Rann of Kutch is the name of a district located in the state of Gujarat, it is situated on the seashore. The Rann of Kutch range extends over a longer distance, Kutch is spread over 23,300 km. It is considered a part of the sea but due to the earthquake in 1819, the geographical location of this place was completely changed. Some part of it emerged upwards due to which the whole area turned into salt.
Foreign tourists come to visit the Rann of Kutch due to the salt in the land of Rann of Kutch, it looks like Thar desert and Kashmir and it looks so beautiful that because of its beauty, foreign tourists also stop themselves from coming here. Can’t stop, that’s why there is always a gathering of foreign tourists here
Kutch is also known as the Run of Kutch, it is divided into two parts, the northern Great Run of Kutch is spread over an area of 257 km.
Eastern Little Run of Kutch It is considered smaller than the Great Run of Kutch. It is spread over 5178 square kilometers. Here the temperature rises up to 50 degrees in summer and comes down to zero degrees in winter.
The land in Kutch has turned white due to salinity, so when we see the soil all around, it seems as if a white sheet of snow is spread, its view also looks wonderful.
Narayan Sarovar pilgrimage place located in Kutch
Narayan Sarovar pilgrimage place is also located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. This lake is located in Lakhpat taluka of the Kutch district. It is a place of pilgrimage, where the Indus river meets the sea and on its banks is the Narayan Sarovar.
There is also an ancient temple of Lord Adinath Narayan on the banks of this lake, where a grand fair of 3 days is also organized from Kartik Purnima. Devotees take a bath in the lake and then go to the temple to have the darshan of the Lord. Devotees come from every corner of India to have darshan. Visit the temple and visit the fair. It is a holy and pilgrimage place where people come from far and wide to see
Rann Festival of Kutch
The main attraction of Kutch in Gujarat is the Rann Utsav of Kutch. The festival celebrated in the Rann of Kutch is famous all over the world. Rann Mahotsav is celebrated here every year between November and February. This festival takes place in a village called Dhordon in the region.
The Rann Mahotsav was started in the year 2004 by the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi. Since then Rann Mahotsav is celebrated here every year from November to February and foreign tourists also take part in this festival.
Tourists visiting here enjoy the wide-spread white Rann of Kutch in the moonlight at night of the moon. When tourists go home, they take many memories with them from here.
Some take them by capturing them in their camera and some in their heart. Many tourists have a special attachment to the culture here and tell people about this culture in their area as well.
Camel ride in the Rann of Kutch
Tourists enjoy a camel ride in this Gujarat Rann of Kutch. Foreign devotees also enjoy camel rides. Foreign tourists enjoy camel rides.
Anklets are tied to the feet of the camel, which makes the sound of ‘Chhan Chhan’ when they walk and their sound of ‘Chhan Chan’ sounds very sweet. The camel is also decorated so that the camel looks even more beautiful in the sandy soil.
When to go for the run of kutch
The Rann begins to dry out every year in October, becoming increasingly desolate and a veritable salt desert. The tourist season lasts till March. Nearby accommodations close at the end of March and don’t reopen until November. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience, visit at the end of the tourist season in March.
You can still visit the salt desert in April and May on a day trip from Bhuj. However, it is very hot during the day. Also, there is a lack of basic facilities (food, water, and toilets) for tourists. Although you will have too much of a salt desert!
It is best to go to the desert only in the early morning or in the evening, otherwise, the salt can cause blindness. You can take moonlit camel safaris in the desert. The full moon is the most magical time of the month to experience it.
Permits for Visiting the Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is a sensitive area due to its proximity to the Pakistani border. Therefore, a permit is required to visit the salt desert. It can be obtained on the way to Bhirandiyara village (famous for mawa, a sweet made from milk) checkpoint about 55 kilometers (34 mi) from Bhuj. It is Rs 100 for an adult, Rs 50 for a child between six and 12 years, Rs 25 for a motorbike, and Rs 50 for a car.
You will need to submit a photocopy of your ID, as well as show the original. Note that the checkpoint may not open until late in the morning (around 11 am) and is not open at all during the off-season. Alternatively, Indian citizens can now obtain the permit online here. You will need to present the permit to the authorities at the army post at the entrance to the salt desert, about 45 minutes ahead of Bhirandiyara village.
Kutch Villages and Handicrafts
The Kutch region of Gujarat is famous for its handicrafts produced by very talented artisans in its villages. Many famous arts, such as Bandhani tie-dye and Ajrakh block printing, originate from Pakistan. Migrants brought these arts with them when they came to Kutch more than 350 years ago. The Muslim Khatri community specializes in both these arts. In addition, arts such as embroidery, weaving, pottery, lac work, leather work, clay and mirror work, and Rogan art (a type of painting on cloth) are prevalent in the region.
Kutch is one of the top destinations for handicraft tourism in India. It is possible to visit the villages and visit the artisans independently. However, most of them do not speak English and the villages are scattered throughout the region, which often makes them difficult to locate. Kutch Adventures India runs bespoke tours to see, uplift, and help gain recognition for some of the region’s lesser-known but equally talented artists.
Each village in Kutch has its own unique craft that has been mastered over centuries by the people of this land of sheer artistry. There are a variety of crafts ranging from weaving, patchwork, block printing, bandhani, tie-and-dye, Rogan-art, and other ethnic styles of embroidery to pottery, wood-carving, metal-craft, and shell-work.
The Best time to visit Rann of Kutch
The rugged white landscape of the Rann of Kutch is the largest salt desert in India. An incredible view of beautiful emptiness greets your eyes as you make your way along the salty desert floor. The salt flats continue as far as your eyes can see. But this monochrome landscape hides the most vibrant of Indian cultures.
Kutch experiences extreme climatic conditions. Warm days are followed by cold winter nights. In such a situation, winter seems to be the best time to visit Kutch. With low temperatures, Kutch really blooms during winter. It is also the time for festivals and celebrations. Kutch ripens in the hot sun from April to June. The summer temperature easily shoots up to 50°C and is not the best time to visit Kutch. So, let’s take a closer look at the seasonal weather so that you can decide the best time to visit Kutch.
Summer (April-June)
The sun beats down mercilessly on Kutch during the summer. The sparse vegetation hardly provides any respite against the unbearable heat, and afternoon temperatures easily reach 50 °C. This is not the best time to visit Rann of Kutch. The significant difference between day and night temperatures can take a toll on your health. So, if you are thinking that summer is the best time to visit Kutch, think again.
Monsoon (June-September)
Kutch heaves a sigh of relief as the monsoon takes away the cooling effect of the rains. The dry land greedily accepts the rain, it gradually becomes fresh and comes alive. Bunny meadows wear green caps and migratory birds start arriving at their monsoon home. The local wildlife, as well as the birds, present plenty of photo opportunities. This is the best time to visit Rann of Kutch for wildlife photography. Beware of waterlogging as it may hinder your exploration.
Winter (November – February)
Winter is indeed the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch. It really comes into its own during this season. There’s nothing like sitting around a warm bonfire and enjoying a night of local culture, especially on a full moon night. Enjoy the vibrant Rann Utsav as it celebrates life in the desert. Experience the thrill of riding an ATV across an endless landscape and enjoy the simple childhood joys of horse riding and camel riding.
FAQ About Rann of Kutch
Q: What is the Rann of Kutch?
A: The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh located in the Thar Desert region of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest salt deserts in the world and stretches across an area of about 10,000 square kilometers.
Q: How do I reach the Rann of Kutch?
A: The nearest airport to the Rann of Kutch is the Bhuj Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Bhuj, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Rann of Kutch. There are also train services available to Bhuj from various cities in India.
Q: When is the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch?
A: The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and the white salt desert looks stunning. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as the area gets flooded.
Q: Are there any accommodations available near the Rann of Kutch?
A: Yes, there are several accommodation options available near the Rann of Kutch. You can find hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in nearby towns like Dhordo, Bhuj, and Hodka. There are also luxury tents and eco-resorts that offer a unique experience of staying in the desert.
Q: What are the popular activities to do in the Rann of Kutch?
A: Some popular activities in the Rann of Kutch include experiencing the stunning sunset and sunrise, exploring the salt desert on a camel safari or in a 4×4 vehicle, visiting the nearby traditional villages to witness the local culture and handicrafts, and enjoying cultural performances and folk dances.
Q: Are there any wildlife sanctuaries near the Rann of Kutch?
A: Yes, there are wildlife sanctuaries near the Rann of Kutch. The most famous one is the Wild Ass Sanctuary, which is home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass. You can also visit the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.
Q: Can I visit the Rann of Kutch during the Rann Utsav?
A: Yes, the Rann Utsav is a popular festival held in the Rann of Kutch from November to February. It is a vibrant celebration of the local culture, art, music, and dance. During this time, special tents are set up for visitors, and various cultural programs, handicraft exhibitions, and adventure activities are organized.
Q: Are there any restrictions or permits required to visit the Rann of Kutch?
A: No special permits are required to visit the Rann of Kutch. However, it is advisable to carry a valid ID proof with you. There might be certain areas within the desert that are restricted, so it's important to follow the instructions of local authorities and guides.
Q: What should I carry while visiting the Rann of Kutch?
A: While visiting the Rann of Kutch, it is recommended to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing if you are visiting during the winter months. Also, carry drinking water and some snacks as the desert area doesn't have many food options readily available.
Q: Can I visit the Rann of Kutch on a day trip?
A: Yes, it is possible to visit the Rann of Kutch on a day trip from Bhuj or nearby towns. However, to fully experience the beauty of the salt desert and explore the surrounding
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Rann of Kutch offers a unique and mesmerizing experience for travelers. Its vast expanse of white salt desert, coupled with the vibrant culture and wildlife of the region, make it a must-visit destination in India. From witnessing breathtaking sunsets and sunrises to exploring the desert on camel safaris or 4×4 vehicles, there are plenty of activities to immerse yourself in the beauty of this remarkable place.
Visiting during the winter months is highly recommended, as the weather is pleasant and allows for comfortable exploration. The Rann Utsav, a cultural festival held during this time, adds an extra touch of excitement and provides an opportunity to engage with the local art, music, and dance forms. The nearby wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Wild Ass Sanctuary, offer a chance to encounter rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.
While visiting, it’s important to respect the local traditions and environment. Following the guidelines of local authorities and guides ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Carrying essential items like sunscreen, water, and appropriate clothing is advisable, as facilities may be limited in the desert area.
Whether you’re captivated by the vastness of the salt desert, intrigued by the cultural heritage, or fascinated by the wildlife, the Rann of Kutch promises a memorable journey. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on a remarkable exploration of this captivating destination.