Bhuj.in

Bhuj, the vibrant town situated in Kutch, Gujarat has distinguished itself as one of the best places to go, if you want to experience the culture and heritage of North India. Known for its beautiful palaces, narrow peaceful lanes and wonderful temples, Bhuj offers an escapist relief for many who want to get away from the humdrum and pollution of the city life.

The best time to visit Bhuj is during the winter season, from October to January. Do not forget to visit the palaces like Aina Mahal, the Prag Palace, the Kutch Museum and the Sharad Bagh Palace among other interesting sights. You may have to take prior permission from the authorities if you want to photograph some of the sights that you are visiting; though it is highly unlikely that you will be permitted to take pictures of the coveted Aina Mahal.

If you are someone who loves handicrafts and embroidery, there is perhaps no better place than Bhuj. There is a place called Lilpur around Bhuj that is known for its embroidery items. Likewise, Bhujjodi is known for weaving. For the traditional "Ahir". embroidery, you have to head to villages like Dhaneti and Padhar. There is another village called Dhamanka that is famous for block printing. You have to take special permits from local government officials at Bhuj to visit these places. Items that one can buy from these villages make for good memoirs and even serve as long lasting products for daily use. For someone who loves history, there is a village called Dholavira that has remains of the Indus Valley Civilization. The little town of Gandhiram and Anjal Wild Ass Sanctuary are also places that you can have a great time visiting.

Bhuj is incomplete without its fairs and festivals. The Rann Utsav is held annually in the month of February and March. It is nicknamed the Desert Festival and coincides with the Shivratri festival. People usually celebrate this festival with much fanfare, buying traditional handicrafts, participating in cultural tours and events in Bhuj.

As mentioned before, for visiting certain villages like Dumaro, Khavda; you may have to take the necessary permission from the district collector of Bhuj. You have to visit the District Superintendent of Police and fill a form giving information about the villages that you visit and details of the passport (if you are a foreigner). You have to then take this form to the collector.s office which is just a stone.s throw away from the DSP.s office, where the form will be authorized. There is no fee for this procedure.

It is a practice for artists and craftsmen of nearby villages to showcase their work and sell them in Bhuj, the capital for handicrafts in West India. You can get a good deal in the Shroff Bazar if you are on the lookout for affordable embroidery and fabric-oriented gift items. If you want to study and know about Kutch embroidery, head over to places like Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), Shrujan, Women Artisans' Marketing Agency (WAMA, Bandhini) and Kalaraksha.

The scenic beauty and the old-world charm of Bhuj has fascinated the Indian film industry, including Bollywood (mainstream Hindi film industry). One of Aamir Khan's biggest hit and Oscar nominated film, Lagaan was shot entirely in Bhuj in 2000. The film was done with the supports and the efforts of the local people in Bhuj. Sadly, most parts of the place where the movie was shot, was devastated by the Earthquake. Prior to Lagaan, JP Dutta's Refugee was shot in the year 1999 at various places in Kutch, including Bhuj.