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Kachchh district in Gujarat is home to numerous tourist attractions, including forts and their ruins. Among them, the Roha Fort stands out as one of the most renowned and the majestic one. It is often known as the “Roha Fort of the Sultans” and features a treasure of stories associated with its existence. Located around the periphery of the Roha village, it was the seat of Roha Jagir. The fort has also experienced a lot of other upheaval through various dynasties along the way. If you are intrigued by the history of this fort and its significance, include it in your itinerary and explore more.
About Roha Fort
Photo: Jashu Ram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Roha Fort location lies in the Nakhatrana Taluka of Kachchh district in Gujarat, India. The fort is perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The fort is 44 kilometres away from Bhuj, the district headquarters of Kutch. It served as one of the most powerful forts back in the 16th century when it was constructed.
The history and origins of the fort date back to 1550 CE during the reign of Khengarji Jadeja I, who established the town of Roha and later gifted it to his brother, Sahebji. While the construction of the fort started during the reign of Jadeja I, it wasn’t complete until the 18th century, under the reign of Thakur Noganji. Roughly 250 metres above sea level, the visitors have to climb the steps that start at the base of the hill. There are a lot of temples and compounds inside the fort that have been preserved well.
How To Reach Roha Fort
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There are numerous ways to reach the fort, primarily with Bhuj being the nearest city to this fort.
By Air: The nearest airport from the fort is Bhuj Airport. It is around 49 km from the airport and there are taxis available around.
By Train: The nearest railway station from the fort is the Bhuj Railway Station, located around 46 km away. There are public buses and taxis available outside the airport to take you to the fort.
By Road: You can reach the fort via the Bhuj-Nakhatrana highway. The journey takes about 1.5 hours by car from Bhuj. Usually, private vehicles are the best option.
Things To Do At Roha Fort
Roha Fort, Gujarat stands out as one of the most historical spots around Bhuj, so when you plan your visit, ensure that you explore every bit of the fort in detail.
1. Explore The Fort Complex
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One of the most important activities to indulge in inside the fort is exploring the fort complex. It is spread across an area of 16 acres and features a lot of important architectural elements, including the towering walls and the pillars. You can find the Sultan’s palace, watchtowers, and the residential quarters inside the fort, each one of them worth exploring. Also, the experience of walking along the ramparts is quite fun too.
2. Visit The Temples
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The fort is home to numerous temples, one located at the base of the fort and the other one located right at the entrance of the fort. The temple at the base of the hill is dedicated to Mataji. However, as you enter through the fort’s arched entrance, there is a well-preserved temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
3. Admire The Architecture
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Given that the fort is centuries old, a lot of it now remains in ruins. However, that still doesn’t take away from the charm of the fort, especially the detailed architecture around the temples. The entire fort that sits on top of the Roha Hill, has been constructed with stone and baked bricks, which adds to the characteristic rust exterior of the fort. A lot of the architecture has been destroyed due to the earthquake.
4. Indulge In Birdwatching
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Since the fort is located at an elevation, it serves as a vantage point for birdwatching enthusiasts. Also, the peaceful atmosphere of this place makes it an amazing spot to witness local and migratory birds, especially during the winter season. Peacocks are preferably one of the most commonly sighted birds in the area.
5. Witness Panoramic Views
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The fort is located atop Roha Hill, which is one of the most beautiful spots for you to witness panoramic views of the surrounding town and the villages around. Also, the views of the sunset from the top of the fort are quite beautiful too.
Places To Visit Around Roha Fort
To ensure that you have a pretty engaging travel experience around the fort, you have to plan a well-rounded trip too.
1. Bhuj
Photo: Jugnu / Wikimedia Commons
Bhuj is the nearest city to the fort, located around 44 km away, making it an easily accessible spot. There are numerous tourist attractions in the city including the Aina Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Prag Mahal, and the Kachchh Museum, which are a must-visit. You can also visit the Smriti Van Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj to get a glimpse into the devastating earthquake that happened in 2001.
Distance: 44 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7
2. Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
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Unlike the other wildlife sanctuary in the area, Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast area of salt marshes, home to a variety of wildlife including flamingos, wild asses, and numerous bird species. It is spread across an area of 7506 sq.km and was declared a sanctuary in 1986. The surrounding true saline desert is the highlight of this sanctuary and its unique habitat.
Distance: 234 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7
3. Dholavira
Photo: Lalit Gajjer / Wikimedia Commons
A little drive away from the fort is Dholavira, a village in Khadir Bet. It is primarily an archaeological site that offers insights into the advanced urban planning and water management systems of the Harappan people. You can also spot age-spot civilisations from the Indus Valley era which was considered one of the grandest cities.
Distance: 175 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay & Eat
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There are numerous hotels available in Bhuj, allowing you to have a slow and laidback time exploring the nearby sightseeing spots. Some of the popular hotels around the fort include The Fern Residency, Hotel Kachchh Desert, Hotel Mangalam–Bhuj, Ramee the Srinivas Palace and StayGuru Park View Residency.
While a few local eateries are available around the fort, you can have a few fine-dining restaurants around Bhuj. Some of the popular restaurants are Hotel Prince, Kake Di Hatti-Bhuj, Green Rock, Neelam, and Sankalp.
Best Time To Visit
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Visiting this fort in Kachchh is possible throughout the year. However, the peak season to visit and explore the fort is during the winter months, between October and February. During this period, the temperature usually ranges between 12°C to 28°C, ensuring that you have a pleasant time exploring the fort and the nearby region. The summer months might bring pretty rough and high temperatures, usually over 40°C, which can be physically draining.
Other Factors To Consider
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For a safe and comfortable exploration of the fort and the surrounding areas, keep the following tips into consideration.
- The terrain around the fort is rocky, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
- It is best to explore it during the day, especially for stunning Roha Fort pictures, as there is limited lighting after sunset.
- To fully appreciate the history and significance of the fort, consider hiring a guide who can help you explore the area.
- If you plan to visit during the monsoon season, check the weather forecast in advance to avoid being caught in heavy rain.
Roha Fort is a must-visit spot in Gujarat, the next time you are interested in exploring the history and the rich culture that is native to this place. A visit to this fort offers a peaceful retreat to travellers that are interested in learning about the imposing structure and the tales of the ancient empires. You can plan your trip with TripXL to discover the hidden gems of this magnificent citadel.
Cover Photo: Kutchimadu / Wikimedia Commons
