Bhuj
The Desert City
Bhuj Tourism
Bhuj, in the state of Gujarat, is a desert city. It has a long record of kings and reigns in the city. There are many legends that go about related to the discovery of Bhuj. The most known legend is that Kutch was ruled by the Naga chieftains in the past. Sagai, a queen of Sheshapattana, who was married to King Bheria Kumar, rose up against Bhujanga, the last chieftain of Naga. After the battle, Bheria was defeated and Queen Sagai committed sati. The hill where they lived later came to be known as Bhujia Hill and the town at the foothill as Bhuj. Bhuj has been attacked six times and has still stood tall in the aftermath of these conquests. Bhuj is culturally very strong and broad. Starting from Kutch designs to the craftsmanship of the locals, Bhuj has a lot to offer. Bhuj once merged with the state of Bombay before it became the headquarters of the Kutch district in Gujarat.
Bhuj offers a lot of history and a lot of places to visit and explore that history. Places like the Aina Mahal or the Prag Mahal are some of the best known architectural designs of India. The markets are a great visit to buy some extraordinary Kutch work and craftsmanship. There are buildings and architectural designs showing the different reigns in the city such as from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj. Hamirsar lake is a wonderful place to sit back and relax. Bhuj has a lot to offer to people of every age group.
The Desert City
There are a lot of things to explore in Bhuj. Some of them are the reason of the archaeological finds in Bhuj such as the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, places associated with Mahabharata and Alexander the Great's march into India. There are many other places that signify the Naga tribes and their existence in Bhuj. Bhuj was further ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and followed by the British Raj. There are many tourist attractions such as the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, the market area around the Kutch district and eat the delectable cuisine of Bhuj and the amazing Kutch museum. There is so much to explore in Bhuj!
Top things do in Bhuj
1. Mata no Madh
80 kilometres from city centre2. Shri Swaminarayan Temple
1 kilometres from city centre3. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
102 kilometres from city centre4. Banni Grassland Reseve
54 kilometres from city centre5. Prag Mahal
1 kilometres from city centre6. Mandvi Beach
58 kilometres from city centre7. Aaina Mahal
1 kilometres from city centre8. City Shopping
1416 kilometres from city centre9. Hamirsar Lake
1 kilometres from city centre10. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
80 kilometres from city centre
How to reach
Bhuj is well connected to Mumbai by airways. Jet Airways is usually the aircraft that often flies back and forth. The railways connect the rest of the city of Gujarat with Bhuj. Roadways are also convenient from the nearby cities to Bhuj.
How to Reach by Flight
The nearest airport is Bhuj airport. Flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc have connectivity with Bhuj. One can hire a cab to reach its destination from the airport.
How to Reach by Train
Bhuj is one of the major stops in railroads. Most trains travelling within the state of Gujrat often stop at Bhuj. Thus the railway connectivity for many cities to Bhuj is fairly good. The train rides are very convenient and not too long.
How to Reach by Bus
There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Bhuj.
How to Reach by Road
One of the major country ports is the Kandla Port in Bhuj. Thus it offers waterways that can be explored. Anyone interested in travelling by sea can find options here. Autorickshaws and cabs are also available.
How to travel within
Autorickshaws and cabs are available throughout the place and can be used by the tourists throughout their visit to Bhuj.
Food in Bhuj
Being a part of Gujarat, Bhuj is also a vegetarian place. They have north Indian food as well as authentic Gujarati food. Starting from Theplas, Khakhras to Jalebis, Bhuj has the most delicious authentic Gujarati food one can find. There is a variety of food available on the streets of Bhuj and some of them are Dhokla, Thepala, Fafda, Khandvi, Hahdwoh, Ganthia etc. Tea on these small tea stalls is a must to try to give you peace of mind. The ever so famous Gujarati thalis are a delicacy in these areas.
Bhuj Itinerary
DAY 1:
-Walk through the White Desert
-Shree Swaminarayan Temple is one of the most beautiful temples to offer your prayers
-Visit Siddha Shree Dhoramnath Monastery
DAY 2:
-Bask in the history and beauty of Aina Mahal
-Offer prayers at Dattatreya Temple at Kalo Dungar
-Visit Prag Mahal
DAY 3:
-Visit the famous Mata na madh
-Visit Kutch Museum
-Visit Chattardi