Published:
December 20, 2024
There are many places and towns in the world who have a glorious past but now they are
deserted. Lakhpat is one of such places in Gujarat. Lakhpat is a fortified town with high walls
and bastions made from hard stone. The fort wall is almost 7 KM long with 4 gates and 2
windows. The fort walls which were erected in 1801, are still nearly intact, and offer
spectacular views over the vast Rann. The first thing that you will experience after reaching
here is isolation. It is one of the most remote habitats in Gujarat at the mouth of Kori Creek
near the Pakistan border.
In ancient times, the river Indus and its subsidiary streams fell into the sea after passing
through Lakhpat town in Kutch region. Lakhpat used to be a rich rice growing area and was
also a popular port. This port was used for trading goods from as far as Multan to Indian
ocean countries. Lakhpat was very rich and prosperous city derives its name from the
prosperous maritime trade. Lakhpat was a popular port till the Earthquake of 1819 AD. After
this earthquake Indus river changed its course and start flowing further north west. The
whole area became barren and cultivation stopped due to lack of water. Lakhpat lost its
importance as a port town.
Lakhpat Gurdwara inside the fort premises is associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji and a
sacred place for the Sikhs. ln early 16th century, Guru Nanak Dev ji stayed here 40 days
during his second and fourth missionary journeys (Udasis) in 1506-1513 AD and 1519-1521
AD respectively on his journey to Mecca. In those days Lakhpat was a working port town
and Guru Nanak Ji crossed from Lakhpat to Somiani port (Pakistan) for his onward journey
to Mecca and medina in Saudi Arabia. His wooden ‘khadau’ or ‘Charan paduka’ is preserved
here by Gurudwara committee.
Fly to Bhuj Airport → Vithon (39 km) → Rawapar (80 km) → Umarsar (117 km) → Lakhpat (128 km) (Destination)
