Aina Mahal (Old Palace)
Maharao Lakhpatji's old palace, built in traditional Kutchi style, is in a small fortified courtyard in the old part of the city. It's a beautifully presented museum and is one of the highlights of a visit to Bhuj. The entrance to the palace houses the tourist office, and this is also the site of the Maharao Madansinhji Museum, which has a varied collection of paintings, photos and embroideries. There's a 15m long scroll depicting the Royal Procession of Maharao Shri Pragmalji Bahadur (1838-75). Check out the expression on the last blue-turbaned figure in this epic painting he looks quite peeved at having to ignobly bring up the up the of the procession!

The real attraction here, though, is the Hall of Mirrors, created by the master artisan, Ram Singh Malam, under the patronage of his poet-ruler, Maharao Shri Lakhpatji around the middle of the 18th century. A blend of Indian and European artistry (Ram Singh acquired, his skills in Europe), the walls of the great hall are of white marble covered by mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, lighting being provided by elaborate candelabra, with shades of Venetian glass. Another remarkable feature is the pleasure pool, in the middle of which rises a square platform where the maharao composed his poems and gave encouragement to the classical arts of dancing girls, bards and musicians.  This palace is well worth half a day, and is open daily except Saturday from 9 to 11.45 am and 3 to 5.45 pm. Entry is Rs 3 and photography is prohibited.

Prag Mahal (New Palace)
Across the courtyard from the Aina Mahal is the new palace, an ornate ltalianate marble and sandstone building which was constructed in the latter part of thc l9th century. Parts of it are now used for government of it are but the vast and amazingly kitsch Durbar Hall and the clock tower are open to the public. High up on the walls of this unfurnished hall are portraits of past maharaos, while down below is the usual mausoleum of big game driven to the verge of extinction by egotism and pompous pleasures. Entry is Rs 4, and its costs Rs 15 for a camera, Rs 50 for a video.

Kutch Museum
The Kutch Museum was originally known as the Fergusson Museum after its founder, Sir James Fergusson, a governor of Mumbai under the Raj. Built in 1877, it's the oldest museum in Gujarat and has an excellent collection. The well maintained exhibits (labelled in English and Gujarati) include a picture gallery, an anthropological section, archaeological finds, textiles, weapons, musical instruments, a shipping section and, of course, stuffed beasts. The museum is open every day except Wednesday and the 2nd and 4^th Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11.30 am and 3 to 5.30 pm. Entry is Rs 0.50.

Sharad Bagh Palace
The last maharao died in the UK in 1991 and his palace to the east of the lake has been turned into a small museum. Set in spacious and beautifully tended gardens, the palace itself, built in 1867, is of very modest proportions, with just a drawing room downstairs and bedroom upstairs (closed). The dining room is in a separate building and on

display here are a number of the maharao's personal possessions, including his video player. Also on display is his coffin, in which his body was brought back from the UK for cremation. The palace is open from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm daily except Friday; entry is Rs 1. There's also a Rs 15 camera charge, Rs 50 for a video.

Other Attractions
A huge old wall stretches around the hills overlooking the city. Unfortunately, you can not explore around here, as this is all a restricted military area. The very colourful and richly decorated Swaminarayan Temple is near the Aina Mahal. It's open to the public from 7 to 11 am and 4 to 7 pm. The Bhartiya Sanscruti Darshan Kutch (Folk Museum) houses an interesting private collection of beautiful textiles and artefacts, and also has reconstructions of typical village habitats. The museum is close to the Collector's Office, and you can visit by phoning the curator, Mr. Rathod (Tel: 21518).