Magnetic Kutch

Today after having Breakfast, get set for a full sight-seeing day! Start with visiting Aina Mahal! A resplendent heritage of the Kutch region, Aina Mahal was constructed in 1761 during the reign of King Rao Lakhpat ji. As a sparkling portion of the Darbargadh Palace, an astonishing complex of buildings from different historical periods of Bhuj, Aina Mahal symbolizes Indo-Saracenic architecture in its purity. Ramsinh Malam, the chief architect has got his name etched indelibly in history with his uniquely designed interiors and architecture. Many water-bodies and fountains give an exquisite look to the building. The two-storey palace features Darbar Hall, a hall of mirrors and suites, belonging to different royal family-members. The palace houses a vast collection of extraordinary local craft like scroll paintings, jewelled swords, ivory inlaid doors and paintings, portraying processions. Adjacent to Aina Mahal, you find Prag Mahal, an architectural marvel. The construction of Parag Mahal was started in 1865 during the reign of Rao Pragmal ji II, but it finally finished in 1879 in the reign of Khengarji (III). The chief architect was an Italian designer, namely Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins, who built the palace in an exemplary Gothic style. While the palace with a magnificent Clock Tower is made up of Italian marbles and sandstones, its Darbar Hall has classic statues and chandeliers. Next go to Mandvi Beach! Mandvi Beach happens to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Kutch region. It has a serene and unspoiled coastline which makes a profound impact on your disposition. The beach is popular for its camping and water-sports facilities. Other adventure sports here include quad biking, zorbing, dirt biking, horse rides and camel rides. The distance between Bhuj to Mandavi is approximately 60 kms. State transport buses and jeeps depart from Bhuj to Mandvi Beach about every 30 minutes from the central transportation area. If you’ve hired jeeps, you can on the way stop by Prerna Dham, the Ambe Maa Temple in Godhra. The temple is made of white marble stones and exudes a pristine ambience. Come back to your hotel! Overnight Stay at Bhuj

After Breakfast, start early to visit Dhordo Village! Located about 80 kms from Bhuj, the village of Dhordo is known for its rich culture and heritage. Renowned for being the entrance to the Great Rann of Kutch, Dhordo is a place of handicrafts, especially thread and needlework-based Mutwa Embroidery, which symbolizes a chain of stitch-inserts with mirrors, silver jewellery and leather embroidery. Dhordo was a hot news in 2023, when the village was conferred the prestigious title of the Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This is also the same village where annual 3-month festival, namely Rann Utsav was launched in 2005. Rann Utsav epitomizes a cultural fiesta that presents the region's traditional art, music and crafts. Dhordo Tent City is the flagship tourist attraction of the village which offers a variety of accommodation options, including traditional Bhungas (Mud Huts). Dhordo is a complete tourist destination with many restaurants, shops and other facilities. Go to the White Desert, which is merely 1 km from Dhordo! Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh is transformed into a White Desert during the winters. The largest salt desert in the world, the Rann of Kutch becomes an astonishing sight as the White Desert. Camel safaris are available. Go to Kala Dungar, which is 10 kms from Dhordo! Kala Dungar is a hill and also the highest point of the Kutch-area, providing a Vantage Point to have a comprehensive view of the desert from a height of 458 ft. above the sea-level. Visit Purneshwar Temple, one of the oldest temples in the region! Have a visit to Banni Grasslands, 5 kms from Dhordo! Banni Grasslands are a home for all migratory birds. Lala Bustard Sanctuary in the area is one of the most known locations to spot the Great Indian Bustard. Have Desert Safaris to regale yourself! You can roam around the salt desert on camel-back or in traditional Kutchi vehicles. Having a safari in the desert on a full-moon night is a lifetime experience. Come back to your hotel! Overnight Stay at Bhuj

Today after Breakfast, go to Mata no Madh, a village in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch district! Located 138 kms from Bhuj, the village has a namesake temple, Mata no Madh Temple, dedicated to Maa Ashapura, the household deity of the former Jadeja rulers of Kutch State. Built in a typical Indian architectural style, the temple has decorative and intricate carvings, with the idol of Maa Ashapura carved in a red-painted stone. Situated nearly 58 kms away from Mata no Madh Temple, you find Narayan Sarovar, one of the five holy lakes cited in different Hindu texts. The legend is that a dip in Narayan Sarovar is an infallible way to achieve salvation. The lake is surrounded by the temples, dedicated to various deities including Trikamraiji, Lakshminarayan, Govardhannath ji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchhodrai ji and Laxmi ji. Merely 2 kms away from Narayan Sarovar, you get to visit Koteshwar Temple, situated in the namesake village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Koteshwar Temple derives its name from the combination of two words: ‘Kote,’ meaning fort and ‘Ishwar,’ meaning God. Hovering over a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, the temple carries the story that the Koteshwar Shiva is the last manifestation of Shiva on land before his disappearance into the Arabian sea. Constructed in the distinctive Gujarati architectural style with white marble and red sandstones, the temple has elaborate carvings and embellishments beautifying its walls and pillars. Later, head for Lakhpat Fort! The walled fort is located in the town of Lakhpat, 33 kms north of Narayan Sarovar. The fort-walls, built in 1801, are almost 7 kms long with 4 gates and 2 windows. You can climb at many places on the walls to get amazing views of the vast Rann. Though Lakhpat is one of the most remote habitats in Gujarat at the mouth of Kori Creek, yet the fort stands tall in the area to attract tourists. You can visit Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib inside the fort-premises. The Gurdwara has been related to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and happens to be a holy destination for the Sikhs. You can visit the tomb of Pir Ghaus Muhammad, a Sufi saint, who practised half as a Hindu and half as a Muslim. You can bow down to Sayyed Pir Shah’s Dargah also, which is situated just opposite to the tomb of Pir Ghaus Muhammad tomb. The Dargah has nine domes, embellished with intricate carvings. Come back to the hotel Overnight Stay at Bhuj

Today morning after Breakfast, we take you back to Ahmedabad and drop you off at the Airport/Railway Station as per schedule. You get back to your original destination with indelible memories of Bhuj in your heart.