Exploring Bhuj: History, Heritage, and Resilience – Part II

Continued from Exploring Bhuj: History, Heritage, and Resilience – Part I

With the palace, museum and Swaminarayan mandir covered, we moved on....

Ramkund stepwell
After visiting the Swaminarayan Temple, we settled into the auto-rickshaw, and the driver mentioned a stepwell within the city—one often overlooked on typical city tours. Winding through narrow residential lanes, he stopped before the Ramkund stepwell.

Built in the 18th century, this square-shaped well near the Kutch Museum descends 56 feet and stands as a remarkable historical landmark. Its walls are adorned with carvings from the Ramayana and the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, while a small Ram Dhun Temple sits within the same premises, just in front of the well.

During our visit, the stepwell was nearly full, hiding its intricate depths and the carvings, but the driver showed us photographs on his phone, revealing a truly magnificent structure. Ramkund remains a quiet testament to human ingenuity, shaped by the need to endure and overcome a harsh natural landscape.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM all days

Ramkund Stepwell

Stepwell (PC. Incredible India)

Chhatedi
After a brief stop at the stepwell, we moved on to Chhatedi. Entering through a narrow gate, we found ourselves wondering if we had come to the right place. A few steps ahead, beyond another fenced section beside a small park, the site appeared little more than a mound scattered with fallen stones. It was only after crossing a metal gate and climbing over the mound that the scene suddenly unfolded—revealing the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Chhatedi.

The name Chhatedi is derived from Chhatri, meaning umbrella. True to its name, the roof of the structures rises in graceful, umbrella-shaped forms, giving the place its distinctive character. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, this 400-year-old site is among Bhuj’s finest heritage landmarks, celebrated for its architectural elegance.

Chhatedi is, in fact, a samadhi sthal of the royal family of Bhuj. Kings and their family members were cremated here, after which ornate chhatris were built over their memorials as a mark of remembrance and reverence. The most striking among them is the Rao Lakhpatji Chhatri. Though heavily damaged in the 2001 earthquake, remnants of fallen domes still lie nearby, while the intricately carved columns continue to stand with quiet dignity. Inside rests the memorial stone of Rao Lakhpatji of Kutch and his queens.

Given the extent of the damage, a guard carefully ensured that visitors did not step over buried samadhis or venture onto unstable structures. Restoration work by the ASI is still underway, and it isn’t hard to imagine the grandeur this place once held. Even in its fractured state, Chhatedi possesses a unique charm—especially for those drawn to history, ruins, and architectural photography. I found myself lingering here, enjoying the quiet exploration and capturing the beauty of its weathered remains.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM, all days

Chhatedi

Chhatedi

Chhatedi

Chhatedi

Trimandir
After exploring the ruins, our auto took us about 2.5 km to what the driver mentioned as Dada Bhagwan Mandir. I had not heard of this temple before, which only heightened my curiosity as we entered the main gate and were greeted by its sheer scale. The complex spans roughly 22,300 sq ft, with the temple podium itself covering 8,412 sq ft.

Also known as the Trimandir, this is a non-sectarian temple where three deities share the same platform—Lord Simandhar Swami, the Jain Tirthankara, at the centre; Lord Krishna to the right; and Lord Shiva to the left. This unique concept of inclusivity, which fosters harmony across faiths, was introduced by Dada Bhagwan.

The marble idol of Lord Shree Simandhar Swami, chiselled with remarkable finesse, stands an imposing 151 inches tall. The complex also houses a museum, a spacious satsang hall, dining facilities, and a few smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu gods and Tirthankaras, reinforcing the temple’s inclusive spirit.

By the time we arrived, it was almost noon, and surprisingly, we were the only visitors in the sanctum. The uncluttered darshan and the openness of the campus created a deeply meditative atmosphere. After spending a few quiet moments soaking in the calm, we stepped out, carrying that sense of stillness with us as we moved on to the next site.

By then, it was already midday, and with only half a day left, we began debating our next destination—Smritivan Earthquake Museum, Bhujia Hill, or Vande Mataram Memorial. The sun was directly overhead, and the heat was intense; consequently, we skipped the Bhujia Hill, which would been far more enjoyable early in the morning. Left with two choices, we decided to visit the Vande Mataram Memorial first, located approximately 10 km from Bhuj city, and then the Smritivan Earthquake Museum, as it lay conveniently on the route back to our homestay.

Trimandir

Vande Mataram Memorial
Vande Mataram Memorial is a museum located in Bhujodi village, near Bhuj. Spread across 12 acres, the memorial has been developed by the non-profit Ashapura Foundation to immortalise the most significant episodes of India’s freedom struggle, from the Revolt of 1857 to the country’s independence in 1947.

As we enter the complex, we get a view of the fountains of Vrindavan Gardens, which are lighted in the evening. The largest structure within the memorial is a replica of the Indian Parliament Building, covering over 100,000 square feet. The main museum is housed inside this Parliament complex, where visitors are taken through Indian history from 1600 to 1947 using immersive 4D technology presented in 17 episodes.

The second-largest structure, modelled on the Agra Fort, spans 50,000 sq ft. It features a special gallery dedicated to the Gujarat freedom fighters. It also houses an auditorium, a library, and a food court. In the complex stands a replica of India Gate, eleven statues depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March, and a towering statue of Gandhiji himself.

Within the Vande Mataram Memorial complex lies the Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park, spread over 10 acres and dedicated to preserving and promoting the exquisite art and craftsmanship of Kutch. The park provides a valuable platform for local artisans to display and sell their work, with opportunities offered on a rotational basis to ensure wider participation.

The park also has a serene Radha–Krishna temple and a tranquil lotus pond, adding to the spiritual and aesthetic appeal. We skipped the façade show, as it would have been too late, and we wanted to visit the Earthquake Museum.

Visiting the Vande Mataram Memorial was a meaningful experience. It reinforces a deep sense of national pride and respect for the freedom fighters of our country, the very purpose for which the museum was created. After some shopping at the Hiralaxmi Market, we continued to the Earthquake Museum.

Timings: Vande Mataram Memorial: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; 

Hiralaxmi Craft Park: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Facade Show: 8:00 PM daily

VandeMatram Memorial: Parliament Building

Vandematram Memorial: Agra Fort (Inside view)

Vandematram Memorial: India Gate

Vandematram Memorial: Mahatma Gandhi statue

Smritivan: Earthquake Memorial and Museum

Dedicated to the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum is a vast memorial park built atop Bhujiyo Hill. The project was developed by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) and is managed by KPMG Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. It was inaugurated on 28 August 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Gujarat earthquake of 2001 was one of the most catastrophic calamities in Indian history, leaving the entire nation in shock. Measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, with Bhuj as its epicentre, the disaster still sends chills down the spine of anyone who experienced it. In the Kutch district alone, the earthquake affected approximately 1,523,562 people, claimed nearly 12,932 lives, and devastated around 890 villages.

Spread across 470 acres, the memorial park is home to more than 500,000 trees planted in memory of the earthquake victims. It also boasts the world’s largest Miyawaki forest. The expansive campus includes 50 check dams, a sunset point, 8 km of walking pathways, 1.2 km of internal roads, a 1 MW solar power plant, and a large parking facility.

We arrived during the final entry slot of the day. After quickly purchasing our tickets, we waited for a small group to form before entering the museum. Once inside, we were introduced to a thoughtfully designed space that blends education, technology, and emotion.

The museum comprises seven blocks spread over 124,000 sq ft. Each block represents a distinct theme—Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew—guiding visitors through a powerful, immersive journey that is educational, interactive, and at times almost surreal.

Rebirth showcases the evolution of Earth, tracing how landforms emerged over millions of years and explaining the geological genesis of the land we inhabit. It also offers glimpses of prosperous ancient civilisations in the Kutch region, historic trade routes of Gujarat, and the enduring spirit of advancement and resilience.

Rediscover highlights the resilience of Kutch and the innovative spirit of its people, while explaining the reasons behind the region’s frequent natural hazards. Through interactive models and immersive films, visitors gain insight into vulnerabilities, adaptations, and the resilient responses of communities living in harsh and unpredictable environments.

Restore takes visitors through the tragic events of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake and its devastating impact. People from all walks of life were affected in one way or another. This section presents the immediate rescue and relief efforts and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the personal testimonies and recollections of earthquake survivors.

Rebuild offers a comprehensive understanding of the collective efforts involved in rebuilding, reconstructing, and reviving Gujarat, with a focus on long-term disaster mitigation and sustainable development.

Rethink imparts knowledge on disaster preparedness and response through interactive activities and games. It highlights India’s vulnerability to natural hazards across different regions and educates visitors on how individuals and communities can better prepare themselves.

Relive features the world’s largest 5D earthquake simulator, set within a 360-degree immersive environment. The experience recreates the tremors that shook Gujarat, the collapse of buildings, and the tragic loss of lives during the 2001 earthquake—an intense and unforgettable experience.

Renew serves as a memorial space dedicated to the victims of the earthquake. Here, visitors can pay their respects by lighting a digital flame through touch panels. The flame travels through LED walls and converges into a single unified light above, symbolising collective remembrance. This installation features the highest number of optical fibre sensor-based lights ever used in a single location in India—truly breathtaking and deeply moving.

If you are visiting Bhuj, this memorial is a must-visit. It offers not just information, but a profound and unforgettable experience that educates, sensitises, and inspires.

Timings: Memorial Park: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM and Museum: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Monday Closed

Smritivan Museum

Smritivan Museum in the waiting lobby

As we stepped out of the museum around half past seven, it marked the end of an intense yet enriching journey. 

Due to limited time, we were unable to schedule dedicated visits to Hamirsar Lake and Bhujia Hill. On our next visit, combined with a trip to Mandvi, we will explore the sites we missed on this trip. To experience Bhuj at a relaxed and comprehensive pace requires at least three days. Nevertheless, our visit was deeply fulfilling.

Travel Information

Connectivity: Bhuj is well connected by road, rail, and air.

Best Time to Visit: The most favourable period to visit is from October to February. The summer months are typically harsh, and the monsoon season can bring torrential rainfall.

Additional Recommendation: A visit to Bhuj may be combined with the popular Rann Utsav.