Rann Utsav Tour Packages
Rann Utsav Tour Packages
The Rann of Kutch, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch (there's a Little Rann of Kutch as well), is a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. It's the world's largest salt desert, measuring over 16,000 square kilometers.
What makes it even more amazing is that it's underwater during the main monsoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Here's all the information you need to visit it.
The vast expanse that is the Rann of Kutch borders the top of the Kutch district. It's best approached from Dhordo, approximately 86 kilometers from Bhuj, which is being developed by the Gujarat government as the Gateway to the Rann of Kutch. Dhordo is on the edge of the Rann of Kutch. It's a good idea to stay there, or nearby Hodka, to conveniently make the trip.
The Rann of Kutch is quite a sensitive area, due to its proximity to the Pakistani border. Therefore, written permission is required to visit it. This is obtainable from the Gujarat Police DSP office in Bhuj near Jubilee Ground (it's closed Sundays, and every second and fourth Saturday).
The Rann of Kutch begins to dry up in October every year, steadily transforming into the desolate and surreal salt desert. The tourist season runs until March.
It's best to head out into the Rann of Kutch only in the early morning or evening. The full moon is the best time of month to see it, and cultural programs are usually held at Dhordo then. A moonlight Rann camel safari is magical.
For a real cultural extravaganza, visit during the month-long Rann Utsav, which usually begins in mid-late December. The government sets up hundreds of luxury tents on the edge of the Rann of Kutch for visitors.
If you want to see the Rann of Kutch from a different perspective, the Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) offers a panoramic view from 462 meters above sea level. You can see all the way across to the Pakistani border.