A quick peep into Bhuj Chhatedi

Bhuj Chhatedi, Bhuj, Gujarat

We travelled from Ahmedabad to Bhuj by over-night train and reached Bhuj early in the morning. We decided to spend the day by visiting the local places in Bhuj before we headed to the Great Rann of Kutch for sunset.

First we paid a visit to the famous Swami Narayan Temple. There were so many Swami Narayan Temples in Gujarat, almost at least one in each city but the marble carved raising and the feel of being in a new city didn't stop us from visiting them.

Swami Narayan Temple, Bhuj

Right after that we headed straight to one of the eccentric places in India, Bhuj Chhatedi. I specifically told my cab driver about this place and even though he was a local it took him sometime to get it because not many tourists ask to go this place.

Broken arch of the cenotaph 

This place is a little outlandish and deserted but I always prefer to visit one offbeat place during my travel. Long before I planned my trip to Gujarat, I started researching on the places to visit and the things to try and this place was hardly listed anywhere so that added to my curiosity. Also, the movie Hum dil Chuke Sanam had some scenes shot in Bhuj Chhatedi, I realized while going through the google pictures of the place. So I definitely decided to go.

This Chhatedi is basically a cenotaph, a burial ground for the Monarchs of Bhuj and Kutch. Known for its architectural excellence and the neatly carved tomb stones, Chhatedi attracted a lot more than just tourists - it took a heavy hit during the Gujarat earthquake 2001. The sight of the extent of damage due to the earthquake was disheartening. Nevertheless, the teenagers who bunked their college to romance out in this lonely place livened it up a little.

Tomb damaged in earthquake

We roamed around the broken pillars and the tomb stones for a while until we were satisfied that we clicked enough pictures of the dead and buried and headed out to witness the sunset at Rann of Kutch.

Way to go: I booked Gadhavi cab service through just dial and it turned out to be the worst. They did not reach the hotel on time, they sent a different vehicle from what I asked for, they charged us extra for the one they provided. I asked for a bigger vehicle because we were three couples travelling together. Since I paid a small advance, we used his service for just the day and let him go. The cab driver was in a bad mood throughout the day because of this and he wasn't a good guide nor did he know any places. Local transportation is available but I don't think there is any to Rann of Kutch which is a couple of hours from Bhuj. You can reach Bhuj from Ahmedabad by train, which is the cheapest mode of transport.

Eat out: Have prasad (offerings) at Swami Narayan temple because it a long way to go from Bhuj to Kutch.

Place to rest: We stayed at Viable residency. It was a new hotel at the time so the prices were very low, the rooms were very clean and neat, room service was good and the best thing about the hotel was poha at breakfast. It was a delight to stay there. If I hadn't prepared a jam packed schedule during the trip, I'd have stayed there a little longer just to enjoy the food and the pool.

Viable Residency, Bhuj

Poha for breakfast

Pool side dining area

Little things: There is a fort in Bhuj that was temporarily closed during our visit due to some political reason. If you get a chance, pay a visit. We saw the fort walls on the way to Chhatedi and it was tempting me to step inside another historic place.

Tip from the trip: As we all know, even in January it is hot during the day in Gujarat so Bhuj was no exception. Bring a hat and wear enough sun protection. Carry water always.

Photo Credits: Srivathsan Ravi, Kalaiselvan & Me
Visit: 25.01.2018