Rajasthan to Bhuj

superfemale

OK
Reality Check is that I can't make it to Diu and back in time.
So can anyone tell me the fastest way from Rajasthan to Kutch (Bhuj)?
Do I still have to go to Ahammebad first or can I get right down there on a bus from either MT ABU or Udaipur. I only have 5 days to get there and back to Nagpur. Just want to chill on the beach for New years, and this sounds better than any of the beaches in Maharashtra. Thanks for any additional recommendations you can make for this region.

wonderwomanusa

Bhuj does not have a beach -- or it did not, when I was there in 1989. I don't believe the earthquake created one. (There was a lake, used by the laundry people -- but you wouldn't want to lie around it in your swimming costume.)

If you were thinking of a beach at Dwarka, that was used as the local toilet when I was there. There is no resort there.

superfemale

I meant to add that we would try to get to mandavi, which doesn't seem that far. but I could be wrong on that.

butterball

Off the top of my head I think I remember Mandvi being a little disappointing - but it was a long tiime ago ! There was a beach but not really 'used'. The town is primarily a boat building place - if it's the place I'm thinking of..

I'd be very interested to hear how Bhuj is coming along - It was the highlight of my ( pre- earthquake ) trip.

I also remember Bhuj being a bus ride to Ahmedebad - but make sure you get the 'express' service. I got on the wrong bus and ended up spending 9 hrs stopping at EVERY villiage on the way .. Argh !

Personally I'd avoid Ahmedebad at all costs... But someone will no doubt step in and disagree ..

Not sure about Udaipur & Mt Abu, but Ahmedebad is the obvious hub. Kutch is fairly remote and not an obvious tourist route.

Hope this helps a little.

steven_ber

I remember a post by Alan_D saying that Mandvi beach was disappointing, though I think he liked the town and loved the hotel; try the search engine using the word 'Mandvi' to find the post.

From Udaipur you would need to change at Ahmedabad. (Sorry butterball, I enjoyed Ahmedabad. )

There are plenty of trains from Abu Road station to Palanpur (50 minutes), there should also be busses from Mt. Abu to Palanpur.

There is a metre gauge line from Palanpur to Gandhidham that has 2 trains, one daytime and one overnight (arriving at 04:00), they complete the journey in about 9 hours, Gandhidham is about 85 Kms from Mandvi and will be connected by bus.

You would still need to get back to Ahmedabad for a train to Nagpur, though there is a daily plane from Bhuj airport to Mumbai, it departs at 12:35 and gets to Mumbai at 13:45, it costs US$ 115 for an adult single.

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Alan D

If you're going to be in Bhuj then it is worth taking a side trip to Mandvi - it's only about 50 K's south by bus. A few years ago we got there by direct state bus overnight from Jaisalmer, which was an uncomfortable journey.

Your best bet would be to take the train or overnight sleeper bus from Ahmedabad or if you're short of time and can afford it then by plane from Mumbai. I think that the Mumbai - Bhuj flight goes Mumbai - Diu - Bhuj so you might be able to break your flight at Diu although I'm not sure about this. If you're interested in this option you could PM our member indiawise who lives in Diu - he is bound to know.

There are beaches both to the East and West of Mandvi town but I didn't actually see anyone swimming there - it could have been the wrong time of year or there may be safety problems.

Mandvi itself is a compact little market town for the surrounding villages with a laid back ambience and welcoming people, a few restaurants, including Zorba the Buddha, and a pleasant guest house, the Rukhmavati, which is on the Mandvi side of the bridge as you enter the town.

kashyap_rajput

Well guys, Bhuj is certainly best option to visit, If anybody finds Mandvi a remote or say disappointed place or beach, try "Nana layja beach" 10 km away from Mandvi, Nice place to visit, Also fort at mandvi is must visit, You can catch express or Luxury bus to Ahmedabad for better journey.

kashyap

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