INDIALINE

Kachch Attractions

Lakhpat

Lakhpat is situated 135 km. from Bhuj on the Kori creek. It is named after Rao lakha but it could also have been named so because of the many Lakhpatis. millionaires residing there in the hey day of Lakhpat's glory. The Lakhpat fort houses many temples, dargarts, and a gurudwara from which, as popular belief goes, Gurunanak made his sojourn to Mecca.

The Jurassic Terrace

Kachchh stands on the ancient land mass that spawned civilisation two thousand five hundred years ago. Discovery of Dholavira, Kotdi. Shikarpur, and so many other prehistoric sites is a testimony to the antiquity of this land. However the jewel in the crown is Dhotavira with its twin mounds that date back to 3000 B.C. Dholavira is presumed to be amongst the largest Harappan settlements so far identified in the subcontinent today. Besides prehistoric sites so many other historic sites dot Kachchh that are a treat. So do not miss a visit to the following places.

Bhadreshwar

Which nestles on the ruins of the ancient city of Bhadravati. In here is the famous Jain temple dating back to the tenth century.

Bhuj

The district headquarters is a town that is steeped in history. Bhuj houses The Aina Mahal ( The 18th century royal palace) with its resplendent hall of mirrors, Pragmahal palace -an elegant Italianate palace, The Sharad Baugh palace, The Royal cenotaphs Chattris, the Kachchh Museum (the oldest museum in the state ) Ethnology Museum and the Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Complex. Also close to Bhuj is Kera, the legendary capital of Lakha Phulani, the famous ruler of Kachchh.

Anjar

In Anjar is the famous Jesal Toral Samadhi ( Tomb of the Jesal and his wife Toral ).

Koteshwar & Narayan Sarovar Temples

Famous for their lake temples sacred to Hindus.

Mandvi

With its ancient harbour and the majestic Vijay Vilas palace is another place not be missed.

For migratory birds, Kachchh is an aerial junction. Soon after monsoon the skies assume the role of an expressway with a great medley of birds gliding along its unhindered paths.

The Flamingo Land

The marshes of Kachchh are the only known breeding ground for flamingoes in India. In a cycle of once in a decade, when conditions are favourable, flamingoes descend in thousands to breed on islands in the Great Rann. After a good monsoon rainfall you can hope to sight these majestic birds in Dhand, in Banni. However a journey to the Flamingo city near Kala Dungar means a back breaking camel tide for 48 hours through slush and marshes. But if you can wade through this mire you know the toil was not in vain. It is a breath I taking sight to watch thousands of flamingoes with their young-ones.

Sighting the Wild Ass, Ghorkhur is not as difficult and tedious as the flamingoes. These asses romp the marshy lands in quest of the coarse grass that grows on the bets or islands during monsoon. Come summer and these asses move on to other bets where there is a perennial supply of water.

When it comes to speed and stamina few can match the wild ass. It is a marathon runner. If lucky you could see this sturdy beast gallop untiringly for hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h over short distances.

However much of the fauna in Kachchh has been edged out by human beings like everywhere else. Chronicles recount panthers roaming wild around Bhuj. However, now perhaps less than half a dozen remain around the Dhinodnar mountain. If you are lucky you may find the Blackbuck cross your path. Persevere and you could sight the Cinkara and Nilgai too.

A more common sight when you are in Kachchh is the camel. Amongst domestic animals, the Kachchhi camel Is a fleet footed beast more suited for riding than carrying loads. It can stomp and j splash through the marshy .lands unlike the Rajasthani camel and is therefore best suited for Kachchh.