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”.
