The Great Rann

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 !

As seen from the Archaeological Site

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. 

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 !) .

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 .

Dochu La - Bhutan

I just read this yesterday and totally loved it:

"I Measure Life by Countries Not Years" and so going by this measure I am still a toddler :-) ..

 Bhutan - let me start with Dochu La - it is still so vivid and clear on my mind, perhaps because the day started on a very wishful note for a very dramatic sunrise .

So all charged up at 4 am and ready with our gears and necessary warm layers we head towards DochuLa Pass, at an altitude of 10000+ feet .

After an hour's drive through the dark ,we are at this point at Dochu La, positioned, geared up and counting minutes. On a clear clear day,one can get a spectacular sunrise with the Himalayan views at the backdrop . 
As we spent more time in anticipation, my heart almost sank at my dampened imagery vistas....
The weather Gods were not in agreement for that day and we were left wishing and only imagining the unseen . However, during the time spent here I realized , it may not have been the dramatic scene which I was caught up with in my mind, but this was mystic no less, as though somebody had just opened the doorways to allow you to walk through the clouds and weald as you witness the orange canvas unfold. And as they say no two sunrises are the same. 

Next we move on towards this point called Druk Wangyal Chortens, at Dochu La .The sun is yet to rise higher up and we first stop by at a lovely cafe for the much needed   breakfast spread & fireplace. The views from the cafe were divinely beautiful with the clouds floating over the mountains and wilderness. After a hearty & content meal we start exploring the surroundings.

108 Stupas / Chortens built to honour Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in fighting away the rebels.

I could have sat here all day absorbing the views.

Pristine wilderness

Druk Wangyal Chortens - A cluster of 108 chortens commissioned by the Queen mother to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives fighting rebels a decade ago. 
The surroundings and the natural setting is perhaps straight out of a postcard. The forest facing the chortens has colourful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze  and the warmth of the morning rays making its way .

 Bhutan is exotic and has preserved its antiquity in many ways - and perhaps that is what  it makes an exclusive destination.