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Kutch district in Gujarat is filled with numerous historical sites, forts being one of them. White popular counterparts like Bhujia Fort attract a lot of attention from visitors, but places like the Tera Fort are missed by many. The beauty of Tera Fort lies in its simplicity. Despite how little they are talked about, the fort played a significant role in the reigning history of Gujarat and its surrounding areas. The fort itself is centuries old and dates back to the time of the Jadeja dynasty.
Location
Photo: José Carlos Oliveira / WIkimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tera Fort is situated in the small village of Tera in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The fort is approximately 85 km from the main city of Bhuj and on the banks of three rivers – Chattasar, Sumerasar and Chatasar, which adds to its geographical significance.
About Tera Fort In Gujarat
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Tera Fort’s origin is associated with the Jadeja Chiefs, who got control over the estate of Tera during the ongoing rule of Deshalji I (1718-1741). Historically, many parts of the Tera Fort have been damaged during the ongoing wars and battles, especially the major battles during the reign of Maharao Lakhpatji. It is believed that the war ensued because Sumraji Thakore of Tera, the chief of the Tera Estate, insulted Rao of Kutch.
Hearing about those, Maharao sent an army to Tera to further subdue the war. During this time in the history of wars in Gujarat, the rulers used artillery power, which was set up by the famous Ram Singh Malam. Given how powerful the arms and weaponry were, the cannon power destroyed the fort, leaving nothing in shape. Following the siege, the war continued for three months consistently. Later, finding no ground to proceed, Sumraji surrendered in front of Maharao, bringing the war to a standstill.
How To Reach
Photo: Ayesha Mehta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tera Fort is located in the small town of Tera, which is in the Kutch district. However, since the fort is located quite remotely, you do need to plan.
By Air: Bhuj Airport is the nearest airport to Tera Fort. Once you reach the airport, you can then take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from outside to reach the fort.
By Train: If you are travelling via train, Bhuj Railway Station is your nearest railhead. There are public buses, auto rickshaws and taxis available outside the railway station to take you to Tera Fort.
By Road: Tera Fort is accessible by road from various parts of Gujarat. The village is connected by a network of state highways, and the drive from Bhuj takes approximately 2 hours. If you aren’t driving yourself, taking a taxi is usually a much better option.
Places To Visit Around Tera Fort
Tera Fort, despite being quite remotely located, has various nearby sightseeing destinations, which you must add to your itinerary.
1. Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
Photo: Deanne Scanlan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Bhuj, which is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the Indian wolf, chinkara, and the great Indian bustard. A beautiful element of this sanctuary is the blend of scrub forests and seasonal wetlands, which makes it an ideal destination for several different bird species in the area.
Distance: 78 Km
Timings: 7 AM – 1 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
2. Bhujodi Village
Photo: Jatin Verma / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located a short drive from the Tera Fort, Bhujodi Village is a quaint and less explored village that is located near Tera Fort. The place is renowned for the rich crafts and textiles of Kutch. You can witness skilled weavers and craftsmen in action, ones that specialise in handloom products, including shawls, sarees, and handicrafts. Visiting this village lets you immerse in the age-old traditions and learn about the old weaving techniques too.
Distance: 91 Km
Timings: 24*7
3.Mandvi Beach
Photo: Andrew Coelho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For some time to relax and immerse yourself in the nature around you, a visit to Mandvi Beach is a must. It is located in Mandvi and the beach is known for its calm waves and the long shoreline, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. You can unwind, sunbathe and even go for a beachcombing experience. There aren’t any water activities available besides swimming but you can indulge in a few of the local snacks in the close vicinity of the beach, adding to the significance of your visit.
Distance: 64.6 Km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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Since Tera Fort is located in the Tera village, you’d need to head to Bhuj to find proper accommodation for the remainder of your stay. There are quite a few popular hotels and resorts available, including Hotel Prince Residency, Hill View Resort Bhuj-Kutch, Hotel Tulsi Residency, Hotel Kutch Desert and Hotel Navkar Residency.
Where To Eat
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If you are visiting Tera Fort on a day trip, ensure that you are carrying food of your own since there aren’t any eateries in close vicinity. To eat a proper meal, you’d need to head to Bhuj where all the restaurants and eateries are available. Around Bhuj, you can try your food at different restaurants including Aatithya Multicuisine Restaurant, Sankalp Restaurant, and Anando Foods.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tera Fort is accessible throughout the year. However, to have a comfortable time exploring the fort and its surrounding areas, it is ideal if you visit during the winter months, more specifically between October and March. With pleasant temperatures from 15°C to 25°C, you can explore the fort on foot without feeling uncomfortable or tired.
Other Factors To Consider
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To ensure that your trip down to Tera Fort is a success, having a few pointers in mind always comes in handy.
Average Cost Of The Trip:
There is no entry fee for the fort, but, the average cost of a trip to Tera Fort in India can range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per person, including transportation, food, and entry fees. Budget-friendly options are available, while luxury experiences may cost more.
Tips For The Travellers:
- While Bhuj has ATMs, smaller villages like Tera may not. So, carry cash with you.
- The weather can be hot and humid, so light, breathable clothing is recommended.
- Carry a water bottle with you, especially when exploring outdoor attractions.
- Check the timings and entry fees of attractions before visiting to avoid any inconvenience.
- Apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and use a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
Tera Fort is one of the most charming forts in Gujarat, often known for its offbeat location and history. If you are around Bhuj, and looking to explore spots that are not talked about enough, this is one of those sightseeing spots that you wouldn’t regret visiting. On your next trip to Gujarat, plan everything ahead of time with TripXL so you can include these unexplored historical spots around the city.
Cover Photo: ananya pal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
