With the change in seasons a massive wetland transforms itself into an uninterrupted shimmering expanse of sheer white - a landmass seemingly void .Welcome to The Great Rann of Kutch !
A "salt marsh"/desert that spreads over 7,500 sq.kms stretching between India and Pakistan with the reputation of largest salt desert in the world.
As seen from the Archaeological Site |
The shallow wetland submerges under water during monsoons and post monsoon transforms into a white- endless-sheet over a few months' period of time . You will not be able to walk on the surface or take a drive inside unless the salt crystals have hardened up .
Best time to visit would be December onwards until March . Reach the place atleast a couple of hours before sunset , walk over the expanse without a care , lose yourself (not literally please !) , talk to the local folks, enjoy the folk music, can choose a horse or camel cart ride, soak up in the sunset , and when the sun is down , hang on with your crazy pals for some "ghost stunts" , look up , the blue has turned into millions of silver sparkles and if on a Full Moon night , you would perhaps want to camp out there (Not Allowed !) .
There is constant patrolling and you can hang out in the Rann only until a certain time.
Please note : You will need necessary permits to enter Rann of Kutch which are issued at Police Outpost in Bhirandiyari.
Where to stay : You can choose from Shaam -E-sarhad / Hodka Zeel /Gujarat Tourism Tents at Dhordo/ Gateway to Rann Resort .
The other experience in Kutch that should not be missed is the village tour . The intricate and exquisite artwork & crafts in each of these villages are indigenous to the region.You can pick up a lot of these stuff directly from the craftsmen.Check out the art work on their walls and interiors of the bhungas.
The different tribes/communities of Kutchh add an intriguing dimension to their land and culture. It is essential as in anywhere in the world , to be respectful to their culture and unique ways of living. A local home cooked food could be a bonus !
Enjoy the local food - Bhakri and White Butter should be the mantra !
In most places, the meals are freshly prepared basis your order ( ie from the options given to you !).
Kutch is very easily accessible unlike some of the most awesome places in our country,where travel & logistics could be a pain.
Nearest Airport /Railway Stn : Bhuj .
Alternate Option : via Ahmedabad .
The vastness dwarfs every other entity around it . |
There is constant patrolling and you can hang out in the Rann only until a certain time.
Please note : You will need necessary permits to enter Rann of Kutch which are issued at Police Outpost in Bhirandiyari.
Where to stay : You can choose from Shaam -E-sarhad / Hodka Zeel /Gujarat Tourism Tents at Dhordo/ Gateway to Rann Resort .
The other experience in Kutch that should not be missed is the village tour . The intricate and exquisite artwork & crafts in each of these villages are indigenous to the region.You can pick up a lot of these stuff directly from the craftsmen.Check out the art work on their walls and interiors of the bhungas.
The different tribes/communities of Kutchh add an intriguing dimension to their land and culture. It is essential as in anywhere in the world , to be respectful to their culture and unique ways of living. A local home cooked food could be a bonus !
Enjoy the local food - Bhakri and White Butter should be the mantra !
In most places, the meals are freshly prepared basis your order ( ie from the options given to you !).
Kutch is very easily accessible unlike some of the most awesome places in our country,where travel & logistics could be a pain.
Nearest Airport /Railway Stn : Bhuj .
Alternate Option : via Ahmedabad .