Bhuj.in

Bhuj is one of the most beautiful places in Gujarat. This rich town in Kutch is known for its opulent history marked by palaces and old villas known as "havelis". Most of the palaces have the Kutch style architecture in them. For instance, the Aina Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors built by poet-ruler Maharao Lakhpatiji , is located in a fortified courtyard in the old part of the city. Built in the 18th century, it is an important tourist spot and has a beautiful museum in it. True to its name, there is a huge hall which is the major source of attraction of this place. There is also the Pleasure Pool, in the form of a square platform, where the maharao composed his poems were given a form of life by the musicians and the dancing girls of yore. The place is so beautiful and sprawling that one may spend half a day in that very palace. The Aina Mahal is open every day with the exception of Saturday, 9 to 11.45 am and in the afternoons, 3 to 5.45 pm. Photography is prohibited inside the palace.

Close to the Aina Mahal is the Prag Mahal. While the Aina Mahal is also known as the Old Palace, the Prag Mahal is called the New Palace. This palace was built in the second half of the 19th century. It is made of decorative Italian marble and sandstone. The Durbar Hall and the Clock Tower are the main attraction. Photography and video-shooting is allowed here, but with permission.

The Kutch Museum, also known as the Fergusson Museum, after its founder Sir James Fergusson, the erstwhile governor of Mumbai during the British Raj, was built in the year 1877. It is the oldest museum in Gujarat. The beautifully maintained exhibits includes an anthropological section, musical instruments, archeological finds, weapons, textiles, stuffed beasts etc.

The Sharad Bhag palace is a tribute to the last maharo of Bhuj who died in 1991; this palace where he lived is now a small museum. The palace may be small but what sets it apart is the wide and spacious, well maintained garden and greenery that surrounds the palace. Built in 1867, Sharad Bagh Palace has a lovely drawing room and bedroom besides the personal possessions of the maharao. On display also is the coffin of the maharao in which his body was brought back from London for cremation.

The other attractions in Bhuj include the folk museum called Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Kachch, the Swaminarayan Temple, Dhrang, Sarovar, Tunda Vandha, Lakhpat, Aina Mahal Palace, Kera, Kalo Dungar etc. The villages around Bhuj are a treat from outside culture. If you do want to visit these villagers, you may have to take special permits from government offices here. Make sure you visit villages like Dhamanka that is known for block printing and Bhujjodi that is known for weaving. The villages in Bhuj are a must-watch for tourists and many of them come here annually from every part of the world as well as India to immerse into a totally different world.