Bhuj is distinguished by its brightly decorated Hindu temples,
beautiful palaces and intricately carved wooden pavilions.
It is a paradise for handicraft lovers. The houses here
are decorated both from inside as well as outside with linear
reliefs made from mud and mirrors. Bhuj is famous for embroidery.
The oldest museum of Gujarat is situated in Bhuj.
Be it the bandhni (tie and dye) and batik textiles, or
the intricate silk embroidery done on leather, each artifact
is a labour of love for the craftspersons. The colorful
thread embroidery on cloth is done by different castes and
communities in their own distinct way. The region was also
known for the enamel work done on gold and silver jewelry,
lacquered wood, seashell toys and metal bells.
Prime Attractions
Aina Mahal: (Old Palace)
This is a beautiful museum, built in the 18th century
as the palace of Maharao Lakhpatji. It has a Hall of Mirrors
with white marble walls covered with mirrors and gilded
ornaments; the floor is lined with tiles with a platform
above it surrounded by a series of fountains. The room also
has a chandelier of Venetian glass. It lies in the old part
of the city, in a small, fortified courtyard and houses
some very rare idols.
Kachchh Museum:
The oldest museum in Gujarat, it was established in 1877
originally known as the Fergusson Museum, after its founder,
Sir James Fergusson, a governor of Mumbai under the British
Raj. The exhibits on display are gold and silver ornaments,
Kshatrapa inscriptions, textiles, weapons, archaeological
finds, stuffed animals and musical instruments. Besides
these, it is equipped with a picture gallery and sections
for anthropology and shipping.
Prag Mahal (New Palace):
Constructed in 1979, the Prag Mahal is a magnificent building
made of ornate Italian marble and sandstone. Its Corinthian
pillars and Jali work depicting European flora and fauna
are worth observing.
Cenotaph Complex:
A popular site is the cenotaph’s complex at Chattaradi.
These are built of red stones. Of all the tombs here the
largest and the finest is the one of Rao Lakha built in
1770 AD. It's polygonal in shape with balconies and an intricately
carved roof. Other impressive cenotaphs are the ones of
Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal.
Anjar:
Anjar is mainly known for the samadhi (tomb) of Jesal
Toral, and the bungalow of James Mcmurdo, which is a veritable
museum of Kachchhi Art. Places worth visiting are the Ajaypal
Temple, the Holy Shrine of Pinjora Pir.
Anjar is also famous for its block printing work, nutcrackers,
scissors and penknives.
How to Get There
Air:
Flights are available from Mumbai and Ahmedabad .
Rail:
New Bhuj Railway Station is 1 km north of Bhuj. Direct
trains ply on the metre gauge line from Ahmedabad and on
the broad gauge line for Mumbai.
Road:
State transport, luxury coaches, auto-rickshaws and taxis
are available to all centres in Gujarat.
