Things to Do in Bhuj

Overlooking the beautiful town, Bhujia Hill is a prominent natural formation considered to be of immense religious and historical importance. It is often associated with the legendary victory of Bhujanga against Bheria Kumar. The hill requires at least 200 stairs to reach the top.

Originally built in the year 1822, Shri Swaminarayan Temple was the first of many Sampradey Swaminarayan temples. Located in Bhuj, Near Hamirsar lake, it is an architectural masterpiece built from marble and is a stunning place to visit.

Living and Learning Design Centre is an 8-acre crafts resource and educational campus developed to protect, preserve and promote the traditional Kutchi crafts. The centre also provides training and support to the local craftsperson to keep their craft alive and reach the worldwide market through their studios, gallery and museum to enhance their source of income.

Hamirsar Lake is the heart of Bhuj town and located in the western end of Kutch, Gujarat. Bhuj is known for hot and dry summers. This lake is considered an oasis between saline and arid Kutch. The kings built the lake to fulfil the domestic needs of people of Bhuj in ancient times.

Located at a distance of 10 kms from Bhuj, in the village of Bhujodi in Gujarat, Vande Mataram Memorial is a museum and one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Sprawling over 12 acres of land area, the memorial is built to commemorate the most important struggles faced by the Indian soldiers right from the Revolt of 1857 to the Freedom Movement of 1947. It is a tribute to the brave and fearless freedom fighters of India.

Located on the outskirts of the ethnic town of Bhuj, Prag Mahal is one of the architectural wonders in India. Built-in the 19th century, it is established next to the popular Aina Mahal and lies in the heart of the city making it easily accessible. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it.

The oldest museum of Gujarat, the Kutch Museum boasts of its collection of the extinct Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tribal artifacts are also a part of the museum along with many other kinds of objects on display exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork.

The Aaina Mahal palace, or 'Hall of Mirrors' was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. The responsibility of engineering, architecture and embellishment was entitled to Ram Singh Malam. He was asked by the king to create this palace of dreams for him, and thus the Aina Mahal came into existence.

Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Mandvi Beach is a pristine and tranquil seashore which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. In addition to being a laidback beach location, Mandvi Beach is popular for its camping and water sports facilities.

Located 100 km away from Bhuj, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest periodical saline wetlands in the world. Colloquially known as the "Flamingo City" this is the largest wildlife sanctuary with a vast expanse of about 7505.22 sq. km.

Pirotan Island spreads over an area of 3 square kilometres and is one of forty-two islands in the marine park area, nestled within the vicinity of the Marine National Park in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat on the western coast. Pirotan Island offers an undisturbed rendezvous with nature in its abode.

Shopping in Bhuj offers a great variety of market stuff. The items on display in bazaars include embroidered quilts, grain containers, wall hangings, glass beadwork, vegetable colour dye printing, embroidered garments, leather articles, handicrafts, textiles, tie and dye,'Rogan' art, woollen shawls and more. Ahir handloom, Bhuj Haat Market, Sarafa Bazaar are best places to shop from.

Situated at 125km drive away from Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary covers an area of about 444 sq. km. and is one of the distinct eco-system in the Kutch district of Gujarat state. Also known as Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, it is a home to number of mammals such as chinkara, the endangered Indian wolf, wildcats, desert foxes, honey badger and wild boar.

Spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometers,it has been identified as one of the last remaining habitants of Cheetah in India by Wildlife Institute Of India. The grasslands are home to mammals such as the Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Blackbuck, Wild boar, Golden Jackal, Indian Hare, Indian Wolf, Caracal, Asiatic Wildcat  and Desert Fox etc.

With a height of 45 feet, Clock Tower is a prominent feature of Prag Mahal. Visitors are drawn to this 19th century Italian Gothic structure in large numbers for the stunning panoramic view it provides of the town. The architectural marvel has also been featured in numerous well-known Bollywood and Gujarati movies.

Also known as the Great Rann of Kutch, the White Desert is a vast area of pristine white salt desert often explored for its natural beauty and ecological importance. It is also called the world's largest salt desert which stretches from the mouth of River Indus to the Gulf of Kutch.

Mata no Madh is a temple dedicated to Maa Ashapura and is located 138 kilometres from the city of Bhuj in Gujarat. Mata no Madh is an ancient temple dedicated to the Kuldevi of Jadeja and is situated to the west of Kakkadbhit. The original 1200-year-old temple was demolished twice due to earthquakes.

Popularly known locally as the Lala Prajan Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary primary aim is to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. It is located in Jakhau village in Naliya Taluka, Gujarat. Among many other different varieties of wildlife that can be found within the reserve, there are three different kinds of Bustards themselves in the sanctuary.

A hilltop amusement park, Hill Garden is a favourite picnic spot in the town. With some rides, boating facilities, a museum and a splendid little water park, the attraction is a youngsterês hub. The location is also perfect to get a beautiful panoramic view of the town and enjoy a mesmerising sunset amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.

The town is popular for traditional fried snacks such as Khakhra, Papad as well as the sweet and crunchy Jalebi.  Other than these don't miss out on the Gujarati thali, brimming with Rotlas, Vegetables, Sev Tomato, Lentils, Kadhi and much more.