Mandvi is a historic port town of the Maharao of Kutch, about 60 km south-west of
Bhuj in
Kutch District of
Gujarat. It lies on the banks of
Rukmavati River in
Gulf of Kutch, on the west coast of India.
A full day excursion trip in this town offers enroute numerous old buildings of princely times, chronological palaces and ancient temples. The town is also popular for silverware, shell-work, Kutchi embroideries, tie-and-dye sarees, block prints and Bandhini - a form of cloth printing.
Prime attraction is the Mandvi Port, an ancient seaport famous for its distinctive traditional handicraft items. Close to this beach are the docks, where wooden ships are being built. The temple of Mulnayak devoted to Bhagawan Shantinath is situated in this port.
Around 8 km to the west is the Vijay Vilas Palace, which was the summer retreat of Maharaos of Kutch. Built in 1940, the palace is noted for its splendid architectural textures. The famous Aina Mahal, built in the mid-18th century by Ram Singh, is also an easily approachable tourist spot here.
Excellent accommodation can be made at Mandvi Palace, which offers 10 luxury tents with attached bathrooms and modern amenities.
Bhuj Airport is 60 km away. New Bhuj Railway Station, one kilometer north of Bhuj, serves Mandvi. State buses connect the town with Gandhidham, Bhuj and Ahmedabad. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are extensively available to get around places in the town and suburbs.
