Mandvi Shipbuilding Yard

The Mandvi Shipbuilding Yard continues a centuries old maritime tradition along the Rukmavati river, where skilled artisans still construct large wooden dhows using hand tools and seasoned timber without modern machinery. Vessels built here can carry anywhere from 250 to 1000 tonnes, and visitors can walk along the yard to watch the labour intensive process firsthand. The yard reflects Mandvi's history as a major trading port connecting Kutch with Africa and the Middle East. It remains one of the few places in India where this craft survives at scale.