three days!
So, Bhuj is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Gujarat with many natural as well as man-made wonders; you can lose yourself into…
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👍
Thanks…
Awesome details !
Thank you..
ખરેખર સરસ છે.. દાબેલી જોઇ ને મોં માં પાણી આવ્યું.. ભૂજીયો ડુંગર, સ્મૃતિવન પ્રાગ મહેલ, આયના મહલ.. જોવાલાયક છે.. સરસ માહિતી આપી.. આભાર
thank you uncle…
It means Rann the Desert gas many more hidden gems to be explored and not only white desert
Yes… that’s very much true.. there are many more..
Outstanding and Randezvous it seems when u write a post !
It seems the place is very familiar with you and your blog blends into it
Thank you.. truly grateful for kind words…
Wow
Thank you…
Super mami
Thanks dear….
Canyons is it ?
Kajal can u guide us the best season as we are 4 and planning to do a solo girls trip to Rann in March
is it accesible all the year or too hot in summer
Am from Ujjain and planning this since long and dr sejal shared it with me
The best season for Rann of Kutch is from mid November to February. However they have extended the festival till March this year. But weather will be hot during day time. So if you want to enjoy it fully then do visit in betweeen December to February.
Thank you…
Waiting to visit soon !
Never heard of this in Bhuj
Thank you…both places are awesome…
Wow !
simply superb
Thank you…
Good information
Thank you…