The Aaina Mahal palace, or 'Hall of Mirrors' was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. The responsibility of engineering, architecture, and embellishment was entitled to Ram Singh Malam - a genius of an artist who took his training in Europe for 17 years but came back to India seeking name and fame. He was asked by the king to create this palace of dreams for him, and thus the Aaina Mahal came into existence. However, what once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks and exotic tile works was shaken and disheveled in the 2001 earthquake that hit Bhuj. The Aaina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, easily walkable from most of Bhuj.
Located on the outskirts of the ethnic town of Bhuj, Parag Mahal is one of the architectural wonders in India. Built-in the 19th century, it is established next to the popular Aaina Mahal and lies in the heart of the city making it easily accessible. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display.
The oldest museum of Gujarat, the Kutch Museum boasts of its collection of the extinct Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tribal artifacts are also a part of the museum along with many other kinds of objects on display exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculptures, and precious metalwork.
The Vande Mataram Memorial is a unique national Monument seeking to immortalize the most momentous episodes in India’s freedom struggle from British Rule. The Memorial is spread over 12 acres of land in the Bhuj region of Gujarat, comprising of a Parliament Building, India Gate, Yellow Fort, and open grounds for all to enjoy. A part of the grounds also houses Hiralaxmi Craft Park, another non-profit initiative by Ashapura Foundation, which houses local artisans from across villages in Kutch-Bhuj and provides them a platform to hone and showcase their crafts to buyers.
The Crafts Museum celebrates the glorious crafts heritage of Kutch. Right now, the focus is on the hand embroideries of Kutch, of which there are over forty distinct styles, practised by 12 different communities. All these styles are on display in the current Museum Show entitled The Living Embroideries of Kutch. The highlight of this show is the collection of large-size embroidery panels created by present-day craftswomen. The technical excellence and creativity displayed in these panels is unsurpassed anywhere in the modern world.
Rann of Kutch is inarguably one of the most beautiful destinations in India. One of the largest salt deserts in the world, Rann of Kutch is not just famous for its natural splendor, but also for the cultural extravaganza that takes place every year between the months of November/December and Feb/March in the form of Rann Utsav. Rann Utsav is an underrated carnival BUT BELIEVE US when we say that it is one of the best festivals that you will ever be able to attend in India.
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