Kutch Region

6 Nights 7 Days

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Cities : Bhuj, Mandvi

Day 1

ARRIVAL AT - BHUJ On arrival at Bhuj check at the Hotel and later Day at your leisure.Bhuj is a beautiful little town in Kutch district, Gujarat. It was founded in the year 1510 by a local ruler, called Maharao Hamir. The place was laid siege and take control of by Rao Khengarji I, another ruler who made the town the capital of his kingdom in the year 1549. Some of the parts of the old Bhuj were ruined during the course of the time. The place assumed the role of a self-governing state during the British reign in India. Bhuj, the former capital of Kutch, is now the headquarters of the district. The town actually had a rich and vibrant history. Since it was a walled city, at its prime in history, there were 35 feet high walls and towers that surrounded the city with 51 guns to boot. There was a hill for that was strategically located in such a manner, that the soldier would be able to espy on enemies and alert their defenses. Bhuj has got its name from the fortress called Bhuia that overlooks the city from this nearby hill.On 21 July 1956[2] as well on 26 January 2001, the city was struck by a major earthquake which caused a great deal of damage and loss of life and property. Many parts of Bhuj were demolished due to the extensive damage whilst others were repaired. There has been a great deal of progress in the city since the 2001 earthquake, with considerable improvements to roads, transport and infrastructure. Bhuj is connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Bangalore and other major cities of India by railway trains. It has a domestic airport from where daily flights operate to Mumbai, with flights operated by Jet Airways & Air India. State Transport Buses are available from the ST stand in the middle of the town to various places in Gujarat. Additionally, many private tour operators also run frequent buses to major cities in and outside Gujarat. Kandla Airport is only 53 km from Bhuj city center. Bhuj is located in Gujarat Kacch. For travelling in side of Bhuj city the city bus is so helpful and also Rikshawala.

Day 2

Full Day Bhuj-City TourToday after breakfast at the hotel you will go for the sightseeing in Bhuj and visit the Aina Mahal Palace which is an 18th-century palace in Bhuj. The Palace is located next to the Prag Mahal and was built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1761.The chief architect and designer of Aina Mahal was Ram Singh Malam who was assisted by local builder community (Mistris of Kutch) in construction. The Palace was constructed with marble walls adorned with gold lace and glass. The walls of the palace are of white marble covered with mirrors separated by guilded ornaments with shades of Venetian glass. The palace was damaged in 2001 Gujarat Earthquake. However, a portion of the palace which was not so badly damaged has been restored and it houses the museum, displaying the bed room, music room, court room and other old pieces of arts, paintings, arms, palanquin etc.After visiting this excellent architectural monument you will visit the Cenotaphs Complex or Chattardi was built of red stones. These tombs were ruined by the successive earthquakes since 1819. The complex built for Rao Lakha in 1770, is one of the largest and finest complex. This complex is in the shape of a polygon with balconies and an intricately carved roof. Some other cenotaphs belongs to Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal. These cenotaphs served as memorial grounds for the royal family.Later, in evening around 16:00 hrs. proceed to visit various nearby villages like Village KERA which is mainly known due to the 10th century old temple of Lord Shiva, A Village BHUJODI which is the centre for pitloom weaving, PADHDHAR which produces Ahir embroidery using round mirrors with floral and geometrical patterns and ANJAR for its metal crafts, especially betel nut crackers and ornaments, bandhni and block printing Later in evening visit famous Swaminarayan Temple and Overnight Stay at the hotel.

Day 3

Hodka Village (105km/2.5hrs)Today after breakfast at the hotel proceed To Shaam E Sarhad Resort At Hodka Village which is the site of an indigenous tourism project, with a resort comprising tents and traditional bhungas (Mud Houses, owned and run by the village in co-operation with hospitality professionals. Local guides show visitors around the village where one can buy embroidery direct from the artisans. The SHAAM E SARHAD VILLAGE RESORT is open from 15th October 2013 to 31st March 2014 every year. The Hodka Endogenous Tourism seeks to promote Local Culture and Craft based Tourism for Sustainable Livelihoods and integrated rural development. Imagine an authentic and charming retreat... Complemented by the unique experience of being hosted by the local community... And the richness of culture that awaits you here. Designed in local style, and exquisitely decorated with mirror work, textiles and other local crafts, the Shaam E Sarhad Village Resort is the perfect gateway to a genuine travel experience in India. The resort is situated in Hodka village, surrounded by an area of impressive natural beauty, an ideal location from which to discover the captivatin lands of Kutch. 

Day 4

Banni & Pachcham Region (200km/4hrs)Today after breakfast at hotel get ready to explore the Banni and Pachcham Regions the Edge of the Great Rann Of Kutch.Banni is a larger area of Khavda tehasil (block) of Kutch district of Gujarat state in India. Thereare 40 villages situated in the Banni area. Dhordo village has been situated as a last village in the area. There are such villages as they have only 15 houses at all. Such fifteen-odd houses having live stock of approximately 600 to 800 in are considered small villages. And now as for the village Dhordo, it has had 70 houses, having 450 odd population of communities of Mutva (90%), Sheikh (8%), and Harijan (2%) involved in doing the jobs of various handicrafts popularly well know as ‘Banni Handicrafts’ which have become famous world across. Here the minutest of minute and expensive embroideries and mud work are done. Their craftsmanship and artistic works are so much excellent that craftsmen/artists have been honoured by national awards.Pachcham Island (i.e. Western island in English), consisting of an area spanning right from Kala Dungar (Black Mountain) to the village of Kuran and surrounding other small villages of it is naturally located high island above the surface level, consequently no water can ascend reach such a high island. And as far its direction the north direction is cut by sea water/creek water and remaining there directions have been covered with and surrounded by small mountains and villages, the creek (Khadi) of which is naturally formed 800 to 1000 feet down to it.During your stay You will Visit Dhordo Village, Bhirandiyara Village, Ludiya Village, Khavda Village, India Bridge and Later Visit Karo Dungar (Black Hill) And Dattatray Temple, Which Provides The View Of The Great Rann & Sunset. Return To The place of accommodation and Overnight Stay At The Resort.

Day 5

Mandvi(200km/4hrs)Today after breakfast early in the morning proceed to The Banni Region. Visit a Fossil Site which is a Nature Conservation Society. Since long in the nineteenth century, Kutch attracted British officers by its varied landscape, ethnic variation, wealth and unique rocks of the barren hills. It was after the great triangulation survey by British administration in Kutch that they realized that unique fossil contents in the rocks of Kutch. They appointed several surveyors and researchers who did arduous field work and extensive study on the rocks, minerals and fossils of Kutch. A similar study was taken over by many Indian experts who were trainde in this subject. After identification of number of Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary fossils of Kutch, the region became famous all over India and the entire world especially in various Geology Department.Later visit Monastery which is home to a tantric hindu cult of sadhus called kanphata (split-ear) after the heavy agate earring they wear. the sect was founded by 12th century saint dharamnath who practised severe austerities for 12 years on a nearby dhirnodhar hilltop. the place is surrounded by huge walls to protect from marauding sindhi pirates. the place has few medieval temples and domed dwellings. now only a single kanphata sadhu hiranath baba and his acolytes are left to this cult.Later visit Jura & Nirona Village which is a village where a family specializes in making most beautiful copper bells. The artisan shapes and colours the bell through a meticulous process, and sets its pitch with the aid of an instrument called an ekalavai. These bells were formally used for animals by pastoral communities, but are now often used in urban homes as decorative pieces. In The Evening Arrive At The Mandvi. Stay at the Resort.

Day 6

MandviThe Day Free For Many Activities Based On Your Interest Like, Natural Treatment Or Massage; Visit To Organic Farm; Visit 72 Jain Temple Complex; Visit Shipping Yard At Mandvi Port Or Spend The Balance Day At The Beach. Overnight Stay At The Resort.

Day 7

Mandvi-Bhuj (100 km/3 hrs) Post lunch departure for onward back.

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