Information Bhuj (Gujarat)

Bhuj History

Bhuj is a city in Kachchh district in the state of Gujarat, India. It was established as capital of the former princely state Kachchh by Rao Khengarji I in 1549. Presently, it is a district headquarter of Kachchh ditrict which is second largest district of India. Old town was surrounded by fort which has five major gates and one small gate (known as “bari” which means window). Much of the fort wall has fallen down due to recurring earth-quakes in this region. In 2001 a major earthquake occurred in this region. The town is home to one of the first Swaminarayan Sampraday Temple. Bhuj is located at 23.27° N 69.67° E. It has an average elevation of 110 metres (360 feet).

Trasportation

Bhuj is connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities of India by trains. It has a domestic airport from where daily flights operate to Mumbai.

Aina Mahal Palace
Aina Mahal Palace is the 18th century creation of the extravagant Rao Lakhpatji (1741-1760). He sent a local craftsman Ramsingh Malam to Europe to perfect his skills in glassmaking and ironfounding. He commissioned Ramsingh Malam to construct Aina Mahal with its hall of mirrors of venetian glass. The hall of Mirror has white marble walls covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments and the floor is a pleasure pool lined with tiles, with a platform above it surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier.

Cenotaphs Complex
A popular site is the Cenotaphs Complex or Chattardi. These are built of red stones. These tombs were ruined by the successive earthquakes since 1819. Of these, the one built for Rao Lakha in 1770, is the largest and finest. It is polygonal in shape, with balconies and an intricately carved roof. Other impressive Cenotaphs are the ones built for Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal. Essentially the cenotaphs served as memorial grounds for the royal family.

Kera
Kera finds a place on the tourist map mainly due to the 10th century Shiva temple. In its original form it must have been extremely beautiful as suggested by what little remains at present. It was damaged in the earthquake of 1819.

Koteshwar
Koteshwar is at a short distance from Narayan Sarovar & 215 Kms. from Bhuj. It is an ancient place of pilgrimage. The existing temple is situated on a high plinth overlooking the sea. It is an excellent, breathtaking sunset point.

Narayan Sarovar
Narayan Sarovar is 210 Kms from Bhuj. Narayan Sarovar is one of the five holy lakes of the Hindu faith.

How to get there ?

Air
Various domestic airlines are available connecting Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Bombay).

Rail
Direct trains between Bhuj-Ahmedabad on meter guage line and or Mumbai (Bombay) on the broad guage line from Gandhidham.

Road
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. Bhuj is connected by State highway upto Bhachau to Ahmedabad by national highway No. 8A (310 Kms)