Travel Diaries – Rann of Kutch- A visit to the Rann of Kutch will quench your thirst for exquisite travel. The land of Kutch is miraculous with fabulous natural attractions and definitely a hearty traditional ride. The desert of salt has much more to offer than you can perhaps think of. The sight of the Rann of Kutch on a full moon night is precious. The Great Rann of Kutch was once a shallow sprawl of the great Arabian Sea and later with some geological plate movement it has become water deprived turning into a massive marshy salt desert. The desert is spread across 10,000 square kilometers and the amazing natural beauty will enthrall you.
Basics About Kutch Travel
The exact location of the Rann of Kutch is quite strategic. It lies to the north of the Tropic of Cancer and is the boundary between Pakistan and India. It is approximately one and a half hours north of Bhuj. The edge of the salt desert is Dhordo. The perfect time to visit the Rann of Kutch is from October to March. For people who love to enjoy peaceful times, maybe you should try out visiting at the end of March. Beyond March, the temperature rises and it won’t be a great time to visit the place. Also, keep in mind that the salt desert is literally devoid of basic amenities like access to water or toilets. If you are photogenic and want to experience the best in Rann of Kutch, ensure that you organize your trip dates in a way that will make you witness the full moon.
Whichever travel package or tour operator you opt for, or even if you don’t opt for one – your trip will start from Bhuj. You can get to Bhuj from Mumbai either by train journey that takes 15 hours or through a 2 hours flight from Mumbai Airport to Bhuj Domestic Airport. If you plan to travel from Gujarat, there are multiple buses that will transport you to Bhuj. Kutch adventures can be self organized but it will be inconvenient. The best way is to opt for the guided tours that are easier, hassle free and more enjoyable. Also, tourists need permits to visit the Rann of Kutch (the area being sensitive due to its proximity to the Pakistan borders). It becomes easier to obtain this permit if you are into guided tours organized by tour operators.
Explore the Beauty of Kutch
When it comes to staying in the Rann of Kutch, there are multiple options because tourists from across the world travel to this location. However, the best premium and most luxurious resort of all is the Gateway to Rann Resort. If you are looking for some budget friendly options, the government set up Toran Rann Resort just at the entrance to the desert. Shaam e Sarhad is also another amazing option for tourists who are exclusively interested in capturing and enjoying the moonlit desert scenes. It is an eco-friendly resort by the locals.
If you are planning to visit the Rann of Kutch, there is no way you can miss the Rann Utsav. It is one of the most exquisite attempts by the Gujarat tourism board to uphold the attractions and local culture of Kutch. This is one of the most popular cultural fests in India and tourists across the globe travel to Rann of Kutch during this time to witness the massive glory.
Some of the most entertaining activities that you can opt for in the Rann of Kutch includes:
- ATV Rides
- Cart Rides
- Cultural Shows
- Local Entertainment
- Para Monitoring
- Spa Treatments
- Camel Rides
- Trips to Nearby Villages to Explore the Local Beauty
- Explore Ajrakh printing and other indigenous textile crafts of Gujarat
The ideal place to stay would be anywhere near Dhordo or Hodka. Because these are the places where you will find most accommodations or tour operators. While in Kutch, never miss your visit to the Kalo Dungar which offers a complete panoramic view of the Rann of Kutch. It is situated 462 meters above the ground and offers a clear and amazing view of India’s shared borders with Pakistan. Kalo Dungra is a seat of Gujarat’s famous artisan handicrafts – Right from block printing to the famous Ajrakh clothing – you can get it all from here. A great way to explore the traditional craft and culture of Gujarat. The handicraft village of this region is known as the Gandhi Nu Gaon.
Some other popular tourist destinations in and around Rann of Kutch that you can also include in your tour package are:
- Mandvi Beach : beautiful white sand beach loaded with options for water sports and adventures
- Vijay Vilas Temple
- Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial
- City of Dhordo
Food in Kutch
Most of the local delicacies in the Rann of Kutch include food made of millets. Since this region exhibits extreme temperature and weather conditions, not much of green harvest happens here, therefore millets are one of a type staple food that is grown here. Dabeli, Chakra Kakwan and Khari Bhaat are some of the most lucrative delicacies of the place. They also use camel milk for preparing multiple dishes including desserts which are delectable. People also consume plenty of dairy products. Since the region is after all in Gujarat, the traditional Gujarati meals such as Khandwa, Dhokal, Tepla, Khakra are also quite popular in the place. Khari khicdi with curd or buttermilk is a favorite local combo. Consuming buttermilk and curd is healthy to combat the weather atrocities.
Wrapping It Up
The best time to explore the Rann of Kutch is the winter season.With temperature ranging from 12 to 25 degrees centigrade. October to February is the perfect season for visiting the Rann of Kutch. Don’t miss out on the Kutch festival if you truly want to indulge in the Kutch vibes under full moon lit nights. It is the perfect destination for family holidays or solo travel. The keep or camel safaris offer an authentic vibe of Rann of Kutch like none other.