Have you ever wished to see a desert shine like snow, where every step you take makes the salt crunch like ice? Or ever dreamed of witnessing the moon cast its magic & turn the desert into a sparkling sea of silver? If yes, then I assume you already know about the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and wish to see them with your own eyes someday.
However, before you do that, let me ask you: did you know India has its own version of this natural wonder? If yes, you already know what we're talking about and why it should be on your list this season. The Rann of Kutch Utsav happens every winter; this year, it will be even BIGGER and BETTER!!!
And haven't you seen those ads featuring Amitabh Bachchan? Where he says, "Kutch nahi dekha toh kuch nahi dekha", and we couldn't agree more! If you are a traveller who wants to have a unique and unforgettable experience, then Rann Utsav is for you. In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about Rann Utsav so that you can plan your trip without any hassle.
So, strap on your shoes and get ready to roam the realm of radiant salt flats for the adventure of a lifetime.
How to Reach Rann Utsav
The nearest airport to Rann Utsav is Bhuj, which is about 80 km away from the festival site. You can take a flight from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, or Bangalore to Bhuj and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach the tent city of Dhordo, where the festival is held.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Bhuj railway station and then take a taxi or a bus to Dhordo. The journey from Bhuj to Dhordo takes about an hour and a half and offers scenic views of the countryside and the desert.
Where to Stay at Rann Utsav
To experience the Rann Utsav in all its glory, stay at the tent city of Dhordo, where you can choose from cozy tents to luxurious cottages. The tent city has everything you need, from a dining hall to a spa, from a haat zone to an art gallery. You can book your stay online through the official websites or trusted agents. The prices depend on your choice, length, and holiday timing.
This year, the festival will run from 10th November 2023 to 25th February 2024, but the best time to visit is from December to January, when the full moon nights make the desert sparkle like a diamond.
What to Do at Rann Utsav
There is no dearth of things to do at Rann Utsav, as the festival offers many activities and attractions for all kinds of visitors. Some of the highlights are:
- Watch the sun rise and set over the white desert, and see the sky and the sand change colours.
- Enjoy the culture of Kutch, with folk music, dance, and drama at the amphitheatre.
- Shop for the beautiful handicrafts of Kutch, like embroidery, pottery, and leather work, at the haat zone, and chat with the artisans.
- Indulge in the tasty cuisine of Kutch, with dishes like khaman, khichdi, and jalebi, influenced by Gujarat, Sindh, and Rajasthan.
- Experience the adventure of activities like paramotoring, ziplining, and rifle shooting at the adventure zone, and challenge yourself.
- Relax and rejuvenate at the spa, and treat yourself with massages, therapies, and treatments using natural and herbal products.
- Participate in special events and celebrations, like the full moon night, the kite festival, the Republic Day, and Valentine's Day, and join the festive spirit and fun of Rann Utsav.
What to See at Rann Utsav
Apart from the white desert and the tent city, there are many other places to see and visit around Rann Utsav, which showcase Kutch's rich history, culture, and nature. Some of the popular attractions are:
Kalo Dungar: The highest point in Kutch, which offers a panoramic view of the desert and the sea, is also home to a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.
India Bridge: The last civilian point on the India-Pakistan border, guarded by the Indian Army and requires a special permit to visit.
Mandvi Beach: A beautiful and clean beach, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and is also famous for its ship-building yard, where wooden ships are still made by hand.
Vijay Vilas Palace: A majestic palace built by the Maharao of Kutch in the 1920s and is now a heritage hotel which has hosted many Bollywood movies, such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Lagaan.
Aina Mahal: A splendid palace which was built by Rao Lakhpatji in the 18th century and is now a museum which displays royal artefacts, paintings, weapons, and mirrors.
Prag Mahal: A magnificent palace built by Rao Pragmalji in the 19th century, known for its Gothic architecture, Italian marble, and Belgian glass.
Bhujodi: A village which is famous for its handloom and handicraft industry, and where you can buy the finest quality of shawls, stoles, carpets, and fabrics.
Banni Grassland: A vast stretch of grassland, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and where you can spot endangered wildlife, such as the Indian wild ass, the blackbuck, the chinkara, and the flamingo.
Rann Utsav is a festival that offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound and enchanted by the magic of Kutch. It is a festival that celebrates the diversity and unity of India and showcases the best of its culture, nature, and people. It is a carnival you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
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