10 Best Tourist Places in Bhuj

Bhuj is the administrative centre of Kachchh District, Gujarat's largest district in terms of land size or geographical area. It is located in northwest Gujarat, around 400 Km from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the state capital. Bhuj is strategically important for regional development because it is centrally located in the district and is the second-largest city in Kutch. Bhuj is well connected by road and rail to other cities in Kachchh and Gujarat. It is a significant trade and commerce centre for the region. Rao Hamirji founded the city of Bhuj in 1510, and Rao Khengarji, it was made the state capital in 1549.

The cornerstone was laid publicly as the state capital on the 5th day of Magha (around January 25, 1548) in the Vikram Samvat calendar. From 1947 to 1956, Bhuj served as the state capital of Kachchh, and Kachchh became a part of Gujarat state after 1960.

Bhuj is undoubtedly a place where one may find peace and make memories. Bhuj, the barren region city, has deep roots in India's wealthy records and numerous civilizations. Bhuj is peppered with architectural wonders from the eras of Naga chiefs, Rajputs, Sultans, and the British Raj. The following are a number of the maximum well-known locations in Bhuj.

1. The Aaina Mahal

It is known as the `Hall of Mirrors'. The Aina Mahal in Bhuj, India, is a historic palace from the 18th century. The former palace of Maharao Lakhpatji has been renovated into a museum and is one of the top tourist sites in Bhuj. The Aina Mahal is well-known for its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, from which the palace derives its name (Aina in Hindi means mirror). In 1750, Maharao Lakhpatji recruited architect and designer Ram Singh Malam, who had been in Europe for 18 years and had mastered various European architectural talents. Maharao Lakhpatji is the subject of an intriguing legend. It is claimed that he only utilized his beds for a year before auctioning them off. The museum is a regal display of Kutch Jewellery, art and weaponry.

2. Prag Mahal Museum

Colonel Henry St. Wilkins designed it in the Italian Gothic style. The palace cost Rs 3.1 million and was completed in 1879 under the reign of Kengarji III, the son of Laopag Marzi II. Along with Colonel Wilkins, many Italian artists and indigenous ministries were involved in the construction.

The palace is composed of Italian marble and Rajasthani sandstone. Corinthian pillars and Gothic-style windows surround the stately palace. Here, one can see some detailed carvings on the walls with beautiful paintings and superb jaali work on the jharokhas.

The palace's main hall contains many preserved animal skins that have been stuffed and put on the walls in lifelike shape, while the Durbar Hall contains chandeliers and classical statues. The sumptuous Prag Mahal boasts the country's second-tallest clock tower, from which one may get a fantastic view over Bhuj city. There is a modest Hindu temple on the royal grounds with beautifully carved stones.

Among the must-see Bhuj tourist attractions are a section of the palace that has been transformed into a museum, displaying records and personal objects from the royal family.

Prag Mahal is also famous in Bollywood and has appeared in major Bollywood blockbusters such as Lagaan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and numerous Gujarat films. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake damaged the palace severely, and in 2006, robbers stole antiquities worth millions of rupees and destroyed other objects of the palace. Meanwhile, the palace and tower have been repaired and are now open to the public. Visitors can tour important palace rooms and climb the bell tower for panoramic city views.

3. Kutch Museum

Maharao Khengarji built the Kutch Museum in 1877. He wished to highlight the region's delightful artisan and local living diversity. Gujarat's oldest museum, the Kutch Museum, is known for its collection of extinct Kutchi Script and antique coins. Tribal items are included in the museum's exhibitions, including embroidery, paintings, weaponry, musical instruments, sculpture, and precious jewellery.

Opposite the Hamilsar tank, Gujarati's oldest museum engraves rare and valuable textiles, weapons, silverware, sculptures, animals, geography, and a diorama of Kutch tribal costumes and crafts in English and Gujarati. It houses the world's most incredible collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, dating from the first century AD, and instances of the now-extinct Kutchi script. One museum section is dedicated to the region's unique tribal culture. There are specimens of old antiquities, traditional arts and crafts, and information about Kutch tribal communities.

Aside from housing the most extensive collection of Kshtrapa engravings from the first century AD, the museum also houses a comprehensive timeline of Kutch history. This two-story structure houses a variety of artifacts divided into eleven parts. The magnificent carving of the Airavat, or white Indian elephant with seven tusks, can be found on the ground floor. According to Hindu folklore, Airavat is the vehicle of the Hindu god Indira.

The following are the museum sections:

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Weapons and tools
• Musical Instruments
• Tribal section
• Shipping and navy
• Stuffed animals and toys
• Clothes and fabrics
• Ancient artifacts
• Folk art and lifestyle

4. Shree Swaminarayan Temple

The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj was one of India's earliest traditional Swaminarayan temples, established in 1822. The pure white marble temple is a striking sight. Shree Swaminarayan Temple, located near Hamirsar Lake and many other attractions, sees a lot of visitors all year round.

Like many other giant structures, the Shri Swaminarayan Temple was destroyed by the 2001 earthquake. Since a large portion of the temple was destroyed, a new temple was built, and all of the sacred idols were transferred from the old to the new one. Shree Swaminarayan Temple is a renowned pilgrimage and tourism destination in Bhuj. The British Imperial Government donated the land to construct the first Swaminarayan Sampraday temple. Lord Swaminarayan personally assigned Ananandand Swami the job of creating this pilgrimage site.

It then changed into the Swaminarayan Sampraday's first temple, keeping scriptural requirements with complicated carving in natural Burma-teak and sculptural artwork showing deities` events, auspicious symbols, and spiritual icons reflecting foundational religion and Indian culture. The temple is a rich cultural history in Gujarat's and India's socio-spiritual history.

The setup of murti paperwork within the temple changed into a celebration in the presence of lakhs of pilgrims throughout India. Aside from the Gods within the main temple, an idol in the shape of a child, Ghanshyam Maharaj, has been installed in a niche known as Akshar Bhavan, where site visitors and devotees can look at Swaminarayan's things.

The major attractions of Shree Swaminarayan Temple are Divine idols and the Ideal duration to explore is 1-2 hours, where we can go for worship. An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been erected in the temple's Rang Mahol, where Swaminarayan resided during his travels to Ahmedabad. Aside from the principal temple's worshipable deities, it also homes Swaminarayan's sculptures.

5. Hamirsar Lake

Hamirsar Lake is an artificial lake named after Rao Hamir, the Jadeja monarch and creator of Bhuj. This 450-year-old lake sits in the middle of the city, surrounded by other top tourist attractions. The lake was designed to satisfy the residents' freshwater desires and was guarded following the 2001 earthquake.

Hamirsar Lake is a must-see attraction in Gujarat. The eastern border of the lake is home to important sites such as the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and the Kutch Museum, among others. Evening walks around Hamirsar Lake are ideal. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming and relaxing under a tree to see the scenery.

6. Hill Garden

Hill Garden is a popular city picnic place. This hilltop entertainment park is around three Km from the city centre. The Hill Garden offers rides, boats, museums, and a small water park. It's a paradise for kids and young people.

However, the Hill Garden's scenic location and peacefulness make it a favourite with adults. Make a point of visiting the Hill Garden in the evening to catch the sunset.

Hill Garden is one of Bhuj's most fantastic attractions. Tourists can take a selfie with the landscape as a background for amazing Instagram snapshots. Visit Hill Garden in the evening to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

7. Bhuj Haat Market

Bhuj is well-known for its embroidery, handicrafts, and regional cuisine. It is a one-stop-shop for visitors who want to return home with a few traditional presents and souvenirs. Those looking for these items should go straight to Bhuj Haat Market.

Haat Market should undoubtedly be added to the shopping destinations in Bhuj. The Haat Market is a government program encouraging local artists and enhancing the state's industry. The shops and craftspeople are incredibly welcoming, so travellers need not worry about being overcharged or ripped off by the locals.

8. Vande Mataram Memorial

Vande Mataram Memorial is a museum and famous visitor attraction in Bhuj. The museum was built to honor and memorialize the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Revolt of 1857 and the 1947 Freedom Movement.

The museum, a replica of the Indian Parliament, took four years to build. The museum has 17 rooms and is noted for its 4D projector, which presents numerous historically significant Indian sagas. The property includes a park and a magnificent statue of Bharat Mata. The Vande Mataram Memorial is one of the fine places to go to in Bhuj for families, and it is appropriate for individuals of all ages.

9. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park

The Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park is a part of the famous Vande Mataram Memorial complex. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park was created to preserve, maintain, and promote Kutch's traditional arts. Artists from all around Kutch are welcome in this compound, where they can sell their wares to the general public.

Over here, the craftspeople are treated with great warmth. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park is a must-see tourist attraction in Bhuj, and it exudes Kutchi's cultural and traditional values.

The park's appeal draws a considerable number of visitors. According to statistics, the park receives approximately 4000 visitors every week.

10. The White Desert

The White Desert, commonly referred as the Great Rann of Kutch, has become the face of tourism in Gujarat. This white sand seashore attracts site visitors from all around the world. This enormous expanse of immaculate white salt is famous for its natural beauty and ecological significance. The White Desert is likewise the most important salt barren region.

The White Desert is a photographer's dream, with numerous wildlife sanctuaries and wetland protection areas. Witnessing the sundown at this place is one of the most memorable activities a traveller can have. The Rann of Kutch is the site of the state government's three-month-long Rann Utsav. The White Desert must be on your listing of factors to do in Bhuj.

Conclusion

Bhuj is a destination that each travel enthusiast should explore. The city welcomes all types of visitors, regardless of age, taste & preference. Bhuj attracts travellers worldwide due to its proximity to other major towns in Gujarat and neighbouring states. If you're putting together a list of locations to visit in Gujarat, then Bhuj should also be included in that.

Visit Bhuj to be enthralled by the vast Rann of Kutch, iconic palaces and temples. Or walk through the main streets and try one of the city's famed local foods. Bhuj is also a popular shopping destination. Bring home a few traditional presents and souvenirs for your favourite folks to treasure forever.