Why visit Rann of Kutch
- Home to the Asiatic Wild Ass - unique to this region
- A remarkably barren region housing 18 different tribes
- Exquisite sarees, embroidery and ornaments
- Folk Arts Museum
- Rare Little Rann of Kutch sanctuary
The fascinating walled city of Bhuj, the capital of the once princely State of Kutch, with beautiful palaces and havelis, was damaged greatly by the earthquake in 2001. Much of the towns main attractions now unfortunately stand in ruins, but the Folk Arts museum with its choice collection of kutch textiles, embroidery, weaponry and other local crafts, still stands and also has a reconstructed village of Rabari bhoongas. The 18th century old palace of the Kutch rulers is located in Mandvi, a few kilometres south west of Bhuj. Architecturally a blend of local and European styles, it is now a girls school. This old port town has nice beaches. Another place of interest in the Kutch region is Dholavira, a small village where archaeologists have unearthed extensive remains of a city that dates back to about 3000 BC. Along with Lothal it is the largest known Indus valley settlement in India. An expanse of salt flats and grasslands in northwest Gujarat, the little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary with a unique eco system, supports a variety of rare flora and fauna and the sanctuary is one of the last refuges of the Asiatic Wild Ass. Dhrangadhra and Dasada are two interesting bases from which the sanctuary can be visited. Dasada has a 15th century fort and a village where potters and textile printers practice their craft. Dhrangadhra, capital of a former princely state has a fine 18th century palace and a bazaar with interesting colonial buildings.
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