Aina Mahal (Old Palace)
The Aina Mahal is an 18th-century palace that is located next to the Prag Mahal in the district capital of Kutch. The palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji of Cutch State around 1750, has a Hall of Mirrors with white marble walls covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments; the floor is lined with tiles with a platform above it surrounded by a series of fountains. It is a two-storey mansion that is constructed with stones and decorated with stone carvings and wood fretwork.
Kutch Museum
The oldest museum in Gujarat, it was established in 1877, originally known as the Fergusson Museum, named after its founder, Sir James Fergusson, a governor of Mumbai under the British rule. The museum has the largest existing collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, dating to the 1st century AD. The exhibits on display are gold and silver ornaments, Kshatrapa inscriptions, textiles, weapons, archaeological finds, stuffed animals and musical instruments. Besides these, it is equipped with a picture gallery and sections for anthropology and shipping. On the ground floor of the museum, in the centre room, a carved, wooden, snow-white Indian elephant with seven tusks, ‘Airavat’ is displayed, one of the major attractions of the museum.
Prag Mahal (New Palace)
The Prag Mahal is a magnificent building made of ornate Italian marble and sandstone. Its Corinthian pillars and Jali work depicting European flora and fauna are worth observing. Prag Mahal is named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned it and construction began in 1865. The local Kutchi builder community (Mistris of Kutch) were also involved in the construction of Prag Mahal along with Colonel Wilkins.
Cenotaph Complex (Chattardi)
A popular site is the cenotaphs complex at Chattaradi. These are built of red stones. Of all the tombs here, the largest and the finest is the one of Rao Lakha built in 1770 AD. It is polygonal in shape with balconies and an intricately carved roof. Other impressive cenotaphs are the ones of Rao Rayadhan, Rao Desai and Rao Pragmal. Most of the buildings have almost disappeared into rubble piles as a result of the earthquake of 2001.
Lakhpat
Lakhpat has situated 135 km. from Bhuj on the Kori creek. It is named after Rao Lakha. Another theory suggests that the name could have also been emerged because of the many lakhpatis (millionaires) residing there in the heyday of Lakhpat’s glory. The fort, rebuilt and expanded in 1801 by Fateh Muhammad, is an irregular polygon, defended by round towers and built of hard brown stone. The Lakhpat Fort houses many Temples, Dargahs, and a Gurudwara from which, as popular belief goes, Gurunanak made his sojourn to Mecca.
Koteshwar and Narayan Sarovar
Famous for their lake temples sacred to Hindus, Koteshwar is at a short distance from Narayan Sarovar around 200 km from Bhuj. It is an ancient place of pilgrimage. The existing temple is situated on a high plinth overlooking the sea. It is a breathtaking sunset point. Narayan Sarovar is a village and place of pilgrimage for Hindus on the Kori Creek. According to Hindu theology, there are five sacred lakes; collectively called Panch-Sarovar; Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar at Narayan Sarovar.
Bhadreshwar Jain Temple
It is believed to be one of the oldest Jain temples in India, although they have been renovated and rehabilitated from time to time. The temple is said to be first renovated by King Sidhsen of Bhadrawati in 449 B.C. It stands in a court about 48 feet wide by 85 long, surrounded by a row of forty-four shrines with a corridor in front. The temple stands in a courtyard, which, from the line of the temple front, is covered by three-pillared domes.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
Gujarat is as famous for its large wild ass herds as it is for its lions. To protect these rare animals, a sanctuary covering an area of over 4,953 sq. km was created to offer protection to more than 2,100 wild asses inhabiting this area. It is located in the Little Rann of Kutch. About 93 species of invertebrates – 25 species of zooplanktons, 1 species of annelid, 4 crustaceans, 24 insects, 12 molluscs and 27 spiders are inhabitants at the sanctuary.
Anjar
Anjar is mainly known for the samadhi (tomb) of Jesal Toral, and the bungalow of James Mcmurdo, which is a veritable museum of Kutchi Art. Places worth visiting are the Ajaypal Temple, the Holy Shrine of Pinjora Pir. Anjar is also famous for its block printing work, nutcrackers, scissors and penknives.
Mandvi
Mandvi, about 75 km from Bhuj, founded in 1581 A.D. is an ancient seaport. It is well known for its production of handicraft items particularly its relief, filigree and enamel work and its virtually unspoilt sea beaches. The Rukmavati Bridge, one of the longest stone bridge built in 1883 A.D. and the Vijay Vilas palace are the major tourist spots at this destination. The windfarms on the beach of Mandvi are a sight to visit as well.
Chinkara Sanctuary
Chinkara Sanctuary is a unique eco-system near Narayan Sarovar in the Lakhpat taluka of Kutch district in the state of Gujarat. The desert forest in this sanctuary is said to be the only one of its kind in India. Located in the arid zone, a part of it is a seasonal wetland. It has 15 threatened wildlife species and has desert vegetation comprising thorn and scrub forests. Its biodiversity has some rare animals and birds, and rare flowering plants. Wildlife Institute of India has identified it as one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India and a possible reintroduction site for the species.
Marshes of Kutch
The marshes of Kutch are the only known breeding ground for flamingos in India. In a cycle of once in a decade, when conditions are favourable, flamingos descend in thousands to breed on islands in the Great Rann. After a good monsoon rainfall, one can hope to sight these majestic birds in Dhanda, in Banni. Flamingo city, near Kala Dungur, (48 hours camel journey through slush and marshes), is a breathtaking sight to watch thousands of flamingoes with their young ones.