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Travel to Kutch... |
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Breathtaking vistas, intriguing history, an abundance of tradition, color, and
enchantment-this is Kutch.Lying in the westernmost part of Gujarat, Kutch
becomes an island where during the monsoon months the Gulf of Kutch is separated
from the Kathiawar Peninsula. To the north also, Kutch gets separated from the
Sindh region of Pakistan by the great Rann of Kutch. The Bandhani (tie and dye)
hand printed sarees, embroidery and exquisite gold and silver ornaments are some
of the traditional crafts of this region. The language dialects of Kutch and
their manner of people are highly pleasing and musical to the ear. The places to
visit here are Kutch Museum, Bhuj, Aaina mahal etc. |
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| History : | |||||
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The history of Kutch is very old. Traces of the Indus valley civilization (3000
to 1500 B.C.) have been discovered at Dholavira – Kutch. When Alexandra the
Great reached these parts in 325 BC Rann was not an arm of the sea. The eastern
branch of the Indus emptied itself into the Rann which made it into a fresh
water lake. The Mauryan empire broke of the Gujrat Kutch and Sindh passed under
the rules of Greeks from Bactria in 140-120 BC. Bactrian rule over Gujrat,
Kathiawad and Kutch was ended by Sakas in the 1st Century and ruled upto the 3rd century. After that Samudragupta attacked the Sakas and
ended their rule. Later on Mod and Manai conspired to kill their uncle Vagam
Chavda and declared themselves the kings of the area. That time Patgadh was
under the rule of seven brothers of the Sandh tribe "Seven Sandhs", who
threatened to avenge the murder of Vagam. Later on Mod and Manai killed the
seven sandhs and became the masters of the city and of its dependant
territories. |
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| Facts and Figures : | |||||
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| How to Reach : | |||||
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Air:
Nearest Airport is Bhuj
and Kandla. Various domestic flights connecting Bombay. Rail: Nearest railway station is Gandhidham and Bhuj. Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. Gandhidham is 60 Kms from Bhuj. |
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| Best Season to Visit Kutch : | |||||
| Best season to visit Kutch is between November to March. | |||||
| Sightseeing : | |||||
| ›› Kutch Museum : | |||||
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The Kutch Museum -the oldest in Gujarat. Regarded as one of the
best, this museum has an excellent collection. Founded in 1877 by Sir
James Ferguson, the museum was earlier referred to as the Ferguson
Museum. It has been divided into two floors containing a picture gallery,
an anthropological section, an archeological section, textiles, weapons,
musical instruments, a shipping section, and even stuffed animals. The
piece de resistance here is the celestial elephant Airawat made of wood.
Yet another that warrants attention is the cannon that was presented by
Tipu Sultan to the Kutch rulers in exchange for some horses of the region
that are known for their swiftness and vitality. |
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| ›› Aaina Mahal : | |||||
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Aaina Mahal (palace of mirrors). It was the palace of the Maharao of Bhuj,
but it has now been converted into a museum. It has a collection of Indian and
Dutch styles of architecture, the Aaina Mahal is definitely worth a visit. |
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| ›› Bhuj : | |||||
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The picturesque town of Bhuj has a dramatic setting. Located rather
low, it is basically an amphitheatre of hills dominated by the Bhuja Hill
that rises to a height of 160 m at one end and is in itself a landmark
being flat on top and surmounted by the fortifications of a hill fort.
This strategically located fort obviously served the purpose of sighting
enemies and alerting defense. An old wall surrounds the city (also made
for security reasons). Interestingly, till recently, the city gates were
locked each night from dusk to dawn but now entry into Bhuj can be made at
any time of the day as the city is always welcoming. |
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| Excursion : | |||||
| ›› Mandvi : | |||||
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Mandvi has a leisurely feel, with several chai stalls set among the old houses,
cluttered shops . Markets are stocked with bandhani and silver. A uncrowded
beach offering good swimming, although camel and house rides are more popular
among indian tourist. It is famous for it's Vijay Vilas Palace. |
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