Beautiful Tourist Places in Kutch, Gujarat, India

Beautiful Tourist Places in Kutch, Gujarat, India

Kutch is located on the Indian continent in the state of Gujarat. The Kutch district spans over an area of 45,652 km². This district is one of the biggest in the Indian country. To one side of Kutch district lies the Gulf of Kutch and to the other side is the Arabian Sea. The geographical coordinates puts the place at 23.915⁰N and 70.367⁰E. Kutch is 3 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 30⁰C to 48⁰C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 12⁰C to 25⁰C.

Best time to pay a visit to Kutch is during the month October to February.

History of Kutch

According to archeological findings, the history of Kutch dates back to the era of caves man. Findings of certain weapons made of stones are found in Kutch. Further excavation revealed the ancient civilization of Harrapan that existed in 2,600 B.C in the Kutch region. There are also ancient literatures pointing to the fact that the place of Kutch even existed during the Tretra Yuga and Mahabharata Yuga.

Another citing in the region dates back to 150 A.D, where a King by the name Rudradam, from Junagard ruled Kutch. There are inscriptions dating back to 79 to 400 A.D, which indicate the presence of Jainism and Buddhism in Kutch. After the end of Rudradam’s rule in Kutch, the place was witness to the rise and fall of many dynasties such as the Guptas, Valabhis, Arabs, Solanki’s, Chalukyas, Vaghela, Moghuls before the British East India Company came into supremacy.

People & Culture of Kutch

Kutch offers a rich and diverse culture, with people from all caste, religion and sect residing throughout the place. One can come across people belonging to various religions such as Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslim and Hindus. Gujarati, Kutchi, Sindhi English and Hindi are the languages spoken by the people in and around Kutch, with Gujarati being the local language.

There are many folk dances associated with the region of Kutch. Some of them are mentioned below

Garba and Garbi
Raas of Aayar, Mer, Bharvad and Padhar
Ghoriya Raas
Dandiya Raas
Tippani
Mashira Nritya of Siddis
Swords Raas of Gallants
Jag Nritya
Makti Nritya
Ashwa Nritya
Hsnichi
Titodo
Luvar and Adivasi dance

Many festivals such as Christmas, Holi, Diwali etc., are celebrated in a grand way throughout Kutch district.

Food and Shopping in Kutch

Vegetarian food happens to be the traditional food in the entire region; however non-vegetarian dishes are also served at restaurants. The staple food of the locals are Rotlas, Butter milk, Butter, Jaggery, dal and Khichhdi made of rice.

Kutch city is filled colorful shops, emporiums and malls that sell any commodities from fashionable garments, magnificently crafted handicraft and souvenirs, required by an individual.

Tourist Places in and near Kutch

Kutch has few temples and amazing picturesque places with beautiful sceneries of interest. Some of these interesting places are mentioned below

Kandla Port

Also India’s free trade zone, this port is one of the most important ports in the country.

Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary

Spread across 5000 km², this is the only sanctuary where the endangered wild Ass of India is located.

The Kutch Museum

This museum has various relics and antiques dating back to the 1^st century A.D. It was founded by Maharao Khengarji in the year 1877.

Great Rann of Kutch

One of its kinds in the Indian country this land is enormously filled with seasonal salt and is located close to the Thar Desert.

Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

Spanning over a total area of 2 km², this sanctuary is the only place where the endangered Great Indian Bustard bird is spotted.

Other must see places near Kutch

Mundra Port
Narayan Sarovar
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Banni Grasslands Reserve
Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
Aina Mahal
The Prag Mahal
Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan
Little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary

Means of Commutation to Kutch

Kutch is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The distance of Kutch by road from cities within Gujarat and other cities in neighboring states are mentioned below:

Ahmedabad is located at a distance of 402 km
Pune is located at a distance of 713 km
Vadodara is located at a distance of 509 km
Udaipur is located at a distance of 657 km
Nasik is located at a distance of 875 km

There are plenty of buses both, private and state run, available from neighboring states to reach Kutch.

For travelling within city limits one can utilize the auto rickshaw or the public bus.

Adipur railway station is the only station located close to Kutch. Trains are available daily from stations in following cities of India

Chennai
Delhi
Ahmedabad

The airport at Bhuj is located at a distance of 71 km from Kutch. Many flights from other cities in India arrive and depart on a daily basis at this airport.

Accommodation Options at Kutch

Hotels such as four star and three star provide various world class amenities to tourists at Kutch. There are rooms such as deluxe and suites which are charged at Rs. 3000/- per day. One can also find economy hotels at Kutch where the rent per day for a room is charged at Rs. 400/-. The names of some hotels located at Kutch are: