Bhuj City Travel Guide -
Gujrat
General Information Of Bhuj
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Area 257 sq. km
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Population (1991) 936991
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Altitude 122 m above sea
level
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Languages Hindi, English,
and Gujarati
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Best Time to Visit
October-March
STD Code 02832
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Introduction to city Bhuj - In
Gujrat
Bhuj was founded in 1548 AD by Rao Khengarji I, starting a
dynasty of jadeja rulers that ruled over Kachchh for 400 years.
And so, the old walled city of Bhuj is the most important town
in the area. The place lies at the heart of Kutch and is linked
by many roads to the rest of the peninsula. The cenotaphs,
erected at the royal cremation ground as memorials to the former
rulers and the CHHATRI of Rao Lakhpatji who died in 1761, are
fine specimen of Kachchhi architecture. Tourists should have a
look at the interior, which has a stone tablet in memory of the
ruler and 15 of his consorts. The exterior walls bear sculptures
of deities, hunting scenes, animals and couples in local
Costumes. Also in Bhuj are the Aina Mahal or Glass Palace which
was built in the 18th century, the Kutch Museum, which is
Gujarat’s oldest, and the Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan complex is
renowned for its Ram Leela Frescoes and other timeless objects
d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'art. The rural bazaars of Bhuj sell its
exquisite handicrafts, where icons of old customs and traditions
are still alive in handicrafts, embroidered fabrics, leatherware,
carved and lacquered furniture and metal ware, especially, old
silver ware.
Sightseeing : Places to visit in
destination - Bhuj
Bhuj offers various sightseeing options which includes 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. Also visit Pragmal Palace
which is opposite to Aina Mahal. Also visit Kachchh Museum,
the oldest Museum in Gujarat established in 1877. Visit
Ethnology Museum
which is having unique collection of books and paintings. Visit
Kakkadbhit Yaksha situated on a small hillock with 72
idols of Yaksha or Jakhs, who are believed to have come from
Iran.
Bhuj Sightseeing : Places
to visit in destination Bhuj
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Places to visit in the city Bhuj |
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AINA MAHAL - Bhuj
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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 - Bhuj
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The palace opposite Aina Mahal, was built in 1797. Its
tower and Corinthian pillars display strong British
influence through its floral patterns. |
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KACHCHH MUSEUM - Bhuj
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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 - Bhuj
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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 Hamirsagar Lake, visited by holidaymakers.
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KAKKADBHIT YAKSHA - Bhuj
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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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Bhuj Excursion : Places
nearby Bhuj - Gujrat
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Places to visit nearby destination - Bhuj |
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Excursions : Places nearby
city - Bhuj
Bhuj offers various excursions including Mata no Madh,
which is famous for a temple dedicated to the deity of
Jadejas. Also visit Kalo Dungar the low hills and
hillocks lend the beauty and mystique to the rann, which
has lured the adventurers through ages. Visit Banni and
Khavda villages where people make ornaments, clothes
and utensils. Tunda Vandha is a unique Rabari
village in this village most of the male population is
generally away from the village. Also visit Anjar
which is famous 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
Anjar
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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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Banni / Khavda
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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. |
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Kalo Dungar (Dhinodhar)
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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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Mata no Madh
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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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Tunda Vandha
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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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