Western Kutch
Jakhau Port
A working fishing harbour on Kutch's western coast, guarded by Coast Guard stations
At a glance
- Ideal formaritime enthusiasts, photography lovers & coastal explorers
- Best timeOctober to March (active fishing season & pleasant sea breezes)
- Port legendnamed after 'Jakh Botera' (72 horse-riding saints) from the 10th century
- Economic hubone of Gujarat's busiest working fishing harbours & dried fish centers
- Security outpoststrategic Indian Coast Guard station monitoring border waters
- Connectivity17 km from Naliya, 110 km west of Bhuj
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Overview
Jakhau is a historic and active coastal fishing port located in Abdasa taluka, on the far western edge of Kutch. Named after the legendary 72 horse-riding saints ('Jakh Botera') who arrived here in the 10th century, Jakhau was once an international trading gateway for spices and textiles to Zanzibar and Arabia. Today, it operates as one of Gujarat's largest working fishing harbors, filled with hundreds of colorful wooden trawlers, fish auctions, and salt pans under Coast Guard watch.
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Who should visit
- Maritime & Documentary Photographers: Capture hundreds of colorful wooden fishing trawlers, nets, and busy harbour life.
- Cultural & History Travelers: Visit the hillside Jakh Botera Temple celebrating the legendary 72 horse-riding saints.
- Seafood Lovers: Experience one of Kutch's primary coastal fishing hubs.
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How to reach
- From Naliya: 17 km (approx. 20 mins drive west).
- From Bhuj: 110 km (approx. 2 hours drive west via SH-42).
- Local Transport: Autorickshaws and local jeeps ply regularly between Naliya town and Jakhau Port.
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Signature Landmarks & Experiences
- Jakhau Fishing Harbour & Trawler Fleet: Walk along the piers to observe hundreds of painted wooden fishing boats discharging daily catches.
- Jakh Botera Temple: A hillside shrine dedicated to the 72 horse-riding saints, offering panoramic views over surrounding salt pans.
- Old Jakhau Lighthouse & Salt Flats: View the coastal lighthouse and sprawling white salt crystallization pans along Godia Creek.
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Local tips & common mistakes
- Carry Photo ID: Due to Coast Guard border security protocols, carry original government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport).
- Photography Restrictions: Photography near military or Coast Guard installations is strictly prohibited.
- Stay at Naliya or Mandvi: Accommodation options in Jakhau village are minimal; stay in Naliya (17 km) or Mandvi.
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Food & local culture
- Fresh Coastal Seafood: Local harbour dhabas serve fresh sea catch, while village dharamshalas offer basic Gujarati thalis.
Best time to visit
Pick your season
Winter (Peak)October – March
Active fishing harbour operations and pleasant coastal temperatures.
Bhadrapad FairSeptember
Annual Jakh Botera fair celebrating the 72 saints with vibrant rituals.
Suggested itinerary
Make the most of your visit
- Western Coast Jakhau Tour
- 8:00 AM: Depart Bhuj for Naliya & Jakhau (110 km)
- 10:15 AM: Explore Jakhau fishing harbour piers & boat docks
- 11:30 AM: Visit hill-top Jakh Botera Temple & salt pans
- 1:00 PM: Return to Naliya for lunch & visit Bustard Sanctuary
FAQ
- What is Jakhau Port famous for?
- Jakhau is famous as a major working fishing harbour, salt producer, and site of the legendary Jakh Botera 72 saints shrine.
- Are permits needed for Jakhau Port?
- Government photo ID proof is required at Coast Guard security checkpoints entering the harbour area.
