The Great Rann of Kutch is said to be the largest salt desert in the world and is famous for its serene beauty.
The Kutch region was promoted – by the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi by launching the carnival of the culture known as the Rann Utsav in 2005 in the Kutch.
The motive to start the Rann Utsav is to honour and display the culture and tradition of the Kutch region of the Gujarat state to Indians and foreign nationals.
At the initial level, this festival was celebrated only for five days in the month of November. After that, this changed to three consecutive months in the winters.
Starting from November till February and sometimes extended till the festival of the Holi. This year the festival is organised by Gujarat Tourism from November 2022 to February 2023.
This white sand destination is a marvel of nature as, during the monsoon season, this sand desert gets hidden under the waters.
The tourists can witness a spectacular stretch of the white sand desert for the remaining seasons by White Rann Resort booking.
When visiting Gujarat & one should enjoy it once in a lifetime this festival of culture on the land of the white desert is one of the best things to do.
When visiting Rann Utsav, there are never do miss seven things to do.
Stay in tent city
Situated in the Dhordo village in the Great Rann of Kutch, Tent City is the best-staying option to celebrate the Rann Utsav at its fullest.
The Tent City has 400 tents for tourists with modern amenities and a traditional feel.
Visit Craft Bazaar
The Rann Utsav festival and Gujarat tourism promoting tourism in the region also offer the local communities to exhibit and sell their ethnic craft and art. There is a craft bazaar that provides authentic crafts items from Kutch.
The craft bazaar reflects the diversity of Gujarat through its art and crafts collection. You can buy these expressive, unique and beautiful handicrafts.
Adventure Activities
Spending your holidays at Rann Utsav will give you all the different kinds of experiences. You can feel calm and relaxed by gazing at the starry sky in the magnificent moonlight.
You can fill the colours to life with cultural programs with traditional music, dance and colourful costumes. You can have a thrilling experience by taking part in adventurous activities.
You can go for a solo ride to enjoy a desert safari on a Desert Patrol Vehicle are the exciting moments. The white desert has the shape of a tortoise.
The entire land and the tents create a magnificent aerial view from the hot air balloon. Other adventure activities are riding ATVs, zip-lining at Skyzilla, paintball and paramotoring.
You can enjoy a desert safari, a Little Rann of Kutch Safari, a camel ride in the moonlight or daytime. You can have fun with indoor games such as chess, carrom and more.
Authentic food of the Kutch
Your trip can not be satisfied until you satisfy your cravings with the lip-smacking authentic food of the Kutch region. Your trip to the Kutch brings yummylicious food options to make your holidays more tasteful.
There are two main dining halls to enjoy the local cuisine of the Kutch. There are other food stalls around to relish the food of Kutch and satisfy your odd time cravings.
The famous food of Kutch includes Dabeli, Bajra na rotla with buttermilk and curd, Bhajiya, Kadak and many more. The food is getting prepared by the lovely Kutchi people.
Visit nearby villages
The tourists must visit nearby villages to explore the great heritage of Kutch and to discover the unique local art and crafts only prepared by the local communities.
Hodko and Nirona are the traditional villages that house a close-knit community of artisans and craftsmen.
Enjoy a Date with the Moon
Get romantic with your spouse as the land turns into a magical fairyland when the moonlight reflects through the glittery white sand under the sky filled with stars.
The serene beauty of the white desert gets enhanced on full moon nights. You can create memories for life by witnessing the unique beauty of the place.
Camel Safari
Enjoy the Cruise of the desert – The colourful and aesthetically decorated camel. You can add a wonderful experience to your basket by riding on a camel on a white sand desert.
Across some distance in the Rann, you can enjoy the ride on camel carts or the camelback. Viewing the sunset while enjoying a camel ride will be a wonderful experience.
Cultural Experience
The main aim to initiate and promote Rann Utsav is to explore the culture and heritage of the Kutch to the world. It is worth saying the carnival of culture as tourists can enjoy the local folk dance and music performances every night with the bonfire in the white sands.
It is not just a holiday destination but also you can gain knowledge about the rich traditions and art & crafts that you can not see anywhere else.
Conclusion
We would love to share some tips to make your travel experience pleasant.
Apart from the sand desert, explore Bhuj city and nearby villages. Do not miss to visit Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Narayan Sarovar, Kutch Museum and Vijay Vilas Palace.
As nights are very chilled in the Kutch, bring some woollen clothes along with you.
Visit Kala Dungar to have a panoramic view of the white desert from the highest viewpoint.
Try to plan your trip and make a Rann Utsav Tent City Online Booking in advance due to availability stay issues when booked near to the date;
To have lifetime memories, do not miss enjoying the sunset at the Mandvi beach.
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.
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.
An initiative of Gujarat Tourism, the Rann Utsav, is the longest carnival to rejoice on the land of the Great Rann of Kutch. The Rann Utsav is the most awaited 3-month long cultural festival to celebrate the wonder of nature at the White Desert and the heritage of Kutch.
The Rann Utsav is a magnificent cultural festival with natural beauty and glory, to enjoy camel rides on the seashores, cultural actions, folks dance performances, shopping spots, outside actions and varied tent lodging and much more. It is perfectly said, “Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha ” by Shri Amitabh Bachchan.
Reason to Visit Kutch Rann Utsav
The Rann of Kutch is famous for its serene beauty of nature and magical night. If you wish to experience the magic, get arann utsav tent city booking to spend the night at the Rann gazing at the star-filled sky from the White Desert. Watch Sunrise that brightens up the place. The sky filled with vibrant colours orange, purple, pink and red to decorate sunset time.
When Does The Rann Utsav Start?
The official dates announced to enjoy the marvel of Rann Utsav, with folk music, dance and authentic food with tented accommodations, are from 1st November 2023 to 25th February 2024.
Vision Of Rann Utsav
The traditional culture of the Kutch and the natural formation of the White Desert Rann Utsav is an event to celebrate. The entire concept was visioned and designed by Shri Narendra Modi, was Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister.
The Venue Of Rann Utsav
The Rann Utsav is celebrated every year at the Great Rann Of Kutch, located in the western state of India, Gujarat.
Things To Do At The Rann Utsav
Witness the Full Moon Night
Get rann of kutch trip cost to visit the Rann Utsav during the full-moon night. You can enjoy dining under the stars and moonlight reflecting from the salt crystals.
An Aerial View of the Great Rann of Kutch
You can get an aerial view of the world’s largest salt desert. You can enjoy the air balloon trip and the view from the top, to feel like a flying bird.
Enjoy the Best Outdoor activities and Adventure.
The outdoor activities to participate in are, Stargazing, Paintball, Trikke driving, exploring the place by a segway, and camel ride. Adventure activities such as paramotoring, ATV imply machine using, rifle taking pictures, archery, bicycle ride, and many more will refresh you thoroughly.
Visit the Beaches
The area across the white desert has white sea beaches and seashores. You can enjoy a camel ride, horse ride, water sports activities and Kutchi Dabeli at Mandvi seaside.
Learn and explore Kutchi Art and Crafts
Surrounding villages are well known for their beautiful clothes and textiles. You can see the whole process of the textile business. You can buy handlooms and handicrafts at the cheapest costs. You can learn to make art and craft by attending workshops set up and conducted by proficient artists of the villages.
Visit the Prag Mahal and Aaina Mahal.
Prag Mahal and Aaina Mahal were preserved for centuries and even after the earthquake. Prag Mahal has great carving, jaali work and marvellous architecture. Aaina Mahal is architectured with shining glass, clean tiles and aesthetic antiques. Aaina means glass, and it seems like a dream palace.
Taste the Kutchi cuisine and Winter foods
India is known for its hospitality. Kutch is incredible to experience the winter recipes. You can enjoy meal stalls that provide meals round the clock.
Shopping
Kutchi work is very much famous for its uniqueness. Kutch markets are famous for traditional Ghagra, Choli, Kurtis, Mojris, Bandhani Sarees, Dupatta, Shawls with mirror work, Copper bells and Rogan artwork.
Conclusion
The White Desert is a historical and cultural place called the heaven of Kutch. Sunset is a delight to photographers, nature lovers and honeymooners, while sky colours reflect through salt crystals.
The Rann Utsav is India’s most unique cultural festival to explore folk songs, dance and beauty of the White Desert. The official dates announced to enjoy the marvel of Rann Utsav are from 1st November 2023 to 25th February 2024.
Explore the Kutch and the White Rann of Kutch
Kutch is known for handicrafts, hills, white deserts, beautiful virgin sea beaches and various forts. Dholavira is one of the five largest Harappan sites. It is among the most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Rann of Kutch is the world’s largest salt desert and a beautiful tourist destination. The Rann Utsav was started in the year 2005 by the honourable chief minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, with the vision to display and honour the traditions and culture of Kutch Gujarat to India and the foreign nations. Earlier it was celebrated for five days in November. But later it was changed to three months.
The white desert is the wonder of nature. During the rainy season, this sand desert hides under the water and, for the remaining months, it shows its beauty. This festival is a great thing to do in Gujarat to celebrate once in your lifetime.
Rann Utsav 2023-2024 Dates & Venue
The Rann Utsav festival is organized and managed, by Gujarat Tourism, in the winter in the cool breeze when the moon is shining to the fullest. You can experience the camel safari during the moonlight. You can enjoy the walk in the early morning or late evening.
There are the best arrangements for food, stay, transportations, shopping and other cultural programs. The entire region of the White desert is well-managed to celebrate the festival of crafts, arts and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can book kutch rann utsav tour packages as this year Rann Utsav starts from 1st November 2023 to 25th February 2024.
Rann Utsav is organized in the Dhordo village in Kutch. You can easily reach this village from Bhuj as it takes only half an hour from here. Bhuj has an airport and railway station. Dhordo is only 85 km from Bhuj.
Rann Utsav 2023-2024 Packages
Rann Utsav is very well organized in all aspects. It provides great staying arrangements with all modern amenities at Tent City. Tent City is spread across 5,00,000 Sq meters. Your package includes :
Pickup from Bhuj [Railway Station / Airport] to Dhordo Tent City.
Drop off from Dhordo to Bhuj [Railway Station/Airport].
Complimentary refreshments will be served enroute Dhordo Tent City in the bus.
Lunch, High-Tea & Dinner on 1st Day, Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, High-Tea & Dinner on 2nd & 3rd Day and Morning Tea & Breakfast on 4th Day. Facilities available subject to the package selection.
Accommodation in Tent is on a twin sharing basis.
Two bottles of drinking water per day per tent.
Complimentary sightseeing
How to Reach?
Bhuj is the nearest city to the Rann of Kutch, which is well connected with the rest of India by air and rail. Those having Rann Utsav packages will be facilitated, with transfers from Bhuj airport or railway station to the White Rann Resort.
By Air:
The nearest Airport to Rann Utsav is Bhuj airport. It is well-connected with other cities of India and has regular flights. From here, you can hire autos or taxis or buses to reach the White desert in Dhordo village.
By Road:
You can hire private taxis or drive your car to Kutch. The best route is through National Highway 8A. There is the option of public transport buses available from Gujarat and Rajasthan to get here.
By Rail:
Alternatively, one can also board a train from their relevant destination to reach Bhuj. From Bhuj, you can hire taxis, buses or autos to RannUtsav camp.
Where to Stay?
Dhordo village is referred to as the tent city of Gujarat. There are 400 AC and non-AC rooms. You can select from the Luxury or Swiss tents. There is an option to stay in the mud bungalows called Bhungas, with all modern amenities. These bungalows are set up especially for the Rann Utsav. The tents and the bhungas are thoughtfully designed traditionally, representing the culture of Kutch.
Accommodation Options
There are several accommodation options such as luxury tents, swiss tents or bhunga. It consists of a multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, kids’ play zone, library, indoor games like table tennis, board games, badminton court etc.
Places to Visit Near By Rann Utsav Festival
Kutch rann utsav accommodation facilitates you, with a stay, at the White Rann tent city close to the Rann. There are several temples, museums, beaches and palaces that are worth a visit. You can visit the Indo-Pak border, which is just nearby.
Beach Experience at Mandvi
Mandvi beach near Vijay Vilas Palace is the most beautiful and scenic seashore. You can enjoy a camel ride, horse ride, walk during sunrise and sunset, sipping coconut water and mouth-watering local food. You can be thrilled with water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, water scooter, banana boat ride.
There are ten small clean and tidy luxurious tents near Vijay Vilas Palace if you wish to stay in the less crowded area. You can enjoy bird watching, play football or volleyball near the beach, indoor games and lakeside picnics.
Explore Bhuj City
You can visit many tourist places in Bhuj city, such as Bhujiyo Hill, Aaina Mahal, Hamirsar Lake, Prag Mahal, Shree Swaminarayan Temple and the Chhatardi. There are many shopping places in Bhuj, known for its traditional & local items.
Conclusion
Kutch Rann Utsav is a rich cultural carnival that has something for everyone. You can discover local handicrafts, embroidery, terracotta, block-printing, wood carving, Kutchi folk songs and dances, mouth-watering food, camel safari, horse ride, ATV rides to hot air balloon rides and bird watching.
