Bhuj is located in the westernmost part of the western state of India, Gujarat. It is near the Gulf of Kutch, a part of the Arabian Sea. Low hills overlook the city of Bhuj. Though Bhuj is near the coast, yet its climate is hot. It is because of its proximity to the Great Rann of Kutch to its north and the Small Rann to its west, which are vast, sandy, and dry salt flats. Bhuj experiences hot summers and mild winters
Bhuj founded in 1548 AD by Rao Khengarji I, was the capital of the former princely State of Kutch. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town from te east and has Hamirsar Lake on the west. You can lose yourself for hours in the intricate maze-like streets and alleyways of this fascinating town. There are walls within walls, attractive crenellated gateways, old palaces with intricately carved wooden pavilions, and striking, brightly decorated Hindu temples. Rao Pragmalji, who ruled Kutch from 1860 to 1876 AD, undertook many projects, such as- improvement of Mandvi harbour, construction of roads and irrigation works, hospitals, schools and a jail. Rao Pragmalji constructed three royal palaces- Prag Mahal and Ranjit Vilas Palace at Bhuj and Vijay Vials Palace at Mandvi.
