Kutch NAHI dekha to Kuch nahi Dekha
How about celebrating New Year Eve with your loved ones at a deserted area that too in winter gazing at the moon, enjoying a bonfire with bae and feeling blissful? If you all want to get this cosy feeling and want to enjoy this winter, then planning a trip to the Rann of Kutch at Gujarat is the best choice for you. This destination holds a special place in the heart of the Indian people. Don’t know why then join us in exploring this beautiful salt desert of India with us!!
If you are planning to visit Kutch this year then, here is a travel guide along with some glimpse of this place including some important tips for you.
About Rann of Kutch
Rann of Kutch is the world’s largest marshy salt desert of situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat. You can visit Rann of Kutch for a truly remarkable experience with your friends and family. The reason behind its panoramic location is that in 1819, an earthquake transformed the topographic features of Kutch as the Indus River flowing further west.
This converted the Rann and became a massive desert with saline spots. Later over the years, as the water dries up in the summer, it becomes marshy salt flats that appear snowy white.
Explore Great Rann
The Great Rann covers an area of about 7505 km². It is home to a wide range of fauna and flora. During different climatic conditions, it is also the resting place of many migratory birds.
People mostly visit great Rann to witness the beauty of full moon under white snowy landscapes and for enjoying camping out there under the dark blue sky. Many Bollywood and Tollywood movies have been shot here such as popular Raamleela, Lagan, Mohenjodaro, Magadheera etc.
Other Tourist Attraction in Kutch
1) Apart from Rann of Kutch which we will discuss later, in the town of Kutch, you can explore the old town of Bhuj, Chhari Dhand which adorns a beautiful bird sanctuary with this amazing trip, you can also enjoy the panoramic sunset views which is a rare sight in the city life. The ecologically significant Banni grasslands can be located on the outer side of the Rann of Kutch that too can be visited.
2) Enjoy taking camel rides and daily trips to the Great Rann and visit nearby villages which are rich in craft and folk traditions, old temples and historical landmarks, attend the special Rann Utsav.
3) If you are a history buff then Kutch Museum is also a great place to visit in Kutch. Also, Kalo Dunger, Vijay Villas Palace, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary are a must-visit destination in Kutch after Rann of Kutch.
Take Experience in Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav is an awesome festival of Kutch, Gujarat, India where a carnival of music, dance, and natural beauty of White Rann is greatly experienced. This festival is mainly organized from November to February every year by the tourism department of Gujarat. This long festival at the world’s largest seasonal salt wetland appeals travellers across the globe.
When you visit under the full moon, Rann Utsav is a carnival of music, dance, White Rann’s natural beauty and much more than that. It is a fascinating tourism concept that demonstrates the reconstructed Kutch desert area after the 2001 earthquake by developing a travel story that connects the geographical and cultural distinctions of Kutch.
You can also enjoy a mix of music, culture, dance and different activities here, such as camel cart rides, rifle shooting, cultural performances, spa treatments at the Rann of Kutch. For the children, a separate entertainment zone is created so that they can also have a good time here.
Rann Utsav includes –Â Saurashtra Darshan, Sizzling Kutch views, meeting kutch Wildlife and Desert & Beach exploration.
Enjoy Birdwatching at Rann of Kutch
The flora and fauna of Rann of Kutch are quite unique. Especially during the winter months, you can spot the Wild Ass. At this time of year, the wetlands around the Great Rann of Kutch host many endangered bird species, such as the Great Indian Bustards, the Lesser Floricans and even the Houbara Bustard.
Raptor birds such as short-toed eagles, Aquila eagles and six species of falcons, buzzards and three species of harrier can also be found in the Kutch wetlands. A photographer will be overwhelmed at Rann of Kutch, as one can take a lot of snaps of flamingos, duck and cranes with this breathtaking view of salty land.
Relish Best Gujarati Food in Rann Utsav
Be it Gujarat or Kutch, food and Gujarati cuisines are popular everywhere. But when you visit Rann of Kutch, anyone can lure for its hospitality and great food which it offers. Kutch province also has a distinct culinary tradition of their own.
And winters are the best season to taste some of the Kutch delicacies. At Rann Ustav you will taste many delicious Kutch delights such as mouth-watering Kutchi Dabeli, Kadak roti, Bajra roti, Khichdi with a glass of Chaas (salted milk).
Also Read:Â Explore The Best Gujarati Food: Popular All Over India
Enjoy Shopping in Rann Utsav
Kutch is populated by many communities and each has its own identity, which you can witness in their clothing style and artwork. Mainly mirrors and embroidery work forms an integral part of Kutchi Handicrafts. Garcia Jat, Odhnis, traditional style cholis, kurta and bags can be bought from the Rann ustav.
Tourists can easily purchase from shops displaying their array of these traditional attires during the winter months. Apart from this, other winter wears, Shawls, Abha and Kanjari can be brought back home as a memento of Rann of Kutch.
When to Visit
The white Rann of Kutch looks at its mesmerizing best during the winters. It is a crowd puller between December to February. With favourable weather and a cultural festival to offer, there are plenty of reasons to visit Rann of Kutch this winter.
How to Visit Rann of Kutch
Kutch doesn’t have its own airport or railway station, Rann of Kutch is only reached via road as it is mainly a barren desert of Salt. Thus there are many possible ways of reaching Rann of Kutch.
Reaching Via Airways: Closest Airport to Kutch is in Bhuj which is around 53 km from the city of Kutch, you can take flights from major cities of India.
Reaching Via Railways: As Kutch does not have its own railway station again Bhuj is the nearest railway station having several trains connected from major cities of India.
Reaching Via Roadways: There are regular State Transport and Private buses connecting Bhuj to the nearby cities like Mumbai, Surat, Baroda and Ahmedabad. Almost all the roads leading to Rann of Kutch are in good condition. So you can self-drive and enjoy the road trip to Kutch as this trip offer you a great experience with the luminous landscape around. You can also take cabs and taxis from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat and other places at affordable rates.
Conclusion
Get amazed by the vastness of this place like never before. It’s a family holiday destination to explore fun moments and store in cameras for a lifetime. There is simply no doubt that the perfect time for holidays is in the winter months. So, if you’re planning a winter vacation that will take you far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, your preference should be Rann of Kutch.
Also Read:Â Champaner – Explore the City of Ancient Heritage Sites in Gujarat
