Reasons to Discover Kutch in Gujarat
Uniqueness of a place attracts all and it is true with Kutch too. Vacationers,
adventure seekers and families, tourists of all genres find Kutch one of the most
happening holiday destinations of the world. Kutch, a tortoise shaped land surrounded
by Gulf of Kutch and the Little and the Great Ranns, is an island with unique features
Reasons Not to Miss Kutch in Gujarat
This island is visible during the dry
season only and remains submerged in the water during monsoon. During Monsoon, the
salty soil of the sea makes the marshy areas of Kutch completely barren. In terms of
people, geography and culture and tradition, Kutch has created its own signature mark
in the tourist map of India as well as the world. Find here some of the reasons why
tourists must discover Kutch.
Rebuilding Life
If you want to witness how a completely destroyed place came
back to its original shape, you have to visit Kutch. Kutch has been devastated by
massive earthquake not only once but twice. The last earthquake in 2001 had killed near
about 30,000 people in Kutch and many villages got destroyed completely. Generally such
tragedies keep on affecting following generations but Kutchis have pulled themselves
and recovered their damaged.
Even after getting badly affected by the wrath of Mother
Nature, Kutch remains a land with pristine beauty welcoming people from all parts of
the world. Not only the natural beauty, people of Kutch still believe in colorfulness
of life which get depicted in different festivals and evens arranged here. Bhuj, an
important city of Kutch, has chattris or Tombs of Royal Family Members. Stop over here
to look at the beautiful Minakari Work on these tombs. You would find it hard to
believe that this city got destroyed completely in the earthquake of 2001.
Architectural Wonders
Kutch in
Gujarat still bears the glory and elegance of yesteryears.
Rulers of Kutch have gifted this place with many architectural wonders. Unless you come
here, you will not be able to realize what precious things you have been missing.
Examples of such architectural excellence are Darbar Hall, Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal etc.
in Bhuj.
Rani Mahal, the
royal residence of yesteryears, was built in 17th Century AD but is now closed but you
have Prag Mahal, a palace built in 19th century AD and Aina Mahal, a 18th Century
building. Aina Mahal was constructed by Ramsingh Malam, a sailor who had learned arts
and crafts from Europe. The palace was constructed for Maharao Lakhpati and is still
appreciated for its splendid interiors.
Craft Trips to Kutch Villages
You will be able to discover beautiful Kutch in
almost each of its villages. Unless you look at these woven and crafted items you may
not believe how wonders can be created by the artisans of Kutch. You will get
introduced with Rogan Art, an art form originated from Persia. While making this art
form, castor oil is used. Trip to Bhujodi will take you to the wonderful world of
crafts where weavers can create magic using their fingertips. You must visit Kutch
Towns to look for exclusive Jewelry Items of Kutch especially the huge earrings,
neckpieces and anklets. Special Bandhini items of Kutch are also very famous worldwide.

Get some of the best embroidered handlooms and mirror worked dupattas and dress
materials. Your introduction to arts and crafts of Kutch remains incomplete without
going to the places mentioned here. You must visit Hodka and Dhordo that have specialty
in leather works, mud mirror word and varieties of quilts. You must go to Bhujodi and
Ajrakhpur for getting block printing items. Visit to Nirona will ensure you get items
like Lac Work, Copper Bells and Rogan Art. At Nakhtrana, you get varieties of Tie and
Dye items.
Sun Soaked Mandvi Beach
Even if you do not special affinity for beaches you
just cannot keep Mandvi Beach out of your Kutch Itinerary. Along the shores of the
Arabian Sea lies the colorful Mandvi Beach. Not only you can enjoy sun basking at this
beach having your feet soaked in sea water but you will get to see one of the most
wonderful ancient building, Vijay Vilas Palace and more than four century old ship
building yard of Mandvi. Enjoy flocks of flamingoes clustering around during the low
tides. Camel and horse ride, shooting balloons and having snacks and tea at the
makeshift stalls of the Mandvi Beach will remind you about some of the best moments of
your life.
Little Rann of Kutch
Little Rann of Kutch is located 2 hours drive from
Ahmadabad. It is famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary and numerous migratory birds that
come here from all over the world. As you ride around Rann of Kutch you will get to see
salt pans from where salt is made. Rann of Kutch is used as shooting spot of many
movies.
You will get the captivating sight of stretches of sand that look silvery due to
moonlight. You can also visit the nearby bird
sanctuary watching the birds playing in
the water.
Dholavira
You may not be a history freak but Dholavira will
surely mesmerize you. Known as one of the largest excavations of Indus
Valley Civilization, a civilization that existed more than 5000 years
before has lots for you. Your journey through the Black Tarred Road
leading to Dholavira cutting across the white sandy stretch of Rann of
Kutch is a journey to remember. You can visit a museum that exists at
the entrance of the excavation site. Dholavira is located on Khadir Bet
Island.
Visiting Kala Dungar
Kala Dungar is the highest point in Kutch Area. You will
enjoy the captivating views of the Rann during sunset from Kala Dungar. If you can stay
till the noon then you will enjoy the sight of the jackals being fed by the temple
priest. You can also visit India Bridge, the nearest border of India-Pakistan and
during this journey you can visit the handicraft villages to get some souvenirs.
Eco Resort Stay and Home Stay
Your visit to Kutch will not be complete unless
you have stayed in the local houses made with mud and mirror. Bhungas or mud houses are
made of mud and are decorated with mirrors and imprints made with cow dung.
You can enjoy
staying at home stays and eco resorts at Little Rann and the Great Rann both.
Flocks of Flamingoes and Pelicans
Even if you are not a keen bird watcher the
sight of pelicans and flamingoes wandering around in the streams, waterways, swamps,
wetlands and ponds of Kutch will definitely attract you. Along with them you will also
get to see Lapwings, Stilts and geese. Kutch is considered as a heaven for the bird
watchers.
Eat Local Foods
Though Kutch Cuisines has the
main
Gujarati Dishes but it has its own flavor. Dishes of Kutch do not
have overuse of onion and tomato which is unlike many other traditional
Gujarati Dishes. Spice chilly is served with all meals and you get dals,
curries for your meals. The favorite dessert that you will have t the
end of your meal is juicy jalebi.
Diversity of Kutch has everything for all.
If you have not visited Kutch you have actually not seen anything and the saying about
Kutch is true in every sense ‘Kutch Nahin Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha”.