Bhuj is a walled town situated in Kutch District. The city owns beautiful and extravagant structures such as historic buildings, Hindu temples, ancient palaces, gateways, etc. Bhuj is the perfect spot for all historians and antique lovers. Bhuj place is around 400 kilometres from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It serves as the Kutch region’s centre point for trade and commerce. 

Bhuj was established in 1510 by Rao Hamirji. It was famously known as the capital of Vikram Samwat in 1549. Bhuj was ruled by Jadeja Rajputs and was the capital of Kutch (Kachchh) for nearly twenty-nine years. Bhuj remained an independent state even during British rule in India. It became a part of the history books in 1822 with the foundation of the first Swaminarayan Sampraday Temple. Bhuj stood tall even after the earthquake in 2001. It redeveloped itself at a great pace and is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Gujarat. At present, Bhuj is the district headquarter of Kutch, which is India’s largest district. 

The average temperature of Bhuj is between forty degrees in summer and thirty-six degrees in winter. The minimum temperature is twenty-two degrees in summer and eight degrees in winter. Bhuj is renowned for its leather and handicrafts work, especially Bandhani. You must taste the exclusive Gujarati snack, Dabeli, on your next visit to Bhuj. 

Do you already have Bhuj on your travel list? Or are you planning to visit it anytime soon? Either way, you have reached the right place. Here’s the perfect travel guide for your Bhuj journey.  

How to reach Bhuj 

By Air 

Bhuj does not have an airport and the nearest airport is the Ahmedabad airport. It is well connected with other cities and states.

By Rail 

The railway station is around one kilometre from Bhuj city. The trains are frequent to the city. Bhuj can be reached by train from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.

By Road 

Bhuj is well-connected to the rest of India via roads and highways. The state transport and private buses are available in the city. You can also avail the Volvo, luxury, AC sleepers buses in Bhuj.

20 Places to visit on your next trip to Bhuj

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary 

Source – Pinterest

The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is Bhuj’s most extensive seasonal saline wetlands. It is located on the Great Rann of Kutch. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 7506 square kilometres. It is the largest sanctuary in the state of Gujarat. 

The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in February 1986. The average water depth of the sanctuary ranges between 0.5 to 1.5 metres. During October and November, the water dries completely, and the entire area turns into a saline white desert. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various birds and animals such as Indian porcupines, lizards, black-necked stork, Indian cormorants and greater flamingos. The ideal time to visit the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is during winter. 

The sanctuary has Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks on Kuvar, Pachchham and Khadir. You can also find plenty of fossils that belong to plants, vertebrates and invertebrates. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary has harmless lizards, chinkara, hyena, fox, nilgai, caracal and many more. You can also spot several residents and migratory birds, including the Houbara bustard and raptors. You can also visit the buried Dholavira city, which belongs to the Harappan civilisation. The buried city, Dholavira of the Harappan civilisation, was excavated. Dholavira attracts history lovers and archaeologists in large numbers. 

See also: Top 15 places to visit in Maharashtra

Flamingo City 

Flamingo City is a globally renowned mudflat at the Rann of Kutch. It is situated at a distance of ten kilometres from the Nir outpost on Kala Dungar. You can find thousands of flamingos which breed here. One can see the exquisite flamingo varieties such as lesser flamingo, Rosy Pelican and Avocet. The flamingos construct muddy nests to lay their eggs. 

Dholavira

The cultural remnants of the five thousand-year-old civilisation of Indus Valley are buried at Dholavira. It is one of the specific spots among all the Harappan sites. Dholavira is known for its intricate architecture, well-planned structure and excellent water management system. It is also the sixth largest city in the Indus Valley civilisation and is spread across forty-eight hectares. Three complexes of Dholavira include a citadel, middle town and lower town. 

Best Time to Visit – October to March 

Timings – 6 AM to 6 PM on all days.

Entry Fee – 

• Rs 250 on weekdays to Rs 280 on weekends for Indians, and 
• Rs 1200 and Rs 1500 for foreigners. 

Location – “Aranya Bhavan”, Near CH-3 Circle

Sector-10 A, Gandhinagar – 382010

Gujarat

How To Reach: 

By Road: The sanctuary is well connected by road to the city of Ahmedabad.

By Air: The closest airport is at Ahmedabad (at a distance of 93kms from the sanctuary).

By Rail: The closest railway station is at Ahmedabad.

Shri Swaminarayan Temple 

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Shri Swaminarayan Temple is an architectural masterpiece in Bhuj. The temple was built in 1822. It is one of the first Sampraday Swaminarayan temples. The temple is situated near Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj. It is a stunning masterpiece made of marble and is a white structure as a whole. Lord Shree Swaminarayan has a vast number of devotees in Kutch. 

Some devotees are Sundarji Suthaar, Ladhiba, Gangaram Mall, Vaghasha of Bhachau and many more. The devotees requested Lord Shree Swaminarayan to construct a temple in Bhuj. The Bhuj region is one of the six places where Lord Shree Swaminarayan built the temple by Himself. He has enormously changed the spiritual lives of the Kutch people. The Lord immediately accepted the wishes of His followers. 

The construction of the temple ended in the year 1823. The temple holds the idols of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Radha Krishna Dev, Roop Chowki, Ghanshyam Maharaj and Narnarayan Dev. The temple’s central area has the images of the monkey God Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. 

Location – Shree Swaminarayan Road

Tirth Dham

Bhuj, Kutch

Gujarat – 370001

Best Time to Visit – October to March 

Timings – 6:00 am to 7:00 pm for visitors. 

Darshan is closed from 10:15 am to 11:15 am and 6:15 pm to 7 pm (time of Bhog).

Entry Fee – No entry fees 

How To Reach: 

​By Road: State government and private buses run from several cities and towns. The major bus stops of the city are Gita Mandir and Paldi. You can book a cab from top car rental companies in Ahmedabad to easily reach the temple.

By Air: Sardar Vallabhai Patel airport has both domestic and international flight connections.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kalupur Railway Station.

Aina Mahal 

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Aina Mahal showcases the most vibrant collection of art in Bhuj. It is also famously hailed as the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ and was built during the reign of Rao Lakhpat in 1750 A.D. The mahal is designed in the traditional Kutch style and owns the most exquisite collection of art and antique pieces. You must visit the Aina Mahal if you love art or history. 

The Hall of Mirrors in the mahal is the centrepiece of attraction in this place. The visitors can view the number of glass exhibits on pillars, ceilings, walls and windows. They add more charm and glitter to the room. The mahal is a part of the Darbargadh Palace in Bhuj. 

The ruler, Rao Lakhpat, commissioned the construction under Ram Sinh. The architectural structure was born by Ram Sinh, a sailor skilled in European arts and crafts. He lived in Europe for eighteen years and mastered European architecture skills. He is a master in enamelling, cloak making and tile making. 

The Aina Mahal stands out as the Indian Palace built with European influence in the 18th century. It is a part of a large palace complex. The palace consists of the Darbar Hall, Hall of Mirror and suites for the royal family. During an earthquake, the palace lost its top floor. Only the lower floor is open for visitors. The European influence of the palace can be found in the inverted mirrors, blue and white Delphi style tiling, Harding lithography series of The Rake’s progress, and candelabra with Venetian glass shades. 

The Aina Mahal also showcases the Kutch jewellery, art and weaponry. It is a nuanced portrait of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India. The palace’s interiors contain several water bodies and fountains that charm the visitors. The bed in the palace has solid gold legs, and the Fuvara Mahal room has fountains. It is played in the presence of the King. The architecture and content of Aina Mahal are associated with Ramsinh Malam’s life story. 

The palace has Venetian-style chandeliers, clocks and silver objects. The local crafts such as jewelled swords, paintings that depict procession, and ivory inlaid doors are showcased in the palace. You can also find a fifteen-meter-long scroll which portrays the Royal Procession of Maharao Shri Pragmalji Bahadur. Aina Mahal is a prized possession of the Kutch region. 

 Location – 7M49+4CV, Maharao of Kutch

 Darbargadh Chowk

 Bhuj, Gujarat 370001

Best Time to Visit – 3:00 am to 4:30 pm; November to February 

Timings – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fee – Rs 20

How To Reach 

​​By Road: The State and private buses service are available in the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Air: The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

Mandvi Beach 

Source – Pinterest

Mandvi Beach is a peaceful getaway from Bhuj. The beach consists of clear seashores and is the ultimate space for relaxation. It is known for its camping and water sport activities. Mandvi beach is one of the remote and unpopulated beach destinations in Gujarat. It is situated at the southern tip of the Kutch district. The beach is calm with the white desert and displays a beautiful sunset. The serene nature of the beach has made it one of the favourite tourist places in Kutch. You can get to taste the most delectable food from the stalls on the beach. 

The beach is situated in the small town of Mandvi. The city is a seaport and has a rich history. Mandvi is a summer retreat for the King of Kutch state. According to Mahabharata, Mandvi was named after Mandavya Rishi. The presence of harbours and seaports in Mandvi Beach is also the perfect destination for all adventure enthusiasts. Some recreational activities in Mandvi beach include water and beach sports, camping, exploring the ship-building yards, sunbathing, beach walks, and viewing the windmills. 

Location – Vijay Vilas Palace Estate 

 Near Mandvi Airstrip, Mandvi, Bhuj

Best Time to Visit – 3:00 am to 4:30 pm; October to March 

Timings – 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: Mandvi Bus Stand

By Air: Bhuj – Rudra Mata Airport (63 Kms)

By Rail: Bhuj Railway Station (64 Kms)

Hamirsar Lake 

Source – Pinterest

Hamirsar Lake is a man-made lake and one of Bhuj’s best places. It is an oasis between the salty and arid Kutch region. The lake is named after Hamir Rao, a Jadeja ruler for nearly 450 years. The rulers of the past built this lake to fulfil the domestic needs of the locals in Kutch. The lake appears stunning and a great place to be laid back. 

Hamirsar Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in Gujarat. People love to swim and sit under a tree to experience the total beauty of Hamirsar Lake. You can also visit the Aina Mahal, Kutch Museum, Ramkund Stepwell, Ram Dhun, Prag Mahal, and Swaminarayan Temple, nearest to the lake. Hamirsar Lake is an oasis of lush greenery and cool water in the Kutch region. 

Hamirsar Lake resembles the Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad and is spread across twenty-eight acres. The biggest attraction is the beautiful garden at the artificial lake’s centre. The name of the garden was known as Green Island and was later renamed Rajendra Park. There are several tourist attractions in the region of Hamirsar Lake. You can drop by to see Rajendra Park, Aina Mahl, Prag Mahal, Museum of Kachchh and temples. The ideal time to visit Hamirsar Lake is between October to November. You can reach Hamirsar Lake through any public transport. 

Location – Near Mahadev Gate

Bhuj, Gujarat 

Best Time to Visit – 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm; October to March 

Timings – 24 hours 

Entry Fees – No entry fees

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: Ahmedabad Airport is the nearest Airport which is 110 km away from the sanctuary. 

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Bhuj (110 km).

By Air : The nearest airport is Bhuj (110 km).

Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary 

Source – Pinterest

The Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is known as Lal Prajan Sanctuary. It is located near Jakhau village in the Kutch district. The central significance of the sanctuary is to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. It is one of the sanctuaries that conserve the Indian Bustards. It was declared a sanctuary in July 1992 to safeguard the Indian bustards from hunting and poaching. The sanctuary’s area covers up to two kilometres and is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in India. The ideal way to experience the Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is by taking a stroll.  

There are many types of endangered birds that thrive in this sanctuary. The bustard is said to be the heaviest flying bird. You can spot black and grey francolin, Indian Sandgrouse, quails, chinkara, lesser florican, shrikes, plovers, egrets, sandpipers, common cranes, herons, merlins, coursers, larks, etc. in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for Indian Bustards. It owns a semi-desert area with the ghorad for feeding the cereal crops grown in the region. 

 The Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary has varied vegetation. It consists of semi-arid grasslands and marshy swamp lakes. It is regarded as one of the best places for sightseeing in Bhuj. The sanctuary is also home to three species of Bustards – Great Indian Bustard, MacQueen Bustard and lesser floricans. The sanctuary also has a watchtower where you can spot the Indian Gazelle and wolves. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October to February.

Location – Deputy Conservator of Forests

Kachchh (West) Forest Division

 Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat.

Best Time to Visit – 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm; October to March

Timings – 24 hours 

Entry Fees – No entry fees

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: The nearest bus station is Nalia (20 km). Naliya is also the main nodal town for frequent buses.

By Rail: ​​The nearest Railway station is Bhuj (110 km).

By Air : The nearest airport is Bhuj (110 km).

Banni Grassland Reserve 

 Source – Pinterest

The Banni Grassland Reserve owns the last remaining inhabitants of Cheetah. The reserve covers an area of 3847 square kilometres. The Wildlife Institute of India has found it as one of the last remaining inhabitants of Cheetah. The Banni Grassland Reserve is one of the must-visit sites in the Bhuj region. The reserve is protected legally by the Reserve Forest in India. The Banni Grassland Reserve is home to various species of animals such as desert fox, Asiatic wildcat, caracal, Indian wolf, Indian hare, golden jackal, wild boar, blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai and so on. 

The Banni Grassland Reserve is located forty-two kilometres from the Gateway of Rana. It is a natural grassland on the southern edge of the desert of the Rann of Kutch. It is often addressed as the most extensive tropical grassland in Asia. It is also one of the popular spots in Kutch and is spread over 2500 square kilometres. It is known for its diverse and exquisite wildlife and biodiversity. The word ‘Banni’ comes from the Hindi word ‘Banai’ (meaning – made). The land in this reserve was formed because of the sediments deposited by the River Indus. The reserve has many small, medium and large-sized wetlands which attract migratory birds yearly during winter. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve are a part of Banni Grassland. 

The Banni Grassland Reserve is biologically diverse. The reserve is a haven for thirty-seven grass and 275 bird species. It also has domestic animals such as sheep, goats, banni buffalo, horses, camels, etc. The reserve attracts over 150 residents and migratory birds like cranes and flamingos. The reserves’ vegetation includes Cyperus spp, Dichanthium, Astrida, Sporobolus, Cressa Critica, Prosopis Julifora, etc. 

Location – Rajendra Nagar Gate, 

Near Block Factory, Bhuj

Best Time to Visit – 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm; October to March 

Timings – Morning to Evening 

Entry Fees – Rs 15 (for both adults and kids)

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: Private Taxis and Buses are available on this route. The private buses are available from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Jodhpur.

By Rail: ​​The nearest railway station is Bhuj (70 km) from Kutch. 

By Air : The nearest airport is the Bhuj airport (70 km).

Pirotan Island 

Source – Pinterest

If you are a nature lover, you must visit Pirotan Island. Pirotan Island is one of the must-visit places in Bhuj. The island covers three square kilometres and is one of the forty-two islands which offers an exquisite nature abode. The island was initially known as ‘Pir Jo Thaan’, which means the sacred place of Saint Khwaja Khizar Rahmatullahialaih. 

The shrine of the holy saint is present on the island. You can easily spot coral by walking across the coasts. The ideal time to visit Pirotan Island is between November to March. You can walk along the coastline of Pirotan Island and take in the serene nature with you. You will be able to spot coral reefs and aquatic creatures. The island has beautiful marine life, and you can capture pictures of it. It also owns mangroves and a variety of birds. 

The forty-two islands form the Marine National Park. The second island that the public can access is Narara. It owns several birds, corals, and marine life. The other forty islands are not accessible and uninhabited. The first National Marine Park comes under the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. A strict procedure is followed by the Forest Department, Customs Department and the ports for the island entry. You must obtain permission from the Police Department if you are a foreign national. 

You can see birds such as seagulls, herring gulls, pelicans, black-headed gulls, waders, etc. The island is home to marine life such as octopus, sea snakes, sea horses, green sea turtles, dolphins, hermits, jellyfish, hermit crabs and so on. You need to hire a boat to reach Pirotan Island since no ferry service is available. It will take up to two hours to get to the island. 

Location – Pirotan Island 

Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

Best Time to Visit – November to March 

Timings – Allowed between High Tides. High tides will occur at a 12 hours interval.

Entry Fees – Rs 2200 per person

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: The nearest Bus station is at Jamnagar which is 6 Km away.

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is at Jamnagar which is 2 Km away.

By Air : The nearest airport is at Jamnagar which is 10 Km from Bedi Port.

Prag Mahal 

Source – Pinterest

Prag Mahal comes as one of the architectural wonders in the ethnic Bhuj region. It is considered to be a pride of the Bhuj Tourism Industry. The construction of the Prag Mahal dates back to the nineteenth century. The palace showcases Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars. The entire palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone. One can spot the intricate carvings on the walls of the Prag Mahal, and the walls also have exquisite art on jharokhas. It is one of the famous places in Bhuj and holds the second tallest clock tower in the country. 

The clock tower provides a panoramic view of the entire city. It consists of a massive Darbar Hall, wide verandas and a forty-five-meter-high lofty bell tower. It was built using several types of stones resourced from the Kutch region. It took nearly ten years to find the stones. The Prag Mahal has glittering chandeliers in the Durbar Hall and gold-skirted classical statues. It also showcases the taxidermied collection of Maharaja. The Hindi film Lagaan was shot here. 

The mahal was named after Rao Pragmalhi II, responsible for the construction. The first bricks of the palace were laid in 1865 and were designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins. The structure is styled in an Italian Gothic model. A team of Indian and Italian artisans were involved in the making. The cost of the construction went up to three million rupees. 

Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins completed the last phase of the building. A portion of the palace is converted into a museum and exhibits many personal collections of the royal family and remnants. Prag Mahal faced an unfortunate event in 2010. It got worn out entirely due to the earthquake, and it took quite a long time to stand tall again. Prag Mahal is the epitome of Indian and European craftsmanship. 

Location – Darbar Gadh Road 

Old Dhatia Falia

Bhuj, Gujarat – 370 001

Best Time to Visit – November to February 

Timings – 9:30 am – 5:45 pm

Entry Fees – Rs 20 per person

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve 

Source – Pinterest

Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is where you can experience the serenity of nature. It is one of the famous tourist places in Bhuj. The reserve is situated on the edge of Banni Grasslands and the salt flats of Rann of Kutch. It is a legally protected wetland conservation. The Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is spread across eighty square kilometres. The reserve houses more than two lakh birds, both migratory and endangered bird species. It is the dream spot for all birdwatching enthusiasts and ornithologists. 

The Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is located near Fulay Village in Nakhatrana Taluka of the Kutch region. The word ‘Chhari’ means salty, and ‘Dhand’ means shallow wetlands in the local language. There are more than 370 varieties of species in reserve – waders, larks, raptors, etc. During the migratory period, you can watch birds from different zones flock into the reserve. The Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve gained its official status in 2008. It is also said to be a Ramsar site. 

Chari – Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is located five kilometres from Nakhatrana and sixty-one kilometres from Rann of Kutch. More than 250 species of birds and fifty-five distinct species of animals exist in the reserve. You can also spot 30,000 cranes during the winter season. Endangered species like oriental darter, dalmatian pelican, black-necked stork and India Skimmer are found in the wetlands. 

Flamingoes, painted storks, spoonbills, and raptors are found in reserve. Animals like chinkara, wolves, desert cats, foxes and caracals are found here. The ideal time to visit this place is between November to March. You must seek the guidance of a local guide and bird expert from Fulay village to enter the reserve. 

Location – Great Rann of Kutch

Kutch District, Gujarat

Best Time to Visit – October to March

Timings – 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Koteshwar Temple 

Source – Pinterest

Koteshwar Temple is a well-known temple in the Bhuj region, dedicated to Lord Shiva. You need to hike through the vast, dry desert in the Western Kutch to reach the Koteshwar Temple. It is the place where the immense dry land meets the ocean. The temple is about 154 kilometres from Bhuj. The road ends at the temple on the shore of Kori Creek. The temple is said to be the final outpost of human construction at the Westernmost limit of India. The ocean view after crossing the enormous desert gives a sense of calmness to the visitors. The temple and its surroundings appear to be a land of emptiness. 

Koteshwar’s story begins with the Demon God, Ravana. Ravana earns a boon (linga) from Lord Shiva for his excellent display of religiousness. Lord Shiva has given the most significant gift to Ravana, but he does not understand the significance of it. In haste, Ravana dropped it on the Earth at Koteshwar. Lord Shiva punishes Ravana for his carelessness. Lord Shiva trunks into thousand or millions of identical copies of the linga. The original one is the place where the Koteshwar temple is built. Ravana could not identify the original, so he grabbed one and exited. The outer part of the Koteshwar Temple is brown. 

The devotees must climb steps to reach the temple’s entrance. The Nandi Bull stands tall at the entrance. The interior of the temples is lined with marble. The sanctum of Lord Shiva is well-maintained and decorated. There are also photographs and idols of other Hindi Gods. 

You can walk around the temple and alongside the beach. The temple offers a brilliant nighttime view of the stars and a beautiful sunset. From here, one can also see the glow lights in Karachi, Pakistan. Hiuen-Tsiang has also mentioned the temple in his writings. You can also pay a visit to the nearest Narayan Sarovar. The road to Koteshwar is a pleasant rise and devoid of traffic. 

Location – Narayan Sarovar

Bhuj, Gujarat – 370 601

Best Time to Visit – September to March

Timings – 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5 pm

Entry Fees – Free

How To Reach: 

By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Kutch Fossil Park 

Source – Pinterest

If you are fascinated by dinosaurs, this is your go-to place. The Kutch Fossil Park is an eco-friendly park situated fifty-five kilometres from Bhuj. The Kutch Fossil Park has several varieties of fossils, namely Jurassic, tertiary, and cretaceous. You can also spot several resorts near the Kutch Fossil Park. The Kutch Fossil Park is one of the best places to visit in Bhuj. The park was founded in 2022 by Mohan Sinh Sondha. He was the one who made continuous efforts to collect varieties of fossils and display them in the Kutch Fossil Park. Mohan Sinh Sondha continued to collect fossils for nearly four decades. 

The first fossil that he collected was named ammonite. By discovering the fossil, his interests shifted toward collecting fossils from plants, fruits, animals, reptiles, gems, etc. He has preserved and given a good structure for the fossil of a dinosaur and its egg. There is also a sea cow fossil, which was reconstructed with the help of the Roorkee Institute of Technology. You do not have to pay entry fees to visit the Kutch Fossil Park. 

Location – Vi. godhiyar, 

Nakhatrana, Gujarat 370 665

Best Time to Visit – September to March

Timings – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees – Free

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Kutch Museum 

Source – Pinterest

The Kutch Museum represents the culture and history of Gujarat. You must visit this place if you are interested in history, arts and heritage. The Kutch Museum is the oldest in Gujarat. It is located near Bhuj town. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Bhuj. The museum is situated in the heart of Bhuj city. The Kutch Museum came into existence in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji. He was interested in showcasing the diversity in local living and crafts. It has a vast display of articles and artefacts representing Gujarat’s culture and history. The museum also holds collections of knives, royal swords, embroidery, weapons, textiles, silverware, sculptures, idols of Gods and Goddesses, etc. 

The Kutch Museum is one of the best places to visit. It showcases the tribal costumes of Kutch, the skull of a flying dinosaur and many other artefacts. The museum is home to the Kshatrapa inscriptions. The museum has several sections, and one is allotted to display the vibrant culture of the Kutch region. The museum’s ancient artefacts, crafts, and folk arts bring vital information about the Kutch community and culture. The museum houses the Kachchhi script and an exquisite collection of Kachchh’s local currency (kori). One can learn about the cultural identity and history of the Kutch people by visiting the museum. 

Location – Opposite Hamirsar Lake

Ghanshyam Nagar

Bhuj, Gujarat – 370 001

Best Time to Visit – November to February

Timings – 10:00 am to 5:30 pm 

Entry Fees – Rs 5 

How To Reach: 

​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Bhuj Hill Garden 

Source: Wikipedia

The Bhuj Hill Garden is also known as the Hanging Garden. The Bhuj Hill Garden is a treat for nature lovers. It also captures the interest of creative enthusiasts. The Bhuj Hill Garden is situated on top of a hill and is spread across twenty-two acres. The major highlight of the Bhuj Hill Garden is the skeleton of an eighty-feet long blue whale. 

The blue whale placed in the dome-like structure is the reason for the enormous crowd in the Bhuj Hill Garden. The other centres of attraction at the Bhuj Hill Garden include fun car and bike rides, merry-go-round, giant wheel, tom-tom games, etc. You can also spot the bright cactus garden, which holds over 550 types of cactus. It is open to the public and is one of the must-see sights in Bhuj. Families and children can visit the Bhuj Hill Garden. Holidays and weekends are crowded where thousands of visitors flood in to spend quality time with their loved ones. 

Location – Airport Ring Road 

Sanskar Nagar 

Bhuj, Gujarat – 370 001 

Best Time to Visit – November to February

Timings – 10:00 am to 11:00 pm 

Entry Fees – Rs 2

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary

Source – Pinterest

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a distinct ecosystem in Bhuj. If you want to experience the wild side of Gujarat, then you need to visit the sanctuary. The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is spread across 444 square kilometres. It is said to be one of the most renowned places in Bhuj. The sanctuary is a home for several diverse species like wild boar, chinkara, desert foxes, endangered Indian wolf, a massive variety of birds and so on. 

Narayan Sarovar is a lake on the Western edge of India. It possesses an immense spiritual significance and is one of the five holy lakes of Hinduism. The visitors also drop in for a holy dip. There are several adjoining temples built which include shrines of Adinaray, Shri Trikramraiji, Laxmiji, Ranchodraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, and Dwarkanth. You can also visit the nearby Koteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is made of grand sandstone which overlooks the sea. It also has the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. 

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a part of a seasonal wetland. The sanctuary’s ecosystem is exceptional and houses more than fifteen threatened wildlife species. The sanctuary also consists of desert thorns, scrub forests, grassy patches, and several water bodies. The sanctuary got its name in April 1981. 

A large area of the sanctuary is filled with tropical thorn forest. The tree’s height ranges from three to five meters. The central portion is filled with scrubs and grasslands. Some trees are deciduous scrub, Salvadora scrub, desert thorn forest, babul forest, tropical euphorbia scrub, dry savannahs, acacia, zizyphus scrub, etc. 

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary has three species of bustards, namely the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. You can spot the Black Patridge, a typical bird found here. Eighteen species of Herpetofauna, 184 species of birds, and 252 species of flowering plants exist. You can find the chinkara easily here. Some of the plants are ber, pilu, gando baval, salai, ingorio, carissa, kerdo, desi baval, gorad, etc. Wolf, chinkara, desert fox, hyena, desert cat, rattle, porcupines, blue bull, mongoose, hare, Indian pangolin, desert fox, and caracal are some of the significant animals found here. The black partridges, Great Indian Bustard, lesser florican, harriers, common cranes, houbara bustard, etc. 

Location – Deputy Conservator of Forests

Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kutch West Division, College Road

Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat.

Best Time to Visit – November to February

Timings – 7:00 am to 6:30 pm 

Entry Fees – Rs 2

How To Reach: 

​​By Road: State and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat.

By Rail: The railway station lies on the western railways network.

By Air : The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

White Desert Of Kutch 

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The White Desert of Kutch is the ultimate destination to experience the serenity of white sand. It is also known as the White Rann or the Great Rann of Kutch. It is the World’s largest salt desert and originates from the Indus River to the Gulf of Kutch. The desert is situated in the West of Gujarat and is one of the hottest regions in India. It is an enormous area of desert covered with white salt. 

Travellers from all around the globe visit the Great Rann of Kutch. It is filled with natural beauty and consists of floral sanctuaries, wildlife and wetlands. The White Desert of Kutch is one of the famous destinations in Bhuj. The popular Rann Festival in Gujarat is conducted in the desert. It is held between November to February every year. Some other activities you can indulge in in the desert are jeep safaris, camel rides, hot air balloon safaris and cultural dances. It is a seasonal salt marsh situated in the Thar desert in Gujarat. 

The White Rann partly comes under the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is one of the largest salt deserts around the globe. It occupies almost 7500 square kilometres. The name ‘Rann’ is derived from the ‘Viraan’ – deserted wasteland. The desert is a treat to the eyes; all you can see is a sea of white salt marsh. The Rann of Kutch is a salt desert and does not come under the typical sand desert. You cannot spot sand dunes, cactus plants or dust storms in the desert. The entire area of the desert is filled only with white salt. 

The Rann Utsav is a three-month-long festival organised by Gujarat Tourism. It is set up to encourage more people to visit the Rann of Kutch. The festival happens between November and February. They built more than 350 tents to accommodate the guests in the village of Dhordo. The desert festival also has camel rides, rifle shooting, spa treatments, cultural shows, paramotoring, ATV rides, camel cart rides, an entertainment zone, etc. Mostly the travellers like to visit the desert during the Rann Utsav. The other places of attraction in Rann are Dholavira, Kala Dungar, Banni Grassland Reserve and Mandvi Beach. The Rann of Kutch has the following resorts – Toran Rann Resort, Gateway to Rann Resort and Shaam-e-Sarhad. 

You can reach the Rann of Kutch via roar, railways and flight. The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is the winter season, between October to February. One needs to get permission to visit the Rann