Diu, Bhuj, Mt. Abu

electrotrash

Because I fell in love with Bombay, I only have a week to explore Gujrat!

Getting the train Mumbai - Bhuj
How can I get from Bhuj - Diu? How long will it take?
And Diu - Delhi?

Or should I skip Diu and head up to Mt. Abu instead?


Thanks!

sbballer33

I think there is an over night bus from Bhuj that would probably get you to Diu some time in the late morning. This judging by how long it took to get to Junagadh (arrived at ~5:30am). I didn't go to Diu since I live on the beach, they don't really excite me that much. Between Mt. Abu and Diu I'd take Mt. Abu more unique, you won't find anything like it any where else in the world, amazing sculpture and all in white marble. There are plenty of nice beaches. On the way to Mt. Abu you might be able to break your journey and check out the sun temple at Modhera and the step well at Patan. I was very impressed with the step well. Patan also as a nice market around the bus stand with lots of colorful characters, great for photography if that's your thing. Basicly you have to decide what you like. Also depends on what you've seen if you've seen a ton of Jain temples maybe your sick of them and just want to lie on a beach and recover. Although, Mt. Abu is probably one of the most impressive temples in India.

happy traveling

electrotrash

Thank you. Wish I had more time....

Think I'll head up to Bhuj, three days there, (overnight?) bus to Mt. Abu, three day's there, overnight train to Delhi. Really wanted to go to Diu too. And Alang, if that's possible. And Gir National Park. Jamnagar. Even Ahmedabad, A pity!

Can you recommend somewhere to stay in Bhuj? I'm solo, so a CHEAP guesthouse popular with fellow backpackers would be great (I do realise Kutch isn't exactly Goa. That's a good thing!). And what's in Kutch? Anything I absolutely must see / do ?

kashyap_rajput

Well you can stay in guesthouse opposite ST (state transport) bus stand in bhuj, Bhuj has vast culture for embroidery and ofcourse nice people too, you can visit Mandvi around 2 hr drive to bhuj, there's nice beach and famous Vijay villa fort, nice place to visit... and surronding villages for their living culture and homes, they are well built without cement, hope your stay in Bhuj be memorable....

Kashyap

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sbballer33

Don't know if it qulifies as cheap enough for you but I stayed at the Gangaram Hotel (reviewed on this site) and was reasonably pleased, clean, nice owner. Its about 200-300 rupees for a room with a bathroom. Its probably your best shot at finding other backpackers as well. Although I think there is only a hadful in Bhuj at any one time. Outside the 2 others staying at the Gangaram I didn't run in to any.

kashyap_rajput

nice to hear that you find best stay, have a great journey at kutch

Kashyap

Alan D

I put the review of the Gangaram Hotel in the hotels section of this website so I'm pleased sbballer33 found it satisfactory. From a recent report I received, I would say it's better to avoid the City Guest House which is in the same area.

The Gangaram is in the old city area near the Aina Mahal which is much quieter than the area around the main bus station.

When we stayed there a couple of years ago the Gangaram didn't do much in the way of meals, but the Green Restaurant, just a few minutes walk away, opposite the vegetable market building, serves good veg food.

I would say definitely visit Mandvi. You could stay at the Rukmavati GH just at the end of the bridge as you enter the town. Vijay Vilas palace, just a few kilometers outside town, was one of the settings for the movie Lagaan and has since become a major tourist attraction.

If you want to get out into the countryside of Kutch you could visit Than Monastery from Bhuj by bus and walking (permit needed when we were last there) but take some vegetables with you as they have limited supplies. The cook will prepare them for you and a donation is appreciated when you are leaving. PM me if you want more details.

Diu is really a place to rest up for a few days or longer, but you don't have a lot of time, so I think you should consider visiting either Girnar or Palitana hill complexes of Jain temples before heading for Mount Abu. At both these temple hills you will be in the company of hundreds of pilgrims and devotees - a memorable experience.

electrotrash

I got into Bhuj yesterday. Slept all afternoon, recovering from Mumbai excesses. In the evening was some sort of festival up in... I don't know what the place was. There was 'African' dancing, which seemed a little dubious. I know there has been an African population here for a long long time, but this felt like one of those exotica 'savage' dance shows from less progressive times.

Anyway, i like Bhuj. Can't be bothered with the hassle of getting to mt. Abu. think i'll stay in Kutch til Friday (a day or two in Mandvi) and then head to Delhi.

sbballer33 - the Gangaram was full. I'm at Annapurna. it's okay. cheapish, nice staff and there are even a couple of other backpackers here!

kashayp - thanks!

alan d - i'll check out the Rukmavati. If anyone has any other recommendations for places to stay in Mandvi - much appreciated!

electrotrash

oh, and how the hell do i get to delhi!

Alan D

According to the Indian Railways site there is a direct train (Ala Hazrat Express) to Delhi from Bhuj on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 11.05 hours, reaching Delhi the next day at 14.15 hours.

This is really steven_ber's department and he will know if there any alterations in the service, or enquire at the Bhuj railway station.

As this train starts from Bhuj you shouldn't have a problem making a booking.

Try posting a thread in the "trains, planes and automobiles" section.

Wanderratte

I can second Rukmavati. The owner of the place is just the nicest chap ever. Really goes out of his way to help you with everything and make your stay a pleasent one.

electrotrash

This is not in my Train Guide!

Thank you! Will head to the station tomorrow morning and buy a ticket.

Alan D

It certainly did exist because we took it to Delhi a few years ago! Anyway, you will find out for sure at the station.

As I remember, there wasn't much in the way of food or drinks available on the first leg of the journey, probably because there were so few passengers on the train. Full meals service started about Ahmadabad I think, so it might be a good idea to take some snacks with you.

Enjoy Mandvi and try the thali meals at Zorba the Buddha, just inside the old city walls.

steven_ber

Train 4312 departs Bhuj (Tu, W, F, Sa.) at 11:05, gets to Ahmedabad at 19:15, then departs at 19:50, Ajmer 05:15, Jaipur 08:00, then Delhi at 14:15.

I used this train in April for the Ahmedabad - Jaipur overnight run.

Going the opposite direction.

Train 4311 departs (old) Delhi station (M, W, Th, Su.) at 11:50, departs Jaipur at 17:45, Ajmer 20:45, arrives at Ahmedabad at 06:10, departs at 06:40 and gets to Bhuj at 14:45.

The train has 2-tier air-conditioned and non air-con Sleeper class carriages.

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