Bhuj

This remote medieval town in arid south-central Kutch entrances visitors with its lively mud-walled buildings, mirror work (one of its most famous sights is Aina Mahal, or the Palace of Mirrors), local dress and crafts, including exquisite and elabor...

Dasada

A geographically unique landform, the Little Rann of Kutch is a saline desert wilderness offering exciting cross-desert safaris, superb wildlife viewing opportunities especially the endangered wild ass and colourful villages along the...

Gir National Park

The 1,150-square-kilometre forest of Gir is the last remaining retreat of the Asiatic lion in India and became a national park in 1975. The gently rolling, densely wooden landscape also harbours leopards and other Asian cats, all of which are elus...

Gondal

On the banks of the river Gondali lie the beautiful 17th-century Navlakha Palace complex and two other royal residences, the Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace, both built in the 19th century and now heritage hotels. The rulers of Gondal were tre...

Mandvi

Mandvi is an intriguing port town on the Gulf coast, around 60km south west of Bhuj. It is renowned for its wooden dhow-building industry and huge, clean, undeveloped beaches - and it makes the ideal base for exploring the southern tract of Kutch. Ma...

Palitana

Legends swirl around this complex of 863 Jain temples on the summit of Shatrunjaya Hill, which is an enormously popular pilgrimage site, or tirtha. Jains form just 1% of the Indian population, but are prevalent in Gujarat, practising a creed of no...

Vadodara

Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda was once capital city of one of the most powerful and wealthy states in India. Today, it is a fast developing centre of industry and education but there is still plenty for visitors to explore. One of its most impo...