Introduction:
The Rann of Kutch – A unique region in Gujarat, is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
This remarkable place with its surreal landscapes is a photographer’s delight, and has in the recent years grown popular as a destination for off-beat travel.
How To Reach Kutch:
My suggestion will be to reach Ahmedabad, Gujarat first from any part of India and then take a Govt or Private Bus or Trains to Bhuj.
Bhuj is the nearest city to Kutch in Gujarat (approximately 85 kms) and is well connected by frequent Buses & Trains from all parts of Gujarat. It takes approx 1.5 hours to reach Kutch from Bhuj city.
November to March is the best time to visit Kutch as the water dries up in the area.
Also The Rann Utsav Festival is held every year from November To February End.
You get an amazing chance to witness the Gujarati Culture, Food, Dresses at reasonable prices.
Stay & Food Options In Kutch:
There are three options available for your stay as per your convenience and budget. Let’s look at them one by one.
Option 1:
If you wish to enjoy the complete Rann Utsav, then the best place to stay would be in one of the resorts or tents setup near the Great Rann of Kutch,
also known as the Tent City.
Yes, it’s expensive option but the experience is completely worth the cost.
These packages include A/c Tent stay, all meals, and complimentary sightseeing (Bhuj & Mandvi) as well.
More description on Tent Booking in the Tent City is given on the below link.
https://www.rannutsav.net
https://www.rannutsav.com
Option 2:
Budget Friendly homestays, resorts and camps are setup near 5-10 kms radius of the Tent City.
Option 3:
Stay in Bhuj – You will find many budget friendly hotels to stay in Bhuj. You can also rent a vehicle from Bhuj for your sight seeing.
Sight Seeing Options:
If you have choosen for the Stay Option 1 – for staying in the Tent City on a per day package, then you will be provided with complimentary sight seeing in Gujarat Tourism Volvo Buses.
Assuming you have choosen for Stay Options 2 and 3, and are planning to travel on a Budget, which I did.
I Stayed in Bhuj and my plan was to cover cover Bhuj & Mandvi on Day 1 and then Kalo Dungnar and White Rann of Day 2.
Keep atleast two full days in hand to explore & cover all the major spots.
Having said that please try to reach Bhuj in the morning hours, so that you get a full day to explore after getting freshen up.
Day 1: Bhuj & Mandvi
Prag Mahal Palace & Clock Tower (Bhuj)
Prag Mahal Palace is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj.
Inside the palace, you can visit the main palace halls as well as climb stairs of the 45m clock tower
for an exhilarating view of the city.
– Timings: 9 am – 12 pm, 3 pm – 6 pm, except Public Holidays.
– Entry Charges: Rs.20
Aina Mahal Palace (Bhuj)
Aina Mahal Means Mirror Palace. These Beautiful Monuments are conserved and preserved for our future generations to know about our ancient historical beauty.
– Timings: 9 am – 12 pm, 3 pm – 6 pm, except Public Holidays.
– Entry Charges: Rs.20
Shree Swaminarayan Temple (Bhuj)
Expanding over 35,000 sq. feet area, this Temple is beautifully carved giving it heavenly beauty, serenity and the divine approach to the temple.
This temple consists of one central dome, 25 minor domes and 258 pillars.
– Timings: 5 am – 10:30 pm.
Vijay Vilas Palace (Mandvi)
Built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji, this palace is very well-maintained, and often the scene of filming for Bollywood productions.
The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding areas and the king’s tomb can also be seen.
– Timings: 9 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm.
– Entry Charges: Rs.20
Mandvi Beach (Mandvi)
You can get fresh coconuts and other snacks, swim in very pleasant water and enjoy a nice view of the coastline.
Day 2: Kalo Dungar & White Rann
Kalo Dungar (The Black Hills):
Kalo Dungar or Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the Great Rann, the desert and sky often becoming indistinguishable. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended.
Dattatreya Temple:
The hill is also the site of a 400-year-old temple to Dattatreya, the three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the same body.
White Rann:
The Rann of Kutch is a salt marshy land in the Thar Desert in the Kutch district of western Gujarat.
It is famous for its white salty desert sand and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world.
The Gujarat Government holds a three month long festival known as ‘The Rann Utsav’ every year starting from November to February.
This is the main source of income for the locals who welcome visitors from across the globe to savour in local delicacies and to witness the culture and hospitality of Kutch.
Traveller Tips:
1. Don’t miss the Beautiful Sunset while visiting the White Rann.
2. Try visiting Rann of Kutch during full moon dates.
3. Very Important! If you are staying in the Tent city or the White Rann Resort or have taken a stay package for Kutch, you don’t need a travel permit.
Else on the way, Bhirandiyara check post is where you will need to stop and get your permit for visiting Rann of Kutch.
The cost of the permit is Rs.100 Per person and Rs.50 for a vehicle. You also need to show a valid Govt ID Proof while submitting the form for obtaining the permit.
Online Booking: www.rannpermit.com
4. Don’t miss having the delicious Mawa.
I am sure these informations shared will be very helpful throughout your journey.
Happy Travelling !!
