Offbeat trip to Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch will leave you mesmerized with its magical beauty, fairy-tale white as far as your eyes could see.

I co-incidentally booked a last-minute offbeat trip to Rann of Kutch – Salt desert, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The offbeat location doesn’t cover the traditional Bhuj festival or nearby area, instead it takes you right in the center of Rann, to a place called Dholavira.

Day 1

I took a morning flight from New Delhi to Ahmedabad, and from the airport went by road to LRK – Little Rann of Kutch. I stayed in Desert Coursers resort in Zainabad which is 110 kms approximately from the Airport. They have beautiful Kutchi huts which are locally called Koobas. After a scrumptious Gujarati lunch, started for a Jeep Safari to LRK. Little Rann is a barren land & salt marsh and the home to Indian Wild Ass called Khur. The barren land will give you an impression of solid dry land, but when you walk on it, it’s soft and mushy. In the evening enjoyed a local hearty meal over bonfire.

Day 2

Had an early breakfast and started for Dholavira, Rann of Kutch. It’s 275 kms approximately, with 6-7 hours of travel. At the entry to Dholavira you will cross a bridge where uniquely on both sides all you have is white Rann. After a mini photoshoot at the Rann, reached my destination - Dholavira & were greeted by friendly & warm locals. This small place has very few Hotel & Resorts so book in advance. In the evening enjoyed some local folk music, followed by traditional Gujarati dinner.

Here comes the highlight of the day, went for a midnight safari to the Rann of Kutch on a full moon night. Words cannot describe the beauty of this white-clan desert at night. It’s simply mesmerizing, tranquil & peaceful.

Day 3

Woke up to the serenity of this place & after breakfast, headed to Harappan Civilization. This place is UNESCO world heritage site. It’s one of the most prominent & largest archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus valley Civilization. For those interested in history & archeology this place is a gem, for others enjoy clicking some nice pictures with this 2600 BCE backdrop. Wear comfortable shoes, sun hat & lots of sunshield lotion as days are pretty hot in this area.

In the evening visited Rann from the North-west side of Dolavira, towards the Dattatreya Temple. Here you will be extremely close to the border of the adjacent country, and all that is there in between is the Rann. At night enjoyed a bonfire at the resort & spent some time interacting with the locals.

Day 4

How could one miss Rann of Kutch at dawn, woke up early around 4:30 AM to view the beautiful sunrise at the Salt desert. It was simply breathtaking, as if time has stopped & you are transported to a different world.

Time to head back, started for Ahmedabad airport which is 370 kms approximately to board a late evening flight to New Delhi.

If you have time, then take a slighter longer route to visit Rani ki Vav in the Patan town of Gujarat. This place is also listed as the UNESCO world heritage sites in India. ‘Rani ki Vav’ which translates to ‘The Queen’s stepwell’ is located on the banks of Saraswati River. This place has some beautiful architecture, & a garden where you can enjoy a stroll.

Tip: Winter is the best time to visit Rann of Kutch i.e., between November to February.

Something that I figured out about this pristine-white Salt desert is that it looks beautiful & mesmerizing no matter what time of the day or the location, and it looks heavenly on a full moon night.

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