Situated around 40 kilometers away from Bhuj, Nirona village is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The village of Nirona features many distinctive crafts such as lacquer work and bell-making, but the most popular one is the award-winning ancient art of Rogan painting. The art of Rogan painting was brought to Nirona around 300 years ago from Iran, which is now being practiced by just one extended family in this village. The word Rogan means ‘oil-based’ in Persian dialect. In the cozy workshop of the village, you can fund several designs on different clothes. Amongst these pieces of art, the ‘tree of life’ is the most famous. These ultra delicate paintings painted on cloth take several months of hard work to finish. During the visit of Barack Obama, former president of the United States of America, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented one fine piece to him.
Best Time To Visit Nirona
The best time to visit Nirona in Gujarat is during the winter season when the climate is pleasant and the village’s beauty is at its peak.
History of Nirona
In the small village of Nirona in the middle of Kutch, the art of Rogan is unknown, but the craft can be traced back to Iran. Nirona’s Khatri family’s forefathers came from Iran and settled here around 300 years ago. The family continued with their art form and made it famous all over the globe for over eight generations.
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Places To Visit In Nirona
A 3 to 4 month-long competition celebrating the Rann is held every year on the Great Rann of Kutch. With a plethora of performances by native folk artists and activities, this competition starts from mid-November. Several thousands of people get attracted to the place because of renowned singers who perform during the competition. When you are in Kutch, a camel safari in the white desert is a must.
Located within the Khadir Bet Island in the Kutch district of Gujarat, Dholavira is one of the six largest Harappan sites within the Indian subcontinent. Discovered in 1967 by J P Joshi. Since 1990, the Archaeological Survey of India is still excavating the site. The fifth largest in the Indian subcontinent and the second largest Harappan site in India, this site has remains of the Indus valley civilization. Dholavira is the only site which has the presence of Harappan culture from 2900 BC to 1500 BC.
Located 60 kilometers away from Bhuj, Mandvi is a fortified city, which is popular for its pristine beaches and horse and camel rides on the shores. A spectacular building designed in 1940 as a royal summer retreat, Vijay Vilas Palace is located near the beach. One can witness the stunning view of the sea from its rooftop. Other than Vijay Vilas Palace, the Bandhani Bazaar and the Swaminarayan Temple are the other major attractions in the region.
The name of this lake literally means the Lake of Narayan. With a temple complex located nearby, Narayan Sarovar has 5 sacred lakes situated in the area. One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Narayan Sarovar boasts an ancient and awe-inspiring architecture. A pious place for Hindus, Narayan Sarovar is an ancient site in Kutch district of Gujarat. One of the five holy lakes in India, Narayan Sarovar is surrounded by intricate temples such as Dwarkanath Temple, Adinarayan Temple, Ranchodraiji Temple, Shri Trikamraiji Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Govardhannathji Temple, and Laxmiji Temple. The queen of Maharaj Shri Deshalji constructed these temples.
Vijay Vilas Palace has been a part of many Bollywood films such as Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai starrer ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ when they were serenading every alternative with ‘Chand Chupa Badal Mein’ song and Amir Khan starred ‘Lagaan’ when Elizabeth was swaying to precise here newfound love for Bhuvan. A perfect royal residence set amidst well-trimmed gardens and marble fountains, Vijay Vilas Palace is located in Mandvi city within the Kutch district. An absolute treat to the eyes, this palace is made with domes on pillars, protruding porches, and colored glass. You can live inside the palace as they rent its luxurious rooms to visitors.
In Maharao Lakhpatji’s previous palace, you should not miss visiting Aina Mahal. While exploring the palace, you can witness the traditional Kutchi architecture. Influenced by Indian and European styles, the mirror work was created by Ram Singh Malam in the 19th century. Aina Mahal is going to be worth your while as it boasts the innovative use of marbles, Venetian glass, reflective lighting, and mirrors adjoined by studded jewelry. Aina Mahal also boasts a Pleasure Pool, where the Maharaja used to sit down to write poems. To sum up this place in a few words, we would say that it is ‘A Royal Retreat’.
How To Reach Nirona
The village of Nirona is located in the district of Kutch of Gujarat. Kutch is one of the most popular destinations in India, which is well-connected with the other major cities of the country. Here’s how you can reach Nirona in Gujarat.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Mumbai
- Nearest railway station. Bhuj
- Nearest airport. Bhuj
- Distance from Mumbai. 889 Kms
By Air
There is no dedicated airbase in Nirona, however, the nearest airbase to Nirona is in Bhuj. Several taxis are available just outside the airport to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Kutch Airport. 37 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available To Reach Nirona
By Train
There is no dedicated railhead in Nirona, however, the nearest railhead to Nirona is in Bhuj. Several options of local buses and jeeps are available outside the railway station to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Bhuj Railway Station. 27 Kms
By Road
Driving to Nirona in Kutch is the most viable option as the region is mostly a desert.
- Distance from Ahmedabad. 367 Kms
