Mandvi Beach and Village, India

Mandvi (in Gujrati માંડવી )

Mandvi (in Gujrati માંડવી ) is a city and a 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.

Fortress

The fortress of Mandvi was built by Raoshri Bharmalji in 1549.[dubious – discuss] It was eight km long, 2.7 metre broad and three metre high with five gates, three windows and seven bastions (kotha). In 1978, Mandvi municipality was handed over the fort under condition that it will preserve the fortress. Later in 1992, the municipality decided to demolish 290 metre of wall to free the land but was opposed by citizens. The appeal was rejected in 1993 and the 300 metre long wall of west side was demolished in 1993. In 1999, the state archeological department considered it for declaring protected monument but later decided against it. After assessing condition of fort, the court rejected appeals against demolition in 2001. The fort wall was demolished in two phases except four gates and six bastions which were preserved as protected monuments.

Geography

Mandvi is a port city located at 22.81°N 69.36°E where the Rukmavati River meets the Gulf of Kutch. It is about 56 km south of the regional capital, Bhuj. It is approximately 446 km from the major Gujarati megacity of Ahmedabad. Because Mandvi has no rail transport, the nearest public airport and train station is Bhuj.

5 Things to do in Mandvi, India

Mandvi is a port city in the Western Part of India in the Kutch, Gujarat region. It is famous for its beaches and centuries old ship building yard. Once upon a time walled city, the ruins of the walls can be seen while driving around. It is a good half day trip from Bhuj unless you want to spend more time on the beach. You can opt to stay in Mandvi and explore Bhuj and surrounds.

Best Time: All year round but October to March is preferred for sightseeing around Mandvi and Great Rann of Kutch

Reach : Nearest airport is in Bhuj about 50-60 kms away. Ideally a day trip from Bhuj or a good stop over for a day if you are driving around Kutch.

1. Vijay Vilas PalaceVisit the Vijay Vilas Palace by the sea which is an amazing depiction of fusion architecture which has inspired the legendary Bollywood Movie – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. You can choose to stay in the luxury tents off the private beach of the Palace for some peace and quiet.

2. Lunch at “Osho”. Located in a narrow building in the busy market area, the awesome food for less than Rs 100/- makes up for the location. The server appears sad if you happen to refuse second and third helpings. The market around is pretty vibrant. If you are a street foodie keep some space for that super soft dhokla, the famed Mandvi Dabeli(similar to Mumbai Vada Pao).

3. Drive past the Ship Building Yard which Mandvi is famous for. If you are very adventurous, stop and try climbing one of those ships under works !!

4. Spend time at the beach, the sand does not stick to the feet and the water is clear and cool. Watch the windmills and birds, take a short camel ride along the beach or simply walk along the soft sand enjoying the foot massage with cool sea water.

5. Visit the 72 Jinalay or Jain Temples, located in Khoday on the Mandvi – Bhuj Road about 15 kms from Mandvi.