Kutch Mandvi Beach: A Serene Stretch of Sand
The Kutch Mandvi Beach is perhaps one of India’s most untouched beaches and is a delightful place to soak up some sun and sand. The beach is located near the historical town of Mandvi, which was, during the times of the Maharao of Kutch, an important trading and industrial centre. The beach is relatively clean and is well known for its long stretches of sand and its very beautiful sunsets. Though the beach infrastructure is not that well-developed, it would take a very nit-picky traveller to ignore the beach’s beautiful geography and clean environs. On weekends (especially, long weekends), the beach is thronged by hundreds of urban dwellers, who come to take a dip in the sea water.
The Kutch Mandvi Beach and the region surrounding it has also emerged as a major centre for trading of handicrafts and regional clothing attires. One can buy handicrafts such as bags and purses, ghagra cholis (a certain type of decorative Indian dress) and other Western and Indian style clothes that feature intricate zari work and Kutchi embroideries, silverware, shell-work, Bandhini tie-and-dye saris, wall hangings and Patola silk items from Kutch Mandvi Beach. The Kutch Mandvi beach is ideal for long swims and walks; one can also avail of the many camel and horse riding options available at the beach.
Places to visit in Kutch Mandvi
The region surrounding the Kutch Mandvi beach was once very active and significant, and one may come across many ruins and historical sites. Some distance away from the pristine Kutch Mandvi Beach is an ancient dock and port, which is still functional today. Though not historically significant, as the dock/port is completely recent, it is unique in that here, the vessels are made using wood and by hand.
Kutch Mandvi- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Gujarati and Hindi are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Kutch Mandvi beach, and as such communication should not be a problem. English, however, is somewhat less prevalent. Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Kutch Mandvi beach. Many tour operators cover the Kutch Mandvi beach as part of their Gujarat tours. The waters surrounding the Kutch Mandvi beach are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points.
Best time to visit Kutch Mandvi
The Kutch Mandvi beach can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as the Kutch Mandvi Beach is decently accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of Gujarat’s premier weekend getaways. Consequently, the Kutch Mandvi beach is not so secluded during the weekends.
Best way to reach Kutch Mandvi
- By Air: Bhuj, located 60 kms away, is the nearest airport. Bhuj is connected via daily flights to important cities in the region such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
- By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bhuj, which is one of the more important railway stations in the region and as such is well-connected to the major cities in the region.
- By Road: The Kutch Mandvi beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Kutch Mandvi beach abounds in family holiday beach resorts, vacation homes, beach cabins and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach vacation packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A very interesting feature of Kutch Mandvi Beach is that there are many beach camps and beach resorts that dot all over the long sandy stretch. Many such beach camps and beach resorts offer private beaches that are out of bounds for outsiders.