Bhuj is known as a desert city, with a history dating back to kingdoms and empires, palaces from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj. With numerous temples, small streets, and traditional handicrafts, Bhuj is one of the unique historical sites in India. It is a municipality in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The city was left in a state of devastation after the 2001 earthquake and is still in the recovery phase.
However, Bhuj connects its visitors to a range of civilisations and essential events in South Asian history through prehistoric archaeological finds, remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan), places associated with the Mahabharata and Alexander the Great’s march into India. The land of Bhuj is home to various historical sites, like the 2000-year-old Kshatrapa inscriptions in the kutch museum, hall of mirrors in the Aina Mahal, the bell tower of Prag Mahal, the sculptures in Ramakund stepwell, and the beautiful Hamirsar lake. Hence, Bhuj is a blend of vibrant history and ethnic cultures.
Places to Visit
White Desert
Also known as the Great Rann of Kutch, the White Desert is a vast area of pristine white salt desert often explored for its natural beauty and ecological importance. It is also called the world’s largest salt desert which stretches from the mouth of River Indus to the Gulf of Kutch.
The contrasting landscape of the White Desert is one of a kind in India and draws tourists in large numbers. Besides being a filming location for several Bollywood movies, the White Desert of Kutch is strongly scrutinised as it lies on the northern India-Pak border. The White Desert is cited with numerous sanctuaries for wildlife, floral and wetland preservation.