Me and Karan travel for sunrises and sunsets. Our reasons may differ but we unarguably agree on the point that sunrises and sunsets categorize under ‘best travel memories’.
During our trip to Kutch our itinerary was improper and unplanned. We had scattered recommendations and heap of do’s and don’ts. One thing that stood on our agenda was to ‘Discover Unseen Kutch’ and Lakhpat was a match.
Along with the obvious recommendations of catching sunrise over white rann, Lakhpat was not a very regular recommendation. We both being fan of irregular, decided to undertake our journey to this ruined town nestled 134 km down Bhuj in the mouth of Kori Creek, presenting you to a swallowing vastness touching India and Pakistan Border.
Lakhpat’s tale is kept alive by the lone visitors from time to time since it was devastated by an earthquake in 1819. Once a thriving port connecting Gujarat and Sindh , Lakhpat facilitated huge amount of trading. Millionaires were its residents hence the name ‘LAKHPAT’ was derived from ‘LAKHPATI’. The earthquake hit left this fort town devastated displacing it’s population of 15000 and making Indus river change its course. Lakhpat could never recover after that.
But among these eerie ruins in the enclosed 8KM boundary of Lakhpat Fort, some structures still stand erect passing turbulent times holding extreme significance in religious and cultural harmony.
For followers of Sikkhism, Lakhpat Gurudwara is a place of worship . In early 16th century , Guru Nanak Dev ji stayed here 40 days while travelling to Mecca. His wooden ‘khadau’ and ‘palkhi’ is preserved here by Gurudwara committee. Lakhpat Gurudwara is the only place in this ghost town making sure that every visitor gets shelter and food along with a place to stay for the night. You will be greeted with wide smiles and will be fed wholesome ‘langar’ along with the tales from the time of Guru Nanak dev ji.
You will also find ‘mazaar’ of Pir Mohamad Ghaus , a sufi mystic who spent his life in Lakhpat as half hindu and half muslim. Tales confirm that he had super natural powers and was sought by every ruler in the region. There are few more beautiful architecture spreading within the fort boundary including a quaint little temple and one masjid.
PLAN TO CATCH THE BEST SUNRISE OF YOUR LIFE :
Once you find yourself here, stay put for the night in Lakhpat Gurudwara. Wake up early for the ardaas and leave immediately to find the walls of magnificent fort encapsulating this ruined town. You will have to walk almost 1.5 km in your quest.
Once you find the boundary, set yourself by finding a high point and enjoy the best views unfolding in the shades of bright oranges and reds. On the other side of this boundary, there is Rann. The salt desert. Just enjoy the view and don’t think of crossing the barricades by BSF.
To note, if you are able wake up even earlier than decided you can also catch a stunning moon set.
Dessert deal in salt desert.
HOW TO REACH :
Hire a cab at the rate of Rs10/km or you can choose local buses. Cab will save you a lot of time but will be heavier on your pocket. Local buses are definitely cheaper but theyare sparse and you will end up wasting time.
FACT : There are only two buses plying in a day from Lakhpat to Bhuj
Distance between Bhuj and Lakhpat : 134KM
WHERE TO STAY:
Lakhpat Gurudwara is the only place to find an accommodation in this region. Call Lakhpat tourism before your arrival to make sure there are no contingencies. Donate whatever you like but they don’t charge you a single penny.
WHAT TO EAT :
Langar in Gurudwara are your only meals. There are no basic stores in Lakhpat. Carry some dry snacks from Bhuj to munch on.
We hope this information will help you plan your trip to this far away land with lot of tales and you will come back with lot of stories. Till then find some solace in the some stunning pictures we shared with you.