The Kutch region in western Gujarat is virtually an island during the monsoon period that usually starts in May. Bhuj is the main city in the region. The old walled city has a maze of streets and alleyways, where you can wander around for hours. You will come across gateways, palaces, carved wooden pavilions, Hindu temples and several thriving markets, as well as an interesting bazaar. In 2001, Bhuj was badly damaged during one of the heaviest earthquakes ever to strike the subcontinent. The quake was so large that parts of the city are still in rubble and it will take many years to rebuild.

• Aina Mahal is a palace that dates from around 1750. Its name means 'Palace of Mirrors'. The 2-storey building has been converted into a museum, where European clocks, wares, mechanical toys, paintings and pictures are on display.
• The Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Museum.
• The Bhujia Fort, or Bhujiya Fort, is located in the outskirts of Bhuj. The fort is built atop Bhujia Hill and offers excellent views over the city. The old city was surrounded by the walls of the fort that included 5 main gates.
  • Bhid
  • Mahadev
  • Patvadi
  • Sarpat
  • Vaniya Vad
  There is also 1 smaller gate, known as Chhathi Bari (sixth window). Large parts of the city walls have collapsed, as a result of the 2001 earthquake, while other parts had to be demolished for safety reasons.
• The Chhatardi Palace is located near Hamirsar Lake.
• Hamirsar Lake is an artificial lake in central Bhuj. It was built in the 16th century. There are many temples situated around the lake, while the lake itself is home to countless birds.
• Hill Garden.
• The Kutch Museum was established in 1877, making it the oldest museum in Gujarat. The museum includes a picture gallery, an anthropological section, an archeological section, textiles, weapons, musical instruments, a shipping section and a variety of stuffed animals. It is located opposite Hamirsar Lake.
• The Living and Learning Design Centre.
• Mohammad Pannah Masjid.
• Prag Mahal is a palace that was built in the 19th century. It is located right next to the Aina Mahal.
• Ramkund.
• The Regional Science Centre.
• The Sharadbaug Palace.
• The Hindu Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (श्री स्वामिनारायण मंदिर, भुज, Swaminarayan temple) was inaugurated in 1923. The temple was almost completely destroyed in the 2001 earthquake.
• The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum is dedicated to the victims of the 2001 earthquake. It opened in 2022 and it is located on Bhujia Hill.
• The Tapkeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to goddess Tapkeshwari. It is located in a scenic valley, surrounded by hills. In the hills are several interesting caves.
• Trimandir.
• The Vande Mataram Memorial is located in the village of Bhujodi.

Accommodation is available in Bhuj and there are numerous restaurants. The city has train connections with Ahmedabad. Bhuj is 960 km southwest of Delhi.

Not far from Bhuj, throughout the Kutch region are several other interesting villages.

Bhuj ©Rohan

Chhatardi ©Axn Photography

Bhuj ©Axn Photography