Travelling to Kutch...

Dear Fellas.... after postponing 3 consecutive Kutch trips in 2012, finally travelling Kutch this year for a week. I had been over there once in my life for two days in 2011. let me share few details of Kutch with you all.

Bhuj (Kutch)

Bhuj connects you to a range of civilizations and important events in South Asian history through prehistoric archaeological finds, remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans), places associated with the Mahabharata and Alexander the Great's march into India and tombs, palaces and other buildings from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj. Over the 4000-year inhabitation of Kutch it developed trading and migratory relationships with ancient civilizations as far abroad as Zanzibar, the Middle East and Greece, fostering a unique ethnic mix of peoples and traditions in the region.

In a walk around Bhuj, you can see the Hall of Mirrors at the Aina Mahal; climb the bell tower of the Prag Mahal next door; stroll through the produce market; have a famous Kutchi pau bhaji for lunch; examine the 2000-year-old Kshatrapa inscriptions in the Kutch Museum; admire the sculptures of Ramayana characters at the Ramakund stepwell; walk around Hamirsar Lake and watch children jumping into it from the lake walls as the hot afternoon sun subsides; and catch the sunset among the chhatardis of the Kutchi royal family in a peaceful field outside the center of town.

Travelling to Bhuj:

By road: For those traveling from Ahmedabad, the bus may be more convenient than the train, though slightly more expensive. Several private companies run sleeper buses (with a full horizontal bunk), leaving the city for Bhuj between 8pm and 11pm, arriving in Bhuj between 6am and 8am the next morning. These bus companies all have their offices around Paldi in Ahmedabad; Sahjanand Travels and Patel Travels are two recommended ones. There are also private sitting (non-sleeper) buses, and ST (State Transport) buses that make the trip for less money but considerably less comfortable seats.

By rail: Two daily express trains, the Bhuj Express and the Kutch Express, go from Bhuj to Ahmedabad (8hrs) and on to Mumbai (16hrs.) However, both trains pass through Ahmedabad in the middle of the night, as the schedules are designed to depart and arrive and reasonable hours from Bhuj and Mumbai, not Ahmedabad.

By air: One or more flights daily connect Bhuj to Mumbai.

Once in Bhuj, ST buses go to larger destinations around the district, private jeeps can also be rented (a good option for larger parties), and some smaller places can only be reached by chhakdas.

Transportation:

Bhuj is connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities of India by railway trains. It has a domestic airport from where daily flights operate to Mumbai, with flights operated by Jet Airways. State Transport Buses are available from the ST stand in the middle of the town to various places in Gujarat. Additionally, many private tour operators also run frequent buses to major cities in and outside Gujarat. Kandla Airport is only 53 km from Bhuj city center.

Culture:

Bhuj is a famous destination for shopping of handicraft work. Artists of nearby villages bring their art work for sale in Bhuj. Important landmarks for people wishing to study and know more about Kutchi embroidery.

Will back with city's interesting information after my trip.

Source: Wikis

Anjar Tour Called Off

Dear friends,

In my last post I have shared about my upcoming Anjar, Kutch tour this weekend. Unfortunately, this your and seminar called off due to few circumstances over there. Regret not to travel Kutch. I will update as soon as new date will be finalized.

The City of Temples - Anjar, Kutch

Freinds, this weekend likely to travel Kutch once again after almost a year. This time destination is different. Going to deliver sessions to youth of Anjar, Kutch. Last time when I visited Kutch, I just get off from bus at Anjar bus station to pick up another bus for Mundra. This time will stay in Anjar only. As always I am studying the city to be visited by me and sharing it's basic information with you all, it will be useful if you plan your travel to Anjar in future!

Anjar, Kutch - History & Geography:

Map

Anjar is a city of Kutch,  It was announced capital of kutch four times. First in Vikram samvat 721 by Chauhan Ajepal, then in 862, then in Vikram Samvat 1062 by Kathis and there after that in Vikram Samvat 1602 by the Maharao shri Khengarji Jadeja. It has history for more than 1400 years. It is the oldest city of Kutch. Anjar is named after by Kshatriya - Chauhan King Ajepal. The city was originally known as 'Ajay Vas' after him but over the years name changed to Anjar. Chauhan Ajepal brother of King of Ajmer, Rajasthan came and settled here to protect the country and defend against the invasion of Khalifa across the sea. He established the first coastal security center in Kutch.

Anjar is situated about 300 km from Ahmedabad its about 40 Kms to the south of main city of Kucth-Bhuj and almost 10 Kms from the north east shore of the Gulf-Kutch. It is known for the Shrine of Jesal and Toral. Jesal Jadeja was a great robber, lady saint Sati Toral had shown the path of spiritualism to him . Jesal and Toral took live samadhi in Anjar. Now days thousands of pilgrims perform pilgrimage in Anjar every year.

Anjar is city of Temples, Shree Swaminarayana Temple is attracton near Sawaser naka. Shree Swaminaryan came to Anjar in approx Samvat 1863 and stayed here for many years, he used to teach spiritual and the real lessons of life to many backward class people over there. Second one is Bhid Bhanjan Mahadev Temple near Sorathia naka and third one is Bhareswar Mahadev Temple which is 1200 years old temple at Devaliya naka. fourth one is Shree Naya Anjar Jain Temple. (Wikis)

Kucth is famous for its culture and history, I am willing to visit mentioned spots. Let's see how much is it possible with scheduled tasks and sessions. Will back with new stories.

Sharing of Kutch and Ongoing Tour

Hi friends, greetings from Karim,

On Saturday, I have started my journey towards Coimbatore-TamiulNadu. Workshop is scheduled from Tuesday, 20^th which will end on Friday, 23^rd. As per plan having back to back two workshops in this trip Insha’Allah, I will resume my journey from Coimbatore to Gulbarga-Karnataka next weekend. 

I am writing this post after so many days as was busy with other tasks. I was engrossed in new home interior as well as my wedding’s shopping. 

After Trichy, last month I was on ITREB tour of Mundara and Bhuj-Kutch for two days where I had taken sessions with youth and enjoyed a lot. I met my past colleagues and students as well. I got chance to visit The Agakhan school, which was built by Agakhan III Sir Sultan Mohd. Shah in 1905. This is the first Agakhan School among of today’s almost 300 Agakhan schools built by Agakhan III & IV.

I visited the traditional Danda Bazaar in Bhuj when I was free from sessions as my mummy wanted khutchi Bandhani Odhanis from there so, I shopped numbers of Odhanis and dress materials for my sister and fiancée. I like the nature of Kutchi people and I praise their way of hospitality. I am thanking Kutch Chairman Rafiqbhai, Salimbhai and Gulambhai for their wonderful help throughout my stay. I also thank the participants of seminar who have appreciated my sessions via FB and messages.

So, waiting for Coimbatore and Gulbarga workshops and looking forward for them. Reached Coimbatore and was having difficulty as train hadn't pantry car so, had to get off very often when I needed food or water, thank god that I had packed Snacks from Rajkot railway station. When you plan to travel from Rajkot-Coimbatore Train, keep ready your snacks bag also.

See you, will back with new sharing.