Prag Mahal - Bhuj, Kutch: Rao Pragmalji II took up the construction of Prag Mahal in Bhuj, India on 1838 A.D. and continued with it till the year 1876. He assigned the task of designing the building to Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins, a renouned Architect during that time. Raised in the year 1879, the Prag Mahal is a splendid palace in Gothic style at a cost of Rs 31 lakh by an array of Italian engineers, artists and artisans. You can see the entire Bhuj city from its 45-foot high tower.The ornamentation on the body of the structure has its grandeur look. The Corinthian pillars and Jali work which depicts European plants and animals are also worthy of a mention.

Aina Mahal (Old Palace) - Bhuj, Kutch: This is an old Palace that was built in the 18th century. The erstwhile palace which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji has now been transformed into a Madanji Museum since 1977. It is one of the chief Tourist Attractions in old part of Bhuj. The Aina Mahal is famous for a housing an awesome Hall of Mirrors from which the palace get its name (Aina in Hindi means mirror). It has a European influence, built by Ramsinh who had imbibed the European styles of art and architecture from his stay in Europe for 17 long years.

The Hall of Mirrors which is supposedly the prime attraction of Aina Mahal has white marble walls that are covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments. The floor of the Mirror Hall is laid with tiles with a podium above it that is surrounded by a chain of fountains. Aina Mahal large chandelier made of Venetian glass adds grandeur to the Hall

About bhuj

The Bhuj is ancient city located in the the western city of India, was gravely suffered during 2001 devastating earthquake. That demolished almost 10% of city, killed many and destroyed many ancient heritage. But there is still much interest left in this lull town. The city is 300km away from Ahmedabad. There are beautiful bazaars, medieval temple and palaces, traditional handicrafts and many other things to see. Bhuj is situated near the Gulf of Kutch, a part of Arabian Sea with low hills and embroidery.

Bhuj was founded by Maharao Hamir in the early 16th century. Also during the British rule Bhuj was an independent princely state. After independence it became a part of India. The city is renowned as walled city as it was once fenced by with thick stoned walls. The climate is typical desert because of its proximity with the desert of Rann. Summer is blistering and winter cool and mild. The monsoon is associated with cyclones. The city has well transformation facility. Bhuj is also afford to have its own airport that connects with Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Rann Utsav of Bhuj is famous festival in the western part of Gujarat.