Bhuj is a city in Gujarat that welcomes religious tourists, history buffs, and curious souls. Home to ancient temples, tall hills, and a deep sense of calmness, there are many tourist attractions in Bhuj to explore on a trip here. Not only this, but Bhuj is famous for its palaces constructed in the traditional Kutch style.
Also known as the Desert City, Bhuj has a long history dating back to the kingdoms and empires. From Naha chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs to the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj, many tourist places in Bhuj, like palaces, are evidence of Bhuj’s rich past.
Bhuj was founded by a local ruler named Maharao Hamir in 1510. Rao Khengarji I, another ruler, gave Bhuj the distinction of his capital in 1549. Bhuj stayed as an independent princely state throughout British rule. In 1947, when India gained independence, it became a part of the country.
If you wish to explore a blend of vibrant history and ethnic cultures, here is a list of the best tourist attractions in Bhuj on your Bhuj sightseeing tours.
Here Are The Best Tourist Attractions in Bhuj
-
Aina Mahal
Also called the Palace of Mirrors, it is surrounded by a fortified courtyard erected in the 18th century. The Hall of Mirrors, with its glass exhibits, in addition to the Museum containing royal possessions, weapons, international paintings, and local arts, and Darbar Hall, with the great ivory throne in it, are magnificent sites to visit. You’ll see a rich collection of art and archaic pieces inside the palace. If you are an architecture admirer, Aina Mahal is one of India’s finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, making it one of the popular places to visit near Bhuj railway station.
-
Prag Mahal (New Palace)
A 19th-century structure, Prag Mahal is named after King Rao Pragmjalji II. Its construction started in 1865 and was completed in 1879. Located on Bhuj’s outskirts next to Aina Mahal, Prag Palace is among India’s architectural wonders. It boasts Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars made of red sandstone. Prag Mahal has the country’s second-tallest clock tower as well. A part of the palace is converted into a museum containing archives and belongings of the royal family. Bollywood movies like Lagaan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and numerous Gujarati films have featured this palace, making it one of the famous tourist attractions in Bhuj.
-
Kutch Museum
Built in 1877, Kutch Museum has a rich set of artifacts that depict the culture and history of Bhuj and its neighborhood. Counted to be the oldest Museum of Gujarat, Kutch Museum is a must-see site on any of the Bhuj tour packages. Besides the collection of the Kshatrapa engravings from the 1st century AD, Kutch Museum has a chronology of Kutch history. This is a two-storey building, and on its ground floor, there is an exquisite carving of the Airavat (the white Indian elephant with seven tusks). In addition, there are sections in the museums named the Gallery, Anthropology, Archaeology, Weapons and tools, Musical Instruments, and more.
-
Swaminarayan Temple
One of the many Sampradey Swaminarayan temples, this temple in Bhuj was initially built in 1822. But in the year 2001, an earthquake destroyed the temple, except for the deities placed inside the temple. After the incident, a new temple was built, and all the idols were shifted there. Swaminarayan Temple is located near Hamirsar Lake and is truly a spectacular piece of marble architecture. If you visit Bhuj, seek blessings from the divine at this temple to make your trip more fulfilling.
-
Sharad Bagh Palace
One of the famous attractions, Sharad Bagh Palace lost its 3rd floor in a 2001 earthquake, and the lower floors were closed. However, a former dining hall near the palace now houses the eclectic museum collection. Sharad Bagh Palace was originally a 1967 Italianate palace with trees full of bats and crows. It was the abode of the last Maharaja of Kutch, Madansingh until he died in 1991. The palace lies in the green oasis in Bhuj’s center and stands out due to its two colossal stuffed tigers that the former Maharao shot. In addition, there are gardens turned into a nursery, an ideal place to relax and cool off in between sightseeing.
-
Mandvi Beach
Among the best places to visit near Bhuj on tour is Mandvi Beach, approx. 58 km from Bhuj. It is a must-visit if you are in Bhuj due to its serenity. Mandvi Beach also offers camping and water sports facilities to make your visit worthwhile. The beach is a secluded location, less visited by tourists. Thus, its water is clean and perfect for swimming. Strolling, bird spotting, watching the spellbinding sunset, and relaxing are the best things to do at Mandvi Beach. Also, the peaceful surroundings with natural beauty make your visit here enchanting.
-
Hamirsar Lake
At the heart of the Bhuj is Hamirsar Lake, considered an oasis between saline and arid Kutch. The lake is known for hot and dry summers and was built by the former kings to provide water to the people of Bhuj in ancient times. It was a well-developed lake with tunnels and a channel that carried water from three rivers and supplies to the city. After the 2001’s earthquake in Bhuj, the water system was disturbed. People and municipalities took measures to restore the initial water system and finally achieved it in 2003. The lake is named after Rao Hamir, a Jadeja ruler who ruled Bhuj 450 years ago.
-
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is the main attraction of Prag Mahal. It has a height of 45 feet and is a must-see feature in Bhuj. Tourists visiting the Prah Mahal are drawn to the Italian Gothic structure of the 19th century. In addition, the Clock Tower offers amazing views of the city. Not just this, but similar to Prag Mahal, this Clock Tower has been featured in many Bollywood and Gujarati movies, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Bhuj.
-
Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Museum
If art interests you, plan a visit to Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Museum. It has a vast collection of textile art, folk art, crafts, paintings, archaeological samples of the region, remote areas, and rural/traditional architecture. A Government Servant collected these valuable items from different areas of the region while in service. He wished them to be displayed in one place for the public to see and enrich their knowledge about the region and was successful in doing so.
Now that you know the best tourist attractions in Bhuj, it’s time to book a Bhuj tour package with Indian Holiday. We offer customized holidays to Bhuj designed as per your requirements. So why wait? Drop a query and connect with our travel experts.
