The state's biggest district and most sparsely populated
one, Kachchh is a sandy, barren area over half of which
is desert and marshland. Like so many other regions of Gujarat,
Kachchh has its own distinctive character. It has a remarkably
heterogeneous population belonging to 18 different tribes,
each with its own language and culture.
The Great Rann covers an area of about 7,000 sq miles (18,000
sq kms) and lies almost entirely within the state of Gujarat,
along the border with Pakistan. The Little Rann of Kachchh
extends northeast from the Gulf of Kachchh and occupies
about 2,000 sq miles (5,100 sq kms) in Gujarat state.
Originally an extension of the Arabian Sea, the Rann of
Kachchh has been closed off by centuries of silting. During
the time of Alexander the Great it was a navigable lake,
but it is now an extensive mudflat, inundated during monsoon
seasons. Settlement is limited to low, isolated hills.
Prime Attractions
Aina Mahal:
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 Mahotsav:
The Kachchh Mahotsav aptly called the 'Mahotsav' (great
festival) is a guided tour of the life and times of Kachchh,
its beauty, nostalgia, ethos, traditions, culture and spirit.
Kachchh Mahotsav is usually organized during February and
March each year. The festival organized by the Tourism Corporation
of Gujarat, is a six-day tour into the heartlands of Kachchh.
Prag Mahal:
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.
Cenotaphs Complex:
Built of red stones, the Cenotaph Complex is a popular
site at Chattaradi. Of all the tombs here, the largest and
the finest is the one of Rao Lakha built in 1770. It is
polygonal in shape with balconies and an intricately carved
roof. Other impressive cenotaphs are the ones of Rao Rayadhan,
Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal.
Mandvi:
Mandvi, founded in 1581 AD is an ancient seaport. It is
well known for its production of handicraft items particularly
its relief, filigree and enamel work and its virtually unspoilt
sea beaches. The Rukmavati Bridge is the longest stone bridge,
built in 1883 AD and the Vijay Vilas Palace is the major
tourist spots in this destination.
Anjar:
Anjar is mainly known for the 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
and the Holy Shrine of Pinjora Pir. Anjar is also famous
for its block printing work, nutcrackers, scissors and penknives.
Dholavira:
Known for its large Indus settlement, Dholavira, discovered
in 1967 lies in the northwest corner of Khadir, a large
island surrounded by the Rann of Kachchh. Dholavira is situated
about 445 kms from Ahmedabad , via Mehsana/Radhanpur/Rapar.
Vijay Vilas Palace:
Situated across the Mandvi Beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace
was once the summer resort of the Maharaos of Kachchh. The
sandstone structure is surrounded by many fountains and
gardens and has a unique design to ward off the fierce desert
sun.
Lakhpat:
This ghost town is 151 kms from Bhuj airport and boasts
a beautiful landscape. Cenotaphs and memorial stones outside
the town add a charm to it. Due to the harsh climatic conditions,
most people have deserted the town.
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.
