Places of Interest in Kutch

What to See

Aina Mahal: Gorgeously constructed with marble walls and gold lace and glass, this 18th century palace in Bhuj was built by Rao Lakhpatji. When you visit Aina Mahal, which literally means ‘Mirror Palace,’ look for the Hall of Mirrors, which is the main attraction. Created by master artisan Ram Singh Malam, the walls of this great hall are made of white marble covered by mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, and the hall is lit up with beautiful candelabras with shades of Venetian glass.

Prag Mahal: Located next to the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal is a 19th century palace named after Rao Pragmalji II. Designed in the Italian Gothic style, this palace has remnants of the golden era, when even the palace artisans were paid in gold coins. Featuring the Darbar hall with stunning chandeliers and classical statues, Corinthian pillars, jali work and antique taxidermy, the Prag Mahal is a must-visit if you’re into big palaces with a long history.

Great Rann: A seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert, the Great Rann of Kutch is said to be the largest salt desert in the world. This vast white desert is so soothing to the eyes, that skipping a visit to this part of Kutch is inadvisable. If you are lucky, you will find the sky and the desert all merging into one, giving this place a surreal, almost dream-like ambience.

Wild Ass Sanctuary: The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, located in the Little Rann of Kutch, is said to be the largest wildlife sanctuary in the world. Established in 1972, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is where the world’s last population of the Indian Wild Ass is found. Not only this, the sanctuary is home to several species of animals like Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Golden Jackal, Chinkara and Blackbuck.

Dholavira: A site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, aka Harappan Civilisation, Dholavira is rife with history and culture. Imagine spending a day here, reimagining life all those years ago, the people and their culture to guide you. The Dholavira Signboard is one of the most important discoveries made at Dholavira. This signboard consists of ten large symbols of gypsum, and the inscription is said to be one of the longest in the Indus script.

Kalo Dungar: Kalo Dungar or the Black Hill near Khavda is the highest point in Kutch. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Rann and also visit the 400 year old temple dedicated to Dattatreya, the three-headed incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Kalo Dungar is also located very close to the Pakistan border, so you will find an Army post at the top.