Kutch - Gateway to Timeless existence

Kutch is a fascinating land and no visit to Gujarat is complete without a sojourn to this peninsular district . Its remoteness has kept it a place apart for centuries. The people are very sturdy, business minded and seafaring. Kandla a major seaport of the country with its single point-mooring facilities, happens to be the only free trade zone of India. Kutch produces some of Gujarat's most exquisite crafts like embroidery, tie die fabrics, enamelled silverware and other handicrafts.

The great and little Rann of Kutch are the breeding ground of Flamingo, Pelican & Avocet and the home of the rare Indian wild ass which is now a protected species. When it comes to speed and stamina few acn match the wild ass. It is a marathon runner. If lucky you could see this sturdy beast gallop untiringly for hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h over short distances.

Kutch is also the largest district in Gujarat. The Great Rann of Kutch lies to the north and the Little Rann of Kutch to the south. In the west its shores are lapped by the Arabian sea and tidal marshes and creeks here from part of the Indus delta.

Places to Visit

Bhuj
The district headquarters is a town that is steeped in history. Bhuj houses The Aina Mahal (The 18th century royal palace) with its resplendent hall of mirrors, Pragmahal palace - an elegant italianate palace, The Shrad Baugh palace, The Royal cenotaphs Chattris, the Kutch Museum (the oldest museum in the state) Ethnology Museum and the Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Complex. Also close to Bhuj is Kera, the legendary capital of Lakha Phulani, the famous ruler Kutch.

Lakhpat
Lakhpat is situated 135km from Bhuj on the Kori creek. It is named after Rao Lakha but it could also have been named so because of the many Lakhpatis, millionaires residing there in the hey day of Lakhpat's glory. The Lakhpat fort houses many temples, dargahs, and and a gurudwara from which, as popular belief goes, Gurunanak made his Sojourn to Mecca.

Koteshwar & Narayan Sarovar Temples
Famous for their lake temples sacred to Hindus.

Bhadreshwar
Which nestles on the ruins of the ancient city of Bhadravati. In here is the famous Jain temple dating back to the tenth century.

Anjar
In Anjar is the famous Jesal Tarai Samadhi (Tomb of the Jesai and his wife Toral).

Mandvi
With ancient harbour and the majestic Vijay Vilas palace is another place not be missed.

How to get there ?

Air
Bhuj airport has regular domestic flights to Mumbai.

Rail
There are direct trains between Bhuj-Ahmedabad on metre guage line from Mumbai to Gandhidham.

Road
Bhuj is also well connected by road with rest of the country It is connected by a state highway upto Bachau (85kms) and from Bachau to Ahmedabad by National Highway number 8A connecting Delhi and Mumbai.

Important Festivals of Kutch

Drang Fair
Held every year during February - March in Dhrang, 40kms from Bhuj at the Samadhi (tomb) of Mankan Dada who served the community with great dedication.

Ravechi no melo
Ravechi fair is held on every Bhadrapad end ie August - September in Rav village at Ravechi Mata's temple.

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