Mandvi’s beach is a tour spot where tourists can enjoy gazing at the clear horizon and wonders about the days gone by when it was a flourishing trade centre. A prominent ship building centre years ago, visitors to the Guajarati Kutch’s principal port of the past can still view the skilled ship builders at work.
Facts:
- Population- 32 000
- Elevation– sea level to 15m
- Geographical Location (coordinates) – 22° 50′ 00″ N/ 69° 22′ 00″ E
- Climate– Cool pleasant climate
- Primary Rainy season– June to September
- Temperatures– Summer: up to 36oC/Winter: down to 10oC
- Languages– Gujarati and Hindi, English- not widely spoken
- Best Season– November to January
- Places to visit– Swami Narayan Temple, Krishna temple, The Light house (constructed originally as a bastion, Vaishnav Temple at Sundarvan, Rameshwar, Jami Mosque, Bhadreshwar, and Anjar Kera
History of Mandvi
Founded in 1574 by the King of Kutch, Khengarji, Mandvi quickly progressed as a port town. Its significance to the Kutch kingdom was made clearly evident by the rapid constructions of temples and mosques in the town within the first 50 years of its existence. Its strategic location along the trade route led to the quick rise of Mandvi as a prominent port and at its peak, its prosperity was far greater than Bhuj, the capital. Remaining true to its reputation as Kutch’s and Gujarat’s principal port, its exports outnumbered its imports and the increasing revenue was clear indicator of Mandvi’s prosperity. Ships from all corners of the world- Africa, Persian Gulf and South East Asia- called on at this port that soon had fortified walls.
The shipbuilding industry also contributed greatly to the Mandvi’s prominence. The traditional ship-making craft can still be viewed at the ship-building yard along the Rukmavati River. As ships became bigger, and Mumbai started overtaking Mandvi as the preferred port of call, Mandvi as a town of port soon faded in the shadow of the growing centre of commerce in Mumbai. The harbour at Mandvi was not equipped to handle the super-sized ships that soon became the norm, still used in today’s trade.
Tourism in Mandvi
The main tourist attraction of Mandvi is Vijay Vilas Palace. Constructed in 1920s, the palace is a fine specimen of architectural influences of the Rajasthani and Mughal culture, Bengali elements and even arches and columns seen in Victorian Gothic buildings. The skilled architects have created a harmonious balance of the various elements resulting in exquisitely unique complex. The fusion facade veils hued glass windows and other intricately carved walls and columns within the palace interior. Its beauty has been showcased in several movies made in India. With its own private beach and sanctuary well preserved with eco-friendly methods, tours to this scenic destination will be an unforgettable memory.
Mandvi is home to around 300 temples found in various parts of this town. Most of the temples centre on the deities Lord Shiva and the Goddess Kali. Some of the major temples to visit include the Swami Narayan Temple, Triloknath Temple and Bhootnath Temple among others. These temples and others are also monuments under the protection of the Indian Government.
Sightseeing Places in Mandvi
1- Swaminarayan Mandir
This is the best temple amongst all the Swaminarayan Temple. It has been constructed with marble of the best quality. Lying on the main road, this has idols of Lord Swaminarayan and Lord Krishna. There is a lot of history behind this temple.
2- Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial
Built in the memory of Late Krantiveer, Shri Shyamaji Krishna Varma, and the Kranti Tirth is a family destination 4 kms off Mandvi. It was dream project for the honorary chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi to bring backs the ashes of the freedom fighter from Europe and makes him rest in peace at his birth place. The memorial site has an exact replica of the India house which is located in London, established by Shyamji himself. It also has a audio-video museum depicting the memoirs of the great Freedom struggle of India. The Kranti Rath has a gallery, a historic museum and a library to depict and make the freedom struggle come alive. Moreover there is an amphitheater which comes alive whenever there are cultural programs or occasions.
Note: The Kranti-Tirth is closed on Thursdays for Maintenance.
3- Kashi Vishwanath Beach
A vast stretch of fine beach located 7 kms off the town in the Kashi Vishwanath beach. The Mandvi town beach has been busy with the flocks of tourists on daily basis; as a result, if you want some peace of mind, you should try the Kashi Vishwanath beach. It’s a very long beach located near to a temple of the same name of Lord Shiva.
4- Ambe Dham and Prerna Dham – Godhra Kutch
A small village near Mandvi, Godhra is famous for its Ambe Dham temple and the Prerna Dham museum. It is a serene getaway from the busy town of Mandvi. There is also a miniature Vaishno Devi type mountain replica erected with tunnels and other elements which makes it a fun destination for the children.
5- Vijay Vilas Palace
The Vijay Vilas Palace is the royal residence, which is set in the centre of beautiful gardens having water channels and stupendous fountains. This palace was constructed in 1920. The Rajput kind of architecture with the high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, colored glass windows, carved lattice windows, bastions with domes at the edges, wonderful porches, and exquisitely carved structures, make the palace a magnificent piece of architecture. The palace has its own private beach.
6- Lal Bungalow
Also known as Arihant Bungalow, this was built by Khengarji Maharaj. It took 16 years to build this palace. Lal Bungalow has a unique architecture and astounding architectural elegance. It is today a Heritage Site today.
7- Rukmavati Bridge
This is the longest existing structure of its genre in India. Built on the River Rukmavati in 1883, this bridge was built by Vishram Karman Chawda of Chandiya. He belonged to the Mistris of the Kutch community.
8- Mazar-e-Noorani
This is where the 37th vice general of the Dawoodi Bohra community resided. He was a greatly respected personality of the Bohras, The Bohra community people come here to pay their tribute. The scenic beauty of this place is a destresser.
Other Sites of Tourist Interest near Mandvi Kutch Include:
- Windmills Project: This project started in 1983 is Asia’s first such kind of project. Lying on the Wind Farms beach, this is along the border of Mandvi and gives an amazing view of the beach.
- Bandhani Bazaar: This is a market, which is famous for the tie-dye fabrics and handicrafts from this place.
Topansar Lake: This is in the centre of the city and it is a major landmark.
Kranti Trith: This was built 3km away from Mandvi. It is the second of such kind built in Gujarat. - Windmills Project: This project started in 1983 is Asia’s first such kind of project. Lying on the Wind Farms beach, this is along the border of Mandvi and gives an amazing view of the beach.
- Pingleshwar beach
- Ship building yard
- 72 Jinalaya
- Tata power plant
- Ashar beach
- Vijay Sagar Dam
With its true color of Gujarat culture and endorsing the Kutchi traditions Mandvi has the neighbouring villages of Nagalpur and Moti Rayan forming a part of it. Mandvi, the merchant and seamen town is a unique place and offers the best for the tourist. One of the cities hit by the 2001 Earthquake, Mandvi today has shown steady progress to come back to normalcy.
Mandvi is a unique town, which captures the true Gujarat, Kutchi culture. It is also incorporates the neighboring villages of Nagalpur and Moti Rayan. Mandvi is a town of merchants and seamen, both mutually benefiting from each other.
As we leave the place we think, “Mandvi is virtue.”
