Travelling to Bhuj from Vadodara was not that difficult as trains are available and the journey is so peaceful. We took the train to Bhuj, booked an AC ticket so that we could enjoy even more. To be honest, it doesn't cost much by bus either.
Booked a hotel which was nearest to the railway station. It was in the vicinity of the railway station itself. Even though it wasn't that good at hosting, the food was good. The area around railway station isn't that great site so we stayed in.
I had listed all the places that I wanted to visit in Bhuj such as Prag Mahal, Aaina Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum, swaminarayan temple, Sharad Baug Palace.
Unfortunately we could visit only 3 of them cause I wanted to visit the Nirona village which is known as "Village of Art" the same day.
We couldn't find a good transport to visit Sirona. So had to book a cab of 4000 Rs to go and come back, and the local 2 to 3 sites for one day.
The best attire to wear here is all the bright colors you got in your wardrobe. I will defi everything suggest to give some air to the long awaited bright red Shararas and Maxi dresses you got. The weather was sunny and a little dry as we travelled in May. So you better keep shades and a scarf ready.
First we went to Swaminarayan temple, but couldn't get any photos over there. Loved the peaceful aura of this place. The crowd wasn't so much so we could have a moment of peace in the vicinity.
Then we left for Prag Mahal, which was located just next to Aaina Mahal. The 19th century palace literally impresses you with it's beautiful interior. For Indians the entry feel is negligible as Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for kids. You can see the Italian Gothic Style blended with Indian features in the interior. The clock tower here is the second highest clock tower in India which provides a panaromic view of Bhuj. The best part is this palace built in 1860s is still standing after the earthquake of Gujrat. I mean it itself is a miracle to witness.
Aaina mahal on the other hand is almost left with nothing but few rooms that could be preserved. Yet you can enjoy all the paintings, photographs, royal possessions and Kutchy embroidery samples on the display. The elderly manager gave us a little information while we were walking in. Again, cameras aren't allowed and I feel that it's a good thing cause they won't be able to capture the beauty of that art.
Once we were done, we left for Nirona village. We had brunch at the hotel before leaving so we were good. It was hardly an hour journey to Nirona which is a secluded village of hardly 500 houses. Yet, the art from this village is something beyond this world.
Must visit:
1. Rogan Paitings by Abdul Gafur Khatri - renowned artist famous for "Tree of life" Rogan Art
2. Copper Bells - Handmade and uniquely created for all sorts of sounds from birds to Saregamapa
3. Laquer Art - Handmade laquer painting over belan which is not only artistic but one of the toughest arts
4. Kutchy Embroidery work - Almost every lady from this village knows how to do beautiful embroidery on a peace of clothing. They have huge variety of sarees, kurtas, Dress materials, dupattas ready for you. And you can get custommade sarees as well.
We came back the same day to catch a train back to Vadodara. It was a pretty beautiful journey with fellow passengers all from different parts of India.
If you are in Gujrat, this is a must visit tour.
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