Once a famous port town

Mandvi, a charming town in the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat, was once a significant part of the Kutch region and is named after the revered Sage Mandavya from the Mahabharata.

Mandvi used to be a famous port and is now a popular tourist destination. It's the perfect place to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun, and you can even go for horse and camel rides along the beaches. Established in 1574 by Khengarji, the king of Kutch, Mandvi has some significant landmarks like the Sundarwar temple, Jama Masjid, Lakshminarayan Temple, Kajivali Mosque, and Rameshwar Temple, which show its historical importance.

Although Mandvi was once a major trading centre, its significance waned with the rise of Mumbai. The town used to be protected by a fort with a high wall and bastions, some of which still remain.

Mandvi’s pages of history

According to the chronicles of the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas, many clans, including Gohil, Bhatti, Jethwa, Solanki, Rathod, and Visavaria Brahmins, migrated to Mandvi from Dhaneti between the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 18th century, Mandvi's merchants owned a fleet of 400 vessels, trading with East Africa, the Malabar coast, and the Persian Gulf. In the early 19th century, Mandvi became a major port for inland trade with Malwa, Marwar, and Sindh, situated at the crossroads of the maritime spice trade and the desert camel caravan route, cementing its status as a crucial trade centre.

Taking to the seas

Located at a crucial junction of the maritime spice trade route and the desert camel caravan route, Mandvi’s shipbuilding history remains visible today along the River Rukmavati on the Bunder Road.

The Kharwa community in Mandvi crafts massive wooden vessels known as Kachchhi dhows. These dhows are considered the largest handicrafts in the world. Dhows are traditional sailing vessels with one or more masts, often equipped with lateen sails. They were used for trading goods along the coast of Arab countries, East Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Skilled artisans construct these 2000-tonne capacity vessels using sal wood imported from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma, or locally sourced babool trees.

Immerse yourself in Mandvi's beauty

While Mandvi Beach is a must-visit, there are other hidden gems waiting to be explored. The beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and leads to the Arabian Sea. Vijay Vilas Palace is the epitome of historical architecture and is a famous place to visit in Mandvi. Jain temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan are known for their beauty and architecture. 72 Jinalaya is a loved temple with 72 Deris of Lord Mahavira. Shipyards are an unusual but interesting tourist spot. Wind Farms Beach is Asia’s first Wind Mills Project. Topansar Lake is a tiny lake located in the heart of the city. Shyamji Krishna Varma Smarak is a memorial in honour of the famous scholar and freedom fighter. Sheetla Mata Temple is a famous sacred temple.