Dholavira Ruins Kutch

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Dholavira is an ancient town situated in the state of Gujarat. It lies on the North West corner of the Khadir Island and stands surrounded by water in the monsoons. It was discovered in the year 1967 AD. The ruins of the settlement found here are believed to be more than 5000 years old. These excavation sites are one of the largest Harappan sites in India. If you are interested in knowing about the ancient history and the primordial civilization of the country then Dholavira is the perfect place for you.

Dholavira is an ancient metropolitan city of Gujarat and is a must visit on your tour to the famous tourist attractions in Kutch. The city is now in ruins and is locally famous as the Kotada Timba Prachin Mahanagar. Dholavira is one of the biggest and the most remarkable archaeological sites in India that is part of the famous Indus Valley Civilization. The Dholavira Ruins in Kutch is located on the Khadir island. During the monsoons, the place is surrounded by water.

The excavations conducted in 1989 by the Archaeological Survey of India under the supervision of Dr. R. S. Bisht at Dholavira brought some of the very significant Dholavira Ruins in Kutch. Some of the articles that constitute the major portion of the excavated materials comprise of refined urban planning and architecture, antiquities like seals, beads, animal bones, gold, silver, terracotta ornaments and vessels belonging to Mesopotamia. This apart the Kutch Dholavira Ruins reveal that Dholavira was a prominent hub of trade between colonies in south Gujarat, Sindh and Punjab and Western Asia.

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Kutch Utsav:
Kutch Utsav ia a journey into history. One visits 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.

Interesting things to Visit:

Durbar Gadh:
The Durbar Gadh in Bhuj, India, is one of the most visited Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. This Durbar Gadh houses the famous Aina Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) which delights the visitors by displaying the unique blend of Indian and European architecture with its fountains and two storied royal residences.Built in the 18th century by Rao Lakhpatji, Durbar Gadh, Bhuj is a perfect example of an enclosed area of the royal family which exhibited a drastic change in the style of architecture and the layout that resembled those of Europe to a large extent.Durbar Gadh is also the name given to the place located in the center of the old town of Bhuj. It was at this place that that the Maharaja of Nawanagar held his meetings with the masses.

Folk Museum:
The Folk Museum in Bhuj, India, is also known as Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan, Bhuj. The Bhuj Folk Museum is situated in proximity to the office of the collector of Bhuj which makes it easily accessible by a variety of modes of transport. These include the services of the luxury coaches, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.One of the chief attractions of Folk Museum, Bhuj which you will hardly find in any of the other Museums in Bhuj, is a rare fossil of a Crocodilian which is which is an extinct species of the crocodile of the modern age. This creature was double the size of a crocodile of today measuring as much as 9 meters as compared to the modern species which measures only 3 to 4 meters in length.

Kachchh Museum:
The Kachchh Museum in Bhuj, India, is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. Built during the period of British Rule in India, the Museum of Kachchh in Bhuj is the most significant among all other Museums in Bhuj as it displays the articles that take the visitors to those ages to which they belonged.The Kutch Museum was established in the year 1877 by the British Governor of Mumbai known as Sir James Fergusson. It was because of the name of its founder that Kachchh Museum, Bhuj was initially named as Fergusson Museum.he Kutch Museum remains closed only on Wednesdays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. On all days other than these, Kutch Museum is open from 9.00 to 11.30 in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Jama Masjid:
Jama Masjid in Bhuj is held auspicious by the people of the Muslim religion. The edifice is equally respected by people of any other caste or creed. The intricate designs on the walls of the mosque are worth seeing. All people who follow the Islamic religion come to the Jama Masjid at Bhuj to offer their prayers. People from all other caste can also come here to offer prayers or just to visit the mosque and get a glimpse of the beautiful design and the intricate patterns that are made on the wall. The Jama Masjid stands as a demonstration of the Islamic architecture. The Jama Masjid in Bhuj is noted for its beautifully designed minaret, the dome and the large prayer hall. The Jama Masjid of Bhuj also offers lessons on Islamic religion.

Swaminarayan Temple:
The Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj is famous all over the world as one of the most spiritually highlighted temple in Bhuj. The Swaminarayan Temple was set by the BAPS, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha as it is known. BAPS is an organization which operates by the philosophies of Swaminarayan. BAPS as an organization was established in the year 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.The Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj operates in the same way as all other temples which belong to the same organization. The Swaminarayan Temple of Bhuj is recognized for spiritual value, social work and the humanitarian service that they offer to the world. As all other temples that operate under BAPS, Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj is also known for the beautifully carved stone temples.

Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan:
Mr Ramsinhji K Rathod a scholar of the folk art of Kutch and winner of many state Government awards has created an excellent museum in Bhuj which is called Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan. The museum epitomizes the rustic life styles of the Kutchi villager containing around 4500 exhibits. Also, there are more than 1500 rare books on art and culture.
The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary: 93 kms from Ahmedabad and on an important route.

It has salt plains, caused by flooding of the Rann by sea, river and rain water; punctuated by highlands called beyts, above the monsoon flood mark where scrub flora and grasslands offer a refuge to wildlife. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitats from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. This is the only home for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass, which is the member of wild horse family.

Mata Nu Madh:
The 1,200 years old temple with unique architectural expositions of dimensions and space.

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Lakhpat:
Lakhpat is the last town situated at the western end of India. This ghost town is 151 Kms. from Bhuj airport and boasts a beautiful landscape. Lakhpat is fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions made out of hard stone. Due to the harsh climatic conditions, most people have deserted the town. The town has a few old temples, gurudwaras and mosques. The interesting structures at Lakhpat are tomb of Gosh Muhammad and Sikh Gurudwaras. Gosh Muhammad did Hindus and Muslims revere a famous saint equally. A beautiful tomb was constructed using local hard black stone

Mandvi:
Mandvi, founded in 1581 A.D. is an ancient seaport. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year and was a summer retreat of the Kutch Maharaos. Mandvi is situated about 78 Kms. from Bhuj. Mandvi Hawa Mahal is also imposing, and is reminiscent of similar palaces of royal traditions of Rajasthan. Mandvi is also a 400-year-old shipbuilding center. The Vijay Vilas Palace has its own private, maintained in an eco-friendly manner to preserve its pristine beauty. This palace has been used as the setting in many Hindi pictures and has now become a popular tourist destination.

Prag Palace:
The Prag Mahal, across the courtyard from the Aina Mahal, is a new marble and sandstone palace built at the end of the 19th century. Tourists can visit the Durbar Hall and the clock tower. There are paintings of former maharajas in the Durbar Hall. The Prag Mahal is a magnificent building made of ornate Italian marble and sandstone.

Narayan Sarovar:
A few kilometers away from the Narayan Sarovar is the Chin Kara Sanctuary. It is about 210 Kms. from Bhuj. This sanctuary is the home of the Chin Kara or the Indian gazelle. Other animals found in this sanctuary are blue bull, spotted deer, wild boar and a rich variety of smaller wildlife. Main Attractions are Blue Bull, Wild Boar.

Koteshwar:
Koteshwar, an important pilgrimage center for the Hindu religion, is at a short distance from Narayan Sarovar. Koteshwar-the western most tip of the country housing an ancient Shiva temple. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore, rising boldly from the sea that washes its western parts. The view of the sunset is excellent from here. The brass Nandi of the temple is an exquisite piece of art.

Dhrang:
It is famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional objects, and hand-printed and embroidered fabrics, jewellery made and sold there.

Tomb of Jesal Toral:
On tour to Gujarat you will come across magnificent sites of tourist attractions. You can distinguish one site from the other on the virtue of their architectural patterns. Be it a holy place, museum or forts and monuments in Gujarat all will cater to your aesthetic sense. In fact the elaborate works in the sites will be the veritable feast for your eyes. On a travel to Gujarat if you first arrive at Bhuj then several Hindu temples, attractive palaces and intricately engraved wooden pavilions will mesmerize you like anything. However from here you should take excursions to nearby famous places like Anjar and others. These places have many things to offer you and make your trip to Gujarat an unforgettable experience of life. On an excursion to Anjar you will first be taken to Tomb of Jesal Toral. The Tomb of Jesal Toral in Anjar is the one which has brought special recognition to this small town.

Banni/Khavda:
Desert lands of infinite dimensions. Here you will come across mater craft person’s expositioning in their traditional art. Banni is the last village on the border is a desert land of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in time. Here, will. The flamingo colony can be approached from Khavda by road and they’re after on camel back. Banni villages to experience tribal life of Kutch in various types like Meghawal, Harijans, Jat, and Mutva etc. the villages are visit here hodhka, dhoido, Khavda, ludia, bhindiarana, nirona, jurah, sumrasar etc.

Bhadreshwar:
One of the holiest pilgrim centres of Jain religion, here you will encounter some of the world's truly unique architectural marvels. The tour will also cover stepwell, Sol Thambhi Mosque, Jagdu Shah Palace, Lal Shabhar Mosque, Chokunda Mahadev Temple and Kera temple - a visit that will expose you to many religious traditions of India, congregated in one region.

Kanthkot:
Kanthkot is an old fort about 5 km circularly situated on the top of an isolated rocky hill. This place was the capital of Kathis in 8th century and it was taken from them by the Chavdas. After the Chavdas, the Solankis came and after them the Vaghelas. Mod befriended Vaghela who not only gave Kanthkot but also his daughter in marriage to Mod’s son Sad. Sad lived in Kanthkot and made it his capital. Sad’s son Ful named the fort Kanthadurg. Bhimdev sought shelter from Mahmud of Ghazni in 11th century at Kanthkot. In 1816 it surrendered to the British who razed it to the ground. On the hill are remains of three temples of which one is dedicated to the ascetic Kanthadnath, the second a Jain temple and the third a temple of the sun.

Roha Fort:
Roha fort is situated on the hillock of the same name, 50 km from Bhuj. It’s height is 500 feet from the ground level and 800 feet from the sea level. Roha was the leading Jagir of Kutch state and there were 52 villages under this Jagir. Rao Khengarji I (1510-1585) established Kutch and became a ruler of Kutch. His brother Sahebji set up Roha village and died after a battle with Raysinhji Zala of Halvad. After his death his successor Jiyaji built two big tanks on the Roha Hill. His son built a fort on Roha hill. Thakore Kalapi was famous poet in Gujrat. He wrote romantic poems at Roha hill because atmosphere of Roha was peaceful and close to the nature with many peacocks and other birds which can be seen here even now. Roha is called Sumari Roha after the princesses of the Sumara state Umarkot in Sindh. Fleeing Allaudin Khilji the princesses sought asylum with Abda, who died fighting Allaudin. Consequently the princesses took Samadhi at Roha. The present Thakore of Roha, Thakore Virensinhji Saheb lives in Bhuj and would like to develop the Roha hill as a tourist point.

Tera Fort:
lies 85 km west of the town of Bhuj. Tera castle on the western edge of the state of Gujrat dominates the plains of Kutch from its position on the banks of Tretara (Three lakes) namely Chattasar, Sumerasar and Chatasar. Tera Jagir consisted of 41 villages and was one of the largest Jagirs of Kutch state. There are Ramayan wall paintings in the Tera castle. There are elaborate carved and beautiful paintings on glass in the Jain temple. Bandhani (tie & dye), Block printing, mirror work, Jats embroidery are the main crafts of this town. There are many of wild life animals chinkara, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Hyena, The Great Indian Bustard, Peacock, Black partridge, etc. A very famous Mahadev temple Pinglaswar is 35 km far from Tera.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

IBP Petrol Pump:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Shiv Regency:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,India

Hotel PrinceC:ollege Road, Mirzapar Highway,Bhuj,Gujrat,India

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