A museum that is one of the oldest museums in Gujarat and is located in the area which is greatly known for its white mushy salty land. The name of the museum is “Kutch Museum”. It is considered as one of the oldest museums because of the year of construction. It was constructed in the year of 1877. The museum is a total treat for the visitors who get an insight into the royal, linguistic approach and the archaeology. Visit to the Kuch museum is nothing less than an experience that is a must to have once in a lifetime.
The History Behind the Kutch Museum
The past folklore of this museum states that this particular museum was built by Maharao Khengarji III. It was a collection that was private and was allowed to be visited by the personal guests of the king. But as years passed, it was open for the public too to visit and explore the exhibits at this museum.
It then became a cultural centerpiece that has been visited by everyone who has been to Bhuj. When you look at the outer beauty of the place, you will be amazed to see that the building architecture is aligned with the Italian Gothic architecture style which is an attraction in itself apart from the in-house exhibits.
Why the Kutch Museum is Famous
- Oldest Museum in Gujarat: The Kutch Museum holds the title of being one of the oldest museums in the state. This attracts history lovers a lot.
- Rich Ethnographic Collection: You will find one of the finest collections in the museum. You will find the collection of tribal artifacts from the Rabari and Ahir communities.
- Rare Scripts and Coins: The rare scripts and coins that you will find at the Kutch Museum, all belong to the prachin Kshatrapa script and rare coins. These were the local currency in use during the princely rule in India.
- Terracotta & Folk Art: Once you visit this Kutch Museum, you will also be introduced to the folk art culture through musical instruments and the terracotta figures at the museum. There are traditional paintings also put on display.
What to See Inside the Kutch Museum
- Anthropology Section: The displays of the museum include an anthropology section which showcases the clothing, jewelleries, tools and the tribes of Kutch.
- Archaeology Wing: This section in the museum includes the inscriptions of the Harappan Civilization and historical inscriptions.
- Textile and Embroidery Displays: This is a section which can attract the lady visitors because of the display of minute and intricate carvings of Kutch embroidery and traditional textiles.
- Musical Instruments Gallery: The musical instruments at the gallery displays a good and interesting collection of folk music instruments used in regional music.
- Weapons and Armory: This section gives a view into the military history of the Kutch royals.
Activities to Do at the Kutch Museum
- Guided Tours: Visiting a museum is incomplete without having a guide who will explain all the exhibits properly and in detail.
- Photography: This museum allows clicking of photos and also allows clicking pictures inside the Kutch Museum along with the artefacts put on display.
- Sketching & Art Journaling: There is a corner especially for the artists to sit and sketch or just to note down their observations about the Kutch Museum.
Best Time to Visit the Kutch Museum
- The best time to visit the Kutch Museum is the time between October to March as the climate, season and the temperature are all pleasant and cool.
- This time period also coincides with the Rann Utsav. So if you are planning to visit Bhuj during this period, make it a point to visit the Rann Utsav too.
- Summer Seasons are not preferable as the temperature and the climate becomes very hot, dry and humid.
- Monsoon season is also not preferred as it rains heavily and turns the Rann of Kutch into a wetland.
How to Reach the Kutch Museum
- By Air: The Bhuj Airport (4 kms) is the closest airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is the Bhuj Railway Station (2 kms).
- By Road: The city of Bhuj is easily accessible through SHs and NHs. There are state-run and private run buses available for taking a trip to Bhuj. You can also take a road trip to Bhuj by travelling in your own cars or hired cabs.
Entry Timings and Ticket Price
- Timings: Morning time– 10 am to 2:30 pm
Evening time– 2:30 pm to 5:30pm
The museum is closed on Wednesdays and on Public Holidays.
- Entry Fee: INR 5/- for Indians,
INR 50/- for foreigners
- Camera Fee: INR 100/- (subject to change)
Note: These prices are subject to change. Kindly refer to the official page.
Accommodation Near Kutch Museum
Bhuj has a wide range of options that can be used as staying options at Bhuj. Below are some options that you can choose for your accommodation.
- The Fern Residency: It is a four star hotel coming in the mid-range hotels where you are provided with all the amenities and modern facilities for a comfortable stay.
- Regenta Resort Bhuj: This is a mid-range hotel that offers top class services and allows its customers to have a relaxing stay along with enjoying the pool and multi-cuisine restaurant.
- Ramee The Srinivas Palace: This is a hotel that provides you all the facilities and services exactly like the five and four star hotels.It has good and decent reviews online.
- Hotel Heritage Palace: The fur parents, here is your chance to have a trip with your fur babies without worrying about the accommodation challenges faced by you. This hotel is pet friendly and gives you modern facilities and amenities at affordable charges.
Food Options Near Kutch Museum
- Hotel Umiyaji Dining Hall: This is the top rated restaurant best for Gujarati Thalis and Kathiyawadi thali. The prices of these thalis are minimal and should be checked at the restaurant itself.
- Kake Di Hatti, Bhuj: This is a restaurant which is easily accessible on the mainroad and is very famous for its multi-cuisine options. Their speciality is in north-indian food dishes.
- Aathithya Multi Cuisine Restaurant: This is a restaurant famous for Punjabi Food Dishes and Punjabi Thalis. You can have a good hearty meal at minimal prices.
- Sardaar Restaurant: This is another restaurant with the best Punjabi dishes. You can have an amazing experience of dining at this restaurant. You will also love the ambience of the restaurant.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Kutch Museum
- Avoid Wednesdays and Public Holidays as the museum is closed on these days.
- Carry Cash and UPI money for ticket transactions as the entry fees are very minimal.
- Pair your visit to the Kutch Museum with other sites that are nearby. Like the Aina Museum and Prag Mahal.
- If visiting Bhuj and the Kutch Museum in the winters, then look for a visit to Rann Utsav.
- When visiting the Kutch Museum, be at your best behaviour and respect the rules and regulations of the museum.
The visit to the Kutch Museum is not a normal visit or interaction with the historic past of India. The display of traditions, people and history is a celebration of the heroic past. So whether you are an art enthusiast, a culture buff or a curious traveler, then you should definitely visit the Kutch Museum for a fulfilling experience. Right after gaining immense knowledge about the history of Bhuj and India, you set out to explore the beautiful Bhuj and also attend the Rann Utsav and the white salty sands of Kutch if you are visiting during those months.
In the world where everything works at a fast forward speed, you should take a moment to slow down and visit Bhuj and unleash the wonders of Kutch.
Two Faces of Royal India: Kutch’s Legacy to Udaipur’s Majesty
Taking a trip down to Kutch is going to be memorable and engaging as there will be many tourist places that will be needing your attention. After you are done relishing all the yummy food, memorable visits to tourist places in Bhuj and a visit to the Rann Utsav, you should plan your next visit to Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a state that is wrapped in the stories of the King’s rule and devotion to their public interests.
Apart from their heroic stories, the state has many other attractions like the museums, lakes, palaces, forts, etc. The most visited cities in Rajasthan are Udaipur and Jaipur. You should also definitely visit Udaipur. Udaipur will envelop you with its rich history, palaces, forts and lakes. The city is a perfect destination for all types of travels in the state.
For enjoying a city like Udaipur, you need to have a perfect option for your accommodation. Here is where we introduce you to Goya Hills. Goya Hills is a private luxury villa in Udaipur that provides you with lavish surroundings of the Aravalli Hills. It is a villa with pool, big spacious rooms and in-room private jacuzzis. You are also treated to a chef who is available 24*7 at your service. To know more about the villa or to book your stay, contact Goya Hills at + 91 9024082177.
