A remarkable region in the northwestern part of this vibrant state, Kutch packs in a culture, topography and a way of life that is one of a kind. Bhuj, the Kutchi capital of yore, gets the maximum attention from the world.
The White Rann changes moods as per the time of the day. Go there in the morning and it is gently waking up, the afternoon makes it merciless, the sunset calms it down and the moon makes its beauty glow.
Easily the most well knows secret, the massive salt marsh of the Thar Desert is the Big B of Kutch. An hour and a half's drive from Bhuj, it can be accessed through a hamlet called Dhordo.
But before that, you have to stop at the Police Station in Bhirandiyari with a photocopy of your ID proof to get a permit to visit the largest salt desert in the world.
Of course, it comes at a price of Rs. 250 for two. The Aina Mahal palace, or "Hall of Mirrors" was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century.
The Aina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, easily walkable from most of Bhuj.
According to the legend, Kutch was ruled by the Nāga chieftains in past. Sagai, a queen of Sheshapattana, allied with Bheria Kumar and rose up against Bhujanga, the last chieftain of Naga.
After the battle, Bheria was defeated and Sagai committed sati. The hill where he lived later came to known as Bhujia Hill and the town at the foothill as Bhuj. Bhujang was later worshiped by the people as snake god, Bhujanga, and a temple was constructed in his reverence.
This temple is the first temple of the Swaminarayan sect to have been built. In 1822, the land was given by the British government to do so, and Swaminarayan himself entrusted the responsibility for the construction of the temple to Ananandanand Swami.
Next door to the Aina Mahal, in the same walled compound, is the giant Prag Mahal, which may at first seem slightly out of place at the far western edge of India, looking more appropriate in France.
Mandavi is located in Kutch, Gujarat. It was once a major port. The first thing most people think of when they visit Mandavi is visiting the seashore.
Best Time to Visit Rann of Winters (November-Feb) is the best time to visit Kutch , especially on the full moon nights as the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand looks amazing.
The Rann Festival is also organized during the same time and that adds for a lot of activities in and around here.
How to Reach Rann of Kutch -
By Air: Bhuj being an administrative city of Kutch, flights from the other major parts of India land here. There are daily flights from Mumbai to get here. One can hire taxis and auto rickshaws from airport straight to Kutch.
By Train: Rail route here is very convenient, affordable and comfortable way to travel to Kutch. One can take a long route and catch Kutch express from Mumbai. Trains from every major city of the country are connected to Bhuj rail route.
By Road: Travelling to Kutch by road is considered as a fascinating experience. Highway no.8 connects the city with the neighboring parts. State and private buses are available at time intervals.
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