Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Map Of Kchchh
Mata no Madh
Further west of Kakkadbhit is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jadejas, the erstwhile rulers of
Kutch. The original temple, which was demolished in the earthquake of 1819, was believed to be
1200 years old. Sunderji Saudagar built a new temple in its place with unique architectural
expositions of dimensions and space. The main structure rises to the height of 52 feet. Navratri is
also celebrated here.
Access 138 kms. from Bhuj
Lakhpat
Lakhpat is a trip into history. In this ancient port-city, time has been
standing still for ages. It is today deserted, desolate, uninhabited, and
invokes powerful nostalgia and soulful affection.
Renowned for its beautiful landscape, cenotaphs
and memorial stones, the town holds a vantage
position due to its westernmost location flanked by
the sea and the Rann. Among the few remnants that still enthral the
visitors, stand the Gurudwara (holy shrine of the Sikh religion), the 200
year old, gigantic tomb "majhar" of Ghosh Mohammed Caba, and many
other places with ancient stories to tell.
Narayan Sarovar
One of the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion, Narayan Sarovar is uppermost in the
pilgrims' circuit. There are actually five sacred lakes here, containing a temple complex is one of
its five holy lakes. It finds mention in the ancient scriptures with the other four being Mansarovar
at Kailash, Bindusarovar at Bhuvaneshwar, Pushkar in Rajasthan and Pampa in the south. An
embankment surrounds the temple complex, which is an assimilation of many hindu divinities,
and the architecture, ancient and awesome. A fair is held here on 11th to the 15th of Kartik
(November-December) .
Access 210 kms. from Bhuj
Koteshwar
At a short distance from Narayan Sarovar & 215 Kms. from Bhuj, the
village derives its name from a Shiva temple Kotilingeshwar, housing a
self-born ling. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore, rising boldly from
the sea that washes its western parts. The temples are enclosed by a
fortified wall and the nandi (bull of Shiva) is a fine specimen of Kachchhi
art. It is an excellent breathtaking sunset point.
Aina Mahal
The AINA MAHAL, which now serves as a museum, was built during the rule of Rao Lakhpatji. It
now stands as a repository of the culture and history of Kachchh. As referred above, the building
bears the influence of its architect Ramsang Malam who was exposed to European style during
his long sojourn to Holland.
Pragmal Palace
The palace opposite Aina Mahal, was built in 1797. Its tower and Corinthian pillars display strong
British influence through its floral patterns.
Kachchh Museum
The oldest Museum in Gujarat was established in 1877. It is unique in having the largest
collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, for its gold and silver ornaments, textiles, armoury and other
exhibits.
Ethnology Museum
This place is recommended for its rich collection of books and paintings of prominent Kachchhis.
On the outskirts of the town is the BHUJIA HILL-FORT, which is still in good condition and has at
its top the Temple of Bhujang Naag or serpent, the guardian deity of the city. To the west of the
town is HAMIRSAR LAKE, visited by holidaymakers.
Kakkadbhit Yaksha
A few kilometers from Punareshwar, Kakkadbhit Yaksha is located along the highway. It is
situated on a small hillock with 72 idols of Yaksha or Jakhs, who are believed to have come from
Iran. In the opinion of the scholars they were the first batch of Parsi migrants who reached
Jakhau due to a shipwreck. The memorial at Kakkadbhit is created in honour of their many acts of
sacrifice and bravery on behalf of the local people, against the tyrannical rule of the then ruler
Punarvo.
Anjar
Popularly known for the shrine of Jesal and Toral, the folklore duo wherein
the tough outlaw Jesal was chastised by Toral, a Kachchhi woman; is also
a centre of fairs. Also the bungalow of James Macmurdo contains
remarkable examples of the art of Kutch. The visitors who want to carry
home the Kachchhi souvenirs should visit Anjar for its famous block-
printing works, nutcrackers, scissors and penknives.
Tunda Vandha
A unique Rabari village, it has about 125 exquisitely designed Kachchhi
huts inhabited by about 400 Rabaris. Most of the male population is
generally away from the village. The interiors of the huts present a
pleasant spectacle of native art. A chat with the womenfolk will introduce
visitors to this insulated and pristine culture, a world so different.
Dhrang
It is famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional objects, hand-printed and
embroidered fabrics, jewellery made and sold there.
Mandvi
Founded in 1581 AD, it has a fortification with 25 bastions. It was an old and historical port from
where extensive trade was done between western India and Africa. The place is a well-known
centre for the production of the country crafts. The Rukmavati Bridge built in 1883 is the longest
existing one of its kind. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the royal splendour of the past. Mandvi’s
Hawa Mahal is also imposing, and is reminiscent of similar palaces of royal traditions of
Rajasthan. Banni and Khavda are villages set like jewels in an expanse of desert. In these
villages live some of the most talented craftsmen of Kutch who practise their traditional skills, to
produce artistic masterpieces.
Kalo Dungar (Dhinodhar)
The Black Hills of Kachchh are a common geographic feature of the district. The low hills and
hillocks lend the beauty and mystique to the rann, which has lured the adventurers through ages.
Kalo dungar is the tallest hillock in Kachchh with a shrine dedicated to Lord Dattatreya on the top.
A fair is held here on the Janmashtami day every year. Visit to the top of the hill also affords
magnificent view of the Rann.
Banni / Khavda
The last village on the border is a Desertland of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little
villages suspended in Time. Here you will come across master craft people' expositioning their
traditional art, turning our master pieces everyday. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything
they use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound.
The Flamingo colony can be approached from Khavda by road and thereafter on camel back.
KUTCH UTSAV
A Joyful Journey Into History
A visitation to some of India's oldest traditional and cultural icons. For the
children of urbania, an almost spiritual experience away from the stress, strife
and claustrophobia of modern life.
Kutch, with its colourful people, historic towns and remarkable handicrafts,
has much of interest to offer visitors. This tour was called a Mahotsava, or
great festival, because of the great variety of scenes that are offered to
visitors.
Like so many other regions of Gujarat, Kutch has its own distinctive
character. It is, in fact, a peninsula, lying between the Sir river, the Sir Creek and the Great
Rann of Kutch on the north-west, and the Gulf of Kutch on the east. The country is somewhat
bare and wild, with some cultivated fields near the villages. It has a remarkably heterogenous
population, which belongs to 18 different tribes, each with its own language and culture. Yet
Kutch, with its colourful people, historic towns, and remarkable handicrafts, has much of interest
to offer visitors.
Kutch as a tourist destination has a vast potential, but is unexplored. It has
excellent beaches, wild life, palaces, monuments, desert lands, pre-historic
sites, museums, handicraft etc. Gujarat Tourism with its continuous efforts to
promote Kutch as a destination within the country as well as abroad has
been able to generate more tourists' traffic to Kutch since last two years.
Kutch Village
Kutch Wall Drawing
Wedding Courtyard
Kutch women showing embroidery stitches. Blouses with shisha (mirror work) embroidery
Village Housing
Hut with newer Roof
House interiors with coloured bamboo ceilings, mud and mirror relief work walls, beautifully
painted storage trunks, and shiny brass water containers