Mandvi Beach History /About The Mandvi Beach / Mandvi Beach / Travels & History

Mandvi beach

    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.

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 colums 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 arealsomonumentsunder the protection of the Indian Government.

Also read_Madhavpur Beach

SHIP BUILDING 

SHIP BUILDING INDUSTRY

Mandvi is famous for a 400 – year – old shipbuilding industry & craftman who use traditional techniques to build ships for domestic & international clients. On the banks of the Rukmavati River, just south of the bridge, you can visit the still-active shipbuilding yard. and you can feel free to watch them work. The timber is imported from Malaysia & kandla port. The ships are manufactured & painted in mandvi & engine is generally fitted in Dubai. Mandvi’s port decilmed in the early 20th C, due to changes in navigatin policy & a silting harbor. Today most ships are uses for trade between Mumbai & Dubai. If you have never seen handmade boats beingbuilt, it will make you truly apprecite craftsmanship--the process is long and elaborate and shoddy workmanship meanrisking sailors' lives.

Boards must be painstakingly crafted, planed and fitted by hand, for a watertight fit along the long curves of the hull line. You will likelyencounter legions of craftsmen working hard amidst giant piles of sawdust. Also, because of the shipbuilding industry, there is a heavy timber trade in Mandvi. Appox. 1500 Ships belong to Mandvi, & each voyages requires a crew of nineteen. We suggest this area as a must visiting places of Mandvi.

How to Reach Mandvi Beach

Since the nearest city to the Mandvi beach is Bhuj, you will have to travel to Mandvi via Bhuj. For air travel, take a flight heading to Bhuj airport. From there, you can avail of a state road transport bus service or a rental taxi to reach Mandvi.

What is Mandvi

Mandvi is a town with municipality in the Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was once a major port of the region and summer retreat for Maharao (king) of the Cutch State. The old city was enclosed in the fort wall and remains of the fort wall can still be seen.

About The Mandvi Beach

The Mandvi beach is a golden-brown sprawl of sand along the southern tip of Kutch district in Gujarat. It lies south of Bhuj, the main junction. The beach lies along the namesake town that was once a thriving port for India. The fort wall of the erstwhile trading hub still runs along the old part of town. The calm beach is a refreshing addition for travellers to the town. Evenings are particularly great with thesunset and the bustle of snack stalls and balloon sellers.

The Mandvi Beach Activities

• 1.Water and Beach Sports
• 2.Camping
• 3.Explore the Ship Building Yards
• 4.Observe the Windmills
• 5.Sunbathing and Beach Walks

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

Other Sites of Tourist Interest near Mandvi Kutch Include:

• Swaminarayan temple, 
• Mandvi Pingleshwar beach, 
• Mandvi Ship building yard,
• Mandvi 72 Jinalaya , 
• Mandvi Tata power plant, 
• Mandvi Ashar beach, 
• Mandvi Vijay Sagar Dam, 

By Road : ➽

Mandvi lies 58 km southwest of Bhuj.state and private buses service the city from all major parts of Gujarat

By Train : ⇲

Bhuj is well-connected by train, The railway station lies on the western railways network

By Air : ⇧

Bhuj is well-connected by air, The Bhuj airport lies 4 km from the city and has ample domestic flights from major destinations in India.

By_Travels & History