magnificent mandvi

Mandvi

Mandvi is a town with municipality in the Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was once a major port of the region and summer retreat for Maharao (king) of the Cutch State. The old city was enclosed in the fort wall and remains of the fort wall can still be seen. The city has a four-hundred-year-old ship building industry, which was started by the caste of Kharva that still builds small wooden ships.

• Mandvi beach

mandvi beach

Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Mandvi Beach is a pristine and tranquil sea shore which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. It is endowed with a calm and clean environment and makes for a peaceful getaway from the city. The silky smooth sand of Mandvi Beach is an inviting carpet which gives way to the salty waters of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy the serene beauty of this place with your friends and family, or go all out and explore the windmills that are situated here as well. In addition to being a laidback beach destination, Mandvi Beach is also popular for its camping and water sports facilities.

Standing near the Vijay Vilas palace estate in Bhuj, Mandvi Beach is is secluded and undiscovered beach destination with clean water and beautiful view. Take a long walk along the shore as you witness the sun setting over the horizon, or go for bird spotting and discover the beauty of Kutch through its fauna. Another activity to pursue here is camel ride, which takes you on a round of the entire property as you bobble up and down on this majestic animal's back, or practice some yoga to the tune of the gentle sea. With its tranquil surroundings being it's most alluring quality, Mandvi Beach makes for an enchanting rendezvous with nature and its beauty. 

• Topansar lake

Topansar Lake lies in the heart of the port city of Mandvi, about 60 kms from Bhuj. When visiting Kutch, consider visiting Mandvi for its cultural contribution to the history of Gujarat. This beautiful lake is a popular excursion for Mandvi residents, who flock in the early hours of morning to enjoy the cool breeze and to watch migratory bird.

• Vijay palace

vijay palace

The palace was built during reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, the Maharao of Kutch, as a summer resort for the use of his son & heir to the kingdom, the Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji and is therefore, named after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace. The construction of palace started in year in 1920 and was completed in year 1929.The palace is built with red sandstone. It has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone 'jalis', domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. The palace is set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The carved stone works of Jalis, Jharokas, Chhatris, Chhajas, murals and many other artistic stone carvings, colored glass work on windows and door panels all have been done by the architect and craftsman from places like Jaipur, Rajasthan, Bengal and Saurashtra, and local Kutchi artisan community, the Mistris of Kutch and Suthars. The mixture and mingling of architect and style of different regions of India, as such, can be distinctly seen in design & architect of the Vijaya Vilas Palace.^]The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding area. The tiny intricate windows gives one feeling to be out in open, through which cool sea wind passes out.

The campus also houses a Chhatri of Vijayaraji, who died in 1948, to whom this palace was very dear.