Bhuj is a town in Kachchh (Kutch) district of Gujarat, located 55 to 60 km North-West of Gandhidham city. Bhuj is the capital of Kutch district and an interesting tourist destination. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch.
Bhuj connects us to a range of civilizations and important events in history through prehistoric archaeological findings of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan civilization), places associated with the Mahabharata and Alexander the Great’s march into India and tombs, palaces and other buildings from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj.
Tourist Attractions
Bhuj is well-known for handicrafts, temples and palaces built in the traditional Kutchi style. Various interesting places to visit in Bhuj are Cenotaphs Complex (Royal Chhatardis), Kutch Museum, Kera, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal Palace, Hamirsar Lake, Ramkund Stepwell, Swaminarayan Temple, Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan and Sharad Baug Palace.
Kutch Museum
The Kuchch Museum, formerly known as the Ferguson Museum (named after its founder Sir James Ferguson, Governor of Mumbai during the rule of the British), was built in 1877 and has a good collection of artifacts, depicting the history and culture of Bhuj and its surroundings. It is also the oldest Museum in the state of Gujarat.
The museum is built in Italian style and is located near the banks of the Hamirsar Lake. The museum has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region.
Aina Mahal
Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors is surrounded by a small, fortified courtyard built in the 18th century. It is located in the old part of the city. It is an important tourist spot and houses a museum within it.
The Hall of Mirrors and the Pleasure Pool within this palace makes it an important sightseeing destination. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence.
Cenotaphs Complex (Royal Chhatardis)
About a 20-minute walk southwest of Hamirsar lake, through open areas that no longer seem like you’re in the city, are the royal cenotaphs. The Cenotaphs Complex or Chattardi was built of red stones. These tombs were ruined by the successive earthquakes in 1819. The complex built for Rao Lakha in 1770, is one of the largest and finest complex. This complex is in the shape of a polygon with balconies and an intricately carved roof. It contains carved wall panels and beautiful statues of deities. Some other cenotaphs belongs to Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal. These cenotaphs served as memorial grounds for the royal family.
Kera
Kera (22 Km south of Bhuj) is mainly known due to the 10th century old temple of Lord Shiva. This temple was damaged in the earthquake of 1819. In its original form this temple must be very beautiful as it can be seen from the remains of this temple. The Fort of Kapilkot, also in a damaged state, is next to the temple.
Prag Mahal
Prag Mahal was constructed by Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 AD). Rao Pragmalji appointed a famous architect, Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal, who had earlier designed Deccan College, Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue. Prag Mahal took about 10 years to get built at the cost of 20 lakh rupees at that time.
Inside the palace, you can visit the main palace halls as well as climb stairs of the 45m bell tower for an exhilarating view of the city. In the courtyard behind the palace, there is a small Hindu temple with very nicely carved stonework; the caretaker is sometimes available for more information.
Sharad Baug Palace
Sharad Baug Palace, the Maharao’s last residence before his death in 1891 is set in very pleasant gardens. Exhibits include hunting trophies, furniture, exotic ornaments.
Sharad Baug is closed on Fridays. Visit Timings are from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Recent Comments