Bharūch, India

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Bharūch, India

Region: Gujarat


Geographic Coordinates: 21.694800, 72.980500
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Monsoon and dry seasons.
Population: 158253
Language: Gujarati

Bharuch, Also known as Broach, Is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is located on the banks of the Narmada River and has a long history dating back to ancient times. The city was ruled by various dynasties such as Mauryas, Guptas, Chalukyas, And Mughals. During ancient times, Bharuch was an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the banks of the Narmada River. The city was also famous for its textile industry which produced high-quality cotton fabrics that were exported to other parts of India and abroad.

One of the major attractions in Bharuch is Bhrigu Rishi Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another popular attraction in Bharuch is Golden Bridge or Narmada Bridge that connects Ankleshwar with Bharuch across river Narmada. This bridge was built during British rule by British engineer Sir F.G.Williams.

Apart from religious places, There are several other places worth visiting such as Jambusar Fort built by Sultan Mahmud Begda; Soolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary spread over an area of 120 sq km; Dandeshwar Shiv Mandir – a beautiful temple located near Dandia Bazaar; GIDC Industrial Area where you can see some big industries like Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GSFC), Etc.; Vadhvan Port which is an important port for trading; and many more. Bharuch has a vibrant culture and celebrates several festivals throughout the year with great enthusiasm.

It is also known for its delicious food such as Gujarati thali, Khaman Dhokla, Fafda Jalebi, And many other mouth-watering dishes. Bharuch offers something for everyone – from religious places to wildlife sanctuaries to industrial areas. It is definitely worth visiting if you are in Gujarat or planning to explore India’s cultural heritage.



Important Landmarks

  1. Narmada Bridge
  2. Bhrigu Rishi Temple
  3. Jama Masjid
  4. Swaminarayan Temple Bharuch
  5. Golden Bridge, Ankleshwar
  6. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
  7. Kadia Dungar Caves
  8. Hanumanji Temple, Amod
  9. Dashashwamedh Ghat
  10. Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple

Primary Industries

  1. Chemical industry: Bharuch is known as the chemical capital of India due to the presence of several chemical industries producing fertilizers, dyes, pigments, and other chemicals.
  2. Textile industry: The city has a significant textile industry that produces cotton fabrics, yarns, and garments.
  3. Pharmaceutical industry: Bharuch has a growing pharmaceutical industry with companies manufacturing drugs and medicines.
  4. Agriculture: The region around Bharuch is fertile for agriculture with crops like cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice grown.
  5. Engineering & Manufacturing Industry: The city also has engineering and manufacturing units producing machinery parts for various industries.
  6. Construction Industry: With an increase in urbanization in recent years there has been growth in the construction sector too.
  7. Service Industry – There are various service providers such as banks & financial institutions that cater to the needs of local people.

Noteable History

  1. The Mauryan Empire: Bharuch played a vital role in trade during the Mauryan Empire (321-185 BCE). It was known as Barygaza in Greek and Roman sources.
  2. The Gupta Empire: During the Gupta period (320-550 CE), Bharuch became an important center for textile production and trade.
  3. Arab Invasion: In 712 CE, Arab forces led by Muhammad bin Qasim invaded Bharuch and established Islamic rule in the region.
  4. Mughal Empire: During the Mughal period (1526-1857), Bharuch served as an essential trading center for cotton, spices, and textiles.
  5. Swami Vivekananda: The renowned Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda visited Bharuch in 1892 during his tour of India to spread his teachings of Vedanta philosophy.
  6. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s founding fathers and first deputy prime minister, was born in Nadiad near Bharuch in 1875.
  7. Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi visited Bharuch several times during India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
  8. Narmada Dam Project: The Narmada Dam Project is one of the largest river development projects in India that involves building a series of dams on the river Narmada near Bharuch to generate hydroelectric power and provide irrigation water for agriculture.

These historical events have shaped the cultural heritage of Bharūch into what it is today – a bustling city with a rich history that attracts visitors from all over the world.


Museums and Things To See

  1. Narmada Bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding areas.
  2. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will love visiting Bharuch Fort, which was built in the 18th century.
  3. Bhrigu Rishi Temple is a popular Hindu temple located on the banks of the Narmada River.
  4. Swaminarayan Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan that attracts thousands of devotees every year.
  5. Golden Bridge, also known as Nava Pul, is an engineering marvel and a favorite spot for tourists to take pictures.
  6. Sardar Patel Museum showcases artifacts related to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters and statesmen.
  7. Ankleshwar Jain Temple is a beautiful Jain temple with intricate carvings and sculptures that date back centuries.
  8. Kadia Dungar Caves are ancient caves believed to have been carved out by Buddhist monks more than 2,000 years ago.
  9. Valanda Khoti Heritage Palace is a stunning palace built during British rule that has now been converted into a heritage hotel for visitors to stay in while exploring Bharuch.
  10. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 100 km from Bharuch, is home to various wildlife such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears and more.



Cultural Events

  1. Navratri Festival: This is a nine-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. People dress up in traditional attire and perform Garba, a folk dance.
  2. Diwali: This festival of lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bharuch. People light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and decorate them with rangolis (patterns made using colored powder).
  3. Holi: The festival of colors is celebrated with much fervor in Bharuch as well, where people smear each other’s faces with colored powder and water.
  4. Janmashtami: This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated by fasting, singing devotional songs, and performing puja (worship).
  5. Rathyatra: The annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath takes place during this festival, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.
  6. Ganesh Chaturthi: This ten-day long festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the god of wisdom and prosperity.
  7. Urs Festival: The Urs Festival at Piraman Dargah attracts people from different religions to pay homage to the Sufi saint buried there.
  8. Kite Festival: Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti marks the arrival of spring season when people fly kites high in the sky to celebrate new beginnings.
  9. Bhavnath Mahadev Mela : A religious fair held at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple near Junagadh where devotees take a holy dip in Shiva’s Kund on Mahashivratri day
  10. Dang Darbar : A tribal cultural event held every year during December-January that showcases tribal dances like Dangi Nritya

Cuisine

  • Kutchi Dabeli at Jai Hind Dabeli Center
  • Gujarati Thali at Rajwadu Restaurant
  • Pav Bhaji at Jay Bhavani Pav Bhaji Center
  • Fafda-Jalebi at Shree Krishna Farsan Mart
  • Dal Dhokli at Hotel Aditya Palace
  • Pani Puri at Gopal Snacks Corner
  • Undhiyu-Puri at Suruchi Restaurant
  • Pizza and Pasta at The Pizza Studio
  • Chinese Cuisine: Veg Manchurian, American Chopsuey, Noodles, Fried Rice etc., At China Gate Restaurant
  • Punjabi Cuisine: Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala etc., At Punjabi Tadka Restaurant

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Golden Bridge Park
    2. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
    3. Sardar Patel Museum and Planetarium
    4. Narmada Riverfront Park
    5. Swaminarayan Mandir Park
    6. Hanumanji Temple Garden
    7. Nehru Bridge Garden
    8. Children’s Traffic Park
    9. Kadia Dungar Caves Trekking Trail
    10. Ankleshwar GIDC Garden

    Suitcase

    Let The Journey Begin.


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