Bhuj

Bhuj is the administrative and cultural capital of the Kutch district in Gujarat, situated at about 110 metres above sea level. The city lies at a geographic crossroads between the Thar Desert, the Arabian Sea, and the Rann of Kutch, giving it a distinctive landscape and cultural identity shaped by both arid desert traditions and coastal trade influences. Founded in 1510 by Rao Khengarji, Bhuj served as the seat of the Jadeja rulers of Kutch and remained a princely state until India’s independence in 1948. Despite the devastating 2001 earthquake, which destroyed much of its historic fabric, the city has been rebuilt while preserving key heritage monuments. Major landmarks include the Aina Mahal, known for its mirror work and Indo-European design, and the Prag Mahal, famous for its Italian Gothic architecture and clock tower. Bhuj also serves as the gateway to the wider Kutch region. Within a short distance lie the vast white salt desert of the Rann of Kutch, traditional craft villages, and the coastal town of Mandvi. The city is equally known for its vibrant bazaars selling Kutchi embroidery, bandhani tie-dye, and ajrakh block prints, as well as its distinctive cuisine, including dabeli, the spicy potato-based street food snack believed to have originated here.