One of the reasons for this is the location of Mandvi i.e. on the banks of the River Rukmavati, near Gulf of Kutch in India. Initially, Mandvi was a fortified town and was enclosed within the fort walls. With time, the walls have disappeared, leaving behind a bastion on the southwest which acts as a lighthouse. During its glorious times, it served as an important trade center.

Mandvi earned a great deal of revenue from export. In terms of wealth, the city even surpassed Bhuj, the capital of Kutch. It was a major port for trading with Malwa, Marwar and Sindh. Mandvi is also a 400 year old shipbuilding center. There were a number of ships built here, which sailed up to England and return back. One can still see small boats being made here, as per the traditional techniques.

Interest
The girls' high school built by Rao Lakhpat (1741-60 AD) and a light house are also worth seeing. The school was a former palace and is a replica of the Aina Mahal of Bhuj. It is adorned with intricate stone carvings. There is also a wind farm on a picturesque beach nearby. The Swami Narayan Temple is also a popular tourist spot with bright painted exterior and elaborate plaster decorations. Other interesting religious buildings at Mandvi are the Vaishnav Temple at Sundarvan, Rameshwar Temple, Laxmi-Narayan Temple, Swami Narayan Temple, Jami Mosque.