Imagine vast empty lands of white sand, sparkling under the moonlight, and the sound of traditional folk music coming from afar!
It sounds like a dream but it is not! It is a reality in one of the mesmerizing parts of our country, the Great Rann of Kutch.
It’s that time of the year again when over 2 lakh travellers will be heading to Gujarat for the Rann Utsav. The festival takes place in the Rann of Kutch, and many plan a trip to soak in the beauty of Kutch, relish the delicious food, and celebrate the festivities of this winter festival.
The Department of Tourism, Gujarat organised the Rann Utsav, and it is a grand affair. The 2019-20 festival started on October 28th, 2019 and will go until February 23rd, 2020.
If you are planning to visit the Rann Utsav this year, there is still plenty of time !
Reaching Rann Utsav
Rann of Kutch is part of the largest salt desert of India, also known as the Thar Desert, located in Gujarat. The nearest railway station and airport is Bhuj. Another city close to Kutch is Ahmedabad. Reaching Bhuj from different parts of the country is quite easy.
Staying at the Rann Of Kutch
Dhordo, located an hour away from Kutch, is set a gateway to the Rann Of Kutch. It is set up as the tent city. Different kinds of tents, both AC and non AC, are set here for the visitors. If you wish to stay amid fun and frolic, then staying in Dhordo is the best idea. However, if you are looking for budget options, there are a few traditional resorts located on the outskirts of Bhuj as well as the nearby Hodka village.
Plenty to do in Kutch! What’s your pick?
Planning to visit? Book tickets:
Search flightsThere is a lot to do in Kutch.
- To experience the real vibe of the Thar desert, camel cart rides, folk dance, and music or cultural shows are a good idea.
- If adventure is your pick, paramotoring, rifle shooting will be apt for you.
- Are you looking for a luxury experience at Kutch? Opt for a relaxing spa treatment.
- astly, for shoppers, Kutch will not be a disappointment at all. From jewellery to handicrafts and textiles, Kutch is full of different kinds of extraordinary art forms. Bandhani tie-dye, Ajrakh block printing, weaving, pottery, lacquer work, leatherwork, mud and mirror work, and Rogan art are some of the artworks found here. During the Rann Utsav, some of the artists also conduct workshops on the various art forms they practice.
Other fascinating places near Rann of Kutch!
There are a lot of different destinations nearby, in case one is planning to take a break from the festivities. Some of the exciting places include Mandvi, an hour from Bhuj, is home to a 400-acre shipbuilding yard. The Vijay Vilas Palace, located on the outskirts of Mandvi, is worth exploring too.
The best time to visit the Rann Utsav
They say the best time to go the Rann Utsav is on a full moon night. The infinite white land looks even more spectacular under the full moon!
Things to remember
The Rann of Kutch is a sensitive area as it lies close to the Pakistan border. Thus, visitors require a permit to visit Kutch. The permit can be applied for online, or from Bhirandiyara village (about 55 kilometers from Bhuj).
Visit the Rann Utsav to experience the incredible culture of Kutch, and enjoy the picturesque white sand desert.
