On the banks of river Rukmavati, just a kilometer away from the Arabian Sea, this small beach town is just lie on the Gulf of Kutch. The nearby city Bhuj is 60km from here. The city displays a rich cultural heritage and few historical heritage. It was once the summer retreat of Maharajas because of its lovely beach. During medieval town, Mandvi was a fortified town and also renowned for its 400 year old shipbuilding center and one can see the small boats being constructed in the traditional techniques by master carpenters even today. The town was famous as a town of merchants and sailors.



It was said that Mandvi was established by first Jadeja ruler of Kutch, Rao Khengarji in the late 16th century. The tourism is delightful and throng by various travelers from India and abroad. The city also a good place to just relax because it has fine climatic condition throughout the year. Mandvi is dotted with old buildings with stone carving and plaster decorations. The architecture is a fusion of Indian and European style. Other than that temples are good place to visit. Other tourist attractions are girl high school ( a former palace) and a light house.

Sights And Activities

Temples Sightseeing
Mandvi is place of temples. There are small, big 300 temples scattered around this small town. The main attractions are however, 81 stone temples renowned for intricate carvings. The majority of temples are devoted to Lord Shiva and goddess Kali. Some of the prominent temples are Panchvaktra Temple, Ardhareshwar Temple, Triloknath Temple, Bhootnath Temple(dedicate to god of demon) and above all Swami Narayan Temple. All are protected monuments by Government of India.

Vijay Vilas Palace
The main tourist attraction of Mandvi, this palace was built by Rao Pragmalji in the year 1920 AD. A sprawling gardens and dotted by number of marble fountains decorated the palace. The palace is a typical example of Rajput architecture.

Kutch Mandvi Beach
Kutch Mandvi is an important beach in Gujarat. The beach is 75km from Bhuj and once an important seaport. It was a private beach of Maharao of Kutch and a summer retreat for royal family. This serene beach is perfect for holiday. The sea here is ideal for swimming, also strolling along the coast can be a wonderful activity. Coconut water, savor tea at beach side small stalls, camel or horse ride, and walking on the beautiful white sand overlooking the beautiful neighboring windmills is nothing but a scintillating experience.

Excursions From Mandvi
There are plenty of excursions options from Mandvi. The popular place is Bhadershwar, which is famous for Jain temples with fresco paintings and oldest mosque in Gujarat. Other places are Mundra (fortified town) 44km, Kandla (India's only free trade port, envisioned by Maharao Kehengarji I and Madansinghji)114 km,Naliya (jain block printing works)116km, Kera (ancient Shiva Temple, shrine of Gulam Ali Shah)35 km, Gandhidham (a well planned, prosperous town, Institute of Sindhology)102 km.