With the landscape spanning more than 40,000 square kilometres, the immense desert of the Kutch is one of the largest districts of India.
It submerged during the monsoon season and got dry after the monsoon. It alternates between wetland and dry land.
The Great Rann of Kutch is famous for its salt desert and the small Rann of Kutch is famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary.
The Great Rann of Kutch occupies a part of the Thar deserts, extended into Rajasthan. And located in the far north, it borders Pakistan.
Hence, it comprises many migrant communities from Pakistan – Sindh, the Marwar region of Rajasthan and Persia from Iran.
For hundreds of years, until India became a republic, the Kutch region was ruled by the oldest Hindu dynasties, the Jadeja Dynasty of Rajputs.
Overview
Such mixed migrants have established many different religions in the Kutch region. And remain in surprising harmony with its inhabitants and coexist peacefully. They respect each other’s beliefs and often participate in each other’s events.
One of the main attractions for tourists is that many villagers earn income from the arts passed down from generation to generation. Tourists can buy those articles and can learn the Art from them.
Yet what is striking and meaningful is the simplicity and quietness of life. Tourists feel amazing to visit the remote villages of the Kutch, learn their Art and get another perspective on life. It’s just inspiring and humbling.
Kutch is the perfect rural tourism destination. To explore the real essence of the Kutch, you should spend at least a week or more.
Bhuj
Bhuj, the capital of the Kutch, is the perfect launching point to explore the region as, is well connected with air, bus and train routes.
The City’s Royal Heritage
The city of Bhuj is known for its royal heritage. It was ruled – by the kings of the Jadeja dynasty, who established themselves there in the 16th century.
Bhuj spread out around hills called Bhujia Dungar. There was Bhujia Fort on the top of the Bhujiyo Dungar, constructed by king Rao Godaji to protect the city.
Attractions in Bhuj
By the earthquake in 2001, more parts of the Bhuj city vanished. Fortunately, architectural treasures constructed by Jadeja rulers remain standing in the walled Old City.
The famous heritage properties in Bhuj city are:
● Rani Mahal – the former royal residence
● Prag Mahal – the Italian Gothic and European styled palace with its durbar hall and clock tower
● Aina Mahal – an ornate 350 years old palace with royal paintings, furniture, textiles, weapons and great mirror work
Other attractions in Bhuj are:
● the new Swaminarayan temple – a magnificent gleaming white marble masterpiece
● museums,
● markets and bazaars, and
● Hamirsar Lake – the home of catfish
● The Living and Learning Design Center, a curated museum – get an incredible insight into the lives and artisanship of women of the Kutch.
If you are fond of handicrafts, you can meet some expert artisans in Bhuj.
Mandvi
After exploring Bhuj, the tourists usually would love to head off to nearby villages to explore handicrafts and the Great Rann of Kutch white desert.
Famous for shipbuilding, the port of Mandvi is only an hour’s drive from Bhuj. On the way, there is a historic Kera – 10th century Shiva temple to visit. It was damaged badly in the earthquake in the year 1819 in Kutch.
Though occupied by bats, tourists can still go inside. Visit the place on full moon nights when moonlight flooded from a gap in the roof.
On the west coast of Kutch, the port of Mandvi is worth visiting to see a 400 years old shipbuilding yard.
It is along the banks of the Rukmavati River that merges into the Arabian Sea. There you can witness various stages of construction of the ships.
Other Attractions in Mandvi are:
Most of the old buildings are still intact as Mandvi was not hit as badly as Bhuj by the 2001 earthquake. On the outskirts of Mandvi beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace is a must visit place.
In Koday before Mandvi, there is a peaceful white marble Jain temple. It oozes calm and serenity. It has 72 shrines housing Jain gods. The drive from Bhuj to Mandvi is full of scenic views and palm trees almost look like south India.
Kutch Villages and Handicrafts
The Kutch is well known for its handicrafts, produced by talented artisans in its villages. Arts such as bandhani tie-dye and ajrakh block printing originated in Pakistan.
Migrants from Pakistan brought these arts with them more than 350 years ago. The Khatri community specializes in both these arts.
The Kutch is also famous for other prevailing arts such as embroidery, mud & mirror work, weaving, pottery, lacquer work, leatherwork and Rogan art.
The famous Handicraft Villages in Kutch are:
● Bhujodi – a village of weavers, about 10 kilometres east of Bhuj
● Ajrakhpur – a village of block printers, 15 kilometres east of Bhuj is the most frequented village.
● Nirona – around 50 kilometres northeast of Bhuj, can be visited on the way to the Great Rann of Kutch is home to bell makers, Rogan art, and lacquer work artists.
● Khavda – on the way to the Great Rann, block printing and pottery is done in the village.
● Gandhinugam village – populated by the Meghwal community, featured colourful painted traditional mud huts. It is at Ludiya.
Other Craft Parks and Resource Centers are:
● Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park in Bhujodi village – is a cultural centre and artisans market sponsored by the government.
● Khamir – provides a platform for local artisans to sell their handicrafts and interact with visitors. It also facilitates guesthouses for visitors participating in workshops and events. It is in Kukma, 15 kilometres east of Bhuj, not far past Bhujodi.
Great Rann of Kutch and Salt Desert
Apart from handicrafts, people visit Kutch to see the Great Rann of Kutch. Made up of salt desert, it covers around 10,000 square kilometres and is close to the Pakistan border.
The salt is submerged underwater during the monsoon season in India, making it even more astonishing.
The magnificent white desert is inhabited by various village communities, many of whom have migrated from Pakistan and the Marwar region of western Rajasthan.
Until after the 2001 earthquake, it remained largely cut off and unexplored. The government and the rann of kutch tourism have raised awareness about the great heritage and handicrafts of the Kutch.
Due to the local production of handicrafts, including embroidery and block printing, the traditions of Kutch have been sustained.
The tourists can explore the breathtaking panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch from the top of the Kala Dungar.
The wetlands of the rann, known as Chari Fulay, attract numerous migratory birds. Most tourists stay in special accommodations near the rann utsav kutch gujarat.
Little Rann of Kutch
Lies to the southeast of the Great Rann – there is a Little Rann of Kutch. Most famous for its largest wildlife sanctuary, the Little Rann in India is home to the Indian wild ass.
They are endangered creatures that look like a cross between a donkey and a horse. The tourists witness plenty of birds in the area as well.
Conclusion
The tourists should visit the place between November to February when Kutch celebrates the most popular Rann Utsav.
The tourists can explore the serene beauty of nature’s marvel – the white desert with the cultural festivals and adventure activities.
Tourism in the Kutch supplements the visitors with glimpses of Pakistan and the Indo-Pakistan border.
Very well known as the cultural carnival of Kutch, the Rann Utsav or Rann Festival, it is the most awaited festival in India on the land of the White Desert of the Kutch, Gujarat.
It is appropriately said, by Mr Amitabh Bachchan, – “Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha ”, and “Kuch Din to Guzariye Gujarat mein!”.
The stunning saline marsh is the marvel of nature that remains submerged underwater during the monsoons. It slowly re-surfaces in October as the water slowly drains from the shallow wetland.
You will get the unique and mystical experience that leaves you wondering about its fantastic beauty.
The winter season in India – the months from November to February are the ideal time to enjoy this magnificent land.
The endless white salt marsh is highlighted and celebrated by Rann Utsav. This grand festival of Rann brings colours and vivid art to make your experience basket more vibrant. You can witness the heritage of the Kutch region.
Overview
Gujarat Tourism is successfully executing the Rann Utsav and the Tent City. And After this success, they have started White Rann Resort. This new accommodation will give you options to stay in tents or local huts called Bhungas. It is more economical than Tent City.
However, the Tent City located on the edge of the White Desert is the hub of all cultural and traditional events, adventurous activities and local shopping of unique handicrafts.
Hence, if you wish to celebrate the festivities at the fullest and budget is not a concern, you can book your stay at the Rann Utsav Tent City Booking.
White Rann Resort
Gujarat Tourism offers The White Rann Resort Booking, facilitated with luxurious yet affordable tents and Rajwadi Bhunga accommodation.
The White Rann Resort is a bundle of joy, culture, tradition, adventure, romance, leisure, fun and sightseeing.
The region turns into an oasis of domestic and foreign tourists during Rann Utsav.
The White Rann Resort has offered a Budget-friendly package. The luxurious and affordable tents and Bhungas, are equipped with modern amenities.
White Rann Resort is all set to give a marvellous experience during winters for couples, families and friends to celebrate their togetherness and create incredible memories of Kutch culture.
The White Rann Resort offers exquisite hospitality such as a room with all modern amenities & services, yummylicious cuisines and a wide array of entertainment programs.
Attractions at White Rann Resort
Accommodation in lockable Premium AC Tents / Rajwadi AC Bhunga
Visit wonderful White Rann & Kalo Dungar
Rann Safari
Thrilling Adventure Park with ParaMotoring and ATV Rides
Indoor Activities such as pool, board games and library
Shopping delight at Craft Village with colourful handloom & handicraft
Lip-smacking Gujarati Cuisine
Folk Music and Cultural Activities of Kutch, Gujarat
Rann Utsav Tent City
The tent city is built and rebuilt every year during the winter season to celebrate the festival of culture Rann Utsav. Around 350 tents set in C shape across an area spread over 5,00,000 sq. mt. in Dhordo village of Kutch.
It is an initiative of Gujarat Tourism that offers options for Non-AC, Deluxe-AC, and Premium tents. It takes about two months, and 350 people work to set this temporary structure to give you a relaxing and comfortable stay.
It has dining halls, a plethora of adventure activities, a big reception area, a Shopping Haat, recreation centres, stages, open spaces and a clinic. Every year around 35000 tourists visit Tent City.
Packages at Tent City, Rann Utsav
Tent City offers various accommodations such as Non-AC, Deluxe-AC, and Premium tents to suit all pockets. The rates start with Non-AC cottages offering basic amenities to keep on spiralling as you opt for big and equipped tents.
You can book your stay at Darbari and Rajwadi Suite to get the personalized and royal treatment.
Tent City offers 1, 2 or 3 night stays with all-inclusive packages. Once the booking is confirmed, you will be picked up from the airport or railway station in Bhuj at a specified time.
In the waiting room, you will have tea or coffee and washrooms are facilitated there. Then you will reach Dhordo on a coach that will take two hours.
The package includes pick up, drop off, all meals, transportation from and to Bhuj, sightseeing tours and many adventure activities.
The Tent City also takes permits to visit the Great Rann of Kutch. You only need to enjoy the joyous ride of colourful festivities and spectacular white sand marsh.
You can participate in adventurous activities like – paramotoring, ATV Ride, rappelling, ziplining, giant swing and rock climbing and Rifle shooting.
You can feel relaxed with yoga and a rejuvenating spa.
You can buy local handicrafts, trinkets, traditional outfits, bedcovers, cushions, traditional stuff.
The highlight of Tent City is the folk dances, live shows, and music performances organized every day.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly your tour to Great Rann of Kutch will be a lifetime memory for you. No one can deny that a stay in the Tent City or White Rann Resort is the reason to make their stay fantastic.
The fascinating charm of Kutch binds with its magnificent white dessert and the rich cultural traditions. It has several big and small villages within.
The people of Kutch are known for their great hospitality and sound artistry. Kutch is the best site to visit during the winter. You can get pleasant stay options to match your lifestyle.
It has beautiful resorts and fabulous hotels with excellent amenities that will make your travel experience a lifetime memory.
Overview
The Rann of Kutch is an island. It resembles the shape of a tortoise. Kutch is the largest district in India. Kutch is the land of culture, art, traditions and great landform.
The literal meaning of Kutch us wet and dry. But in Sanskrit, Kutch means Tortoise. Most of the great rann of Kutch is covered with water in the monsoon and gets dry in winter.
Kutch is the marvel of nature with white desert and great art and architecture from Indus Valley Civilization to the Rao Dynasty, a perfect place for Tourism and romance.
The great sea and desert complementing each other give charm to it. The Great Rann of Kutch is the world’s largest white sand desert. Tourists enjoy walking on Mandvi beach, the march on the Indo Pak border of Kutch and exploring the Great Rann of Kutch.
If you are excited to have a vacation in Kutch and confused about where to stay, we have described the good options of luxurious accommodations. You can select the best resort near kutch rann utsav that meets all your requirements.
Rann Utsav Tent City
The tent city – Dhordo in Gujarat is the focus of all tourists in winter as it brings with it the ecstatic carnival of culture – the Rann Utsav.
This carnival is all about experiencing handicrafts, art, culture, cuisine and adventure stretched across the white sand of the Rann of Kutch. The nearest airport and railway station is 85km away from Dhordo at Bhuj.
A temporary and the largest tent city is getting prepared near Dhordo village. It is about a kilometre away during these four festive months. It takes about two months to set up the 400+ tents sprawling across 5,00,000km on the white salt.
These tents facilitate dining halls, recreation areas, stages for live performances, exhibitions, stalls. During the Rann Utsav by rann utsav tent city booking, you can gear for adventurous activities.
It offers various sizes and different styles of tents. These tents form incomplete circles giving it a beautiful bird’s eye view while you enjoy the aerial adventure sports. You can choose the tents, suites and cottages with or without AC.
A delicious Kutchi cuisine will wake up your taste buds. Shop for a range of unique handicrafts, folk dance, and music can build the festival’s ambience. Different performers are invited here for live shows across India.
White Rann Resort
The White Rann Resort Booking serves guests a marvellous ambience for a pleasant vacation and an escape from routine life. The rooms have decorative artworks of the locals that creates an authentic atmosphere for the tourists.
The White Rann Resort dwells in Dhordo Village, which is 7Km away from the magnificent Rann Utsav. It offers a beautiful ambience with grasses and a walk area with Bhunga huts. It has an exciting and enticing location, with scenic views to glam your stay.
The in-house restaurant serves multi-cuisine. White Rann Resort facilitates many recreational indoor activities and outdoor games like cycling, badminton and many more.
There are full arrangements to make your every evening full of joy, music and dance with cultural programs that are held in the theatre.
Gateway to Rann Resort
The Rann Resort is the only Village resort that resided near the White Sea banks. The Kutch Rann Resort, situated in Dhordo Village of Bhuj, is the perfect staying option to live village life in mud huts.
Such mud huts are locally called Bhunga, from where you can witness the scenic white desert at a considerable distance. It has traditional Village appearance accommodation. It has cushions and beds with ethnic designs, and the walls have a terracotta design.
It offers two kinds of accommodations such as the Darbari Bhunga and the AC Bhunga. It has all the modern amenities with all-time lavish meals. To add up more vibrant to your spirit, they arrange evening traditional folklore.
What makes it a more selectable staying option is the minimal distance from the white desert as it forms a venue so important. There are options to choose the relevant packages to choose from with Kutch Rann Resort.
Shaam-e-sarhad village resort
The Shaam-e-Sarhad resort is an excellent stay option and will give you a genuine holiday experience when visiting Kutch. Local culture and craft-based tourism are getting promoted by Hodka Tourism here. The rooms are cosy, comfortable and sophisticated, fully equipped with all the needed facilities.
It aids in integrated rural development and sustainable livelihoods. By folklore timeworn traditions, the community contributes to the cultural celebration.
The ambience is well decorated, with mirror work, textiles, and other local crafts traditionally and exquisitely. Situated in Hodka village, the Shaam-e-Sarhad resort is surrounded by natural beauty.
It has a glorious location from which you can discover the attractive lands of Kutch. Through the Endogenous Tourism Team, local handicrafts, music, traditional food and local lifestyle are getting promoted.
Rann Village Resort
The beautiful Rann Village Resort is in Bhirandiyara village of Kutch. They offer quite an affluent service with delightful hospitality reflecting the grateful tradition of Kutch.
The ambience is aligned just like a village. It offers all amenities to make your stay more relaxing and memorable. Rann Village Resort surrounded by the Bhungas (Huts). The conical rooftop brings scenic views from a distance.
Cultural programs and other folk musical performances make your evening vibrant for celebrating every night. Also, guides are available for sightseeing.
Other staying options
Other staying options are, Rann Home Stay, Rann Visamo Village, Kutch Resort, Toran Resort, Rann Bhoomi Resort, Rann Kandhi Resort.
You will love to explore the attractions such as White Rann, Bhuj, Chari-Dhand wetland conservation reserve and Kala Dungar, as all reside at a relevant distance.
The Great White Desert of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. It is about 7500 km in area and is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
Tribal Villages
Metal bell-making in Nirona
The homes of the bell makers are just a five-minute walk from the Khatri house. They have mastery in the art of making bells from copper and passed on through generations. All bells have a distinct sound that is created by beating the metal in a particular way.
Cattle herders use such bells. They need a particular sound to identify their herd that ties the bell around their neck.
Scrap metal of the beaten sheets joined together by using a locking system. Welding work is not required to create the bells.
You can get a small-sized bell for ₹100 and the larger ones with metal belts for ₹300.
Embroidery and woodwork at Gandhi Nu Gam
When you walk through the Gandhi Nu Gam, it will be a delight to your eyes to see the artwork that adorns the wall. The other things that strike you are the exquisite jewellery and traditional Kanjari blouses the womenfolk wear.
You can buy the beaded necklaces, armbands, embroidered purses and wallets for as little as ₹100. The embroidery has bright colour threads.
You can see it on the bed covers, cushion covers, dupattas and dress materials. The little girls will convince you to buy colourful and attractive hair ties.
The main occupation of men over here is carving the wooden furniture, and the women keep them occupied with making the accessories.
The traditional mud huts known as bhungas are brightly painted murals on the outside and mirrors on the inner walls. The village was re-developed after the earthquake.
Rogan art in Nirona
Nirona is not a well-known name. It got a little fame when PM Mr Narendra Modi gifted an exquisite piece of Rogan to US President Barack Obama.
Rogan is a popular art form traditionally used in wedding ceremonies. Special paint with oil from the castor seeds makes the Rogan work. Castor is growing abundantly on the way from Bhuj to Nirona.
Wildlife
You can see one of the most stunning landscapes of the country in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The Rann Utsav is organised in the White Desert of Kutch in the months of winter.
Rann of Kutch is home to the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are worth a visit.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is a sprawling sanctuary located in the Little Rann. You will find the Indian ass, called ghudkhar, roaming in its natural habitat. You can also see a hedgehog, fox, desert cat, jackal, jungle cat, wolf, blue bull, species of birds, reptiles, and crocodiles.
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is also known as Lala-Parjan Sanctuary. This beautiful park conserves and preserves the Bustard. These birds fall under the endangered species category.
You can explore harrier, common cranes, black partridges, sandgrouse, black and grey francolin, spotted Indian sandgrouse, quails, larks, shrikes, plover, flamingos, herons, egrets, and sandpipers.
Marine National Park
The first marine reserve of India, located in the Gulf of Kutch, is Marine National Park.
It is a home of marine organisms like octopus, sea urchins, Gangetic dolphins, sea horses, giant crabs, beluga whales, giant leatherback turtles and even whale sharks.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Great Rann of Kutch, Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India area-wise.
It is a home of jackals, wild boar, porcupine, chinkara, desert fox, and spiny-tailed lizard.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is the last remaining habitat of the cheetahs in India.
Through the sanctuary, you can explore the water reservoirs, mangrove forests and two streams of Kapurasi and Kali. You can explore chinkara, Ghorad and desert foxes.
Conclusion
While there are options for all budgets, we recommend you to stay in the hotel near rann of kutch.
You can get packages by kutch rann utsav tent booking including safaris to the Rann of Kutch and excursions to other nearby attractions.
Kutch has a fantastic landscape, spellbound cultural traits, and awe heritage.
So, get ready to explore this fantastic destination and glance at the most enticing attractions of the Kutch.
Great Rann Of Kutch
Kalo Dungar
Kandla Port
Mandvi Beach
Siyot Caves
Aina Mahal
Marine National Park
Vijay Villas Palace
Narayan Sarovar
Lakhpat Fort
Great Rann Of Kutch
The white desert of Kutch with sand and salt – a spellbound marvel of nature – has the Thar Desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other side. The Rann of Kutch is the most attractive place among the other attractions in the Kutch. The white desert turns into a fairyland on full moon nights when the white light of the moon reflects through the white particles of the desert. You can witness the joy by exploring the places to stay near Rann of kutch. Nature lover tourists and culture enthusiasts visit the white desert during Rann Utsav. The best time to visit Kutch is in winter. You could never miss out to enjoy the Rann Mahotsav, camel safari and camping in tents.
Kalo Dungar
Kalo Dungar is the top pick of the Kutch and has a magnificent view of the entire region. You can have a bird’s eye view of the Rann and the Indo-Pak border from here.
You can access the place by bus or jeep from Khavda. This highland is the most popular tourist place, and professionals and experts would love to hike.
You will feel blessed when you visit the 400 years old temple of Dattatreya on Kala Dungar. People have faith that all their wishes will be satisfied with the darshan of Lord Dattatreya and the three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh.
Kandla Port
Kandla Port is one of the major ports on the west coast and is famous for its rich history. It is situated near the Gulf of Kutch and actively trades textiles, salt, iron, petroleum, chemicals, and food grains.
It is one of the best tourist attractions in Kutch. You can explore the operation of commercial vessels and panoramic views of the Gulf.
Mandvi Beach
The most popular beach destination of Kutch is Mandvi. It offers a great view of the shoreline and the clean and tranquil sea – a perfect place for your weekend getaway. You can enjoy the horse and camel ride on the shore. Visiting Vijay Vilas Palace, located by the beach, will give you a mesmerising experience.
Siyot Caves
The ancient caves of the Siyot are as old as they date back to the first century AD.
The paintings and folklore of the cave carvings and sculptures expressed historical events like the Chinese migration to India. They are great attractions for tourists and history enthusiasts across the world.
Aaina Mahal
The Palace of Mirror – well known as Aaina Mahal, is the spectacular attraction of Kutch. The palace comprises various mirror works such as Venetian glass, marbles, mirrors connected by sprinkled jewellery and reflective lighting.
The artwork reflects Indian and European designs. The palace showcases antique pictures, mechanical toys and sculptures.
You can also explore the Pleasure Pool, Dutch Clock and English and French globes over here.
Marine National Park
The first marine reserve of India, Marine National Park, is located on the southern coast of Kutch.
It has swampy tracts, saline grasslands, shores with rocky outcrops, estuaries, and mud beds.
You can explore marine organisms such as phalaropes, gulls, kingfishers, osprey, avocets, gangetic dolphins, painted stork, giant crabs, beluga whales and giant turtles.
Vijay Villas Palace
The Maharaos of Kutch were spending their summer at Vijay Vilas Palace in the 1940s. You can witness exquisite stonework built in an Indo-European style. It owns a private beach.
You can plan a stay in hotels near Mandvi beach in tented resort accommodation. The accommodations have modern amenities such as wooden furniture, modern bathrooms, patio and thatched open-sided restaurant.
Other attractions are volleyball court, deck chairs and shady sitting arrangements and barbeque at the beachside.
Narayan Sarovar
According to the Puranas, there was a drought in the region. Sages prayed to Lord Vishnu. In response to the prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared and, when he touched the land with his toe, the Narayan Sarovar appeared.
Narayan Sarovar has great spiritual significance. It is considered a coveted place for a holy dip.
Lakhpat Fort
The Lakhpat town in Kutch has a 7 km long fort wall to guard it and the elegant Lakhpat Fort attracts many tourists. There are many famous tales associated with it. The giant structure of the fort built in the 18th century is very well-known for its uniqueness. It is the last village on the border of India.
