Cities in India

Bhuj

Population : 119,000
Main Languages  : Gujarati.
Telephone area code  : 02832
Best time to visit  : October to March

The major town of the Kutch region, Bhuj, is an old walled city. In the past the city gates were locked each nigh from dusk to dawn. There are walls within walls, crenellated gateways, old palaces with intricately carves wooden pavilions, and brightly decorated Hindu temples.

Places of Interest
Aina Mahal (Old Palace)
Built in traditional Kutchi style, the palace is in a small fortified courtyard in the old part of the city. It has a museum Maharao Sinh Madansinhji Museum, which has a varied collection of paintings, photos and embroideries. There is a 15 m long scroll depicting the royal procession of Maharao Shri Pragmalji Bahadur (1838-75).

The real attraction here is the Hall of Mirrors which was built in the 18^th century and is a blend of Indian and European artistory.

Prag Mahal (New Palace)
The new palace is just across the courtyard from the old palace. The new palace, an ornate Italianate marble and sandstone building was contructed in the later part of the century. Parts of it are now used as government offices  but the vast Durbar Hall and the Clock tower are open to public. The Durbar hall houses the portraits of past Maharaos.

Kutch Museum
Built in 1877, it is the oldest museum in Gujarat. The exhibits include a picture gallery, an anthropological section, archeological finds, textiles, weapons, musical instruments and a shipping section.

Other attractions include the Sarad Bagh Palace which was built in 1871. It is now converted into a museum after the death of last Maharao in UK in 1991, the colorful and richly decorated Swaminarayan temple and the Folk museum which houses and interesting private collection of beautiful textiles and artefacts.

HOW TO REACH
By Air
Daily flights from Mumbai.

By Train
Trains from Ahmedabad.

By Road
6 hrs drive from Rajkot & 7 hours drive from Ahmedabad.