I’ve visited Bhuj many times. As a result, when I visited Bhuj in December 2019, I went beyond the normal tourist attractions. And I was not let down. I discovered two paces that I had never seen before on any of my previous trips. The historical site of Chhatedi is the subject of this article. However, you must also search for Ramkund. I’m a huge fan of stepwells, and this trip allowed me to see Ramkund as well. Gujarat Tourism provided funding for my journey.
Chhatedi will be advertised as a major tourist attraction in any other region. However, this is not the case in India, either because we have so many historical sites or because we do not respect our heritage. But now that you know about Chhatedi, put it on your Bhuj to-do list. You will not be let down. I was also there at sunset, which I highly recommend.
The word Chhatedi comes from the word Chhatri, which means umbrella, and refers to the shape of the monument’s domes. Rajasthan and Gujarat are known for their chhatris. Royal cenotaphs are typically associated with the final resting places of the region’s rulers. The structures are treated with reverence by the locals, and the visitors are expected to do the same. The Jadeja rulers built the Chhatedis in Bhuj in the 18th century.
There wasn’t anything written about Chhatedi on the web. All of my historical knowledge comes from a single sign board that I saw. The Rao Lakha Chhatri is the most ornate complex. The architecture is a combination of Rajputana and Mughal influences. Red sandstone was used to carve them.
Ram Singh Malam produced the Rao Lakha Chhatris. A stone slab in the complex also claims that 15 of the King’s wives perished on Rao Lakha’s funeral pyre. The Bhuj earthquake in 2001 destroyed many of the Chhatris.
There were just a few locals around when we went, aside from our party. There was no admission charge, but there was a caretaker on hand. There aren’t many limits, but you can’t climb over the cenotaphs themselves, which are rectangular structures on the ground. We were free to wander around and explore the rest of the time.
I had a great time exploring the ruins at Chhatedi. It was almost silent. We had time and the light was ideal for photography. I enjoyed taking photos in my spare time. The ruins are beautiful, and I hope my photos convey how much I enjoyed my time there!
On the pillars surrounding the Rao Lakha Chhatri, there are numerous figures and images. In the absence of historical data, I would simply let my imagination run wild and make up stories about the characters.
Chhatedi is not difficult to find. The local taxi drivers will be able to guide you. I did not use Google Maps for this specific location, but the maps in Bhuj were typically accurate. For your convenience, Chhatedi’s street address is 15, Town Hall Rd, Jubliee Colony, Banker’s Colony, Bhuj.
A visit to Chhatedi in Bhuj is highly recommended, particularly if you can go around sunset. There aren’t many tourists who come here. If you want to take a lot of pictures, you may want to stay for two hours. The nearby Swami Narayan Temple is also a sight to behold at sunset.
