What to See Around Kutch
Little Rann of Kutch in Dasada (260 kms from Bhuj)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
The endless stretch of white sands, indian wild ass, migratory waterbirds like cranes, ducks, pelicans, flamingoes and land birds like sand grouse,frankolins and the Indian bustards. A paradise for bird lovers in winter. Take jeep safaris, camel safaris, mingle with the locals and relax in the cottages.
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Dholavira (270 kms from Bhuj)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
An archaeological site in Bhachau, contains ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan city. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites[1] and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Water reservoirs, seals,spoked wheel, pottery pieces etc are seen here.
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Koteshwar (150 kms from Bhuj)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
The story of Koteshwar begins with Ravana, who got a boon from Lord Shiva. This boon was the gift of a Shiva linga of great spiritual power, but which Ravana, in his arrogant haste, accidentally dropped and it fell to earth at Koteshwar. To punish Ravana for his carelessness, the linga turned into a thousand identical copies. Unable to distinguish the original, Ravana grabbed one and departed, leaving the original one here, around which Koteshwar Temple was built. The desert meets the sea here. Visit the temple, walk the beach.
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Chari Dund (80 kms)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
Stay - Can be visited staying in Bhuj
Chhari means salt affected and Dhandh means Shallow wet-lands. This places is a paradise for bird watchers. View the photologue section to view the birds here.
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Narayan Sarovar (150 kms)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
Stay - Can be visited staying in Bhuj. A one day trip required.
Narayan Sarovar Lake is one of the 5 holy lakes of Hinduism, along with Mansarovar in Tibet, Pampa in Karnataka, Bhuvaneshwar in Orissa and Pushkar in Rajasthan. There are temples of Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, etc here. Can be combined with Koteshwar Temple which is a mere 2 km from Narayan Sarovar. Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary is around 14 kms further.
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Badreshwar (80 kms)
Best time to visit - Nov to Mar
Stay - Can be visited staying in Bhuj.
Bhadreshwar is one of the major centers of Jain pilgrimage in Gujarat. The main temple is strikingly beautiful, in all white marble with majestic pillars. Around the central one are 52 smaller shrines, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshavanath idol from 500 BC.