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Bhuj Tourist Guide
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Bhuj Tourist Guide - Destination Overview
Bhuj Packages start from Rs 9999/- including 3 nights stay in a Bghuj & kutch and visit Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary ,Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary,Prag Mahal , Kutch Bustard Sanctuary Guru Gorakhnath Temple & other local placesBhuj, a flourishing walled city is the most important town in the Kutch area. Bhuj was the capital of the former state of Kutch and now it is the headquarters of the Kutch district. Bhuj was chosen by Rao Khengarji I as his capital in 1549. This city was greatly destroyed in the earthquake in 1819 and 2001. Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, that overlooks the present Bhuj town. This place is a paradise of handicrafts and lifestyle lovers. There are some villages in Bhuj which are rich in craft and culture. Embroidery is the most important handicraft in this region.
History of Bhuj
Bhuj was the capital of the former princely state of Kutch till 1947 AD. The Rajput rulers of Kutch came from Sindh in the late 15th century and settled at Bhuj. Rao Khengarji I chose the strategic location at the base of Bhujiyo Dungar and founded the city of Bhuj in 1548 AD. The need for better security arose only after the decline of Mughal power. In 1723 AD, Rao Godiji constructed the massive fort with gates and 11 meter thick masonry wall, surround the whole town. The city wall was also armed with fifty one guns. The British took over the fort in 1819 AD and acted as peacemaker between the Kutch rulers and Bhayad Jagirdars. The treaty with the British resulted in peaceful period in the history of Kutch and the state thus became prosperous with surplus funds, enabling the rulers to undertake public and royal building projects. Rao Pragmalji, who ruled Kutch from 1860 to 1876 AD also undertook various projects like the improvement of Mandvi harbour, construction of roads and irrigation works, hospitals, schools and jail. He also built the Prag Mahal and Ranjit Vilas Palace at Bhuj and Vijay Vilas Palace at Mandvi.
Bhuj has an average elevation of 110 metres (360 feet). On the eastern side of the town is a hill known as Bhujiyo Dungar, on which there is Bhujia Fort, that separates Bhuj city and Madhapar town. It has one big lake named Hamirsar and several small lakes.
The old city was surrounded by the fort, which had five major gates and one small gate known as "chathi bari" (sixth window). Much of the fort wall has either fallen down or been demolished, due to the city's development and the earthquake of 2001.
Tourist Attractions in Bhuj
The main tourist attractions in Bhuj are the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal and Cenotaph Complex. Aina Mahal was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence. Rao Pragmalji II appointed a famous architect, Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal. The Cenotaph Complex or Chattardi was built of red stones. This complex was built for Rao Lakha in 1770, and is one of the largest and finest complex.