In the wake of finding some serenity off our otherwise busy lives, we tend to resort to travelling. For all the good reasons, Bhuj is certainly the place one can visit to find some peace and make memories. Dubbed the desert city, Bhuj has deep roots in India’s rich history and various civilisations. Having seen the era of Naga chiefs, Rajputs, Sultans and the British Raj, Bhuj is dotted with architectural marvels.
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The city was devastated by the 2001 earthquake and even after 20 years, Bhuj is still recovering. The city in the Kachchh district is a haven for history buffs. The remnants of Indus Valley civilization and evidence of Mahabaharatha and Alexander the Great’s march to India makes Bhuj historically relevant. In this article, find the places to visit in Bhuj to make your trip worth your time.
10 BEST Places to Visit In Bhuj
- Aina Mahal
- Prag Mahal
- Kutch Museum
- Shree Swaminarayan Temple
- Vande Mataram Memorial
- White Desert
- Bhuj Haat Market
- Hamirsar Lake
- Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park
- Hill Garden
Aina Mahal
Aina Mahal or ‘Hall of Mirrors’ was built in the 18th century during Rao Lakhpatji’s rule. The Aina Mahal is the work of the renowned artist of his time, Ram Singh Malam. The dream-like palace was built for the king himself. With glittering glasses, exotic tile art and antique clocks, Aina Mahal stands proudly as the representation of architectural marvel in Bhuj.
The palace was disheveled in the 2001 earthquake. However, the government has taken efforts to renovate the palace for tourists to visit again. Aina Mahal is nestled at the northeastern corner of the famous Hamirsar Lake. The palace campus is an attraction in itself. Aina Mahal must surely be included in your list of places to visit in Bhuj.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday to Sunday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Antique clocks and Tile Arts
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Photography
Prag Mahal
Perched on the outskirts of Bhuj is another architectural wonder within the city, Prag Mahal. It was built in the 19th century at the heart of Bhuj and is easily accessible from any part of the city. Prag Mahal is within a stone’s throw away from the famous Aina Mahal.
This palatial palace is home to the second tallest clock tower in India and an archive museum. Made out of red sandstone, the imposing castle is a sight in itself that you could behold the whole day. Beautiful and meticulous carvings add to the aesthetics of the place. Prag Mahal can be added to your itinerary of places to visit in Bhuj in one day.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday to Sunday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Clock Tower, Archive Museum
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Sightseeing
Kutch Museum
Kutch Museum is the oldest museum and one of the top attractions in Bhuj. The museum is particularly a haven for history buffs who flock over here to take a look at ancient coins and artefacts. Kutch Museum has an extensive collection of Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tourists are also stoked about the exhibits of embroidery, paintings, musical instruments, sculptures and weapons from ancient times.
Once known as the Fergusson Museum, the Kutch Museum is one of the top museums in India. It was founded in 1877 and is located opposite the famous Hamirsar Lake. A visit to this museum is certain to help you learn more about the cultural and historic values of Bhuj.\
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Kutchi Script and Ancient Coin
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Learn more about the cultural and historic values of Bhuj
Shree Swaminarayan Temple
Shree Swaminarayan Temple of Bhuj was built in 1822 and was the first of many traditional Swaminarayan temples across India. The pristine white temple made of marbles is a captivating sight. Nestled close to the Hamirsar lake along with many other attractions, Shree Swaminarayan Temple experiences massive footfall around the year.
Like many other massive structures, Shree Swaminarayan Temple was a victim of the 2001 earthquake as well. A major part of the temple was destroyed and hence, a new temple was constructed where all the divine idols were relocated. Shree Swaminarayan Temple is one of the popular destinations in Bhuj for pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday to Sunday from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Divine idols
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Worship
Vande Mataram Memorial
Spread across 12 acres of land in the village of Bhujodi about 10 kilometres away from Bhuj is the famous Vande Mataram Memorial. Vande Mataram Memorial is a museum and arguably the most famous tourist spot in Bhuj. The museum was built in order to pay homage and commemorate the hardships of the Indian soldiers between the Revolt of 1857 and the Freedom Movement of 1947.
The museum is a replica of the Indian Parliament and was constructed over the course of four years. The museum is home to 17 rooms and is famous for its 4D projector that shows various historically significant sagas of India. The complex has a striking statue of Bharat Mata and a park. Suitable for all ages, the Vande Mataram Memorial is one of the perfect places to visit in Bhuj for families.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Major Attractions: 4D Laser Show, Bharat Mata statue
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Learn more about the hardships of the Indian soldiers between the Revolt of 1857 and the Freedom Movement of 1947
White Desert
The White Desert or famously known as the Great Rann of Kutch is nothing less than the face of tourism in Gujarat. This sea of white sand attracts visitors from all corners of the world. This vast landscape of pristine white salt is renowned for its natural beauty and ecological importance. The White Desert is also the world’s largest salt desert.
Home to various wildlife sanctuaries and wetland preservation, White Desert is a paradise for shutterbugs. Witnessing the sunset at this place is considered one of the most beautiful moments a traveller can add to his memory books. Rann of Kutch is the venue for a three-month-long Rann Utsav run by the state government. Visiting the White Desert should be included in your things to do in Bhuj.
- Opening hours: 24 x 7
- Major Attractions: Rann Utsav
- Ideal duration to explore: 4-6 hours
- Things to do: ATV Rides, Camel Riding, Food Tasting. Kite Flying, Photography, Camping
Bhuj Haat Market
Bhuj is famous for its embroidery, handicrafts and local food. The ones seeking all these can head to Bhuj Haat Market without a second thought. It is a one-stop destination for travellers who wish to head back home with a handful of traditional gifts and souvenirs. Haat Market is a government initiative to promote local artisans and boost the industry within the state.
Haat Market should certainly be included in the list of places to visit in Bhuj for shopping. The shopkeepers and the artisans are extremely friendly and thus no tourists need to fear being overpriced or robbed off by the locals.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Local Artefacts, Embroidery
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Shopping and Food Tasting
Hamirsar Lake
Hamirsar Lake is a man-made lake that is named after the Jadeja ruler and the founder of Bhuj, Rao Hamir. This 450-year-old lake is located at the heart of the city and is surrounded by numerous top tourist attractions. The lake was built in order to fulfil the freshwater requirements of the natives and it was preserved after the 2001 earthquake.
Hamirsar Lake is a perfect spot to take evening walks. The lake is also where people go swimming and simply sit under the tree to enjoy the view. Major attractions like Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum among others lie on the eastern edge of the lake. Hamirsar Lake is one of the top places to visit in Gujarat.
- Opening hours: 24 x 7
- Major Attractions: Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Sunset Viewing
Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park
Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park sits within the famous Vande Mataram Memorial complex. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park was built with the motive of preserving, restoring and promoting the traditional arts in Kutch. Artisans from all parts of Kutch are welcomed at this complex and are provided facilities for them to sell their items to the masses.
The artisans are treated with a high level of hospitality over here. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park is one of the must-visit tourist places in Bhuj. It radiates the cultural and traditional values of Kutch. The popularity of the park attracts tourists in large numbers. Statistics reveal that the park welcomes about 4000 visitors each week.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Artisan Complex
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Shopping
Hill Garden
Hill Garden is a favourite picnic spot in the city. This hilltop amusement park is situated about three kilometres from the city centre. Hill Garden features amusement rides, boating facilities, a museum and a small water park. It is a retreat among children and youngsters.
However, the panoramic location and the serenity of the Hill Garden makes it a favourite among grown-ups as well. Make sure you visit the Hill Garden during the evening and catch the sunset. Click a picture of yours with the scenery as a backdrop for a perfect Instagram photo. Hill Garden is ranked among the top attractions in Bhuj. Visit Hill Garden during the evening to get into the serene vibe of the place.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Water Park
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Sunset Viewing, Picnicking
In conclusion, Bhuj is a place that should be visited by any sort of travel enthusiast. The city welcomes all sorts of tourists regardless of their age and preferences. Being close to other popular cities of Gujarat and neighbouring states, Bhuj experiences visitors from all over. If you are preparing a list of places to visit in Mumbai. Then Bhuj can be included in that as well.
Visit Bhuj to enthrall yourself at the sight of the vast Rann of Kutch or any of its iconic palaces and temples. Or simply walk through the city streets trying one of its famous local food items. Bhuj is also a hotspot for shopping. Come home to your favourite people with a handful of traditional gifts and souvenirs that they would cherish forever.
If this article was helpful for you to plan your Bhuj trip then do check out our places to visit in Vadodara. A proper itinerary is all that we need to make the most of any place.
FAQ
Why is Bhuj famous?
Bhuj is famous for its significance in India’s ancient, cultural history. Moreover, the presence of countless palaces and temples and also the Rann of Kutch makes Bhuj famous.
How far is Bhuj from Kutch?
The distance between Bhuj to Kutch is 58 kilometres. By road, it takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach Kutch. Shyamji Krishna Verma Bhuj Airport is the nearest airport.
What can I buy in Bhuj?
Bhuj is a shopping haven and one can find a wide variety of saree. handbags, handicrafts and traditional embroideries over here. It is a perfect place to buy handmade artefacts from local artisans. Do visit the Bhuj Haat Market and Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park for top quality products.
How can I go to Rann of Kutch from Bhuj?
From the Airport of Bhuj, one can take an auto or a cab to reach Rann of Kutch. It is easily accessible from Bhuj. Kutch is located just 58 kilometres from Bhuj. The drive won’t last more than 4 to 4.5 hours.